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The Federal Government is reducing the citizenship fee applications for minors applying without a parent (under the new rule of Citizenship Act). It has been lowered from $530 to $100. This follows a legislative amendment that removed the requirement to be 18 years old to apply for citizenship as of last June. It also brings the fee into line with the processing fees for minors applying with a parent.
Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced on Tuesday and also said that:
“We encourage all immigrants, including those under 18 years of age, to take the path to Canadian citizenship and benefit from permanently belonging in Canadian society,” he said. “We are pleased that these fee changes will further facilitate access to citizenship for minors and reduce the financial burden for potentially vulnerable children.”
Those who applied and already paid the $530 fee for a minor applying under subsection 5(1) on or after June 19, 2017, will be reimbursed the difference of $430. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will contact these applicants directly to get a refund.
Minors who do not have a Canadian parent, or a permanent resident parent applying for citizenship at the same time as them, can apply for citizenship under subsection 5(1) of the Citizenship Act. Therefore, the reduction in citizenship fees will help more minors, including immigrant children in the child welfare system or in the care of the state, acquire Canadian citizenship.
The department will be engaging provinces and territories, childcare agencies, immigration service provider organizations and other stakeholders to raise awareness of this change. The department will also provide information on how these institutions can assist minors in their care to acquire citizenship.
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