Understanding the cost of Canadian citizenship is important for financial planning. This guide breaks down every fee and additional cost involved in the application process. CitizenPass helps you prepare for every step — read on, then start practicing for free.
Trusted by thousands of new Canadians. CitizenPass is the #1 free citizenship test prep platform — 600+ practice questions, AI coaching, and lessons covering every chapter of the Discover Canada guide.
Citizenship Fee Breakdown
The total cost of a Canadian citizenship application depends on the applicant's age:
Adult Applicants (18+)
| Fee Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Processing fee | $530 CAD |
| Right of citizenship fee | $100 CAD |
| Total | $630 CAD |
Minor Applicants (Under 18)
| Fee Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Processing fee | $100 CAD |
| Right of citizenship fee | $0 |
| Total | $100 CAD |
Family Cost Examples
| Family Size | Composition | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | Couple (2 adults) | $1,260 |
| 3 | 2 adults + 1 child | $1,360 |
| 4 | 2 adults + 2 children | $1,460 |
| 5 | 2 adults + 3 children | $1,560 |
What the Fee Covers
Processing Fee ($530 for adults, $100 for minors)
This covers the cost of processing your application, including:
- Document verification
- Background and security checks
- CRA tax verification
- File review by a citizenship officer
Right of Citizenship Fee ($100 for adults only)
This is paid by adults who are granted citizenship. It is the cost of becoming a citizen and receiving your citizenship certificate. If your application is denied, you may request a refund of this $100 fee.
Additional Costs to Budget For
Beyond the application fee, there are several additional costs:
Citizenship Photos ($15-25)
You need two photos meeting IRCC specifications. Professional photo studios charge between $15 and $25. Some pharmacies also offer this service.
Language Test ($280-400)
If you need to take a language test, budget for:
- IELTS General Training: $300-350
- CELPIP-General: $280-320
- TEF Canada: $300-400
- TCF Canada: $300-400
CBSA Travel History Request (Free)
Requesting your travel history from the Canada Border Services Agency is free but optional. It helps verify your physical presence calculation.
Certified Translations ($30-80 per document)
If any of your documents are not in English or French, you need certified translations. Costs vary by document length and language.
Document Copies and Notarization ($5-50)
You may need notarized copies of certain documents. Costs vary by provider.
Total Estimated Cost
| Item | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Application fee (adult) | $630 |
| Citizenship photos | $15-25 |
| Language test | $280-400 |
| Translations (if needed) | $0-200 |
| Notarization (if needed) | $0-50 |
| Total estimated | $925-1,305 |
CitizenPass Pro Tip: Budget for the full range of costs before you start the application process. Having everything ready financially means no delays. And remember — studying for the citizenship test with CitizenPass is completely free!
How to Pay
Online Payment
When submitting your application online, you pay by credit card:
- Visa
- Mastercard
- American Express
- Prepaid credit cards
Payment Receipt
After payment, you receive an electronic receipt. Save this for your records. IRCC will also include payment confirmation in your Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR).
Refund Policy
Non-Refundable Fees
- The $530 processing fee is non-refundable under any circumstances
- If your application is denied, you do not get a refund
- If you withdraw your application after submission, you do not get a refund
Potentially Refundable
- The $100 right of citizenship fee may be refunded if you do not become a citizen (e.g., application denied, withdrawn before ceremony)
- You must submit a request to IRCC for this refund
Comparing Citizenship Costs Internationally
| Country | Citizenship Fee |
|---|---|
| Canada | $630 CAD (~$470 USD) |
| United States | $725 USD |
| United Kingdom | GBP 1,580 (~$2,700 CAD) |
| Australia | AUD 490 (~$440 CAD) |
| New Zealand | NZD 470 (~$390 CAD) |
Canada's citizenship fee is relatively affordable compared to many other developed countries.
Tips for Managing Citizenship Costs
- Budget early — Start saving as soon as you become a PR
- Book language tests in advance — Prices sometimes increase, and early booking secures your spot
- Check for free language proof — Canadian education or government language training may count
- DIY photos — Some people take their own photos, but ensure they meet IRCC specifications
- Use free tax filing software — Wealthsimple Tax, TurboTax Free, and StudioTax are all free
Pass Your Citizenship Test — With CitizenPass
While the citizenship application costs money, preparing for the test does not have to. Thousands of newcomers have used CitizenPass to pass on their first attempt — 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.
Ready to Practice?
Put your knowledge to the test with 600+ practice questions and AI coaching.
Also available on mobile:
Frequently Asked Questions
1Can I get a refund if my citizenship application is denied?
No. Citizenship application fees are non-refundable regardless of the outcome. The only exception is the $100 right of citizenship fee if you do not become a citizen, which may be refunded upon request.
2Are there fee waivers for low-income applicants?
IRCC does not currently offer fee waivers for citizenship applications. However, some settlement organizations may offer financial assistance. Check with your local settlement agency.
3Can I pay the citizenship fee in instalments?
No. The full fee must be paid at the time of application submission. You cannot split the payment into multiple instalments.
4What payment methods are accepted?
IRCC accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and prepaid credit cards for online payment. Debit cards and cash are not accepted for online applications.