If you are in the process of applying for Canadian citizenship — or planning to apply soon — there is a small but time-sensitive fee change you should be aware of.
On March 27, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced that the right of citizenship fee for adult applicants will increase on March 31, 2026 — just four days from now.
What Is Changing?
The right of citizenship fee for adults will increase by $3.25, moving from $119.75 to $123.
This is a modest increase, but it applies to every adult citizenship applicant whose application is received on or after March 31, 2026.
Importantly, the adult citizenship grant application processing fee remains unchanged at $530. Only the right of citizenship fee is affected.
Why Is This Fee Increasing?
Unlike the permanent residence fee adjustment — which happens every two years — the right of citizenship fee is updated annually under the Service Fees Act. This legislation requires certain government fees to be adjusted each year in line with inflation to help maintain sustainable and consistent service delivery over time. This is a routine, scheduled increase, not a policy shift.
What Does This Mean for Citizenship Applicants?
The financial impact of this specific increase is small. However, it is a useful reminder of a few broader points:
- Timing matters. Applications received before March 31, 2026 will be subject to the current $119.75 fee. If your application is complete and ready to submit, filing today or tomorrow means paying slightly less.
- Fees can and do change. Both citizenship and permanent residence fees are subject to regular adjustments. Working with an immigration lawyer keeps you informed ahead of these changes so you can plan accordingly.
- Processing fees are separate. The $530 citizenship grant processing fee is not affected — your total outlay as an adult applicant will be $653 ($530 + $123) for applications submitted on or after March 31.
Are You Ready to Apply for Citizenship?
To be eligible for a Canadian citizenship grant, you generally need to have been a permanent resident for at least 1,095 days (3 out of 5 years) before applying, meet language requirements, and have filed your taxes if required. If you are approaching eligibility or already eligible, now is a good time to get your application in order.
Get Help From Visaserve
At Visaserve Immigration Law P.C., we guide permanent residents through every step of the citizenship application process — from eligibility assessment to final submission. Whether you have questions about the new fees or want to make sure your application is complete and accurate, our team is here to help.
Contact us at info@visaserve.ca or call 905-203-2266 to book a consultation today.
