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.