The main cost of becoming a U.S. citizen is the government filing fee for Form N-400. Here is how the cost works and how to lower it if you qualify.
The N-400 filing fee
USCIS charges a filing fee to process Form N-400, and the amount is set by USCIS and updated periodically. Because it changes, always check the current fee on the official USCIS fee schedule at uscis.gov before you file. Some applicants also pay a biometrics services cost.
Fee waivers and reduced fees
- Fee waiver (Form I-912): if you can’t afford the fee — for example, you receive a means-tested benefit, your income is below a set level, or you have financial hardship — you may apply to have it waived entirely.
- Reduced fee: some applicants within a certain income range qualify for a lower fee.
Other possible costs
- Passport-style photos (sometimes needed)
- Optional: an immigration attorney, if your case is complex
- Studying is free — you can prepare with free practice tests and the official USCIS materials
Bottom line
Budget for the current N-400 filing fee, but don’t let cost stop you — check whether you qualify for a fee waiver or reduced fee first.
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Independent free resource, not affiliated with USCIS or the U.S. government, and not legal advice. Rules and fees change — confirm the latest at uscis.gov.
The current fee schedule
- Form N-400 filed on paper: $760.
- Form N-400 filed online: $710.
- Reduced fee: $380 for applicants whose household income is more than 150 percent but not more than 400 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, requested on the N-400 itself.
- Fee waiver: $0 with an approved Form I-912 for applicants whose household income is at or below 150 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, who receive a means-tested public benefit such as Medicaid, SNAP, TANF, or SSI, or who have a financial hardship such as high medical expenses.
- Biometrics: no separate fee; it has been included in the N-400 fee since April 2024.
- No fee for current and certain former members of the U.S. armed forces filing under the military provisions.
A proposed increase is pending
In June 2026, the Department of Homeland Security published a proposed rule that would raise the N-400 fee to about $1,330 on paper and $1,280 online. A proposed rule is not in effect until a final rule is published with an effective date, and the amounts can change. As of this update the current fees above still apply. If you are eligible now, filing before any increase takes effect saves a meaningful amount of money; always confirm the current fee on the USCIS fee schedule before you pay.
Other costs to budget for
- Passport-style photos: only required if you file from outside the United States.
- Certified court records, tax transcripts, and translations: usually $0 to $100, depending on what your case needs. IRS transcripts are free.
- Attorney fees: typically several hundred to a few thousand dollars for a straightforward case. Many applicants with simple cases file without an attorney; nonprofit organizations accredited by the Department of Justice offer low-cost help.
- Medical certification (Form N-648): the doctor’s fee, if you are seeking a disability exemption.
- Time off work and travel for biometrics, the interview, and the oath ceremony.
- After naturalization: a U.S. passport book currently costs $130 plus a $35 acceptance fee for first-time applicants, and Form N-600 for a child’s Certificate of Citizenship has its own fee.
How to pay
Online filers pay by credit card, debit card, or bank withdrawal through the USCIS account. Paper filers pay by check or money order payable to “U.S. Department of Homeland Security” or by card using Form G-1450. Never send cash. An incorrect fee results in the application being rejected and returned, which costs weeks.
Is the fee refundable?
No. USCIS keeps the fee whether the application is approved, denied, or withdrawn. If you fail both interviews, or file too early, you pay again to reapply. This is the strongest financial argument for preparing thoroughly and checking your eligibility dates before you file.
Last reviewed and expanded by the USCitizenTestPractice Editorial Team in September 2026, based on the USCIS Policy Manual, the official 2025 civics test materials, and current USCIS fee and form instructions. This is an independent study resource, not legal advice.
