Right of Permanent Residence Fee. Pay it when requested or in advance?

[James Russo]

My spouse had a PR card payment requested today by IRCC. The application was sent in April 09, 2025. Our representative suggested to pay the PR Card only when IRCC requests, what we agreed. Today they requested. Would be a good sign? How did you guys proceed with this matter? Pay in advance, when request or does not matter?

 

[Amiah_world]

Them requesting the fee is not a good or bad sign. They won’t progress the application unless that fee is paid. Whether you pay it when you’re submitting or wait until they ask for it it doesn’t mean good or bad they probably haven’t even went through the application yet they’re just assessing the submitted documents.

 

[James Russo]

Them requesting the fee is not a good or bad sign. They won’t progress the application unless that fee is paid. Whether you pay it when you’re submitting or wait until they ask for it it doesn’t mean good or bad they probably haven’t even went through the application yet they’re just assessing the submitted documents.

I was checking the IRCC website and they state:

"For most permanent residence applications, you need to pay the right of permanent residence fee (RPRF) when your application is approved. You will have to pay it before you can become a permanent resident.

You can pay the RPRF at the same time as your application fees to avoid delays. If we approve your application before you pay it, we will contact you to explain how."

That’s why I’m surprised that they requested this fee only one month after we submitted the application. I’m not saying the application is fully approved, but could it be AIP or SA? I haven’t received any letter about it yet. The purpose of this post is to find out whether this is normal and if it happens frequently to other applicants.

 

[Amiah_world]

It doesn’t mean AIP or SA, I’ve literally went through it. I was even detained during my application processing and this was a factor that was mentioned in my court hearing. My lawyer presented the request I got from IRCC stating to pay my RPRF and argued that my application more than likely was approved but they threw that back. It doesn’t mean approval it’s just a document checklist they need before the application is progressed into it’s entirety.

 

[armoured]

I was checking the IRCC website and they state:

"For most permanent residence applications, you need to pay the right of permanent residence fee (RPRF) when your application is approved. You will have to pay it before you can become a permanent resident.

You can pay the RPRF at the same time as your application fees to avoid delays. If we approve your application before you pay it, we will contact you to explain how."

That’s why I’m surprised that they requested this fee only one month after we submitted the application. I’m not saying the application is fully approved, but could it be AIP or SA? I haven’t received any letter about it yet. The purpose of this post is to find out whether this is normal and if it happens frequently to other applicants.

There are several points at which they often remind with boilerplate to pay any fees you haven't paid. I don't know which this is - one of the regular reminders or the 'real one.'

Most people just pay it in advance - reduces confusion. And IRCC is generally good about returning funds paid that weren't used.