As of May 2026, the total federal cost to apply for Canadian citizenship for a standard family of four (two adults and two minors) is $1,460 CAD. You process this as a bundle, avoiding duplicate administrative steps with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Becoming a Canadian citizen is a massive milestone for any family, granting you the right to vote, hold a Canadian passport, and secure your permanent home in this country. However, budgeting for the federal application fees is a crucial part of the process. When you are transitioning from Permanent Residence (PR) to citizenship, understanding the exact financial requirements will help prevent delays.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) sets standard federal fees that apply whether you live in Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, or Halifax. The total cost of applying for Canadian citizenship for a family of four depends directly on the ages of the applicants. 👨👩👧👦 Fortunately, bundling your family's applications together online ensures a smoother administrative process and keeps everything organized under one central account.
Step-by-Step Process in Canada
Applying for citizenship as a family requires careful coordination. You must ensure that every family member meets the physical presence requirement (1,095 days out of the last 5 years) before applying. Here is the generally accepted process for submitting a family application to IRCC.
Step 1: Gathering Proof of Eligibility
Before paying any fees, you must gather all mandatory documents for each family member. This includes copies of your Permanent Resident cards, valid passports, and proof of English or French language skills for adult applicants. You will also need to provide Notices of Assessment from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) to prove you have filed your taxes. 📄 Ensuring these documents are perfectly translated (if needed) is critical to avoid return packages.
Step 2: Creating an IRCC Online Account
Most applicants in Canada now choose to apply online. You will need to create a secure IRCC account. Through this portal, you can select the option to apply for citizenship for multiple people simultaneously. You will add the two adult applications and then link the two minor applications to the primary parents' files, keeping the family unit together.
Step 3: Paying the Federal Fees Online
Once the digital forms are filled out, the system will prompt you to pay the total federal processing fees. You must pay this in Canadian dollars (CAD) using a credit card or a Canadian debit card. 💳 You will receive an official digital receipt, which must be attached to your final application package before you click the submit button.
Step 4: Submitting and Waiting for the Test
After submission, IRCC will review the family bundle to ensure it is complete. You will eventually receive an Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR). From there, the adult members of the family will be invited to take the Canadian citizenship test, while minors under 18 are generally exempt from the test and the language requirement.
How Much Does it Cost in Canada?
The total cost of applying for Canadian citizenship for a family of four is broken down into processing fees and the Right of Citizenship fee. Adult fees are significantly higher than minor fees. Here is the exact breakdown for May 2026:
- Adult Applicant (18 and older): The fee is $630 CAD per adult. This consists of a $530 processing fee and a $100 Right of Citizenship fee. For two adults, this totals $1,260 CAD.
- Minor Applicant (Under 18): The fee is $100 CAD per child. Minors do not pay the Right of Citizenship fee. For two minors, this totals $200 CAD.
- Lawyer Fees (Optional): If your case is complex or you have issues with your physical presence days, you may choose to hire a local law firm. Legal fees for a family citizenship application typically range from $1,500 to $3,500 CAD.
- Translation Services: If your original documents are not in English or French, certified Canadian translation services typically charge between $30 and $60 CAD per page.
| Applicant Type | Processing Fee (CAD) | Right of Citizenship Fee (CAD) | Total Cost (CAD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult #1 | $530 | $100 | $630 |
| Adult #2 | $530 | $100 | $630 |
| Minor #1 | $100 | $0 | $100 |
| Minor #2 | $100 | $0 | $100 |
How Long Does the Process Take?
The citizenship processing timeline can fluctuate based on IRCC's backlog. As of mid-2026, a standard, complete citizenship application takes roughly 10 to 15 months from the day you submit it online to the day you take the Oath of Citizenship. Bundling your family of four together means you will likely all be processed on the same timeline, allowing you to attend the oath ceremony as a family unit.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What happens to the fees if our citizenship application is refused?
If your application is refused by IRCC, the $530 processing fee for adults and the $100 processing fee for minors are non-refundable. However, the $100 Right of Citizenship fee (paid per adult) will be refunded to you.
Can I pay the IRCC fees with a standard personal cheque?
No. IRCC no longer accepts personal cheques or cash for online applications. You must pay the total amount using a valid credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express) or a Canadian debit card that is registered for online purchases.
Do we have to pay for biometrics for citizenship?
Generally, no. Biometrics (fingerprints and photos) are required when applying for Permanent Residence, but they are not a standard requirement for citizenship applications, meaning you save the $170 family biometric fee.
What if my 17-year-old child turns 18 during the application process?
The fee is determined by the applicant's age on the exact day the complete application is received by IRCC. If your child is 17 when you hit submit and pay the $100 CAD fee, they will be processed as a minor, even if they turn 18 while waiting.
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