IRCC raised the Right of Citizenship fee from $119.75 to $123.00 effective March 31, 2026. The adult total rises to $653. Here's everything citizenship applicants need to know.
Canada's Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) raised the Right of Citizenship fee from $119.75 to $123.00, effective March 31, 2026. This is a biennial CPI-linked adjustment under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR) — the same mechanism that drives the larger permanent residence fee changes coming April 30, 2026.
What Changes on March 31, 2026
- Right of Citizenship fee (adults 18+): $119.75 → $123.00 (+$3.25)
- Adult citizenship grant processing fee: $530 (unchanged)
- Total cost for one adult applicant: $530 + $123 = $653
- Minor applicants (under 18): $100 processing fee only — exempt from the Right of Citizenship fee (unchanged)
What Is the Right of Citizenship Fee?
The Right of Citizenship fee is separate from the processing fee. It is payable by every adult applicant and is effectively the fee for the privilege of becoming a Canadian citizen. It is non-refundable once the citizenship ceremony is completed. The processing fee ($530 for adults) covers IRCC's cost of reviewing your application — it is paid at the time of submission.
Who Is Affected
- Adults (18+) applying for a grant of citizenship — whether through standard 3-of-5-year residency or the other categories
- Applicants who had their applications returned or who resubmit on or after March 31, 2026, will pay the new rate
- Applications fully submitted (with payment) before March 31, 2026, are charged at the old rate
- Minor applicants are not affected — they do not pay the Right of Citizenship fee at any rate
Family Cost Example
A family of two adults and two minor children applying together: 2 × $653 (adult) + 2 × $100 (minor) = $1,506 total. The same family at the old rate would have paid 2 × $649.75 + 2 × $100 = $1,499.50 — a difference of $6.50 for the family.
Context: More Fee Changes Coming April 30
One month later, IRCC will also increase permanent residence application fees. Skilled worker processing fees rise from $950 to $990, and the Right of Permanent Residence Fee climbs from $575 to $600, effective April 30, 2026. If you are on the path from PR to citizenship, plan both sets of fee increases into your budget.
These fee adjustments do not affect citizenship eligibility, processing times, or the number of citizenship ceremonies IRCC conducts. If you have questions about your citizenship timeline or eligibility, book a free consultation with ITC iLand's licensed RCICs.
