Shocking Update: Canada Raises Citizenship Fees in 2025

The Canadian government has officially increased the citizenship application fees for adults effective March 31, 2025. This decision directly impacts permanent residents seeking Canadian citizenship, as the right of citizenship fee has now increased from $100 to $119.75. With thousands applying for Canadian citizenship annually, these changes are not just monetary—they signal broader shifts in Canada's immigration policy landscape. For those considering naturalization, understanding these changes is crucial. Whether you’re an applicant or a consultant, staying informed can help avoid unnecessary delays or additional fees.

Significance of the Canadian Citizenship Fee Hike

1. Financial Implications for Applicants

The fee hike means that adults applying for Canadian citizenship now pay a total of $649.75, up from the previous $630. This includes:

• Processing Fee: $530

  
  

• Right of Citizenship Fee: $119.75

CanadaVisa explains the updated fee structure in detail. While this increase may seem modest, it may still impact applicants from low-income backgrounds or large families applying together.

2. Clarification on Application Timing

Those who submitted complete applications online before midnight on March 31 and paid the previous fee will not be affected. However, applicants using paper applications may need to pay the fee difference. This distinction underscores the importance of timely and accurate submissions, as any delays could result in additional charges.

3. Effects on Stateless Adults

The updated fee also applies to stateless adults born to Canadian parents, adding financial pressure on a vulnerable group who already face systemic challenges in gaining citizenship.

4. No Change for Minors

Minors under 18 still only need to pay a $100 processing fee, and this has remained unchanged. This decision aligns with Canada’s commitment to making citizenship accessible for youth and ensures that younger applicants are not discouraged from applying.

5. Broader Policy Implications

The increased fees come at a time when Canada is witnessing a surge in immigration. As part of a broader strategy, these revisions reflect the government’s intention to balance administrative costs with accessibility. Higher fees could be a way to manage growing application volumes without compromising service quality.

If you’re unsure about your eligibility or the new application rules, explore helpful tools via CanadaVisa’s eligibility checker.

Who Is Affected?

This change affects all permanent residents aged 18 and older applying for citizenship on or after March 31, 2025. Key affected groups include:

• Individual applicants using online or paper forms

• Stateless adults born to Canadian citizens

• Families submitting applications for multiple adult members

Applicants must ensure they meet the requirements under the Canadian Citizenship Act, which include:

• Holding permanent resident status

• Having been physically present in Canada for at least 1,095 days (3 years) out of the past 5 years

• Filing Canadian taxes (if required)

• Passing the citizenship test (for applicants aged 18–54)

• Meeting language proficiency in English or French (CLB 4 or higher)

Minors are exempt from physical presence requirements, and those aged 14 and above must take the Oath of Citizenship during the final ceremony.

To learn more about eligibility, you can also visit A2Zimmi’s homepage for expert guidance.

Current Processing Timelines and Tools

As of now, the citizenship processing time in Canada is approximately eight months. Applicants are encouraged to:

• Double-check documentation before submission

• Apply online when possible to avoid delays and fee confusion

• Use tools like CanadaVisa’s free eligibility calculator

You can also book a consultation with A2Zimmi to navigate these updates with the help of professionals.

The federal government’s decision to raise Canadian citizenship fees is a significant update for permanent residents planning to naturalize in 2025 and beyond. While the increase may not seem substantial, it introduces new considerations for many applicants, especially those with tight budgets or uncertain legal statuses.

To ensure your application meets all new criteria and to avoid extra costs or processing delays, it’s vital to stay updated.

Visit A2Zimmi or schedule a consultation here to get expert advice today!