Citizenship Application Fee (N-400): Current Cost, Waivers and the Proposed Increase

Important: this page tracks a changing rule. The figures below were verified against the Federal Register and other sources on October 21, 2026. Before you file, confirm the current amount on the USCIS fee calculator, because paying the wrong fee gets your application rejected.

The N-400 fee today

These amounts took effect on April 1, 2024. The fee covers the application, the biometrics appointment (fingerprints and photo), and the interview and testing. It does not include the cost of an attorney, translations, or medical forms. The fee is not refundable, even if your application is denied.

The 2026 proposal: what it says

On June 23, 2026, the Department of Homeland Security published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in the Federal Register (Vol. 91, No. 119). Here is what it proposes:

DHS's reasoning. The notice says the current fees "do not recover the full cost" of processing these requests, including screening and vetting, and that DHS "no longer believes naturalization benefit requests should get lower fees." It relies on the beneficiary-pays principle: the person who receives a benefit should cover its cost.

Reaction. Immigrant-rights groups, legal-services organizations and some members of Congress have criticized the plan, arguing that it will put citizenship out of reach for many eligible residents. The public comment period closed on August 24, 2026.

Is it in effect?

A proposed rule is not law. Under the process, DHS reviews comments and then may publish a final rule, revise its proposal, or drop it. A final rule normally comes with an effective date. When we last reviewed this page on October 21, 2026, we had not found confirmation that a final rule had been published. Check these sources for the latest:

• the USCIS filing fees page and fee calculator
• the Federal Register (search "naturalization fee")
• the New Americans Campaign update page

What this means for your timing

We cannot tell you when to file. Some points to weigh with an attorney or accredited representative:

• If you already qualify, the current fees and waiver options apply to applications filed while they are in force.
• If you are not yet eligible, do not rush. A premature application is a lost fee, and USCIS fees are non-refundable. Read the eligibility requirements first.
• If you depend on a waiver or reduced fee, talk to a legal-aid provider about your options now.

Who qualifies for a fee waiver or reduced fee today?

Fee waiver ($0). You must meet one of these conditions when you file:

1. Someone in your household (you, your spouse or the household head) receives a means-tested benefit such as Medicaid, SNAP, TANF or SSI.
2. Your household income is at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
3. You face financial hardship, such as large unexpected medical bills or an emergency.

To request a waiver, file Form I-912 (or a signed letter with the required evidence) with a paper N-400.

Reduced fee ($380). Your household income must be above 150% but not more than 400% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines when you file. The request is made on the N-400 itself; follow the form instructions for the exact section and the documents to include.

How household size and income are counted. Household size includes you, your spouse, your children under 21, anyone else you claim as a dependent for federal tax purposes, and certain other relatives under USCIS's definition. Household income is what the members of that household earned in a year. The poverty guidelines are updated every year, so use the current USCIS chart or fee calculator instead of an old table.

How to pay

• Online: the system guides you through payment (card or bank withdrawal).
• By mail: include a payment method as listed on the form instructions. USCIS has been moving away from paper checks, and accepted payment types have changed, so check the current instructions. Card payments by mail have used Form G-1450.
• Declined or wrong payment: USCIS will reject your application. Double-check the amount, and use one payment method if you file several forms together.

Other costs to plan for

• Legal help. Charges vary, but free and low-cost services exist (see below).
• Translations. Documents not in English need a certified translation.
• Medical form (N-648) if you seek a disability exception, which may involve a doctor's fee. See test exceptions.
• Photos, copies and mailing.
• After you naturalize: passport fees, and Form N-600 if you want a certificate of citizenship for your children.

Help paying

• Nonprofit organizations and legal-aid groups, often free or low-cost, can help you complete the form and check for waiver eligibility.
• Some nonprofits and credit unions offer low-interest or zero-interest citizenship loans.
• Citizenshipworks and the New Americans Campaign list free help and screening tools.

Sources and further reading

• Federal Register, Vol. 91, No. 119 (June 23, 2026), USCIS fee schedule proposed rule, document 2026-12542
• USCIS, Filing fees and Fee Calculator
• USCIS, Form N-400, Form I-912, Form G-1450
• New Americans Campaign, USCIS naturalization fee change proposal
• Citizenshipworks

This page is general information, not legal advice, and fee rules can change at any time. Always confirm the current fee with USCIS before filing. We are not affiliated with USCIS or any government agency. Last reviewed October 21, 2026.