The Government of Canada has reduced the Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF) from C$975.00 to C$490.00 effective Wednesday, May 3, 2006.

Canadian Immigrants who have submitted their RPRF before Wednesday, May 3, 2006 and have not yet landed in Canada are entitled to a refund of C$490. Approximately 185,000 immigrants in economic, humanitarian, and family classes are eligible to receive the reimbursement.

"Immigrants and their families can better use this money to cover the costs of starting life in Canada," Prime Minister Stephen Harper said. He also announced that his government will continue reducing the fee over the course of its mandate.

There is no deadline to request the refund, however immigrants who have paid the full C$975 fee are required to show proof of payment and must have landed in Canada as a permanent resident after 12:00 a.m. on May 3, 2006. Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) expects to begin issuing refunds within the next few weeks and estimates to have issued the majority of refunds within one year of the effective date.

Immigrants who have paid the RPRF through a Canadian Visa Office, and have not yet received their Visa, can request a refund at the Canadian Visa Office they applied through. If a request is not made, a refund can be requested after arrival in Canada by completing a government form.

Newly appointed Finance Minister, Jim Flaherty, in presenting his government’s new budget on May 2nd, 2006, also promised to set aside C$307 million to help immigrants establish themselves in Canada and pledged to invest in a foreign professional credentials recognition program.