Right of Citizenship Fee 2026: $100 RPRF, Refunds & When You Can Skip It

# Right of Citizenship Fee 2026 Explained

Most Canadians refer to the citizenship application as a "$630 application" — but it is actually two fees in one: the CA$530 processing fee and the CA$100 right-of-citizenship fee (RPRF). They are charged together, but only one is fully forfeit if your application fails. This guide explains the RPRF in plain language, when it is refunded, and what cannot be waived.

The right-of-citizenship fee is CA$100. It is paid at the same time as the CA$530 processing fee — together CA$630 — when you submit your application. IRCC keeps the CA$100 only if you actually become a citizen by taking the Oath of Citizenship. If you withdraw, are refused, or fail to swear the oath, the CA$100 is refunded automatically. The CA$530 processing fee, by contrast, is not refundable once review starts.

These figures have not changed since the 2014 fee restructure. Fee changes require regulatory amendment, which is rare.

IRCC refunds the CA$100 RPRF automatically in three scenarios:

1. Application refused — IRCC denies citizenship after review
2. Application withdrawn — you formally cancel before the oath
3. Oath not taken — you fail to attend the ceremony, are removed from the eligibility list, or otherwise do not complete the oath

There is no refund form. IRCC processes the refund to the original payment method (credit card or bank). Expect 6–12 weeks for the refund to land.

The CA$100 is forfeit only when you actually become a citizen. By that point, the fee is no longer "yours" to claim back.

The CA$530 processing fee is not refunded once IRCC has started review. This includes:

• Refused applications
• Withdrawn applications (after assessment)
• Applications that fail document review

If you withdraw before IRCC opens the file, you may receive a partial refund — but in practice, IRCC starts assessment within days of receipt.

You pay both fees, then change your mind

Withdraw before the oath. The CA$100 is refunded; the CA$530 is gone.

You pay both fees, fail the test twice, refused

The CA$100 is refunded automatically. The CA$530 is gone.

You pay both fees, attend the oath, become Canadian

Both fees are kept by IRCC. No refund.

You pay both fees, IRCC delays for 18 months, you give up

Withdrawing returns the CA$100; the CA$530 is gone unless you can prove IRCC's delay is unreasonable (rare).

For citizenship: no. Unlike PR sponsorship or work-permit categories, the citizenship application has no fee-waiver provisions for low-income applicants. The CA$630 (or CA$100 for minors) must be paid in full at submission.

There are limited exceptions for:

• Indigenous applicants under specific reconciliation programs
• Stateless persons with a Canadian parent (Bill S-245 frameworks)
• Resettled refugees in certain programs (rare)

If you are unable to pay, the only practical path is to delay the application until funds are available. Some non-profits offer interest-free loans for citizenship fees — search "[your city] citizenship loan program".

All fees are paid online during application submission:

• Credit card (Visa, Mastercard, AmEx)
• Debit card (limited)
• Prepaid card (limited)

You receive a payment receipt that must be included in the application package. Without it, IRCC returns the application as incomplete.

If your application is refused or withdrawn:

1. Note the date IRCC sends you a refusal or withdrawal letter
2. Wait 6 weeks
3. If no refund appears, log into the [IRCC web form](https://secure.cic.gc.ca/ClientContact/en/Crisis) and submit a "refund inquiry"
4. Provide your UCI, application number, and original payment receipt
5. Refund typically arrives 2–4 weeks after the inquiry

• [Canadian Citizenship Cost — All Fees Explained](/blog/canadian-citizenship-cost-right-of-citizenship-fee)
• [Canadian Citizenship Application Fee 2026](/blog/canadian-citizenship-application-fee-cost-2026)
• [How to Apply for Canadian Citizenship Step by Step](/blog/how-to-apply-canadian-citizenship-online-2026)
• [Refused Citizenship Application: Reasons & Appeal](/blog/citizenship-application-refused-appeal-canada)