U.S. Citizenship Cost 2026: $0 to $760 — What You’ll Actually Pay

Understanding the Cost of U.S. Citizenship in 2026

Becoming a U.S. citizen is a major milestone that brings long-term security, rights, and opportunities. Before applying, it’s important to understand exactly how much it costs—and whether you can reduce or avoid those fees.

The U.S. citizenship application fee in 2026 is $710 (online) or $760 (paper). Some applicants may pay $380 (reduced fee) or $0 (fee waiver).

As of 2026, there have been no new fee changes since the April 2024 update by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. However, your total, depending on the additional services you choose, is $3,000+.

This guide breaks down all the costs you might face, who needs to pay them, and how you can save money when applying for U.S. citizenship in 2026. Whether you’re just starting your journey or ready to file, this step-by-step overview will help you plan with confidence and avoid costly mistakes. Before you apply, make sure you qualify—check your citizenship eligibility now.

Total USCIS Filing Fees for Citizenship (2026)

Since April 2024, USCIS has included biometrics in the main application fee for naturalization.

There is no separate biometrics fee. Before submitting your payment, always confirm the latest fees for your form with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

Important USCIS Fee Rules

• Reduced fee and fee waiver applications must be filed by mail
• Online filing is only available for standard applications
• USCIS does not refund fees, even if your application is denied or rejected
• You must pay the exact fee amount, or your application will be rejected
• Fees may change, so always verify with USCIS before applying

Real Total Cost of U.S. Citizenship (2026)

While the USCIS fee is fixed, your actual cost may vary based on your situation.

Estimated total cost: Your total cost can range from $710 to $3,000+, depending on additional services

Who Can Apply for U.S. Citizenship for Free?

You may qualify to pay $0 if:

• You receive government benefits (Medicaid, SNAP, SSI)
• Your household income is at or below 150% of Federal Poverty Guidelines
• You are experiencing financial hardship
• You are applying through qualifying military service

Reduced Fee for Citizenship ($380)

If you can’t afford the full naturalization fee, you may still qualify for a reduced fee of $380 instead of paying the standard $760. This option is designed for applicants with moderate income who do not meet the requirements for a full fee waiver.

To qualify for the reduced fee, your household income must be at or below 400% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Instead of submitting a separate form, you can request this directly within your application by completing Part 10 of Form N-400. Always check our Form N-400 instructions guide to complete your application without errors.

To apply successfully, make sure you:

• Provide proof of income (such as tax returns, pay stubs, or benefit statements)
• Complete the reduced fee section accurately in Form N-400
• Submit your application by mail (online filing is not allowed for reduced fee requests)

Keep in mind that the reduced fee already includes biometric services, and no separate biometrics fee is required. Also, once submitted, the fee is non-refundable, even if your application is denied.

Fee Waiver for Citizenship (Pay $0)

If you are unable to pay the application fee at all, you may qualify for a full fee waiver, allowing you to apply for U.S. citizenship at no cost. This option is available for applicants facing financial hardship or meeting certain income or benefit criteria.

You may be eligible for a fee waiver if you meet at least one of the following conditions:

• You receive a means-tested public benefit (such as Medicaid, SNAP, or SSI)
• Your household income is at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines
• You are experiencing financial hardship (such as medical expenses, unemployment, or unexpected financial burden)

To request a fee waiver, you must:

• Submit Form I-912 (Request for Fee Waiver) along with your application
• Include supporting documents (such as benefit approval letters, tax returns, or proof of hardship)
• File your application by mail (online filing is not permitted for fee waivers)

If approved, you will not need to pay any USCIS filing fees. However, it’s important to remember that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services does not issue refunds under any circumstances, so accuracy and proper documentation are critical when applying.

Reduced Fee vs Fee Waiver for U.S. Citizenship

Not sure which option is right for you? Here’s a quick side-by-side comparison:

Based on your income and financial situation, you may qualify to pay less—or even nothing—by choosing the right option.

Which Option Should You Choose?

If you’re unsure which option is right for you, use this quick guide:

• Receive government benefits or income ≤150%? → Apply for a fee waiver ($0)
• Income between 150% and 400%? → Apply for a reduced fee ($380)
• Income above 400%? → Pay the standard fee ($710–$760)

Choosing the right option depends on your income and financial situation, so make sure you include the correct supporting documents to avoid delays.

How to Pay the U.S. Citizenship Fee (Updated for 2026)

When filing Form N-400, your payment method depends on whether you apply online or by mail. USCIS has updated its payment system to prioritize secure electronic transactions.

Paying Online (Recommended)

If you file your application online, USCIS will guide you through payment at the end of the process.

You can pay using:

• Credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover)
• Debit card
• Prepaid card
• U.S. bank account (ACH transfer)

Payments are processed securely through the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Pay.gov system.

Paying by Mail (Paper Filing)

If you submit your Form N-400 by mail, USCIS now primarily accepts electronic payment methods only:

• Credit or Debit Card using Form G-1450
• Bank Account (ACH Transfer) using Form G-1650

These payments must come from a U.S.-based financial institution.

Important Payment Rules

• Payments must be made in U.S. dollars from a U.S. bank
• USCIS will reject your application if payment fails or is incorrect
• If your card is declined, USCIS will not retry the payment
• Each application must have its own payment authorization form

No Longer Accepted (Important Update)

Due to USCIS system modernization:

• Personal checks are being phased out
• Money orders are no longer standard
• Cash payments are not accepted

Always confirm the latest payment method before filing to avoid rejection.

If You Are Outside the United States

Contact your nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for accepted payment methods.

Important Rules and Tips When Submitting Your Payment

To avoid delays or rejection of your citizenship application, follow these important payment rules from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services:

• Use only one payment method per application. You cannot split payments (for example, part by check and part by credit card).
• Pay the exact fee amount. USCIS will reject your application if the payment is incorrect—even by a small amount.
• Use accepted payment methods based on how you file:
  • Online filing: Pay through your USCIS account using a credit card, debit card, or U.S. bank account (ACH).
  • Paper filing: Pay using a credit, debit, or prepaid card using Form G-1450.
• Write the payee name correctly. If paying by check or money order, make it payable to “U.S. Department of Homeland Security.” Do not use abbreviations like “DHS” or “USDHS.”
• Follow credit card instructions carefully. If paying by card for a paper application, complete and sign Form G-1450 and place it on top of your application.
• Ensure sufficient funds or authorization. If your payment is declined or cannot be processed, USCIS will reject your application and will not retry the payment.
• Match your payment with your application. Make sure your payment method, form, and supporting documents are properly organized and submitted together.

Paying correctly the first time helps prevent processing delays and ensures your application is accepted without issue.

Always follow the latest payment instructions provided by USCIS when filing your application, as policies may change.

Payment Mistakes That Can Get Your Application Rejected

Even small payment errors can cause your application to be rejected by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Avoid these common mistakes:

• Paying the wrong fee amount: Submitting even a few dollars more or less than required can result in rejection.
• Using multiple payment methods: USCIS does not allow split payments (for example, part by check and part by card).
• Writing the wrong payee name: Checks or money orders must be payable to “U.S. Department of Homeland Security”—no abbreviations.
• Submitting an unsigned or incomplete Form G-1450: Missing signatures or incorrect details will cause your credit card payment to fail.
• Insufficient funds or declined card: If your payment is declined, USCIS will reject your application and will not retry the transaction.
• Sending payment without proper documentation: Your payment must match your application and be submitted with the correct forms.
• Applying online when requesting a fee waiver or reduced fee: These requests must be submitted by mail—online applications will not be accepted.

Double-check your payment details before submitting—fixing mistakes after rejection can delay your citizenship process by weeks or even months.

FAQs on U.S. Citizenship Cost

Ready to Apply for U.S. Citizenship?

Applying for naturalization is a major step—but mistakes in fees or paperwork can lead to delays or even rejection.

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