The cost to apply for Canadian citizenship is $649.75 CAD for adults (18 and older). This fee includes the government’s processing fee and the Right of Citizenship fee. For applicants under 18 years old, the total cost is $100 CAD.
These fees are mandatory and must be paid in full before submitting your application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
But in addition to these government charges, you should budget for related expenses, such as language tests, certified translations, legal services, and professional photos.
How much does Canadian citizenship cost?
To help you budget accurately, here is the official breakdown of the fees as of the latest IRCC update on March 31, 2025.
| Applicant Type | Processing Fee | Right of Citizenship Fee | Total Cost (CAD) |
| Adult (18 or older) | $530.00 | $119.75 | $649.75 |
| Minor (under 18) | $100.00 | $0.00 (N/A) | $100.00 |
| Stateless Adult | $0.00 | $119.75 | $119.75 |
What services do these fees include?
Processing fee: $530.00 CAD / $100.00 CAD
This fee covers the administrative costs associated with managing your file from the moment it reaches the IRCC offices until a final decision is made. It includes the following services:
- Technical review of the requirements to apply for Canadian citizenship (PR status, physical presence days, tax filings)
- Administration of your citizenship test.
- Criminal record and security background checks.
- A citizenship interview with a officer may be requested by the IRCC.
This fee is non-refundable. Once the IRCC begins processing your application, they will not refund this money, even if your application is denied.
Right of Citizenship fee: $119.75 CAD
This fee grants you the Right of Citizenship status and covers the issuance of your official certificate. It only applies to applicants aged 18 and over; minors are exempt from this fee.
- The citizenship ceremony (either in-person or online)
- Printing and shipping of your official citizenship certificate (the document that proves you are Canadian).
- Updating your records in the national system as a citizen.
This fee is refundable. If IRCC rejects your application or you decide not to proceed, the government will refund the $119.75 CAD fee.
How to pay the Canadian citizenship application fee
No matter how you submit your application, you must make the payment exclusively through the online portal. Cash and checks are not accepted.
You can pay with a valid credit or debit card, including Visa, Mastercard, American Express, JCB, or UnionPay. Prepaid cards are also accepted.
Note on prepaid cards: If you use one, do not discard it. Keep the card for at least 24 months, as any potential refunds will be credited back to the original payment method.
The card does not have to be in your name. The name of the cardholder will appear on the receipt, but it does not need to match the name on the application form.
It is very important to pay the processing fee in full. If you pay the incorrect amount, IRCC will return your application without processing it, restarting your waiting time.
If you are submitting more than one application, you can pay all fees together on a single receipt or separately.
How to pay the Canadian citizenship fee step-by-step:
- Access the Payment Portal: Go to the official IRCC “Pay your fees online” website.
- Select your service. Choose “Citizenship,” select the type of application (Adult or Minor), and enter the number of people to be processed.
- Create a payment account. Enter your email address and a password. Note: This account is different from the one you use to upload your citizenship application.
- Complete the transaction: Enter your card details. The system will then process your payment of $649.75 CAD for adults or $100 CAD for minors under 18.
- Download and save the receipt. This is the most important step. Click the “Save” button to get a PDF copy of the official receipt. Do not close the window without doing so.
You must include the payment receipt with your citizenship application.
- If you apply online, upload the PDF receipt file directly to the “Proof of Payment” section of your application portal.
- If you apply on paper, print the receipt and attach it to your application package.
Is the Canadian citizenship fee refundable?
According to official IRCC information, the Right of Citizenship fee is 100% refundable if your application is not approved or is withdrawn before the citizenship ceremony
Of course, if you overpay by accident, the IRCC will automatically refund the excess amount. You don’t even need to send a formal request in this case.
As soon as they detect that the amount paid exceeds the required amount, they will return the difference to you.
What do you need to do to request a refund for the Canadian citizenship cost?
First, gather the receipt number you received when you paid. Then, follow these steps:
- Log in to the payment service.
- Enter your receipt number in the search box under “My receipts.”
- Select “Request a refund.”
Please note that refunds can take between two and eight weeks to process.
Other expenses related to Canadian citizenship
It is important to understand that citizenship application fees are not the only expense. There are other expenses related to Canadian citizenship that you should keep in mind.
Here is a list of all the expenses:
1. Document preparation and translations
All documents that are not in English or French must be accompanied by a certified translation.
Self-translations or those provided by family members are strictly prohibited by IRCC. They must be done by a certified translator in Canada or abroad.
- Estimated cost: Between $50 and $100 CAD per page.
2. Identity expenses (Photos)
To apply for citizenship, you will need two identical photos that meet the exact IRCC specifications.
One of the most important requirements is that the photos must be taken in a professional studio. Photos taken with a phone or at home with a professional camera are not valid.
The back of the photo must bear the date it was taken and the photographer’s stamp.
- Estimated cost: $20-$30 CAD.
3. Language test
If you are between 18 and 54 years old and do not have a diploma from English- or French-language studies, you must pay for an official exam, such as the CELPIP or IELTS.
- Estimated cost: Between $300 and $350 CAD.
4. Legal assistance and consulting (Optional)
You can manage and submit your file yourself. You do not need to pay a lawyer for help; the process is designed so that anyone can apply.
However, it would be helpful to have professional assistance in certain situations, such as if you have a criminal record or if your physical presence days are unclear.
The cost varies depending on the firm and service. We searched and found an average price estimate for you:
- Initial consultation: $100-$200 CAD.
- File review: Approximately $350 CAD
- Full Representation: Hiring a consultant (RCIC) or lawyer to manage the entire process costs between $2,000 and $6,000 CAD.
5. Canadian passport
This would be for after you obtain your citizenship, but you should consider the cost when budgeting. The cost varies depending on the type of passport requested:
For adults (age 16 or over):
- Five-year passport: $120 CAD.
- Ten-year passport: $160 CAD.
Child passport (0 to 15 years of age):
- Five-year passport: $57 CAD.
Learn more: Canadian Passport Cost: Fees and Payment Options
Total 2026 budget: What is the total estimated cost of Canadian citizenship?
To help you visualize your total investment, we have compiled the official IRCC application fees and estimated third-party service costs in the summary table below.
This comparison illustrates the difference between a baseline DIY application and a budget that includes professional legal assistance from a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC).
Important note: All additional expenses listed are estimates. Service costs can vary significantly based on your location, case complexity, and professionals hired.
We strongly recommend verifying current market rates before booking any third-party services. This breakdown is intended to provide a financial roadmap and a realistic idea of the savings required for your citizenship journey.
| Expense Item | Adult (18 and over) | Minor (under 18) | Requirement |
| Application Processing Fee | $530.00 CAD | $100.00 CAD | Mandatory |
| Right of Citizenship Fee | $119.75 CAD | $0.00 CAD (Exempt) | Mandatory |
| Professional Photos (Set of 2) | $20 – $35 CAD | $20 – $35 CAD | Mandatory |
| Certified Translations | $50 – $100 CAD* | $50 – $100 CAD* | If applicable |
| Language Test (CELPIP/IELTS) | $200 – $350 CAD | $0.00 CAD (N/A) | If applicable |
| Legal/Professional Fees (RCIC) | $100 – $6,000 CAD** | $100 – $6,000 CAD** | Optional |
| Canadian Passport (Standard) | $120.00 CAD (5-yr) $160.00 CAD (10-yr) | $57.00 CAD (5-yr) | Optional |
| TOTAL (DO-IT-YOURSELF) | $1,080 – $1,300 CAD | $230 – $290 CAD | Self-Applied |
| TOTAL WITH LEGAL HELP | $1,200 – $7,300 CAD | $330 – $6,000 CAD | Expert Guided |
**Professional fees vary depending on the complexity of the case and the requested services.
FAQs
How much does Canadian citizenship cost in 2026?
The total fee for an adult applicant (age 18 and over) is $649.75 CAD. This breaks down into a $530 processing fee and a $119.75 right-of-citizenship fee. For minors under 18, the total cost is $100 CAD.
Can I pay the Canadian citizenship fee with a debit card?
Yes, you can use a Debit Mastercard or Visa debit card. However, regular Interac debit cards are only accepted if you are using a portal that specifically supports Interac Online. For most applicants, using a Visa or Mastercard debit card is the most reliable way to pay online.
Can someone else pay the cost of my citizenship application?
Yes. The IRCC allows a friend, relative, or consultant to pay the fees on your behalf. The name on the credit card does not have to match the applicant’s name. However, you must ensure that the official receipt is attached to your application.
Can I still apply for Canadian citizenship with the old fee amount?
No. If you submit an application today with the old fee ($630), the IRCC will consider it incomplete. Your entire package will be returned to you, and you will have to pay the correct fee and resubmit.
What happens if I paid the outdated fee?
If you paid the previous rate ($630) but submitted your application after the fee increase on March 31, 2025, you must pay the $19.75 CAD difference.