Effective from midnight on March 31, 2025, the Government of Canada has implemented a new fee structure for adults applying for Canadian citizenship. The right of citizenship fee has been increased, impacting thousands of permanent residents across the country. This change is crucial for anyone planning to apply for citizenship through naturalization.
👉 Book Your Canadian Immigration Consultation with The Immigration Professional to ensure you’re up to date with the latest requirements.
Key Fee Changes at a Glance
| Category | Old Fee | New Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processing Fee (Adults 18+) | $530 | $530 | No change |
| Right of Citizenship Fee (Adults 18+) | $100 | $119.75 | Increased as of March 31, 2025 |
| Total (Adults 18+) | $630 | $649.75 | Applies to applications on or after March 31, 2025 |
| Minor Processing Fee (Under 18) | $100 | $100 | No change |
| Stateless Adults Born to Canadian Parent | $100 | $119.75 | Subject to increased right of citizenship fee |
Who Is Affected by the Canadian Citizenship Fee Increase?
The new fee structure applies to all permanent residents aged 18 or older who submit their Canadian citizenship application on or after March 31, 2025. If you submitted a complete online application before this date, you are not affected by the new fees. However, paper applications may require you to pay the difference.
📞 Need clarification? Book Your Canadian Immigration Consultation today.
Eligibility Criteria for Canadian Citizenship
To become a Canadian citizen through naturalization, applicants must meet the criteria established by the Canadian Citizenship Act. Below are the key requirements:
- Hold permanent resident status
- Physically present in Canada for 1,095 days (3 years) in the past 5 years
- Filed Canadian taxes for at least 3 years within the 5-year period (if applicable)
- Pass the Canadian citizenship test (ages 18–54)
- Demonstrate English or French proficiency (CLB 4)
- Attend a citizenship ceremony, where applicants 14 and older must take the Oath of Citizenship
Minors are exempt from the physical presence requirement and the citizenship test.
How This Change Affects Newcomers
Many newcomers already face complex immigration processes, and increased fees add an additional burden. At The Immigration Professional, we help streamline this journey and provide clarity.
Whether you’re applying for yourself or helping a family member, our team will ensure you meet all requirements before submission. We also assist with preparing your documentation and test readiness.
Let’s make your path to Canadian citizenship smooth and stress-free. Book Your Canadian Immigration Consultation
Current Processing Times
As of April 2025, the average processing time for a Canadian citizenship application is 8 months. This can vary depending on:
- Completeness of your application
- Background checks
- Language test results
- Regional processing capacity
The Immigration Professional offers a pre-screening process to ensure faster results and fewer delays.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Will I need to pay the new fee if I submitted a paper application before March 31?
You may be required to pay the fee difference. Contact The Immigration Professional to verify your case.
2. Is the fee for minors changing?
No. The processing fee for minors remains at $100.
3. Can I calculate my eligibility online?
Yes. Reach out to The Immigration Professional for an in-depth eligibility check tailored to your profile.
4. What documents are required?
- Permanent resident card
- Travel history
- Language proof (if applicable)
- Tax documents
Why Choose The Immigration Professional?
With fee changes, evolving laws, and complex eligibility criteria, navigating Canadian citizenship can be overwhelming. At The Immigration Professional, we provide:
- 1-on-1 consultations
- Document review
- Citizenship test preparation
- Application filing support
Act now—avoid delays and unnecessary fees. Book Your Canadian Immigration Consultation