Costs Involved in the U.S. Citizenship Application Process

This guide explains current U.S. citizenship application costs, possible additional expenses you may incur and ways to reduce what you pay. 

Unless you qualify for a fee waiver, you can expect to pay a USCIS application fee. You’ll likely need to work with people who can assist you through the process, and that can add to the cost. But don’t worry. We understand you may have real concerns about costs and OPA is here to help.

How much does the USCIS Citizenship form N-400 Cost?

Filing costs vary based on individual circumstances, including filing method and eligibility for reduced fees, waivers, or exemptions. Any optional services, such as legal assistance, document preparation, or translation, are separate from the filing fee.

As of September 2026, the filing fee for Form N-400, Application for Naturalization online is $710 or $760 by mail. Some applicants may qualify for a $380 reduced fee or a full fee waiver; more information about eligibility requirements can be found on the USCIS website. 

N-400 Application Fees for Citizenship Range from $380-$760

Biometric fees are now included in the N-400 application fee. 

Confirm Your Exact Fee with the Official USCIS Fee Calculator.
 

If you are in one of the following categories, your costs can be reduced or eliminated:

• If your documented annual household income is not more than 400% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines and you submit supporting documentation with your N-400 application, you may qualify for a fee reduction to $380. 
• Current and former U.S. military service members applying under INA sections 328 or 329 do not have to pay a filing fee. 
• If you apply for and receive a fee waiver, your application is free.

Are you helping your family members become U.S. citizens, too? That’s great! Some children under 18 may automatically become U.S. citizens when their parent naturalizes, without needing to file an N-400 application. Just be aware, each member of your household, age 18 or older, also seeking citizenship needs to file a separate application and pay a separate fee based on that individual’s status. 

Do I Qualify for a Fee Reduction or Waiver?

It may be possible to have your citizenship application cost reduced or eliminated. Here’s what you need to know:

U.S. Citizenship Application Fee Reduction

To apply for a fee reduction, you need to use the N-400 form* (download from USCIS) and submit a paper application. As of April 1st, 2024, online fee reduction processing is not yet available. Be sure to fill out part 10 of the new N-400 form and provide all supporting material requested. To qualify, you must demonstrate that your total annual household income is no more than 400% of Federal Poverty Guidelines. If you meet the qualifications, send the $380 fee with your completed N-400 form, along with any supporting documentation. 

If your application is denied, the reduced fee payment you sent will be returned along with your N-400 application. You’ll be instructed to resubmit the N-400 application with the full fee applicable for the method of your re-submission - either online or mail. 

Check to see if you qualify.

U.S. Citizenship Application Fee Waiver

Receiving approval for a fee waiver is more common than you think. On average 80% of all USCIS fee waiver requests are approved. On an annual basis, close to 20% of all citizenship applicants receive an approved fee waiver.

To apply for a fee waiver, you need to file Form I-912 by mail  (download from USCIS) with supporting material and your Form N-400. To qualify, you must demonstrate that your total annual household income is at or below 150% of Federal Poverty Guidelines or that you have a significant financial hardship, such as medical expenses, unemployment or you receive a means-tested benefit. See USCIS site for examples of means-tested benefits. 

Check to see if you qualify for a fee waiver.

Including a fee waiver or reduction request in your application can add up to several months to the USCIS processing time and if rejected, you will have to reapply and start from the beginning. If saving time is important to you, you may want to consider using a low-interest loan as a way to pay the fees. We highly encourage those on the path to citizenship to consult a local nonprofit immigration service for assistance in applying for either a fee reduction or waiver.

Additional Citizenship Application Costs

Beyond the USCIS filing fee, you may incur additional costs related to preparing and submitting your citizenship application. Depending on your situation, these expenses can range from $0 to $2,000+, though many applicants spend much less by using free community resources. 

Potential costs include: 

• Translation services  
• Passport photos (if needed) 
• Travel costs for biometrics appointment and citizenship interview
• English or civics preparation classes 
• Legal assistance 
• Lost-document replacement fees 
• Application preparation support
   

5 Ways to Save on Citizenship Costs

We know costs can add up. Here are five ways that may help you reduce your U.S. citizenship application expenses.  

1. File Form N-400 Online instead of by Mail 

Filing your Form N-400 online saves $50 compared to filing by mail. You'll also avoid printing, copying, and shipping costs. Plus, filing online makes it easier to track your case and receive updates from USCIS. 

Keep in mind: If you qualify for a reduced fee or fee waiver, you'll need to submit a paper application along with paper Form 1-912. 

2. Check Whether You Qualify for a Reduced Fee 

Many applicants qualify for a reduced filing fee but don't realize it. If your documented household income is at or below 400% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, you may be eligible to pay a reduced fee instead of the full application cost. 

Before applying, review the USCIS requirements carefully to determine whether you qualify. You must file a paper Form N-400 to request the reduced fee. Reduced-fee requests cannot currently be filed online. 

For more information, read “Am I Eligible for Citizenship Fee Waiver or Reduction?” 

3. Apply for a Fee Waiver 

Some applicants may be eligible to have their citizenship application fee waived entirely. Under the USCIS fee-waiver eligibility requirements, you may qualify if your household income is at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, you receive a qualifying means-tested benefit or you can demonstrate extreme financial hardship. Fee-waiver requests must be submitted with a paper Form N-400. 

If you're struggling to afford the application fee, don't assume citizenship is out of reach. Review the eligibility requirements to see whether a fee waiver may be available to you. 

Resources: 

• USCIS Form I-912 (Fee Waiver) 
• USCIS Fee Waiver Guidance 

As of September 2026, USCIS is still accepting applications for Form N-400 fee reductions and fee waivers. This may change in the future.  

4. Use Free Community Organizations 

One of the most expensive mistakes an applicant can make is submitting an incomplete or inaccurate application. Errors can lead to delays, requests for additional evidence, or even having to restart parts of the process.  

You don't have to navigate the citizenship process alone. Many nonprofit organizations provide free or low-cost application assistance, legal support, citizenship classes, and interview preparation. 

Citizenshipworks is a free resource that helps applicants complete their Form N-400 and connect with trusted nonprofit legal support.  
FindHelp.org is a useful tool that allows you to search by ZIP code for immigration and citizenship resources in your area. 

The Department of Justice (DOJ) maintains a nationwide directory of accredited organizations and representatives authorized to provide immigration services. Working with an accredited provider can help you avoid costly mistakes and immigration scams. 

5. Explore Financing Options 

If you don't qualify for a reduced fee or fee waiver, financing options may help make citizenship more affordable. Rather than delaying your citizenship application, consider programs that allow you to spread costs over time through manageable monthly payments. 

Before choosing a financing option, compare its interest rate, fees and repayment terms. Learn more about the different options for financing U.S. citizenship application fees 
 
OPA’s 1% interest loan can help qualified applicants cover USCIS citizenship application fees and repay the cost over 12 months. OPA loans are subject to approval and eligibility requirements. 

Learn more about OPA’s 1% interest loan for USCIS citizenship application fees 

Trusted Resource: Consider an all-in-one application prep service.  

If you'd like personalized support, consider working with a trusted service that combines application preparation with legal review.  

OPA recommends Alvva, an all-in-one citizenship preparation service. For a flat fee, Alvva provides personalized application support and a final review by an independent immigration attorney before submission. 

Frequently Asked Questions  

 How much does it cost to become a U.S. citizen in 2026? 
As of September 2026, filing Form N-400 costs $710 online or $760 by mail. Eligible applicants may qualify for a reduced fee of $380 or a full fee waiver. 

Is it cheaper to file Form N-400 online? 
Yes. Filing Form N-400 online saves $50 compared with filing by mail. However, applicants requesting a reduced fee or fee waiver must submit a paper application. 

 
Is the biometrics fee included in the citizenship application fee? 
Yes. Biometrics services are included in the Form N-400 filing fee. There is no separate biometrics fee. 

How can I qualify for a fee reduction or waiver in my US citizenship application? 
Applicants with household income greater than 150% but not more than 400% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines may qualify for the $380 reduced fee. Applicants may qualify for a full fee waiver based on income, receipt of a qualifying means-tested benefit or extreme financial hardship. Both requests require a paper Form N-400 and supporting documentation. Learn more about citizenship fee reductions and waivers. 

What additional costs should I consider when applying for U.S. citizenship? 
Additional expenses may include application-preparation assistance, legal review, translation or document-replacement services, citizenship classes and travel to appointments. Free or low-cost community resources may help reduce these expenses. 
 
Are U.S. citizenship application fees increasing in 2026? 
The Department of Homeland Security proposed increasing Form N-400 fees in June 2026, but the changes are not yet final. As of September 2026, the current fees remain $710 for online applications and $760 for paper applications. Review the current USCIS filing fees before applying. 

Sources & References 

1. USCIS Form N-400, Application for Naturalization: Current filing fees, filing options and Form N-400 instructions. 
2. USCIS Fee Schedule, Form G-1055: Official fee schedule showing the standard, reduced and exempt Form N-400 filing categories. 
3. USCIS Filing Fees: Current USCIS filing-fee and payment guidance. 
4. USCIS Reduced-Fee Request Guidance: Income requirements, documentation and filing instructions for requesting the $380 reduced Form N-400 fee. 
5. USCIS Fee-Waiver Eligibility Requirements: Eligibility and filing instructions for requesting a full fee waiver. 
6. USCIS Poverty Guidelines: Household-income amounts used for USCIS reduced-fee and fee-waiver requests. 
7. USCIS Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver: The official form and instructions for requesting a USCIS fee waiver. 
8. USCIS Military Naturalization Guidance: Form N-400 fee exemptions for qualifying applicants filing based on military service under INA sections 328 or 329. 
9. USCIS Automatic Acquisition of Citizenship After Birth: Requirements under which certain children may automatically acquire citizenship after a parent naturalizes. 
10. Federal Register: Naturalization Application Fee Adjustments: The proposed 2026 changes to Form N-400 filing fees, reduced fees and fee waivers.