Canada Raises Permanent Residence, Citizenship Fees for Nigerians, Others

The Government of Canada has announced a significant increase in immigration fees, affecting Nigerians and other foreign nationals seeking permanent residence or Canadian citizenship. The fee hike will take effect on April 30, 2026, for permanent residence applications, while citizenship fees will rise slightly earlier, according to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

The agency said the adjustments are part of a routine review to maintain efficient and timely immigration services, keep pace with inflation, and respond to growing demand. Applications received on or after the effective dates will be subject to the new fee structure.

Under the updated schedule, the Right of Permanent Residence Fee will increase from CA$575 to CA$600, while the Provincial Nominee Programme fee rises from CA$950 to CA$990. Business Class applications will see a jump of CA$85, moving from CA$1,810 to CA$1,895, and Family Class applications will increase from CA$545 to CA$570.

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Other categories affected include Protected Persons and applications on Humanitarian and Compassionate Grounds or Public Policy Measures, each rising from CA$635 to CA$660. Permit Holders will pay CA$390, up from CA$375, and the Right of Citizenship Fee increases from CA$119.75 to CA$123, effective March 31, 2026.

The IRCC explained that under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations, immigration fees are reviewed every two years to ensure they cover program costs and sustain service delivery standards. While the increases are modest in some categories, the cumulative impact may be substantial for families or applicants submitting multiple applications.

Canada continues to be a preferred destination for Nigerians and other global migrants seeking work, study, or permanent settlement. Experts advise prospective applicants to submit applications before the fee hike to avoid higher costs, particularly for permanent residence, business class, and family sponsorship applications.

Canada Raises Permanent Residence, Citizenship Fees for Nigerians, Others

Grandmother Wrongfully Jailed for Five Months After AI Facial Recognition Error

A 50‑year‑old Tennessee grandmother, Angela Lipps, spent more than five months in jail after a facial recognition system wrongly linked her to bank fraud cases in North Dakota, a state she had never visited.

Lipps was arrested on July 14, 2025, after authorities in Fargo issued a warrant accusing her of multiple fraud-related offences. The case stemmed from the use of AI-powered facial recognition by the West Fargo Police Department, which relied on Clearview AI software. The system flagged Lipps as a potential suspect based on a photo from a fake ID used in the fraud cases, prompting the Fargo Police Department to move forward with charges.

She was jailed in Tennessee for over three months before being extradited to North Dakota, where she faced serious felony charges, including identity theft and unauthorized use of personal data. Lipps described the experience as “terrifying, exhausting, and humiliating,” noting that she endured her first-ever flight in custody during the extradition.

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In December 2025, her defense team provided bank records proving she was in Tennessee when the alleged crimes occurred. Prosecutors subsequently dropped the charges, and Lipps was released on Christmas Eve.

Fargo Police Chief Dave Zibolski later acknowledged flaws in the investigation, admitting the department relied on external AI-generated leads that should not have been used. The facial recognition system, implemented without proper approval, has now been banned from police investigations. However, authorities have not issued a formal apology to Lipps.

Lipps’ ordeal has drawn widespread attention to the risks of AI in law enforcement, particularly the potential for misidentification and wrongful arrests. Civil rights advocates warn that AI facial recognition tools, especially those like Clearview AI that collect images from online sources, can produce false matches if used without rigorous human verification. Lipps’ lawyers say the experience caused severe emotional and reputational harm and are exploring possible legal action.

Grandmother Wrongfully Jailed for Five Months After AI Facial Recognition Error

US Lawmaker Urges King Charles to Meet Jeffrey Epstein Survivors During US Visit

A US congressman has called on King Charles III to meet survivors of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein during his anticipated visit to the United States later this spring, highlighting ongoing international scrutiny of Epstein’s global network and connections to powerful figures.

Democratic Representative Ro Khanna from California, who co-sponsored the Epstein Files Transparency Act compelling the US Department of Justice to release key documents last year, urged the King to hold a private meeting with victims to hear directly about how influential individuals and institutions failed them. Khanna stressed that Epstein’s network had significant ties to the United Kingdom, including through Ghislaine Maxwell and connections within British political and social circles.

Khanna emphasized that the issue “is not solely an American matter,” noting the broader questions about how Epstein maintained influence and protection across borders. Members of Congress have also sought testimony from King Charles’s brother, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, and former UK officials about their links to Epstein. Andrew, who was stripped of his titles last year over his associations with Epstein, has denied wrongdoing and cannot be compelled to testify in the US.

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The King and Queen Camilla are reportedly planning to visit Washington at the end of April, where they may meet US President Donald Trump and address a joint session of Congress. The visit comes ahead of the 250th anniversary of the US Declaration of Independence in July.

Buckingham Palace has previously stated that the King’s “sympathies have been, and remain with, the victims of any and all forms of abuse.” The monarch also expressed readiness to support police inquiries following Andrew’s arrest and release on suspicion of misconduct related to his former role as UK trade representative.

Recent Epstein files released by the US Justice Department include photos showing Andrew with Epstein and other sensitive material, while Andrew reached an out-of-court settlement in 2022 with his most prominent accuser, Virginia Giuffre, without admitting liability.

Khanna’s call underscores growing international pressure for justice and accountability for Epstein’s victims and highlights the continuing scrutiny of high-profile individuals connected to the scandal. Advocates say a private meeting with the King could signal a commitment to supporting survivors and addressing historical failings by powerful institutions.

US Lawmaker Urges King Charles to Meet Jeffrey Epstein Survivors During US Visit