Citizenship Application Fee: What To Expect in 2026

If you are a green card holder thinking about applying for U.S. citizenship, one of the first questions on your mind is probably what it will cost. The citizenship application fee has remained steady since April 2024, but a proposed federal rule published in June 2026 could nearly double it, and the window to file at today’s lower rate may not stay open much longer. Understanding what you owe right now, what financial relief is available, and what may change in the coming months can help you plan your next steps with confidence. Whether you need help preparing your Form N-400 or want a Citizenship & Naturalization Lawyer to review your eligibility before you file, Brooks Law Firm is here to walk you through it. Call (617) 245-8090 today to schedule a free consultation.

The naturalization process is managed by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), which sets the filing fees that fund application processing. Those fees cover everything from your background check to your interview and oath ceremony. Below, we break down exactly what you can expect to pay, who qualifies for reduced fees or waivers, and why filing sooner rather than later may matter more than usual this year.

How Much Is the N-400 Fee Right Now?

As of September 2026, the government filing fee for Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, depends on how you submit your application:

• Online filing: $710
• Paper filing (by mail): $760
• Reduced fee: $380 (for eligible lower-income applicants)
• Fee waiver: $0 (for applicants who qualify through Form I-912)
• Military applicants: $0 (current and former members of the armed forces filing under military naturalization statutes are exempt)

Since April 2024, USCIS has bundled the biometrics fee into the N-400 filing fee. That means you no longer pay a separate $85 for fingerprinting and photographs. The single fee covers your application review, biometrics collection, background check, interview scheduling, and oath ceremony.

It is also worth knowing that the 2025 reconciliation law (H.R.1, signed July 4, 2025) created new surcharges and fees for several other types of USCIS filings, including asylum applications, certain work permits, and Temporary Protected Status. However, those new charges do not apply to the N-400 naturalization filing fee. If you have heard about “new immigration fees” and wondered whether your citizenship application is affected, the answer, for now, is no.

These government fees are non-refundable. Even if USCIS denies your application or you withdraw it, the fee is not returned. Confirming the correct amount before you file, and double-checking your eligibility beforehand, can help you avoid losing that investment. You can always verify the current fee on the USCIS Fee Schedule (Form G-1055).

How Much Does Citizenship Cost Beyond the Filing Fee?

The N-400 fee is the largest single expense, but the total cost to become a U.S. citizen often includes additional costs that catch applicants off guard:

• Document translations: If your birth certificate, marriage certificate, or other supporting documents are not in English, you will need certified translations. Costs vary by language and provider.
• Passport photos: Some applicants need new passport-style photos, though USCIS typically takes your photo during the biometrics appointment.
• Travel to USCIS appointments: You may need to visit a USCIS Application Support Center for biometrics and then travel separately to a field office for your interview. For applicants in Massachusetts, the Boston USCIS Field Office handles most naturalization interviews.
• English and civics test preparation: USCIS provides free study materials online, but some applicants choose paid courses or tutoring, especially if English is not their first language.
• First U.S. passport: Once you become a citizen, you will likely want a passport. A first-time adult passport book costs $165 in 2026 ($130 application fee plus a $35 execution fee paid at the acceptance facility).
• Attorney fees: While some straightforward applications can be self-filed, working with an experienced immigration lawyer is strongly recommended if you have a criminal record, extended travel history, tax issues, or any prior immigration complications.

All told, a DIY naturalization application can run between $900 and $1,400 once you factor in the filing fee and extras. If you work with an attorney, total costs will be higher, but so is the level of preparation and the likelihood that your application is filed correctly the first time.

What Is the US Citizenship Fee for Reduced-Fee and Fee Waiver Applicants?

Not everyone has to pay the full US citizenship fee. USCIS has built two forms of financial relief into the naturalization process, at least for now.

Reduced Fee ($380)

If your household income is below 400% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, you may qualify to pay $380 instead of the full amount. You request this reduction directly on Part 10 of Form N-400 when you file by paper. The reduced fee option is not currently available for online filers, so applicants requesting it must submit a paper application.

Full Fee Waiver ($0)

If you meet certain financial criteria, you may qualify for a complete fee waiver through Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver. An approved waiver means you pay nothing for your citizenship application.

USCIS evaluates fee waiver requests based on three criteria. You only need to meet one:

• Means-tested benefit: You or a qualifying member of your household currently receives a means-tested public benefit, such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Medicaid, SNAP, or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).
• Income: Your documented annual household income is at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
• Financial hardship: Unexpected financial circumstances, such as a medical emergency, job loss, or other crisis, make you unable to pay, even if your income exceeds 150% of the poverty guidelines.

If you are filing with a fee waiver request, you must submit the paper version of Form N-400 along with Form I-912 and supporting documentation. Do not pay the filing fee if you are requesting a waiver; wait for USCIS to review your request first.

Important: You should not file both a reduced fee request and a fee waiver request at the same time. Choose the option that fits your financial situation.

USCIS Naturalization Fee Increase: What Is Being Proposed?

On June 23, 2026, the Department of Homeland Security published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that would significantly raise the cost of applying for citizenship. If finalized, the proposed changes would include:

• N-400 paper filing fee: Increase from $760 to $1,330 (a 75% increase)
• N-400 online filing fee: Increase from $710 to $1,280 (an 80% increase)
• N-336 (appeal of a naturalization denial) paper fee: Increase from $830 to $1,475
• N-336 online fee: Increase from $780 to $1,425
• Elimination of the $380 reduced fee for lower-income applicants
• Elimination of fee waivers for both N-400 and N-336 filings

Under the proposal, only active-duty military members and certain veterans would remain exempt from naturalization fees.

USCIS says the current fees do not recover the full cost of processing naturalization applications, and that raising them could reduce the need to increase fees on other immigration forms in the future. However, advocates and community organizations have raised concerns that eliminating fee waivers and nearly doubling the cost would create significant barriers for lower-income permanent residents seeking citizenship.

Where the Proposed Rule Stands Now

The 60-day public comment period closed on August 24, 2026. DHS is now reviewing the comments it received. After that review, the agency may finalize the rule as proposed, revise it, or decide not to move forward. There is no confirmed effective date for the increase at this time.

The current fees ($710 online, $760 paper) remain in effect until a final rule is published and takes effect. If you are considering filing your N-400, doing so while the current fee schedule is still active locks in the lower cost, as USCIS applies the fee that is in effect on the date it receives your application.

What Is the Naturalization Cost for Families?

When multiple family members are applying for citizenship at the same time, the naturalization cost adds up quickly. Each adult needs their own N-400 application and filing fee; there is no family rate or bundled discount.

For example, if two spouses are both eligible and file online together, that is $1,420 in government fees alone ($710 × 2) before translations, test prep, or attorney fees. Under the proposed rule, that same pair would pay $2,560 in filing fees.

One important note for parents: your children under 18 who are lawful permanent residents may automatically derive citizenship when you naturalize, provided they meet the requirements under the Child Citizenship Act. That means you may not need to file a separate N-400 for them. An attorney can help you determine whether your child qualifies.

Fee Waiver for Naturalization: Who Qualifies and How to Apply

Filing for a fee waiver for naturalization is a straightforward process, but it requires supporting documentation. Here is what to expect:

Step 1: Download Form I-912 from the USCIS website.

Step 2: Gather supporting documents. Depending on which basis you are claiming, this may include proof of your means-tested benefit (such as a benefit award letter showing your name, the granting agency, and the benefit), recent tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements, or a written explanation of financial hardship with supporting evidence such as medical bills or a termination letter.

Step 3: Submit Form I-912 with your paper Form N-400. One Form I-912 can cover multiple applications filed in the same package, but each individual requesting a waiver generally needs their own form.

Step 4: Wait for USCIS to process your waiver request. Do not pay the filing fee while a waiver is pending. If the waiver is denied, USCIS will notify you and you can then submit the fee to proceed.

Keep in mind that fee waivers are evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Not every request is approved, and incomplete documentation is one of the most common reasons for denial. If your financial situation is complicated, working with an attorney can help ensure your waiver request is properly documented.

If the proposed rule is finalized, fee waivers for naturalization would be eliminated entirely. That makes now a particularly important time to explore whether you qualify.

Who Is Eligible to Apply for U.S. Citizenship?

Before focusing on fees, it helps to confirm that you meet the basic eligibility requirements. In general, you may apply for naturalization if you:

• Are at least 18 years old
• Are a lawful permanent resident (green card holder)
• Have held your green card for at least 5 years (or 3 years if you obtained it through marriage to a U.S. citizen and have been married to and living with that citizen for the full 3 years)
• Have maintained continuous residence in the United States during that period
• Have been physically present in the U.S. for at least 30 months out of the last 5 years (or 18 months out of 3 years for the spouse-based track)
• Have lived in your USCIS district or state for at least 3 months before filing
• Can demonstrate good moral character during the statutory period
• Can pass the English language test (reading, writing, and speaking) and the U.S. civics test
• Are attached to the principles of the U.S. Constitution

You can file your N-400 up to 90 days before you meet the residency requirement. However, filing before you are truly eligible can create complications, so confirming your timeline with an attorney is a smart step, particularly if you have traveled extensively, have any criminal history, or have concerns about potential grounds for denial.

Why Filing Now May Be Worth Considering

With the proposed USCIS naturalization fee increase under review and the comment period now closed, the timeline for a final rule is uncertain. It could take several months for DHS to issue a final decision, but it could also happen faster than expected. Once a final rule is published, there will likely be a short window before it takes effect.

For green card holders who are already eligible or approaching eligibility, filing at the current fee locks in the lower cost. USCIS applies the fee schedule that is in effect on the date it receives your application, not the date it processes it. That said, filing before you are ready, or before gathering the right documentation, can slow down or complicate your case. Rushing an application to beat a deadline can backfire if eligibility issues surface during the review.

The best approach is to speak with an experienced naturalization attorney who can confirm your eligibility, review your travel history, check for any potential issues with good moral character, and help you file a complete application. If you received your green card through asylum or another humanitarian pathway, there may be additional considerations specific to your case.

How Brooks Law Firm Can Help With Your Citizenship Application

The naturalization process involves more than paying a fee and filling out a form. It requires accurate documentation, careful timing, and preparation for an interview with a USCIS officer. At Brooks Law Firm, our Massachusetts naturalization attorneys help clients through every step, from confirming eligibility and completing Form N-400, to gathering supporting documents, preparing for the English and civics tests, and addressing any legal issues that could affect the outcome.

You’ll also want to prepare for the civics test itself — see our guide to U.S. citizenship test questions and recent changes.

If you have questions about the citizenship application fee, whether you qualify for a fee waiver or reduced fee, or whether now is the right time to file, reach out to Brooks Law Firm today for a free consultation. Our team speaks English, Spanish, and Portuguese, and we are ready to give you an honest assessment of where you stand. Call (617) 245-8090.