Starting March 31, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) officially implemented a 20% hike in the Right of Citizenship fee, pushing the cost from $100 to $119.75 for adult applicants. While the processing fee remains unchanged at $530, this update brings the total cost of applying for Canadian citizenship to $649.75 for adults aged 18 and over.
This change reflects Canada’s ongoing review of administrative costs and immigration services, ensuring they remain financially sustainable. Here’s what you need to know about the new fee structure, how it affects various applicant categories, and what steps to follow if you applied before or after the change.
Understanding the Citizenship Fee Structure
Becoming a Canadian citizen involves two primary fees:
1. Processing Fee
This fee covers the cost of evaluating an application, including verification of residency, eligibility, and conducting interviews or tests. As of April 2025, it remains fixed at $530 for adult applicants.
2. Right of Citizenship Fee
This is a separate, mandatory fee that grants the applicant the actual right to become a Canadian citizen. It has increased from $100 to $119.75 as of March 31, 2025.
Current Citizenship Fee Breakdown (Post-Hike)
| Applicant Category | Processing Fee | Right of Citizenship Fee | Total Payable |
|---|
| Adults (18 years and above) | $530 | $119.75 | $649.75 |
| Minors (under 18 years) | N/A | $100 | $100 |
| Stateless Adults (born to Canadians) | N/A | $119.75 | $119.75 |
Whether you apply online or submit a paper application, the fee structure remains consistent.
Why the Fee Hike?
The IRCC periodically reviews citizenship and immigration fees to ensure they reflect administrative and operational costs. The 20% increase in the Right of Citizenship fee helps cover inflation, service enhancements, and digital processing infrastructure.
This adjustment also aligns Canada’s fee structure more closely with other developed nations. For example, countries like the United States and the United Kingdom have higher processing costs for citizenship.
Eligibility Requirements for Canadian Citizenship
Despite the fee change, the eligibility criteria for citizenship remain unchanged. To qualify, applicants must meet the following requirements:
Permanent Residency Status
You must be a permanent resident (PR) of Canada with no unfulfilled conditions attached to your PR status.
Physical Presence in Canada
Applicants must have physically lived in Canada for at least 1,095 days (3 years) out of the last 5 years before applying.
Tax Filing
Filing taxes in Canada for at least three years within the qualifying period is mandatory.
Language Proficiency
You must demonstrate adequate proficiency in English or French, typically via recognized language tests or education proof.
Citizenship Test
Adults between 18 and 54 must pass a citizenship test, covering Canadian history, government, symbols, rights, and responsibilities.
Citizenship Oath
All successful applicants must attend a citizenship ceremony and take the Oath of Citizenship to complete the process.
What If You Applied Before the Fee Hike?
If you submitted your application before March 31, 2025, and paid the old Right of Citizenship fee ($100), your application will not be rejected. However, the IRCC will flag your file and request a payment of the difference ($19.75) before proceeding.
This applies whether the application was submitted online or mailed. It’s important to note that mailing a paper application can cause delays and may risk falling into the post-March 31 fee timeline, depending on processing time.
Benefits After Becoming a Canadian Citizen
Once you’ve completed the process, you unlock a range of civic rights and benefits, including:
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The Right to Vote in federal, provincial, and municipal elections
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Canadian Passport, one of the most powerful in the world
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Free Admission to Canada’s national parks and cultural centers
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Eligibility for Government Jobs that require citizenship
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Permanent Residency Security, as citizens cannot be deported under most circumstances
Important Tips for New Applicants
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Double-check your fee payment amount if you’re submitting your application close to the March 31 cutoff.
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Always use the latest application form version from the IRCC website.
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Keep records of payment receipts and application submissions.
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Make sure your personal documents (e.g., PR card, tax filings, language test results) are up to date and included.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much is the total fee for adult applicants after the hike?
Adult applicants now pay $649.75, including a $530 processing fee and a $119.75 Right of Citizenship fee.
2. Has the fee for minors changed?
No, minors under 18 still pay $100 total for their application.
3. What happens if I paid the old fee after March 31, 2025?
Your application won’t be rejected, but you’ll receive a request from IRCC to pay the additional $19.75 before processing continues.
4. Can I still apply using a paper application?
Yes, paper submissions are allowed, but they may take longer to process. The fee structure remains the same for both paper and online applications.
5. Is the fee refundable if my application is denied?
The processing fee is non-refundable, but the Right of Citizenship fee may be refunded if your application is rejected before the oath ceremony.
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