Becoming a Canadian citizen offers incredible benefits — the right to vote, access to one of the world's strongest passports, and permanent security in a country you've chosen to call home. However, citizenship comes with a financial cost that varies depending on your situation.
Before applying, you should know:
- Minor applications cost $100
- Bill C-3 changes now affect who qualifies and how
- Processing times vary (check IRCC's current estimates before planning)
- Special services like citizenship certificates cost less than full applications
- Adult citizenship costs $649.75 total (processing fee plus right of citizenship)
This guide covers eligibility requirements, fee breakdowns, specialized services, and how to pay IRCC correctly.
Who qualifies for Canadian citizenship?
Before discussing costs, let's clarify who can apply. IRCC sets specific eligibility requirements that you must meet before submitting an application.
To qualify, you must:
- Be a permanent resident in Canada
- Pass a citizenship knowledge test (ages 18–54)
- Have lived in Canada for at least 1,095 days (3 years) in the last 5 years
- Demonstrate adequate English or French skills at CLB 4 minimum (ages 18–54)
- Have filed Canadian taxes for at least 3 years in the 5-year period (if required to file)
- Not be prohibited under the Citizenship Act (certain criminal charges, custody, probation, or removal orders can prevent eligibility)
The knowledge test covers Canadian history, geography, rights, and responsibilities. IRCC provides a free study guide called "Discover Canada" to help you prepare. Applicants under 18 or over 54 are exempt from both the language and knowledge requirements.
How much does Canadian citizenship cost?
The total cost depends on your age and situation. IRCC splits citizenship fees into two components: a processing fee (covering application review) and a right of citizenship fee (granted upon approval).
| Applicant Type | Processing Fee | Right of Citizenship | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult (18+) | $530.00 | $119.75 | $649.75 |
| Minor (under 18) | $100.00 | $0.00 | $100.00 |
| Stateless adult born to a Canadian parent | $0.00 | $119.75 | $119.75 |
On March 31, 2025, IRCC increased the right of citizenship fee from $100.00 to $119.75. The change applies to all adult applicants — if you applied before that date, you paid the old rate.
For families applying together, costs add up quickly. A couple with two children under 18 would pay $1,499.50 ($649.75 × 2 adults + $100 × 2 minors). Budget accordingly and ensure your payment covers everyone included in your application.
What specialized citizenship services exist?
Not every interaction with IRCC requires a full citizenship application. Depending on your situation (particularly with recent Bill C-3 changes), you may need only a certificate or record search rather than the complete naturalization process.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Citizenship certificate (proof of citizenship) | $75.00 |
| Search for citizenship records | $75.00 |
| Resume citizenship (adult) | $530.00 |
| Resume citizenship (minor) | $100.00 |
| Renounce citizenship | $100.00 |
| Right of citizenship (when applicable) | $119.75 |
Citizenship certificates
On December 15, 2025, Bill C-3 (An Act to Amend the Citizenship Act) came into effect.
Under the new legislation, many people previously excluded by the first-generation limit automatically became Canadian citizens — they don't need to apply for citizenship through naturalization. Instead, they can apply for a citizenship certificate ($75) as proof of their existing status.
For children born abroad on or after December 15, 2025, a new "substantial connection" test applies. Canadian parents born outside Canada can pass citizenship to their children if they lived in Canada for at least 1,095 days before the child's birth.
The same rule applies to adoptions. The shift ensures that citizenship transmission depends on a parent's actual connection to Canada rather than just birthplace.
Resuming citizenship
If you previously gave up your Canadian status and want it back, resumption fees mirror the standard application costs: $530 for adults, $100 for minors. You'll need to meet residency and other eligibility requirements similar to those of new applicants.
Renouncing citizenship
Voluntarily giving up Canadian citizenship costs $100. However, Bill C-3 created a no-fee exception — people who automatically received citizenship under the new law but don't wish to keep it can renounce without paying, provided they apply under the specified regulation section. Additionally, Bill C-3 introduced a simplified renunciation process for these automatic citizens.
Record searches
Need to verify when a relative became a citizen? Or confirm your own status for a foreign government requirement?
A search of citizenship records costs $75 and helps with genealogy research or proving a parent's Canadian history under the new substantial connection requirements.
One important limitation: record searches cannot be used as proof of citizenship. If you need official documentation of your status, apply for a citizenship certificate instead.
How do you pay IRCC fees?
IRCC accepts online payments for most citizenship applications. Following the correct process prevents your application from being returned as "incomplete payment."
Accepted cards
You can use a card that isn't in your name (the cardholder's name appears on the receipt, but doesn't need to match your application).
Accepted cards include:
- JCB
- UnionPay
- American Express
- Visa (credit, debit, or prepaid)
- MasterCard (credit, debit, or prepaid)
If you use a prepaid card, keep it for at least 18 months after payment — IRCC may need it to process refunds if your application is returned or withdrawn.
Payment process
The online payment process is straightforward:
- Go to IRCC's fee payment portal
- Select your application type from the list
- Enter the quantity for each fee you're paying
- Sign in or create an account (you'll need a valid email address)
- Complete payment and download your receipt
The account you create for fee payment is not the same as your IRCC online services account for application submission. You'll need both, so don't confuse them.
Moreover, download and print your receipt immediately after payment — keep a copy with your application documents.
What common mistakes should you avoid?
Small errors can delay your citizenship application or result in rejection. Watch out for:
- Forgetting to include the receipt with your application
- Using the wrong fee amount (the right of citizenship is $119.75, not $119.00)
- Miscalculating fees for family applications (each person needs their own fees)
- Missing tax filing (if you were required to file, you must have done so for 3 years)
- Applying for the wrong service (if you're already a citizen under Bill C-3, you need a certificate, not a full application)
Double-check your eligibility on IRCC's website before paying — fees are generally non-refundable once your application enters processing.
Your next step
The cost of Canadian citizenship increased for adult applicants in 2025, but think of it as an investment in your long-term future. Understanding the fee structure helps you budget correctly and avoid application delays.
As you prepare, double-check your eligibility on IRCC's official website and ensure your payment receipt matches your application.
If you need to transfer money to Canada for settlement funds or convert currencies for your fees, RemitBee offers competitive exchange rates with minimal fees.
Sign up for RemitBee to handle your currency needs while you focus on your citizenship journey.
Frequently asked questions
Here are some commonly asked questions about the Canadian citizenship fees:
How long does citizenship processing take?
Processing times vary based on application volume and complexity. IRCC's service standard for routine citizenship grants is 12 months, though many applications are completed faster. Check IRCC's processing times tool for current estimates before planning any travel or commitments around your citizenship ceremony.
Can I get a refund if my application is rejected?
IRCC may refund fees if your application is returned as incomplete before processing begins. However, once processing starts, fees are generally non-refundable — even if your application is ultimately refused.
Do I need to pay separately for each family member?
Yes. Each applicant (whether adult or minor) requires their own fee payment. A family of four would pay four separate fees totaling the combined amount for all applicants.
What if I'm already a citizen under Bill C-3?
If the new legislation automatically granted you citizenship, you don't need to apply for naturalization. Instead, apply for a citizenship certificate ($75) as proof of your existing status. The certificate confirms what you already have rather than granting something new.
