Immigration Announcement
Canada Increases Right of Citizenship Fee for Adults Starting March 2025
Starting March 31, 2025, Canada has raised the right of citizenship fee for adult applicants from $100 to $119.75. This change directly impacts anyone aged 18 or older applying for Canadian citizenship, either online or by mail.
While a $19.75 increase may seem small, it’s essential for applicants to knoIw how this update affects both new and pending applications. Whether you’ve already paid the old fee or plan to apply soon, staying informed will help you avoid unnecessary delays or rejections in the process.
Let’s break down what this increase means for you and how to handle the fee change if you’ve already submitted your application.
Why Has Canada Raised the Citizenship Fee?
The right of citizenship fee is a mandatory payment made before a citizenship certificate is issued. It is separate from the processing fee and is only charged to adult applicants. Children under 18 are exempt from paying this fee.
The government has not publicly explained the reason behind the latest increase, but typically, adjustments like this reflect administrative cost updates or funding for immigration and settlement programs. Regardless of the motive, all adult applicants must now include the new amount when applying.
New Fee Structure at a Glance
Here’s a quick look at the revised costs:
| Applicant Type | Old Fee (Before March 31, 2025) | New Fee (After March 31, 2025) |
| Adults (18+) | $100 | $119.75 |
| Children (Under 18) | Not required | Not required |
Already Applied With the Old Fee? Here’s What To Do
- Online Applications – If you submitted your citizenship application online after March 31, 2025, but paid only $100, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will send you a notice requesting the additional $19.75. Your application won’t be processed further until this amount is received.
Mailed Applications – Mailed applications sent before the fee hike but received after March 31, 2025, will still be accepted with the old fee if the application was complete. However, you’ll be asked to pay the difference. - Didn’t Pay the Fee Yet? – Some applicants prefer to pay the right of citizenship fee separately after submitting their documents. If that’s you, then you must pay the new amount of $119.75, even if your application was submitted before the increase.
- How to Pay the Difference – If you’ve already paid $100 but need to top up:
- Calculate the difference: Multiply $19.75 by the number of adult applicants.
- Go to the official portal: Use the government’s online payment platform.
- Select the right option: Choose “make an additional payment” and enter the quantity.
- Save your receipt: Upload it using the instructions provided by IRCC in their message.
This applies to each affected adult in a joint or family application.
What This Means for New Applicants
If you are planning to apply for Canadian citizenship anytime after March 31, 2025, make sure to pay the correct amount upfront. Submitting the wrong fee can delay your application or result in extra paperwork.
To recap, you must:
- Be a permanent resident
- Live in Canada for at least 1,095 days over the past 5 years
- Pass the citizenship test (if aged 18–54)
- Demonstrate language proficiency in English or French
- File Canadian taxes (if required)
Once you meet all the criteria and your application is approved, you’ll receive your citizenship certificate and can then apply for a Canadian passport.
Final Thoughts on the Right of Citizenship Fee in Canada
While the updated right of citizenship fee in Canada may seem like a minor financial adjustment, it’s crucial to stay up to date with these changes. Missing out on this update could slow down your journey to becoming a Canadian citizen. Whether you’re applying for the first time or have a pending submission, checking your payment details could save you from unnecessary delays.
If you’re unsure about how to proceed or need further updates on paying the updated fee, stay tuned with Canada Immigration news. Let your Canadian journey continue—without interruption.
