Federal Government Boosts Canadian Citizenship Fees with a Fresh Spin!

In an exciting update to reshape the journey to Canadian citizenship, the federal government introduced a fee revamp effective at midnight on March 31, 2025. Permanent residents applying for citizenship on or after this date will now pay a new "right of citizenship" fee of $119.75—an increase from the old $100 rate! This change is designed to enhance the application process and ensure the system keeps pace with its growing demands.

If you were one of the swift applicants who completed your online citizenship application and paid the previous fee before midnight on March 31, you’re in the clear—the new charge won’t affect you. However, those who submitted paper applications before the deadline might see a difference on their bill, as they could be asked to pay the gap between the old and new fees.

For adults—those aged 18 and older—the overall cost to become a Canadian citizen now stands at $649.75, combining the fixed processing fee of $530 with the updated citizenship fee of $119.75, a jump from the previous total of $630. Additionally, stateless adults born to a Canadian parent will also embrace the increased fee, while minors remain unchanged at a simple $100 processing fee for their citizenship application.

This enthusiastic fee update is part of a broader effort to align processing revenues with the real-world costs of handling citizenship applications, positioning the system for even smoother, more efficient operations. Though the detailed fiscal strategy hasn’t been publicly disclosed, the exciting new structure promises improvements that could benefit the entire process.

The journey to becoming a Canadian citizen via naturalization continues to be an empowering adventure! Applicants must hold permanent resident status, meet the minimum physical presence requirement of 1,095 days (about three years) within the last five years, file taxes when required, and—if between the ages of 18 and 54—pass a citizenship test while demonstrating English or French proficiency at a minimum CLB level of 4. For those under 18, the process is even more accessible, as the physical presence requirement is waived. Once all these requirements are met, the momentous citizenship ceremony awaits—be it virtual or in-person—where everyone aged 14 and older proudly takes the oath of citizenship.

With current processing times hovering around eight months, there’s never been a more crucial time to check your eligibility and start preparing your documentation. Tools such as CanadaVisa’s free citizenship eligibility calculator and expert consultations at Cohen Immigration Law Firm can provide valuable guidance as you embark on this remarkable path toward Canadian citizenship.

This fee update might seem like a small adjustment, but it underscores the government’s unwavering commitment to evolve alongside the needs of its aspiring citizens. As Canada continues to welcome new members into its fold, these changes reflect a vibrant, forward-thinking approach to governance and public service—an exciting chapter in the nation’s ongoing story of inclusion and growth!