Canadian Citizenship Fee Changes in 2025: A Complete Guide

On March 31, 2025, the Government of Canada made a significant update to the fees associated with applying for Canadian citizenship. This change affects permanent residents seeking to become citizens, with the right of citizenship fee increasing from $100 to $119.75.

The new fees will apply to applications submitted on or after April 1, 2025. The total cost of applying for Canadian citizenship has now risen slightly for most applicants. The new fee structure consists of two main components: a processing fee and a right of citizenship fee.

For adults (18 years or older), the total application cost is now $649.75, an increase from the previous total of $630. This adjustment is part of a regular update to ensure the sustainability of Canada immigration services and other related policies.

Breaking Down the New Fees

Applicants who submitted their online applications before the midnight deadline on March 31, 2025, and paid the previous right of citizenship fee of $100 will not be affected by the price increase. However, applicants who submitted paper applications before the deadline might need to pay the difference of $19.75 to adjust to the new fee structure.

Let’s breakdown the citizenship fees:

• Processing Fee: $530
• Right of Citizenship Fee: $119.75
• Total Fee: $649.75

What About Minors?

For minors under the age of 18, the citizenship process remains simpler and more affordable. Minors are required to pay only the $100 processing fee, and this amount has not changed. Minors are exempt from the physical presence, citizenship test, and language requirements that apply to adults.

Transition from PR to Citizenship

Becoming a Canadian citizen is a significant milestone for those who have established their lives in Canada Permanent Residents. Canadian citizenship not only offers many rights and privileges but also strengthens your connection to the country. Becoming a Canadian citizen offers many advantages, including:

• Full Rights: As a citizen, you have the right to vote in federal and provincial elections and run for public office.
• Canadian Passport: You are eligible to apply for a Canadian passport, which is widely respected worldwide for visa-free travel.
• No Renewal of Status: Unlike PR status, Canadian citizenship does not require periodic renewals or compliance with residency requirements.
• Social and Economic Benefits: Citizens have access to all the benefits of Canadian healthcare, social programs, and education without restrictions.

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Eligibility for Canadian Citizenship

To apply for Canadian citizenship, you must meet several eligibility requirements. These include:

• Residency Requirements: You must have lived in Canada for at least three out of the last five years as a permanent resident before applying. This period must include the necessary time physically spent in Canada.

• Tax Filing: You must have filed taxes for at least three years within the five-year period if required under Canadian law.

• Language Proficiency: Applicants between 18 and 54 years old need to prove proficiency in one of Canada's official languages, either English or French. This can be demonstrated through various accepted language tests.

• Criminal Record: To ensure the safety and integrity of the country, applicants must not have serious criminal convictions. A criminal background may delay or disqualify your citizenship application.

Steps to Apply for Canadian Citizenship

The steps to apply for citizenship are:

• Step 1: Ensure You Meet the Eligibility Criteria: Before starting the application, verify that you meet all the necessary eligibility requirements, such as residency, tax filings, and language proficiency.

• Step 2: Complete the Citizenship Application: You will need to fill out the Canadian citizenship application form. This requires personal information, proof of your permanent residency status, and documentation that demonstrates language proficiency and tax filing.

• Step 3: Submit Your Application to IRCC: After completing the form, submit it to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Along with your form, provide all necessary documents, including your language test results and copies of tax filings.

• Step 4: Apply for Biometrics: You may be required to submit biometric information (fingerprints and a photo) as part of the process.

Current Citizenship Processing Times

At the time of writing, the average processing time for Canadian citizenship applications is around eight months. The exact timeline can vary based on the complexity of the application, the completeness of the documentation, and individual circumstances.

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What Does This Means for You?

If you are planning to apply for Canadian citizenship, it is essential to consider these updated fees and ensure that you meet all the eligibility requirements. The increase in fees, while modest, may affect your overall budget for the citizenship application process.

For those who have already submitted their online applications before the deadline, the old rates still apply, and they will not need to worry about the recent fee changes. However, paper applicants from before the deadline should be prepared to pay the small difference to cover the updated fee.

Conclusion

The recent increase in Canadian citizenship fees is part of an ongoing effort to ensure the efficiency and sustainability of Canada's immigration services. For permanent residents eager to become citizens, and work in Canada understanding these changes is crucial.

As Canada continues to welcome newcomers, these adjustments reflect the government's commitment to maintaining a robust immigration system that supports both the needs of the country and those looking to make Canada their home.

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Source: canada.ca

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