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Getting government fees refunded after a withdrawal or refusal

Applicants for Canadian immigration pay various fees as part of their application process, including the Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF), processing fees, and biometrics fees. If an application is withdrawn or refused, some of these fees may be refundable. The refund process can be complex, and the eligibility for a refund depends on the type of fee and the stage of the application process.

which ircc fees are refundable

The RPRF is generally refundable if the applicant does not become a permanent resident of Canada. This fee is typically refundable in full. However, processing and biometrics fees are typically non-refundable once the processing of the application has begun. The refund policy may vary depending on the specific application and the stage at which it is withdrawn or refused. For instance, if the application is withdrawn before processing has begun, the fees may be fully refundable.

To understand the refund policy, it's essential to review the information provided by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The IRCC website provides detailed information on the refund process and the required documentation. Applicants can visit the IRCC website for more information.

how to request a refund for ircc fees

Applicants should follow the instructions provided by IRCC to request a refund. The process involves submitting a request in writing, either by mail or through the online portal, and providing supporting documentation to verify the applicant's identity and the status of their application. The required documentation may include a copy of the application, proof of identity, and a written explanation for the withdrawal or refusal.

The refund process can take several weeks to several months, depending on the complexity of the application and the workload of the IRCC office handling the request. Factors such as mail delivery speed and the efficiency of the IRCC office can affect the refund timeline.

timelines for ircc fees refund

The processing time for refunds varies. Applicants should allow several weeks to several months for their refund to be processed. It's crucial to note that the refund timeline may be affected by various factors. In some cases, the refund process may be delayed due to incomplete documentation or additional processing requirements.

what happens to fees paid for a withdrawn application

If an application is withdrawn, the fees paid may be refundable, depending on the stage at which the application is withdrawn. For example, if the application is withdrawn before processing has begun, the fees may be fully refundable. However, if processing has already started, the fees may be non-refundable. Applicants should check the IRCC website or consult with an immigration expert to determine the refund eligibility for their specific situation.

In general, the refund eligibility depends on the type of fee, the stage of the application process, and the reason for the withdrawal or refusal. Applicants should review the IRCC refund policy carefully to understand their options.

requesting a refund for the rprf

To request a refund for the RPRF, applicants should follow the instructions provided by IRCC. The process typically involves submitting a request in writing, either by mail or through the online portal, and providing supporting documentation to verify the applicant's identity and the status of their application. Applicants can find more information on the refund process and the required documentation on the IRCC website.

biometrics fees

Biometrics fees are typically non-refundable once the biometrics collection process has begun. However, in some cases, the fees may be refundable if the application is withdrawn before the biometrics collection process starts. Applicants should check the IRCC website or consult with an immigration expert to determine the refund eligibility for their specific situation.

For more information on IRCC forms and the application process, visit our IRCC forms page. To learn more about the Express Entry program, visit our Express Entry page. For guidance on family sponsorship, visit our Family Sponsorship page.

Official current rules are at canada.ca/immigration; this guide is independent reference content.

A small portion of this article — research support, fact-cross-checking, and copy-editing — was assisted by AI tooling. Editorial decisions, source verification, and final sign-off remain with our team. We cite primary sources from canada.ca for every factual claim.

Last reviewed: July 20, 2026

IRCC.com is an independent news site and not affiliated with the Government of Canada.

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