Canadian Citizenship Costs in 2025
Beginning 12:00 a.m. ET on March 31, 2025, the Government of Canada quietly raised the “right of citizenship” fee for adults from $100 to $119.75—the first hike in nearly a decade. For would‑be citizens, the total payable at the time of application now climbs from $630 to $649.75. Although the increase may appear modest, it will affect tens of thousands of permanent residents (PRs) who plan to naturalize over the next 12 months. Below we unpack who is covered, who is exempt, and how to budget (and plan) for the new reality.
1. The Two‑Part Fee Structure, Explained
| Applicant Type | Processing Fee | Right of Citizenship Fee | Total Payable |
| Adults (18+) | $530 | $119.75 (was $100) | $649.75 |
| Stateless adults born to a Canadian parent | $530 | $119.75 | $649.75 |
| Minors (<18) | $100 | N/A | $100 |
Note: Both fees must accompany an application unless exempted under the Citizenship Act (for example, former Canadian citizens resuming citizenship pay only the right‑of‑citizenship fee).
2. Who Must Pay the Higher Amount?
- Any adult who files a complete citizenship application on or after March 31—whether online or by paper—must include the new $119.75 portion.
- Paper filers who mailed an application before the deadline but whose package is stamped “received” after March 30 may get a payment request for the extra $19.75.
- Stateless adults born to a Canadian parent also see the same increase.
Who Is NOT Affected?
- Applicants who submitted online and paid in full before the stroke of midnight March 31.
- Minors under 18 remain subject only to the $100 processing fee.
- Adults whose applications were already deemed complete by IRCC prior to March 31.
3. Why the Government Raised the Fee
Ottawa cites inflationary pressures and the need to recoup a larger share of processing costs. While the processing fee stayed untouched, the right‑of‑citizenship portion funds the ceremonial aspects of naturalization—citizenship certificates, oath ceremonies, and system upgrades for virtual events.
For budget watchers, the 19.75% bump aligns with CPI increases since the last adjustment in 2015. Expect IRCC to review fees every few years under the Service Fees Act, meaning future hikes are possible.
4. Meeting the Eligibility Rules Before You Pay
Fee hikes are frustrating, but they underscore a bigger truth: filing prematurely can cost you far more than $19.75 if IRCC returns your package. Double‑check these statutory requirements before you part with your money.
| Criterion | Key Details |
| Permanent Resident Status | Must not be under a removal order or have unfulfilled PR conditions. |
| Physical Presence | 1,095 days (3 years) of residence in Canada during the 5 years before you sign the application. Days as a temporary resident or protected person may count at 50%. |
| Income Tax Filing | Taxes filed for at least 3 years within the 5‑year window if required under the Income Tax Act. |
| Language | Demonstrate CLB/NCLC 4 or higher in English or French (for ages 18–54). Accepted proofs include IELTS/CELPIP/TEF/TCF scores, Canadian secondary/post‑secondary transcripts, or government‑funded language program certificates. |
| Citizenship Test | Applicants aged 18–54 must pass a 20‑question multiple‑choice test on history, civics, rights, and responsibilities. |
| Prohibitions | Certain criminal convictions or time served in prison may pause eligibility. |
5. Strategic Tips to Keep Your Application on Track
- Use the Physical Presence Calculator
IRCC’s online tool remains the gold standard. Print or save the confirmation page as proof—officers check. - Order Police Certificates Early (if required)
Some countries take months to issue clearances. Begin while you’re still counting final residence days. - Check Passport Stamps
IRCC may request scans of every page. Missing entry stamps? Get travel history from CBSA (free) to plug gaps. - Gather Language Proof Now
Tests expire after two years for citizenship purposes. If your IELTS or TEF is expiring soon, book another sitting. - Budget for the Fee Increase
Allocate $650 per adult in your household. Payment must accompany the application or it will be returned. - Choose Online Filing When Possible
Digital forms catch many errors automatically and lock in your payment date instantly—critical given fee deadlines.
6. Current Processing Times and What to Expect in 2025
IRCC lists an 8‑month average from complete application to oath. Real‑world timelines vary by case complexity and background checks.
| Stage | Approximate Time* |
| Acknowledgement of Receipt | 1–2 months |
| Citizenship Test Invite | 4–6 months |
| Decision Made / Ceremony Scheduling | 2–4 months after test |
| Total | ~8 months |
Times are estimates; some files close within six months, others exceed a year.
With fee revenues rising, IRCC hopes to maintain or even shorten processing—but expect periodic backlogs as global demand to naturalize remains strong.
7. The Benefits Still Outweigh the Cost
Even at nearly $650, Canadian citizenship delivers:
- A passport ranked 7th worldwide (visa‑free access to 180+ countries)
- Full voting rights and ability to run for office
- Access to federal jobs requiring security clearance
- No residency obligation (unlike PR, which demands 730 days every 5 years)
- Automatic citizenship for future children born abroad (subject to first‑generation limit changes pending Bill C‑71)
For many PRs, the modest fee hike is a small price for these lifelong advantages.
Ready to File—Or Need Help First?
Navigating physical‑presence calculations, language proofs, and fee changes can feel overwhelming. Hummel Law has guided thousands of permanent residents through the citizenship maze, ensuring applications are complete, accurate, and filed at the optimal time.
- Wondering if you meet the 1,095‑day rule?
- Unsure how criminal charges might affect eligibility?
- Need to correct a paper submission and avoid repaying fees?
Our experienced immigration lawyers are here to streamline the process and protect your investment in Canada’s future. Contact Hummel Law today for a personalized, no‑obligation consultation and take the next confident step toward your Canadian passport.
