Family of protected persons: open work permit with no processing, open-permit or biometrics fees

Key takeaways

IRCC’s Program Delivery Update dated October 19, 2026 says it “corrects the processing and biometric fees” for family members of protected persons
Family members of protected persons described in A95(2) are exempt from the $155 work permit fee, the $100 open work permit holder fee and the $85 biometrics fee
You must be in Canada and be a family member under R1(3), which includes dependent children. You do not need to live at the same address as the protected person
The permit is open, can last up to 24 months and cannot go past your passport validity date or the biometric enrolment

What changed

On October 19, 2026, IRCC posted an update headed “Update to Fee Structure for Protected Persons Family Members.” It says the update corrects the processing and biometric fees for family members of people who were determined to be protected persons under A95(2). The instructions are for the open work permit under paragraph R207(e), with exemption code A70, in the International Mobility Program.

This is a correction to officer instructions. IRCC’s public fee exemptions table already lists “Family members of protected persons” as “Yes” for both the work permit processing fee exemption and the open work permit fee exemption. The Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR) section 315.1(2) also says family members of a person in Canada who has been granted refugee protection do not pay the biometrics fee.

What family members pay

Fee	Standard amount (CAD)	Family of protected persons (A95(2))
Work permit processing fee	$155	Exempt
Open work permit holder fee	$100	Exempt
Biometrics fee	$85	Exempt

The exemption applies to family of protected persons under A95(2). IRCC’s instructions for family members (A70) say the regular biometric exemptions also apply, for example for children under 14.

IRCC’s public biometrics pages do not list this biometric fee exemption. The officer instructions and the regulation do.

Who can apply

You must apply through your IRCC secure account. Paper applications are only for people who meet the exceptions in R9.4 or R9.5.
You must be in Canada.
You must be a family member of the principal applicant under R1(3). IRCC says this includes the principal applicant’s dependent child, their spouse or partner’s dependent child, and a dependent child of a dependent child.
The principal applicant must be described in R207(b) to (d).

You do not need to live at the same address as the principal applicant. IRCC also says the definition of family member does not require that you be an accompanying family member or be included on a permanent residence (PR) application. The principal applicant does not need to hold a work permit issued under R207. For example, a protected person under A95(2) who has no R207(c) open work permit.

IRCC’s update intro uses the words “accompanying family members.” The operative instructions say you do not need to be accompanying. This guide follows the operative instructions.

Documents and the permit

Proof that the principal applicant meets the requirements of the class in R207(b) to (d).
Proof of your relationship, for example a birth certificate.

You must still meet R200 and show an officer that you will leave Canada at the end of your authorized stay. The officer makes this decision for each person.

The permit is open, so it is not tied to one employer. It may be issued for a maximum of 24 months. It may not be issued past your passport validity date or the biometric enrolment. If your immigration medical exam has expired, the permit must include conditions that restrict work in designated occupations. IRCC says there is no set minimum age to be eligible for a work permit.

What this means for you

You are the family member of a protected person and you are in Canada: read IRCC’s A70 instructions before you pay any fee online. The instructions say these three fees are exempt.
The protected person has no work permit: IRCC says this does not stop you from applying.
You are the family member of someone in another R207 class: the fee exemption in this guide is only for family of A95(2) protected persons. Check the fee table for your case.
You see a fee in the online form: follow the instructions in your account and the IRCC guide. If you are unsure, ask a licensed immigration consultant (RCIC) or lawyer.

Frequently asked questions

Do family members of protected persons pay for an open work permit?

IRCC’s instructions say family members of protected persons described in A95(2) are exempt from the $155 work permit fee and the $100 open work permit holder fee.

Do they pay the $85 biometrics fee?

No. IRCC’s instructions and IRPR section 315.1(2) say they are exempt.

Is this a new program?

No. IRCC says the October 19, 2026 update corrects the fees in its officer instructions.

How long can the permit last?

Up to 24 months. It cannot go past your passport validity date or the biometric enrolment.

Sources

Facts as provided in our research brief dated October 23, 2026.

This is general information, not legal or immigration advice. For your situation, consult a licensed immigration consultant (RCIC) or lawyer.