Planning to apply for Canadian citizenship? Here is a complete breakdown of all the costs involved — from the official IRCC fees to hidden expenses most guides do not mention.
Start preparing for the test now: [CitizenPass](/practice-test) has 600+ free practice questions — [try 20 now](/practice-test/free).
Official IRCC Application Fees (2026)
| Applicant Type | Processing Fee | Right of Citizenship | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult (18+) | $530 | $100 | $630 |
| Minor (under 18) | $100 | — | $100 |
How to Pay
- Online payment only — credit card (Visa, Mastercard, or American Express)
- Fees are charged when you submit your application through the IRCC portal
- You receive an electronic receipt
Refund Policy
- Processing fee ($530): Non-refundable, even if your application is refused
- Right of citizenship fee ($100): Refundable if you are not approved for citizenship
- Withdrawal: If you withdraw your application, you may receive a partial refund of the processing fee
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Total Cost of Becoming a Canadian Citizen
The $630 application fee is not the only cost. Here is the full picture:
| Cost Item | Amount | Required? |
|---|---|---|
| IRCC application fee | $630 | Yes |
| Language test (IELTS/CELPIP/TEF) | $200-$330 | Yes (ages 18-54) |
| Citizenship photos (2 photos) | $15-$20 | Yes |
| CBSA travel history request | Free | Recommended |
| Discover Canada study guide (PDF) | Free | Yes (for test prep) |
| Practice test platform (CitizenPass) | Free to start | Recommended |
| Passport (after citizenship) | $160 (adult, 10-year) | Optional |
| Total estimated cost | $850-$1,000+ |
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Family Application Costs
If your whole family is applying:
| Family | Fee Calculation | Total |
|---|---|---|
| 1 adult | $630 | $630 |
| 2 adults | $630 x 2 | $1,260 |
| 2 adults + 1 child | ($630 x 2) + $100 | $1,360 |
| 2 adults + 2 children | ($630 x 2) + ($100 x 2) | $1,460 |
| 2 adults + 3 children | ($630 x 2) + ($100 x 3) | $1,560 |
Tip: Each family member submits a separate application. Children under 18 do not need to take the citizenship test or prove language ability.
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Free Resources That Save You Money
You do not need to pay for expensive study courses. These resources are free:
- [Discover Canada PDF](/blog/discover-canada-pdf-study-guide-download-2026) — The official study guide, free from IRCC
- [CitizenPass practice test](/practice-test) — 600+ questions with AI coaching
- [20 free sample questions](/practice-test/free) — Try before you sign up
- CBSA travel history — Free request through the CBSA website
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Learn More About the Application Process
- [Full application guide](/citizenship-application) — Step-by-step process
- [How long does citizenship take?](/blog/how-long-does-it-take-to-get-canadian-citizenship) — Complete timeline
- [Citizenship test preparation](/practice-test) — Start studying now
CitizenPass users score an average of 18/20 — no expensive prep courses needed.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1How much is the Canadian citizenship application fee for adults?
The total fee for adults is $630 CAD. This includes a $530 processing fee and a $100 right of citizenship fee. Both are paid together when you submit your application online.
2Is there a fee waiver for Canadian citizenship?
No. IRCC does not offer fee waivers or payment plans for citizenship applications. The full amount must be paid at the time of submission.
3Can I get a refund if my citizenship application is denied?
The $100 right of citizenship fee is refundable if your application is not approved. The $530 processing fee is not refundable under any circumstances.
4What are the additional costs beyond the application fee?
Additional costs may include: language test ($200-300 for IELTS/CELPIP/TEF), citizenship photos ($15-20), and potentially legal assistance if needed. The Discover Canada study guide and CBSA travel history are free.