Current USCIS Filing Fee for Form N-400
The standard Form N-400 filing fee in 2026 is $710 when filed online or $760 when filed on paper. Qualifying applicants may pay a reduced fee of $380, receive an approved fee waiver and pay $0, or qualify for a $0 military filing fee under applicable naturalization provisions.
USCIS does not charge a separate biometrics fee for Form N-400.
| Form N-400 filing option | Current 2026 fee | Filing method |
|---|---|---|
| Standard N-400 | $710 | Online |
| Standard N-400 | $760 | Paper |
| Reduced-fee N-400 | $380 | Paper only |
| Approved fee waiver | $0 | Paper only |
| Qualifying military filing under INA 328/329 | $0 | As permitted by USCIS |
Source: USCIS Form G-1055, Fee Schedule. Last verified September 10, 2026.
The amount you pay depends on how you file and whether you qualify for a reduced fee, fee waiver, or military fee exemption. Optional expenses such as legal assistance or document translation are separate from the USCIS filing fee.
Before applying, confirm your citizenship eligibility and the filing option that applies to your situation.
September 2026 Update: Proposed N-400 Fee Changes
DHS proposed changes to Form N-400 and Form N-336 filing fees in June 2026. The public-comment period closed August 24, 2026, but the proposed fees have not taken effect.
As of September 10, 2026, applicants should continue using the current USCIS fees: $710 for an online N-400 filing, $760 for a paper filing, and $380 for an eligible reduced-fee filing.
The proposal would increase standard N-400 fees and eliminate the reduced-fee option and N-400 fee waivers if a final rule adopts those provisions. Qualifying military applicants would remain exempt.
Status: Proposed rule — not currently effective.
Current Fees vs Proposed Changes
| Category | Current | Proposed |
|---|---|---|
| Online Filing | $710 | $1,280 |
| Paper Filing | $760 | $1,330 |
| Reduced Fee | Available | Proposed removal |
| Fee Waiver | Available | Proposed removal |
The proposed fees are not currently in effect. Applicants should continue using the current USCIS fee schedule unless DHS publishes a final rule with an effective date.
Source: DHS, Naturalization Application Fee Adjustments, Federal Register, June 23, 2026. Public comment closed August 24, 2026.
Current N-400 Fees Are Still in Effect: DHS has proposed higher naturalization fees, but they are not yet effective. If you are eligible and ready to file, you can prepare your Form N-400 under the current fee schedule.
Important USCIS Fee Rules
Before filing Form N-400:
- Reduced-fee and fee-waiver N-400 applications must be filed on paper.
- Standard applicants may file online when eligible and receive the lower $710 filing fee.
- There is no separate N-400 biometrics fee.
- USCIS may reject a filing submitted with an incorrect fee.
- USCIS filing fees are generally non-refundable after USCIS accepts and processes the payment, including when an application is later denied or withdrawn.
- Always verify the current Form N-400 fee before submitting your application.
How Much Does It Cost a Green Card Holder to Become a U.S. Citizen?
An eligible Green Card holder generally pays the same Form N-400 filing fee as other naturalization applicants: $710 online or $760 on paper. There is no separate citizenship fee for Green Card holders. Applicants who qualify may pay the $380 reduced fee, receive a $0 fee waiver, or qualify for a military fee exemption.
Real Total Cost of U.S. Citizenship (2026): Filing Fees and Additional Expenses
The USCIS filing fee is the main required government cost for most Form N-400 applicants. Other expenses depend on your individual situation and the services you choose to use.
| Cost | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Form N-400 filing fee | $710 online or $760 paper |
| Reduced N-400 fee | $380 if eligible |
| Approved fee waiver | $0 |
| Biometrics | No separate N-400 fee |
| Legal assistance | Optional; provider fees vary |
| Document translation | Only when needed; provider fees vary |
| Citizenship study materials | Free USCIS materials are available; paid resources are optional |
| Form N-648 medical professional | No separate USCIS N-648 filing fee; medical-provider charges may vary |
For many applicants, the required government cost is simply the applicable Form N-400 filing fee. Optional professional or document-preparation expenses vary and are not set by USCIS.
Additional Costs: Form N-336 (If Your Citizenship Application Is Denied)
If your citizenship application is denied, you may be able to request a hearing by filing Form N-336, Request for a Hearing on a Decision in Naturalization Proceedings.
The current N-336 fee is $780 online or $830 on paper. A fee waiver may be available under current USCIS rules, and qualifying military naturalization cases have a $0 filing category.
DHS has proposed increasing N-336 fees to $1,425 online and $1,475 on paper, but those proposed amounts are not currently effective.
Not every N-400 denial requires an N-336 filing; the appropriate next step depends on the reason for the decision.
Who Can Apply for U.S. Citizenship for Free?
Some Form N-400 applicants may pay $0, but there are two different paths:
Fee waiver: You may request a fee waiver if you meet USCIS criteria based on a qualifying means-tested benefit, household income at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, or extreme financial hardship.
Military fee exemption: Applicants who qualify for naturalization based on qualifying military service under INA sections 328 or 329 have a $0 N-400 filing category. This is a fee exemption, not an income-based fee waiver.
Reduced Fee for Citizenship ($380)
You may qualify for the $380 reduced Form N-400 fee if your documented annual household income is above 150% and up to 400% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
Applicants requesting the reduced fee must file Form N-400 on paper and include the required income documentation. The reduced fee is requested through Form N-400 rather than Form I-912.
There is no separate biometrics fee.
Fee Waiver for Citizenship (Pay $0)
You may qualify for a $0 Form N-400 fee waiver if you meet at least one fee-waiver eligibility requirement:
- You receive a qualifying means-tested benefit;
- Your household income is at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines; or
- You are experiencing extreme financial hardship that prevents you from paying the filing fee.
To request a fee waiver, submit a paper Form N-400 with either Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver, or a written fee-waiver request, along with supporting documentation.
Do not submit the N-400 filing fee with a fee-waiver request. USCIS states that if you submit payment, it will process the payment rather than consider the fee-waiver request.
Reduced Fee vs Fee Waiver for U.S. Citizenship
| Feature | Reduced fee | Fee waiver |
|---|---|---|
| Amount | $380 | $0 |
| Income basis | Above 150% and up to 400% FPG | At or below 150% FPG may qualify |
| Other qualifying basis | — | Means-tested benefit or extreme financial hardship |
| Request method | Form N-400 reduced-fee section | Form I-912 or written request |
| Filing method | Paper only | Paper only |
| Supporting evidence | Income documentation | Evidence supporting waiver eligibility |
| Online filing | No | No |
Which Option Should You Choose?
Use these thresholds as a starting point:
- Household income at or below 150% FPG: You may qualify for a $0 fee waiver.
- Household income above 150% and up to 400% FPG: You may qualify for the $380 reduced fee.
- Household income above 400% FPG: The standard $710 online or $760 paper fee generally applies unless another exemption applies.
- Qualifying military naturalization: A $0 military filing category may apply regardless of income.
Fee-waiver eligibility may also be based on a qualifying means-tested benefit or extreme financial hardship, so income alone is not the only factor.
How to Pay the U.S. Citizenship Fee (Updated for 2026)
How you pay the N-400 fee depends on whether you file online or by mail.
Paying Online
If you file Form N-400 online, USCIS will direct you through electronic payment in your USCIS online account. Follow the payment options shown during filing.
Paying by Mail
For mailed filings, USCIS generally requires electronic payment. Current options include:
- ACH payment from a U.S. bank account using Form G-1650, Authorization for ACH Transactions; or
- Credit or debit card payment using Form G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Transactions.
Starting October 28, 2025, USCIS generally stopped accepting checks, money orders, and other paper-based fee payments unless the applicant qualifies for a limited paper-payment exemption using Form G-1651, Exemption for Paper Fee Payment.
Before You Submit Payment
- Confirm the exact N-400 fee for your filing category.
- Use the payment method USCIS permits for your filing method.
- Make sure sufficient funds or credit are available.
- Complete and sign any required payment authorization form.
- Do not split a single application’s fee across payment methods unless USCIS instructions specifically permit it.
If USCIS cannot process the required payment, the filing may be rejected.
Payment mistakes to avoid
Common problems include paying the wrong amount, using an unsupported payment method, submitting an unsigned payment authorization, or having insufficient funds. USCIS may reject a filing if it cannot process the required fee.
Source: USCIS electronic payment policy, effective October 28, 2025.
FAQs About U.S. Citizenship Cost
How much is the Form N-400 filing fee in 2026?
The standard Form N-400 fee is $710 online or $760 on paper. Qualifying applicants may pay a reduced fee of $380, receive a $0 fee waiver, or qualify for a $0 military filing category.
Is there a separate biometrics fee for Form N-400 in 2026?
No. USCIS does not charge a separate biometrics fee for Form N-400. Biometrics, when required, are covered by the applicable N-400 filing fee.
Can I get a reduced N-400 fee or fee waiver?
Yes. The $380 reduced N-400 fee may be available to applicants with household income above 150% and up to 400% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. A $0 fee waiver may be available based on income at or below 150%, means-tested benefits, or extreme financial hardship.
Is the U.S. citizenship fee increasing in 2026?
DHS proposed higher N-400 fees in June 2026, but the proposal is not currently effective. Public comment closed August 24, 2026. Current fees remain $710 online, $760 paper, or $380 for an eligible reduced-fee filing.
Can I pay the N-400 fee by check or money order?
Generally, no. Since October 28, 2025, USCIS generally requires electronic payment for mailed filings. Limited paper-payment exemptions may be available using Form G-1651.
Ready to Prepare Form N-400?
Before filing, confirm the fee that applies to your situation and whether you qualify for the reduced fee, fee waiver, or military exemption.
ImmigrationDirect’s guided Form N-400 preparation service can help you work through your application and supporting information before submitting it to USCIS.
ImmigrationDirect is a private company and is not affiliated with or endorsed by USCIS. You may prepare and file Form N-400 directly with USCIS.
