Citizenship Test Cost & Fees in Canada (2026 Breakdown)
Quick Answer
The citizenship test itself has no separate fee — it's included in the $630 CAD adult citizenship application fee ($530 processing fee + $100 right of citizenship fee). There are no additional fees for taking the test, retaking the test, or attending the oath ceremony. The only other cost is the $70 fee for minors (under 18).
How Much Does Canadian Citizenship Cost?
Good news: the citizenship test has no separate fee. Here's the complete breakdown of what you'll pay.
Fee Breakdown
Adult (18+)
| Fee | Amount | When Paid |
|---|---|---|
| **Processing fee** | $530 | With your application |
| **Right of citizenship fee** | $100 | After approval |
| **Total** | **$630** | — |
Minor (Under 18)
| Fee | Amount | When Paid |
|---|---|---|
| **Processing fee** | $100 | With the application |
| **Right of citizenship fee** | $0 | Waived for minors |
| **Total** | **$100** | — |
Family of Four (2 adults + 2 children under 18)
| Applicant | Fee |
|---|---|
| Adult 1 | $630 |
| Adult 2 | $630 |
| Child 1 | $100 |
| Child 2 | $100 |
| **Family total** | **$1,460** |
What's Included in the Fee
Your $630 covers the entire citizenship process: - ✅ Application processing and background check - ✅ Citizenship test - ✅ Test retake (if needed) - ✅ Citizenship judge hearing (if needed after two failed tests) - ✅ Oath ceremony - ✅ Citizenship certificate
What's NOT Included
Some related costs you might incur (but aren't IRCC fees):
| Item | Estimated Cost | Required? |
|---|---|---|
| Passport photos | $10–20 | Yes (for application) |
| Document translation | $30–100/doc | Only if documents aren't in English/French |
| Transportation to test | Varies | Yes (you need to get there) |
| Passport application | $160 (adult) | Optional (after citizenship) |
| Study materials | **$0** | Free — Discover Canada is free |
| Practice test apps | **$0** | Free options available |
Free Study Resources
You do NOT need to spend money on study materials:
Free from IRCC
- Discover Canada PDF — free download
- Printed study guide — free by mail on request
- Practice questions — available on the IRCC website
Free Online Tools
- CitizenApp — free practice tests, study mode, AI tutor
- Public library resources — many libraries offer free citizenship prep
- Settlement agency classes — free study groups for newcomers
Payment Methods
IRCC accepts the following payment methods for the citizenship fee: - Credit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express) - Debit card (Interac) - Prepaid credit card - Payment through a third party (if applying by mail)
Refund Policy
| Scenario | Processing Fee ($530) | Right of Citizenship ($100) |
|---|---|---|
| Application refused | ❌ Not refunded | ✅ Refunded |
| Application withdrawn | ❌ Not refunded | ✅ Refunded (if not yet granted) |
| Application approved | ❌ N/A | ❌ Not refunded |
| Overpayment | ✅ Difference refunded | ✅ Difference refunded |
Compare: Citizenship Costs Around the World
| Country | Citizenship Application Fee |
|---|---|
| **Canada** | $630 CAD (~$460 USD) |
| **United States** | $725 USD (~$990 CAD) |
| **United Kingdom** | £1,580 GBP (~$2,700 CAD) |
| **Australia** | Free (0 AUD) |
| **Germany** | €255 EUR (~$380 CAD) |
Canada's fee is moderate compared to other developed nations. The UK is significantly more expensive, while Australia doesn't charge for citizenship applications.
Tips to Minimize Costs
- Apply online — saves postage and processing is faster
- Take your own passport photos — some apps let you take valid photos at home
- Use free study materials — don't buy prep books when the official guide is free
- Study with free apps — CitizenApp offers free practice tests
- Apply when ready — a complete application avoids resubmission fees (postage, photos)
Don't risk failing
92% of CitizenApp users pass on their first try
Reapplying after a failed test costs $630 and months of waiting.
Test Your Knowledge
What is the total fee for an adult Canadian citizenship application?
Key Facts
- Total adult fee: $630 CAD ($530 processing + $100 right of citizenship)
- Minor (under 18) fee: $100 CAD
- No separate fee for the test itself
- No fee for retaking the test if you fail
- No fee for the oath ceremony
- Study materials (Discover Canada) are free
- Fee is non-refundable if your application is refused
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the citizenship test cost?
There is no separate fee for the citizenship test — it is included in the $630 adult citizenship application fee. This covers the entire process: application review, the test, and the oath ceremony.
What is the breakdown of the $630 fee?
The $630 consists of two parts: $530 for the processing fee (to review your application) and $100 for the right of citizenship fee (charged after you're approved). If your application is refused, the $100 right of citizenship fee is refunded, but the $530 processing fee is not.
Do I have to pay again if I fail the test?
No. If you fail the citizenship test, IRCC schedules a retake at no additional cost. You also don't pay extra for a hearing with a citizenship judge if needed after two failed attempts.
How much does it cost for children?
The citizenship application fee for minors (under 18) is $100 CAD. Children under 18 do not take the citizenship test, so there is no test fee. A parent or legal guardian must apply on their behalf.
Are there any hidden fees?
No hidden fees from IRCC. However, you might choose to spend money on: passport photos for your application ($10–20), document translation if needed ($30–100 per document), or transportation to the test centre. None of these are required by IRCC.
Can I get a fee waiver?
IRCC does not currently offer fee waivers for the citizenship application. However, the $100 right of citizenship fee is waived for protected persons and certain minors. Some community organizations offer assistance to low-income applicants.
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