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"Canada has increased its Right of Citizenship Fee for adults by 20%. Here’s a breakdown of the new total cost, who it affects, and what to expect when applying for Canadian citizenship.
If you’re planning to apply for Canadian citizenship anytime soon, get ready to pay a little more. As of March 31, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) officially increased the Right of Citizenship Fee for adult applicants by 20%, bumping it from $100 to $119.75.
While the change may seem small, it affects every adult applicant. So, if you’re part of the growing number of permanent residents ready to take the next step, here’s the full scoop.
Breaking Down the Costs: What You’ll Pay
For all adults (18 and over) looking to acquire the citizenship of Canada, the total fee you’ll need to shell out is now $649.75. That includes both the $530 processing fee and the new $119.75 citizenship fee.
What About Kids and Stateless Adults?
Good news for families, though! If you’re applying for citizenship for your kiddos (under 18), the fee remains at a cool $100. And for stateless adults born to Canadian parents? They’ll also pay that $119.75 right of citizenship fee.
Here’s what changes (or doesn’t) for other applicants:
• Minors under 18: Still pay a flat $100.
• Stateless adults born to Canadian parents only pay the Right of Citizenship Fee of $119.75.
It is worth mentioning here that the citizenship fee is the same whether you apply online or by mail.
Don’t Pay the Wrong Fee — IRCC Will Flag It
If you paid the old fee of $100 before or after March 31, 2025, IRCC won’t reject your application. But they’ll flag it and ask you to pay the difference of $19.75.
Important:
• Applications submitted by mail before March 31 with the old fee will be processed, but you’ll still get a notice to top up the payment.
• Paying the correct fee upfront avoids delays.
What You Need to Apply for 🇨🇦 Canadian Citizenship
The fee hike is just one part of the journey. Here’s a quick checklist of what you’ll need to become a Canadian citizen:
• Be a permanent resident
• Live in Canada for 3 out of the last 5 years (at least 1,095 days)
• File your income taxes
• Pass the Canadian citizenship test
• Prove language skills in English or French
• Attend the citizenship ceremony and take the Oath of Citizenship
Once you’re officially a citizen, you gain powerful benefits:
• Apply for a Canadian passport
• Vote in federal, provincial, and municipal elections
• Enjoy free admission to Canada’s national parks and cultural attractions
Final Thoughts: Is It Still Worth It?
Absolutely! The $19.75 increase might sting a little, but the perks of Canadian citizenship—from global mobility to full civic participation- far outweigh the cost. If you’ve been putting off your application, now might be the time to act. Just be sure to double-check the fee before you click submit.
Source: https://travelobiz.com/canada-right-to-citizenship-fees-increase-20-percent-2025/
