When a refund can be issued
This section contains policy, procedures and guidance used by IRCC staff. It is posted on the department’s website as a courtesy to stakeholders.
The following is a non-exhaustive list of eligible refund scenarios:
- incomplete application
- application for the wrong service
- a right or a privilege has not been granted or not exercised by the applicant
- passport consular fees
- International Experience Canada participation fees
- biometric fees
- remission order
- compassion
Scenarios specific to applications from Designated Foreign Nationals
- For suspended cases, there will be no refund of fees.
- Any fees received for new permanent residence or temporary resident permit applications submitted by a Designated Foreign National on or after the date of designation and for whom the five-year bar applies should be refunded and the application should be returned to the applicant.
Employer compliance fee refunds
The employer compliance fee will be refunded to the person who paid it in the following cases:
- the work permit is refused
- the employer withdraws the offer of employment and requests a refund before the work permit is issued.
Open work permit holder fee refunds
The open work permit holder fee will be refunded to the person who paid it in the following cases:
- the work permit is refused
- the foreign national withdraws their application and requests a refund before the work permit is issued.