Canada Raises Citizenship Fees by 20%
As of March 31, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has increased the cost of becoming a Canadian citizen. The right of citizenship fee for adults has gone up by 20%, moving from $100 to $119.75.
Individuals applying for Canadian citizenship are required to pay two separate charges: a processing fee and a right of citizenship fee. While the processing fee remains unchanged at $530, only the right of citizenship fee has seen this increase.
To qualify for citizenship, applicants generally need to meet certain criteria. These include holding permanent resident status, residing in Canada for at least 1,095 days (three out of the last five years), filing their taxes, passing a citizenship exam, demonstrating proficiency in either English or French, and pledging the oath of citizenship.
The citizenship journey involves several steps: submitting a complete application, sitting for a test, attending an interview, and participating in the oath ceremony. Once citizenship is granted, new Canadians can apply for a passport, vote in elections, and enjoy complimentary access to Canada’s national parks and cultural heritage sites.
Applicants who submit the old $100 fee before or after the March 31, 2025 cutoff will not have their applications denied but will be asked to pay the outstanding $19.75. While mailing applications can slow things down, as long as the form is completed before the deadline, IRCC will process it, though the difference in fees must still be paid.
