Before applying for Canadian citizenship, there are a few key things you should understand. First, make sure that you actually meet the requirements. Second, ensure that you have all your documents ready. Third, and most importantly, you must be able to cover the cost of the process without any surprises.
Yes, Canadian citizenship comes at a cost. While it’s not usually the main concern for most applicants, it’s much better to be clear on this from the start.
Today, we’re going to talk about the Canadian citizenship cost. This will help you plan your budget calmly and decide whether now is the right time to apply.
What is the current Canadian citizenship cost?
First, you need to know about the Canadian citizenship application fee. This payment allows the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to receive and process your application.
It is crucial to pay the exact amount at the correct time. If you don’t pay the full amount or make an incorrect payment, the IRCC may return your application. This can cause further delays and extend your processing time.
As of March 31, 2025, the Government of Canada increased the Canadian citizenship application fee for adults. From that date forward, the total amount is $649.75.
This amount is divided into two parts. The first part is the processing fee, which remains at $530, the same as before. The second is the citizenship fee, which increased from $100 to $119.75. In other words, there was an increase of $19.75.
This adjustment is based on inflation according to Canada’s Consumer Price Index.
Below is a table showing the Canadian citizenship fees for adults and minors.
| Fees | Before March 31, 2025 | After March 31, 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Adult (18 and over) | $600 | $649.75 |
| Stateless adult (18 or over) born to Canadian parent | $100 | $119.75 |
| Minor (under 18) | $100 | $100.00 |
Who has to pay the increased Canadian citizenship fee?
The change applies to all people over the age of 18 who submitted their application on or after March 31, 2025. If you submitted your application online before that date and have already paid the $100 citizenship fee, you will not need to pay anything extra.
This increase only applies to adults, not minors. The cost of Canadian citizenship for children and teenagers under 18 remains $100
What if you paid the old fee but submitted your application after the deadline?
If you paid the old fee but submitted your application on or after March 31, you must pay the difference. This means you must pay an additional $19.75 for each adult applicant included in the application.
To do so, go to the IRCC payment portal, select the option for an extra payment, complete the necessary information, and download the receipt. Then, send the receipt to the IRCC following their instructions.
Is the Canadian citizenship fee refundable?
According to official information from IRCC, you may be eligible for a refund of part of the Canadian citizenship cost if your application is refused. In that case, IRCC may refund the $119.75 corresponding to the citizenship fee.
You may also request a refund if you change your mind after starting the application process and decide to withdraw. To do so, you must request the refund before IRCC begins processing your application. If they have already started processing it, you will not receive the full amount back.
Also, if you pay more than is required, IRCC will automatically refund the excess amount. You do not need to submit a formal request in this case. As soon as they detect that the amount paid exceeds the required amount, they will return the difference.
What do you need to do to request a refund of the Canadian citizenship cost?
First, you need the receipt number you received when you made the payment. Then, create a new account or log in to the IRCC online payment service. This account is different from the one you used to submit your application. After creating the new account, log in to access the portal. Enter your receipt number in the “My receipts” search box, then select “Request a refund.”
Eligible refunds can take between two and eight weeks to process.
Other Expenses Related to Canadian Citizenship
Now, the cost of Canadian citizenship is not limited to the application fee alone. There are other related expenses that you also need to consider.
For example, there are costs involved in gathering all the required documents for your application. Remember, these documents must be in English or French. If they are not, you will need to obtain certified translations, which can cost $50-$100 per page. This depends on the agency you choose and the document’s original language.
Another critical decision is whether to hire legal help. An initial consultation with a lawyer or immigration consultant can cost between $100 and $200. If you request a review of your file, the cost can increase to around $350.
And if you decide to hire someone to provide full, personalized support throughout the entire process, you should plan to spend between $2.000 and $6.000. Of course, these prices may vary depending on the complexity of your case and the agency you use.
You should also consider the cost of a Canadian passport. Although it is the final step in the process, it is an important expense that should not be overlooked.
In summary…
As you can see, the cost of Canadian citizenship is not low. And it’s not just the application fee; there are also extra expenses that may arise during the process. That’s why, before taking this important step, it’s essential to ensure you have enough funds to cover all expenses.
Remember, Citizen Now is here to help you on your path to Canadian citizenship. So, if you have any questions, please leave them in the comments.
We’re always happy to help.