Welcome to the Guberman // Appleby Immigration Update. We hope you find the information provided relevant to your immigration needs. Our objective is to highlight recent updates in immigration that are of interest to our readers. If you have questions about how these changes impact you, we invite you to contact our US immigration lawyers for tailored guidance.
Today’s topic:
Reduction in Fee for Renunciation of US Citizenship
On March 13, 2026, the US Department of State (DOS) reduced the fee for renouncing US citizenship. Previously coming in at an eye-popping $2350 USD, the new fee is only $450 USD. The DOS stated that the reduction in fee to $450 is in response to public concerns and the tax-difficulties of US nationals abroad. This also brings the fee more in line with other US citizens services provided by US consulates around the world.
For many dual citizens of the US, renunciation of Canadian citizenship is now more affordable. People have a lot of reasons for renouncing citizenship. Some people are citizens by birth to US citizen parents but they themselves do not feel ties to the US. Others find it onerous to continually file US tax returns, as the US is one of the only countries that taxes based on citizenship as opposed to residence.
Relinquishing US nationality abroad is a multi-step, irrevocable process that is generally completed outside the US. It involves acknowledging the consequences of the action, at least two interviews with US consular personnel, completing forms, and providing multiple items of documentation. It also involves a fee. Upon successful completion of the process, a Certificate of Loss of Nationality (CLN) is issued by the US Department of State, often several months after completion of the interviews.
Because the process is irrevocable, it is important to understand all of the ramifications. Those who relinquish US citizenship are unable to work and reside in the US without authorization, and they do not pass US citizenship to their children. In short, they lose all the rights and privileges of a US citizen. In addition, it is important to contact a tax professional for advice, as some people may face an expatriation tax.
The reduction in fee raises the issue of whether more people will seek to renounce their US citizenship. For Canadians, the wait times may become untenable. Wait times across Canada are already very high, so high that Canadians have the option of flying to the US Consulate in Buenos Aires, Argentina to renounce their citizenship more expediently. In our experience, wait times in Toronto are approximately two years. One can only imagine that a reduction of fee of over 80% may increase demand and possibly drive up wait times.
Guberman//Appleby Immigration Lawyers will continue to advocate for our clients’ choices regarding their nationality and advise them of their options.
// CONTACT US
We welcome you to contact us directly to discuss the above. Please contact one of our Toronto immigration lawyers, at 416-548-7100 or via email info@gaimmlaw.com. We are always available to discuss any of your specific Canadian or US immigration queries. We look forward to hearing from you.
