Canada has officially increased the right of citizenship fee for adult applicants by 20%, raising it from $100 to $119.75, according to a new announcement by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The updated fee applies to all applications received on or after March 31, 2025, and impacts thousands of individuals seeking Canadian citizenship this year.
What Changed and Who Is Affected?
The increase only applies to the right of citizenship fee, not the processing fee, which remains at $530. Adults aged 18 and over must now pay a total of $649.75 when applying for Canadian citizenship.
Minors under 18 will continue to pay a flat fee of $100. Stateless adults born to Canadian parents are also required to pay the revised right of citizenship fee of $119.75. This pricing structure is consistent for both online and paper-based applications.
“We review and adjust fees every two years to reflect inflation and program costs,” IRCC stated on its official website.
Why the Fee Hike Matters
The fee adjustment follows Canada’s regular fee review process to ensure that application costs align with administrative expenses and inflation. While the change may seem small, it could affect low-income applicants or families applying together.
Applicants who paid the old fee after March 31 will not have their applications rejected. Instead, IRCC will flag these applications and request the difference of $19.75 to be paid. This may delay processing, especially for those who applied by mail.
A Quick Breakdown of Citizenship Application Fees
| Category | Processing Fee | Right of Citizenship Fee | Total Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult (18+) | $530 | $119.75 | $649.75 |
| Minor (<18) | N/A | N/A | $100 |
| Stateless Adult (Born to Canadian Parents) | N/A | $119.75 | $119.75 |
Canada’s Citizenship Requirements
To apply for Canadian citizenship, applicants must:
- Be a permanent resident
- Have lived in Canada for at least 3 out of the last 5 years (1,095 days)
- Have filed income taxes during that time
- Pass a citizenship test (for ages 18-54)
- Show proof of language skills in English or French
- Attend a citizenship ceremony and take the Oath of Citizenship
After completing the process, new citizens gain access to key benefits like applying for a Canadian passport, voting rights, and free entry to Canada’s national parks and cultural centers.
How This Affects Applicants
If you’re applying after March 31, 2025, make sure to pay the updated total fee of $649.75. Submitting the wrong amount may not lead to rejection, but it will delay your application as IRCC follows up to collect the missing funds.
If you submitted your application before March 31 and paid the old rate, you’re safe from the price hike — but again, IRCC may request the extra amount before processing.
“For faster processing, always double-check the current fee on the official IRCC website before submitting,” advises immigration consultant Amira Patel from Toronto-based firm Maple Pathways.
Stay Informed with Wallstreet Updates
This change is part of IRCC’s broader strategy to keep immigration services funded and effective. It’s a reminder for applicants to stay up to date with fee changes and government updates.
