Top 5 CIC Payment Methods [2025-2026 Guide]

TL;DR
Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) accepts online payments (credit/debit), bank drafts, and certified cheques for most fees. The fastest option is paying online through your IRCC secure account, which processes payments instantly and avoids mail delays. Always keep your receipt (IMM 5401) as proof of payment.

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How do I pay my CIC fees online?

Pay online via IRCC’s secure portal using a credit card (Visa, MasterCard, Amex), debit card, or prepaid card.

Online payments are processed immediately and sync with your application automatically. Follow these steps:

1. Log in to your IRCC account{:target="_blank"}.
2. Select “Pay fees” and choose your application type (e.g., citizenship, PR renewal).
3. Enter card details—no service fees apply.
4. Save the PDF receipt (IMM 5401) and upload it to your application.

Pro Tip: Evola AI’s Success Predictor{:target="_blank"} flags missing payments before submission, reducing rejections.

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Can I pay CIC fees at a bank?

Yes, via bank draft or certified cheque payable to “Receiver General for Canada.”

This method is required for paper applications (e.g., some family sponsorships). Key rules:

• Drafts must be in CAD from a Canadian bank.
• Write your full name and application number on the draft.
• Mail it with your application to the address in your guide.

According to IRCC’s payment page{:target="_blank"}, bank payments take 5–7 days to process.

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What if my payment is declined?

Resubmit payment within 24 hours to avoid processing delays.

Common reasons for declines include:

• Insufficient funds or card limits.
• International cards not enabled for CAD transactions.
• Expired cards.

Solution: Use Evola’s CRS Calculator{:target="_blank"} to estimate fees upfront, then pay via a Canadian card or prepaid Visa/MasterCard.

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Are CIC fees refundable?

Most fees are non-refundable, even if your application is denied.

Exceptions include:

• Overpayments (refunded automatically).
• Withdrawn applications before processing begins.
• IRCC errors (e.g., duplicate charges).

Per IRCC’s policy{:target="_blank"}, refunds take 6–12 weeks.

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How do I check my payment status?

Track payments via your IRCC account under “View submitted applications.”

If paid by bank draft:

1. Contact your bank to confirm clearance.
2. Link the payment to your application via a web form{:target="_blank"}.

Evola Advantage: Our AI mentor monitors payment confirmations and alerts you if IRCC misses a receipt.

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Final Checklist for Smooth Payments

✅ Use online payment for instant processing.
✅ Save the IMM 5401 receipt.
✅ Match payment amounts to IRCC’s fee list{:target="_blank"}.
✅ Double-check card limits or draft details.

Stuck? Let Evola AI guide you{:target="_blank"}—we simplify immigration steps with real-time policy updates and error-proof checklists.