In the world of immigration, $75 gets you almost nothing. A US passport renewal costs $130. A green card application costs $1,225. Hiring an immigration lawyer can cost $5,000–$15,000.
But if you qualify for Canadian citizenship by descent under Bill C-3, the government fee for a citizenship certificate is just $75 CAD (approximately $55 USD).
What $75 Gets You
For that fee, you receive:
A Canadian Citizenship Certificate — Official government document proving you are a Canadian citizen. This is not a temporary status or a visa. It's permanent, irrevocable citizenship.
The Right to a Canadian Passport — Once you have your citizenship certificate, you can apply for a Canadian passport. Canada's passport provides visa-free access to over 185 countries — ranking among the most powerful passports in the world.
The Right to Live and Work in Canada — No visa required, no work permit needed, no time limit. You can move to Canada tomorrow and stay forever.
Access to Canadian Healthcare — Once you establish residency in a province (typically 3 months), you're covered by Canada's universal healthcare system.
Voting Rights — You can vote in Canadian federal, provincial, and municipal elections.
A Backup Plan — Many Americans are applying for dual citizenship as insurance. Your US citizenship is not affected — both countries allow dual citizenship.
The Real Costs
While the government fee is just $75, there are other costs to factor in:
- Document ordering: $25–$75 per birth or marriage certificate from Canadian provinces. Most applicants need 3-5 certificates, so budget $75–$375.
- Citizenship photos: $15–$30 at a local pharmacy or photo shop.
- Postage: $15–$25 for tracked international mail to IRCC.
- MaplePass preparation service: $199 for AI-guided form filling, document verification, and a complete application package.
Total realistic cost: $300–$600 — compare that to the $2,000–$5,000 that immigration consultants charge for the same application.
What About the Time Cost?
Building your application through MaplePass takes about 20 minutes. The most time-consuming part is gathering documents — budget 4-8 weeks for provincial certificates to arrive.
After you submit to IRCC, processing takes approximately 11 months. It's a long wait, but it's a one-time process for permanent citizenship.
Is It Worth It?
Consider what you're getting for under $600: permanent citizenship in a G7 country, one of the world's most powerful passports, the right to live and work in a country with universal healthcare, and a backup plan for an uncertain future.
The question isn't whether it's worth it — it's why you haven't started yet.