Filing Form N-400, the Application for Naturalization, currently costs $710 if you file online or $760 if you file by paper. This single payment covers both your application review and your biometrics appointment — USCIS combined these into one fee in 2024, so you no longer pay a separate biometrics charge.
Do You Qualify for a Reduced Fee or Waiver?
USCIS offers two ways to pay less than the standard fee:
- Reduced fee ($380): available if your household income is between 150% and 400% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. You'll need to file by paper and include income documentation — reduced fees aren't available for online filing.
- Full fee waiver ($0): available if your household income is at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. This requires filing Form I-912 along with your N-400, plus supporting documents like tax transcripts or proof of public benefits.
- Military applicants: current and former service members who meet eligibility requirements can qualify for a $0 filing fee.
How to Pay
As of October 2025, USCIS no longer accepts personal checks or money orders. You'll need to pay by:
- Credit or debit card (Form G-1450), or
- Direct bank transfer / ACH (Form G-1650)
A Proposed Fee Increase Is on the Table
In June 2026, the Department of Homeland Security proposed raising the paper N-400 fee to $1,330 — a 75% increase — and eliminating reduced fees and waivers altogether. This is not yet in effect; it's open for public comment through late August 2026. We'll update this page if and when the rule is finalized, so check back before you file if your budget depends on the reduced-fee or waiver options.
Budgeting Beyond the Filing Fee
The USCIS fee is just the floor. Depending on your situation, you may also need to budget for:
- Certified translations of foreign-language documents ($20–$50/page)
- Passport-style photos
- Travel to your biometrics appointment and interview
- Legal review, if you choose to work with an immigration attorney ($500–$2,500 for straightforward cases)