If your Canadian family sponsorship application is refused, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will automatically refund the Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF) of $575 CAD. However, the standard processing fees and biometrics fees are non-refundable once processing has begun.
Investing in a family sponsorship application is a major financial and emotional commitment. Whether you are sponsoring your spouse in Toronto or bringing your parents to live with you in Vancouver, the government fees are substantial. When an application is unfortunately refused by IRCC, one of the first questions families ask is whether they will get their hard-earned money back. Understanding the federal fee structure is crucial to managing your expectations during this difficult time.
Canadian immigration law clearly separates the fees you pay into different categories. 🔍 You pay for the administrative work of processing the file, and you pay a separate fee for the actual granting of permanent resident status. Because IRCC has already performed the administrative work by reviewing your file-even if the result is a refusal-they do not return the processing fees. If you plan to reapply or appeal the decision, consulting a Canadian immigration law firm is highly recommended to avoid losing another round of processing fees.
Step-by-Step Process: Handling Refunds After a Refusal in Canada
The rules governing IRCC refunds are federal, meaning they apply identically across every province and territory in Canada. Here is how the refund process generally unfolds after a negative decision.
Step 1: Review the Official Refusal Letter
When IRCC refuses your application, they will send a detailed refusal letter to your online portal or by physical mail. 📬 You must read this letter carefully. It outlines exactly why the immigration officer denied the sponsorship. The letter will also usually state that your Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF) will be refunded to you, as the sponsored person did not become a permanent resident.
Step 2: Wait for the Automatic RPRF Refund
You generally do not need to fill out a special form to get your RPRF back. IRCC initiates this refund automatically once the final refusal is logged in their system. The money is systematically routed back to the original credit card or payment method used when the application was initially submitted online.
Step 3: Monitor Your Financial Statements
Keep a close eye on your bank or credit card statements. 💳 The transaction will usually appear as a credit from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. If the original credit card you used has expired or the account was closed, the refund process becomes much more complicated, and IRCC will eventually contact you to issue a physical cheque.
Step 4: Decide on Your Next Legal Steps
After a refusal, you have limited options. You can accept the decision and take the partial refund, you can submit a brand new application (which requires paying all the processing fees again), or you might have the right to appeal the decision to the Immigration Appeal Division (IAD). A local Canadian lawyer can help you determine if an appeal is the most cost-effective path forward.
How Much Does it Cost in Canada?
Understanding exactly which fees are kept and which are returned is essential for your budget. 💰 Based on the standard federal family sponsorship fees as of May 2026, here is the breakdown of what happens to your money:
| Fee Type | Amount (CAD) | Refund Status |
|---|---|---|
| Sponsorship Fee | $85 | Non-refundable |
| Principal Applicant Processing Fee | $545 | Non-refundable |
| Biometrics Fee | $85 | Non-refundable |
| Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF) | $575 | Fully Refunded |
If you hired a law firm to prepare your application, their legal fees are also strictly non-refundable, as they provided the service of preparing and filing the complex paperwork on your behalf.
How Long Does the Process Take?
Patience is required when dealing with federal government refunds. ⌛ After the refusal letter is officially issued, the automatic refund of the RPRF generally takes between 6 to 8 weeks to appear on your credit card statement. If IRCC has to mail a physical cheque because your original payment method is no longer active, the process can easily take 12 to 16 weeks depending on the speed of Canada Post.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What if my credit card expired before the refund?
If the original credit card is closed, the bank will typically reject the refund from IRCC. The government will then generate a physical cheque and mail it to the primary mailing address listed on your application file.
Can I transfer my RPRF refund to a new application?
No. IRCC does not allow you to hold fees in credit or transfer them to a new application file. You must let the refund process complete and pay fresh fees for any subsequent sponsorship application.
What if I withdraw my application before it is refused?
If you actively withdraw your application before IRCC begins processing it, you may be eligible for a full refund of all fees. However, if processing has already started, you will only get the RPRF back.
Will IRCC refund the medical exam fees?
No. Immigration medical exams are conducted by independent panel physicians, not the government. Because the doctor provided a completed medical service, those private fees are entirely non-refundable.
Should I hire a lawyer to get my refund?
You generally do not need a lawyer simply to collect an automatic RPRF refund. However, you absolutely should consult a Canadian immigration lawyer to review the refusal letter and strategize your next application.
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