Canadian Citizenship Cost 2026: Every Fee from Application to Passport
Canadian Citizenship Cost 2026: Every Fee from Application to Passport
One of the most common questions I hear is: "How much does Canadian citizenship actually cost?" The short answer is $653 per adult in government fees. But that is only the application itself.
The full journey -- from submitting your application to holding a Canadian passport -- involves several costs that IRCC does not always spell out in one place. Photography, language testing, document translation, the passport itself -- these add up. This guide breaks down every fee so you can budget accurately and avoid surprises.
All figures below are current as of 2026 and sourced from official IRCC pages.
How Much Does a Canadian Citizenship Application Cost?
The government fees for a citizenship application depend on whether you are an adult or a minor.
| Fee Component | Adult (18+) | Minor (under 18) |
|---|---|---|
| Processing fee | $530 | $100 |
| Right of citizenship fee | $123 | Not applicable |
| Total | $653 | $100 |
Source: IRCC -- Fees
Key details:
- The processing fee covers IRCC's review of your application, background checks, and test administration
- The right of citizenship fee is a separate charge that applies only to adults -- it is the fee you pay for the right to become a citizen
- Minors do not pay the right of citizenship fee, so their total is just $100
- There is a special rate of $123 for stateless adults (18 or over) born to a Canadian parent, which covers only the right of citizenship fee
The right of citizenship fee increased from $119.75 to $123 on March 31, 2026, under the Service Fees Act. It is adjusted annually.
What Does a Family of Four Pay?
Family costs depend on how many adults and children are applying. Here are three common scenarios:
| Family Scenario | Calculation | Total |
|---|---|---|
| 2 adults, 2 children | (2 x $653) + (2 x $100) | $1,506 |
| 2 adults, 1 child | (2 x $653) + (1 x $100) | $1,406 |
| 1 adult, 2 children | (1 x $653) + (2 x $100) | $853 |
Each person in the family needs a separate fee -- there is no family rate or bulk discount.
How much is the total government fee for an adult Canadian citizenship application in 2026?
Beyond the Application: Other Costs You Should Budget For
The $653 application fee is not the only expense. Here is a realistic breakdown of the additional costs many applicants encounter.
Citizenship Photography (~$15--20)
You need two identical citizenship photos that meet IRCC's specifications. Most pharmacies and photo studios charge between $15 and $20 for a set.
Some applicants save by using passport photo apps, but be careful -- if your photos do not meet the exact specifications, IRCC may return your application, costing you time.
Language Test Fees (~$300--400, if needed)
Adults aged 18--54 must prove they meet CLB/NCLC Level 4 in English or French. If you cannot demonstrate this through other means (such as a diploma from an English- or French-language institution), you may need to take a designated language test.
Approximate costs for common tests:
| Test | Language | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|---|
| CELPIP-General | English | $280--$400 |
| IELTS General Training | English | $300--$400 |
| TEF Canada | French | $300--$400 |
| TCF Canada | French | $300--$400 |
Prices vary by location and test centre. Not everyone needs a language test -- learn more about language proof options.
Good to know: If you are 55 or older at the time of your application, you are exempt from both the language requirement and the citizenship test. More on age exemptions.
Document Translation and Notarization (~$30--75 per document)
If any of your supporting documents (birth certificates, marriage certificates, name change documents) are not in English or French, you need certified translations.
Typical costs:
- Translation: $30--50 per page for certified translation
- Notarization: $25--75 per document, depending on the province
The number of documents you need translated varies by situation. Some applicants need nothing translated; others may need 3--5 documents.
Canadian Passport (~$160 for adults)
After your citizenship ceremony, one of the first things you will want is a Canadian passport. IRCC recommends waiting at least 2 business days after your ceremony before applying.
Approximate passport fees (for applications within Canada):
| Passport Type | Approximate Fee |
|---|---|
| Adult 10-year passport | ~$160 |
| Adult 5-year passport | ~$120 |
| Child passport (0--15) | ~$57 |
For current passport fees, check the IRCC passport fees page.
Need it fast? Express processing adds $50 (2--9 business days pickup), and urgent processing adds $110 (next business day pickup).
For more on what happens after the test and ceremony, see our guide on what happens after you pass the citizenship test.
Test Preparation Costs ($0--$30)
Studying for the citizenship test itself can be free or paid:
- Free: The official Discover Canada guide is available as a free PDF or online. This is the only official study source -- all 20 test questions come from it
- Paid apps: Citizenship test prep apps typically range from free (with limits) to around $10--30 for full access. CitizenPrep offers adaptive practice covering 850+ concepts from the Discover Canada guide, with a free tier to get started
Our Discover Canada cheat sheet is also free and covers the 100 most-tested facts.
Total Cost: What Should You Actually Budget?
Here is a realistic total for a single adult going through the full process:
| Expense | Cost |
|---|---|
| Citizenship application (processing + right of citizenship) | $653 |
| Citizenship photos | ~$15--20 |
| Language test (if needed) | $0--400 |
| Document translation (varies) | $0--200 |
| Passport (10-year adult) | ~$160 |
| Test prep (optional) | $0--30 |
| Realistic total (single adult) | $830--$1,460 |
For a family of four (2 adults, 2 children), the realistic range is roughly $1,700--$3,100, depending on language tests and translation needs.
The biggest variables are language testing (which not everyone needs) and document translation (which depends on your personal situation).
How to Pay Your Citizenship Fees
Citizenship application fees are paid online when you submit your application through the IRCC online portal. IRCC accepts major credit cards and debit cards.
You cannot submit a citizenship application without paying the fees first. The payment is processed at the time of submission.
What Happens to Your Fees If Your Application Is Refused?
This is an important detail that catches some applicants off guard:
- Processing fee ($530): Not refunded if your application is refused
- Right of citizenship fee ($123): Refunded if you are not granted citizenship
In other words, if IRCC refuses your application, you lose the $530 processing fee but get the $123 right of citizenship fee back. For minors, the $100 processing fee is not refunded either.
This is one reason it is worth making sure you meet all the citizenship requirements before applying. An incomplete or premature application means losing $530.
Are There Fee Waivers for Canadian Citizenship?
Unlike some immigration programs, IRCC does not currently offer a fee waiver or low-income exemption for citizenship application fees. The full fees apply to all applicants regardless of financial situation.
If fees are a barrier, some community organizations and settlement agencies may offer guidance or support. Contact your local newcomer settlement agency to ask about available resources.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Canadian citizenship cost for an adult in 2026?
The total government fee for an adult citizenship application is $653 -- this includes a $530 processing fee and a $123 right of citizenship fee. Additional costs like photos, language tests, and passport fees are separate.
Do children pay the same citizenship fee as adults?
No. Minors (under 18) pay $100, which covers only the processing fee. There is no right of citizenship fee for minors.
Is the citizenship application fee refundable?
Partially. If your application is refused, the $530 processing fee is not refunded, but the $123 right of citizenship fee is refunded. For minors, the $100 processing fee is non-refundable.
Do I need to pay for a language test?
Not necessarily. You only need a language test if you cannot prove CLB/NCLC Level 4 through other acceptable evidence (such as a diploma from an English- or French-language educational institution). If you do need a test, expect to pay approximately $300--400. Adults aged 55 and older are exempt from the language requirement.
How much does a Canadian passport cost after the ceremony?
An adult 10-year passport costs approximately $160 when applied for within Canada. A 5-year adult passport is approximately $120, and a child passport is approximately $57. Check the IRCC passport fees page for current amounts.
Can I get a fee waiver if I cannot afford the citizenship fee?
IRCC does not currently offer fee waivers or low-income exemptions for citizenship applications. The full $653 (adult) or $100 (minor) fee applies to all applicants. Contact your local settlement agency if you need financial guidance.
When did the right of citizenship fee increase?
The right of citizenship fee increased from $119.75 to $123 on March 31, 2026. This annual adjustment is made under the Service Fees Act.
Budgeting for citizenship is easier when you know every cost upfront. CitizenPrep helps you prepare for the knowledge test with 850+ concepts from the Discover Canada guide, adaptive practice, and daily review sessions. Start free -- no credit card required.