Understanding the full cost of Canadian citizenship helps you budget properly and avoid surprises. Here is a complete breakdown of every fee and hidden cost. CitizenPass makes mastering this easy — read on, then start practicing for free.
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Complete Fee Breakdown
| Applicant Type | Processing Fee | Right of Citizenship Fee | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult (18+) | $530 | $100 | $630 |
| Minor (under 18) | $100 | $0 | $100 |
| Stateless person | $530 | $100 | $630 |
What Each Fee Pays For
Processing Fee ($530 for adults, $100 for minors):
- Review of your application and documents
- Background checks and security screening
- Scheduling and administration of the citizenship test
- Processing through all stages until a decision is made
Right of Citizenship Fee ($100 for adults only):
- This fee is charged when your application is approved
- It grants you the legal right of Canadian citizenship
- It is included in the upfront payment but technically covers the final grant of citizenship
How to Pay
IRCC accepts payment through the online portal:
- Credit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express)
- Debit card (Interac Online for Canadian bank accounts)
- Prepaid credit cards are generally accepted
Payment is required at the time you submit your application online. You will receive a receipt that you should save for your records.
Are Fees Refundable?
- Before processing begins: If IRCC returns your application before starting to process it (e.g., because it is incomplete), you may receive a refund of the processing fee.
- After processing begins: Fees are non-refundable, even if your application is denied or you withdraw it.
- Right of Citizenship fee: This is only refundable if your application is not approved.
What Happens If Fees Change While in Process
If IRCC increases fees after you have already paid and submitted your application, you will NOT be required to pay the difference. Your application is locked in at the fee schedule in effect when you submitted it.
Hidden Costs to Be Aware Of
Beyond the application fee itself, budget for these additional expenses:
Citizenship Photos: $15-25
You need two identical photos meeting IRCC specifications. Most pharmacies and photo studios offer citizenship photo services.
Document Translations: $30-100 per document
Any documents not in English or French must be translated by a certified translator. Common documents that need translation include birth certificates, marriage certificates, and divorce decrees.
Language Test Fees: $300-400
If you need to prove your language ability through a formal test (IELTS, CELPIP, TEF, or TCF), each test costs between $300-400. Not everyone needs this — see our [language requirement guide](/blog/canadian-citizenship-language-requirement) for alternatives.
Photocopying and Mailing: $10-30
Even with online submission, you may need certified copies of documents. Budget for photocopying and any mailing costs.
Time Off Work
The citizenship test and ceremony each require time away from work. The online test can be taken at any time within a 30-day window, making this more flexible than before.
Family Application Costs
Families applying together can expect these costs:
| Family Composition | Total Cost |
|---|---|
| 1 adult | $630 |
| 2 adults | $1,260 |
| 2 adults + 1 child | $1,360 |
| 2 adults + 2 children | $1,460 |
| 2 adults + 3 children | $1,560 |
| 1 adult + 1 child | $730 |
Pass Your Citizenship Test — With CitizenPass
One cost you do NOT need to worry about: test preparation. CitizenPass offers comprehensive preparation completely free to start:
- 600+ Practice Questions — Same format as the real IRCC test, with detailed explanations for every answer
- AI-Powered Coach — Identifies your weak areas and builds a personalized study plan just for you
- 80+ Bite-Sized Lessons — All 12 Discover Canada chapters, broken into 10-minute study sessions
- Real-Time Progress Tracking — See exactly when you are ready to pass
- Bilingual Support — Study in English or French, switch anytime
- Mobile + Desktop — Available on iOS, Android, and web — study anywhere
CitizenPass users score an average of 18/20 on their first attempt — well above the 15/20 passing score.
Your Canadian dream is one test away. Join thousands of successful new Canadians — start your free CitizenPass preparation today.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1How much is the Canadian citizenship application fee for adults?
The total fee for adults (18+) is $630 CAD, which includes a $530 processing fee and a $100 Right of Citizenship fee.
2How much does citizenship cost for children?
The application fee for minors (under 18) is $100 CAD. There is no Right of Citizenship fee for minors.
3Are citizenship application fees refundable?
Fees are generally non-refundable once IRCC begins processing your application. If your application is returned before processing begins, you may receive a refund.
4Can I pay the citizenship fee in installments?
No. IRCC requires the full fee to be paid at the time of application submission. Payment is made online by credit card or debit card through the IRCC portal.
5What are the hidden costs of applying for citizenship?
Beyond the application fee, budget for: citizenship photos ($15-25), document translations ($30-100 per document), language test fees ($300-400 if needed), and photocopying/mailing costs.