Citizenship Visa Cost Calculator 2028
Citizenship visa costs in 2028: mandatory IRCC fees, attorney costs and hidden expenses. Calculate your total.
Applying for a Citizenship visa in 2028? Don't get surprised by hidden fees. This calculator shows every mandatory and optional cost — IRCC filing fees, attorney fees, and extras like biometrics and premium processing — so you know the real total before you apply.
Mandatory IRCC fees for the Citizenship
These are the fees you cannot avoid when filing a Citizenship application in 2028.
| Fee | Amount | Notes | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult citizenship grant fee | CA$653 | Includes C$530 processing fee and C$123 right of citizenship (effective 31 Mar 2026). | Official ↗ |
Source: IRCC Fee List. Fees change — verify before filing. Last full data review: August 2026. See our methodology.
Optional costs
Attorney fees
CA$1,950 – CA$5,200 in Toronto. Typical cities: Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Calgary.
Premium processing
Not available for this route.
Medical exam
CA$150 – CA$350 — Panel physician exam, cost varies by country and clinic.
Translation services
CA$40 – CA$150 — Certified translations of documents not in English/French.
How to apply for the Citizenship
- 1
Confirm eligibility
Physical presence of at least 1,095 days (3 years) within the 5 years before applying, plus tax filing compliance where required.
- 2
Complete the application
Online or paper, with supporting documents, language proof, and photos.
- 3
Submit and respond to requests
Pay fees; respond promptly to any request for additional documents, a test, or an interview.
- 4
Take the Oath of Citizenship
At a ceremony, to complete the process.
Typical processing time: As of early-to-mid 2026, adult grant applications average roughly 14–17 months, with the oath ceremony adding another 2–4 months.
Documents you'll need
- PR card and passport(s)
- Proof of physical presence (travel history, entry/exit records)
- Income tax filing proof (Notices of Assessment)
- Language proficiency proof, for applicants 18–54
- Four passport-style ID photos
Common mistakes to avoid
- Failing to meet the 1,095-day physical presence requirement — the most common refusal reason
- Submitting incomplete or incorrect-format documentation
- Unresolved tax filing obligations or unpaid taxes
- Missing response deadlines to IRCC document requests
Sources: canada.ca — Canadian citizenship
Cost breakdown by scenario
| Scenario | Includes | Total estimated cost |
|---|---|---|
| A — Solo, no attorney | Mandatory government fees only | CA$653 |
| B — With attorney | Government fees + attorney, no premium | CA$2,603 – CA$5,853 |
| C — Attorney + premium + dependents | Everything included | CA$2,758 – CA$6,368 |
How to save money on your Citizenship
- File without an attorney if your case is straightforward — you can cut CA$1,950–CA$5,200.
- Skip premium processing unless you genuinely need a fast decision.
- Prepare documents yourself to avoid translation and document-prep fees.
- Double-check every fee on the IRCC website so you never overpay a third party.
Citizenship cost FAQ (2028)
How much does a Citizenship visa cost in 2028?
The total estimated cost of a Citizenship visa in 2028 ranges from about C$2,603 to C$6,368, depending on whether you use an attorney, pay for premium processing, and include dependents.
What is the Citizenship application fee?
The government application fee varies by visa and year. IRCC publishes the current schedule, and this calculator itemises every mandatory fee with a link to the official source.
How much do immigration lawyers charge for a Citizenship visa?
Attorney fees typically add C$2,000–C$5,000 depending on the city and case complexity. The calculator lets you toggle attorney costs on or off to compare.
Can I apply for a Citizenship visa without a lawyer?
Yes. Many applicants file without a lawyer and only pay the mandatory government fees. An attorney is optional but can reduce the risk of costly mistakes.
What hidden costs should I budget for?
Beyond the filing fee, budget for biometrics, medical examinations, certified translations, and premium processing if you need a faster decision.
Is premium processing available for a Citizenship visa?
Premium or priority processing is available for many routes for an extra fee, but not all. Check the calculator's options and the IRCC website for eligibility.
Do I have to pay extra for dependents?
Yes — each dependent usually requires an additional application fee and, in some countries, a health surcharge. Toggle the dependents option to include them.
Are visa fees refundable if my application is refused?
In most cases government application fees are not refunded if the application is refused. Always verify current policy with IRCC before paying.
How often do IRCC fees change?
Fee schedules are reviewed periodically and can change each year. This calculator is updated from official sources, but confirm the current fee before you file.
What is the cheapest way to apply for a Citizenship visa?
Applying without an attorney, without premium processing, and without dependents keeps you at the low end of the cost range — usually just the mandatory government fees.
Use the calculator above for your specific case
Get an instant total and download a free PDF report.