Transitioning from a Work Permit to Permanent Residency (PR) through family sponsorship is one of the most exciting chapters of your Canadian journey. However, in 2026, the financial landscape has shifted. With recent fee indexation and the new 5% Population Cap influencing processing priorities, budgeting correctly is no longer just about the “base fee”—it’s about strategic financial planning.
In this guide, we break down every dollar you’ll need to move from a temporary worker to a sponsored permanent resident this year.
Mandatory IRCC Government Fees (2026 Standards)
From January 2026, the fees from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) have small changes because of inflation. These happen every two years. You must pay these fees. You pay them with a special IRCC form called IMM 5401. For a normal husband or wife sponsorship, the total main government fees are about $1,290 CAD.
Baseline Fee Breakdown
| Category | Fee Detail | 2026 Cost (CAD) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Fees | Sponsorship Fee + Main Applicant Processing Fee | $630 |
| RPRF | Right of Permanent Residence Fee | $575 |
| Biometrics | For one person (if your old ones are not valid) | $85 |
| Total | For husband/wife sponsorship | $1,290 |
Additional Family Member Costs
- Each dependent child: $175 (this is the processing fee).
- Biometrics for a family applying together: $170 (this covers two or more people).
Work Permit Specific Costs: The “Bridging” Phase
If you have a work permit right now, you probably want to keep working while you wait for your sponsorship to finish. You may need a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) or a Spousal Open Work Permit.
- Open work permit fee: $100 (this is extra on top of the normal $155 work permit fee). So total for open work permit is $255.
- If your current permit ends before you get PR, you can apply to keep your status. This is called maintained status.
- If you lost your status already, you pay to get it back. The fee is higher now.
Financial Requirements & Income Benchmarks
For sponsoring a husband or wife, you do not need to show a minimum income most of the time. But you have to promise to support them for three years. This is a legal promise.
The Role of the Notice of Assessment (NOA)
In 2026, IRCC checks your Canadian tax paper from last year more carefully. This is called Notice of Assessment. For people on work permits, this is good proof that you have money.
Quebec-Specific Costs (MIFI)
If you live in Quebec, there are extra rules and fees from the Quebec government called MIFI. From January 1, 2026, their fees went up by about 2%.
- Main fee for the undertaking: Around $328 or a little more for the first person.
- You also have to show you meet Quebec’s income rules for 2026. These change every year.
Important note for Quebec in 2026: New applications for sponsoring a spouse may be limited or paused until later in the year because Quebec has a cap on how many they accept.
Third-Party “Hidden” Costs: Budgeting for the $2,000 Gap
Many people think only about government fees. But those are often just half or a bit more of the total cost. In 2026, other things cost more because more people are applying.
- Medical exam for immigration: $250 to $450.
- Police certificates: Cost changes by country. Some are free. Others cost $50 to $150 each.
- Translations: If your papers like marriage certificate are not in English or French, you need official translations. Plan for $100 to $300.
- Checking your file: If your application takes longer than 12 months, you can ask for notes on your file. This costs $5 to $40.
2026 Family Sponsorship Budget Calculator
| Family Size | Government Fees (with RPRF) | Other Costs (about) | Total About |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sponsor + Husband/Wife | $1,290 | $800 | $2,090 |
| Family of 3 (1 Child) | $1,465 | $1,100 | $2,565 |
| Family of 4 (2 Children) | $1,640 | $1,400 | $3,040 |
Interactive Poll: Which stage are you in?
- Collecting papers and saving money.
- Just paid the fees and waiting for the first letter from IRCC.
- Applying for a bridging work permit now.
(Share in the comments! Your story can help other people on work permits know how long things take in 2026.)
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Disclaimer: This is just for information and to help you learn. Always check the latest facts from good places like a licensed immigration lawyer or the official Canada government website before you spend money or make big choices. Fees and rules can change. It is best to check yourself so your plan is right and new. Good planning stops problems and makes your way to permanent residency easier. Many people on work permits have done this well by getting ready. Good luck!