U.S. Citizenship Costs
Naturalization Costs: How Much Does It Cost to Become a U.S. Citizen?
The main cost to apply for U.S. citizenship is the USCIS filing fee for Form N-400, Application for Naturalization. Some applicants pay the full fee, some qualify for a reduced fee, and some may qualify for a fee waiver.
Quick Answer
For most applicants, the government naturalization cost is paid directly to USCIS when filing Form N-400. Under the current USCIS fee structure, the standard naturalization fee is commonly listed as $760 for a paper Form N-400 filing, with a $380 reduced fee for qualifying lower-income households.
Because USCIS fees can change, always verify the latest fee on the official USCIS fee schedule before submitting your application.
Current Naturalization Cost Breakdown
| Cost Item | Amount | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| USCIS Form N-400 standard filing fee | $760 | The main government fee paid to USCIS for most paper Form N-400 naturalization applications. |
| Reduced N-400 filing fee | $380 | May be available for applicants whose household income is at or below the USCIS reduced-fee threshold. |
| Fee waiver | $0 | May be available for applicants who qualify under USCIS fee waiver rules. |
| Biometrics | Included | USCIS currently includes biometrics in the N-400 filing fee rather than charging a separate biometrics fee. |
| VisaCoach application preparation | $730 | Optional professional document preparation and personal guidance from VisaCoach. |
A proposed DHS fee rule published in June 2026 may affect future naturalization fees if finalized. The proposal is not the same as the current fee schedule. Applicants should confirm the fee in effect on the day they file.
Full Fee
If your household income is above the reduced-fee level, you should expect to pay the standard USCIS naturalization filing fee.
Reduced Fee
If your household income qualifies under the USCIS reduced-fee rules, you may be able to pay the reduced naturalization fee instead of the full fee.
Fee Waiver
If your financial situation qualifies under USCIS rules, you may be able to request a full fee waiver. This must be handled carefully so the filing is not rejected.
When Can You Apply for Naturalization?
The cost question is important, but timing is just as important. Naturalization is the process of applying to become a U.S. citizen after you have already become a lawful permanent resident.
- Spouse of a U.S. citizen: Many applicants married to a U.S. citizen may be eligible to apply after three years of permanent residence, and may be able to file up to 90 days before completing that period.
- Most other permanent residents: Many applicants follow the five-year permanent residence rule, and may be able to file up to 90 days before completing the five-year period.
These are general timing rules. Your eligibility may depend on continuous residence, physical presence, marital status, travel history, taxes, criminal history, and other factors.
Video: U.S. Citizenship Application Costs
Fred Wahl, the VisaCoach, explains the basic USCIS naturalization costs in a short VisaCoach Minute.
View Full Video Transcript
US Citizenship Application Costs
This is Fred Wahl, the VisaCoach
I work personally with you and your partner to prepare your application and guide you through the entire process
Here is the “VisaCoach Minute”. I am going to Cut to the chase, with concise answers to frequently asked questions.
Today’s question is “What are the Costs to Apply to Become a US Citizen?”
The spouse of a US citizen may apply to become a US citizen after 2 years and 9 months of permanent residency. A lawful permanent resident, who is not married to a US citizen must wait for 5 years of permanent residency before applying.
The process to become a US citizen is called Naturalization.
The fees to apply for Naturalization are paid to USCIS.
The fees as of April 1, 2024 are
either $760 or $380.
The difference is based on what your combined household income is. If your household income is less than four times the poverty level, you are eligible for the discounted fee of $380. If you household income is over, then you pay the full fee of $760
This was Fred Wahl, The VisaCoach
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Other Costs to Consider
Document Costs
You may need copies of green cards, marriage records, divorce records, tax records, translations, court records, or other supporting documents. These costs vary by applicant.
Travel and Appointment Costs
You may need to travel for biometrics, the USCIS interview, or the oath ceremony. These are not USCIS filing fees, but they can still affect your total cost.
How VisaCoach Helps
Naturalization is not just about paying the filing fee. The application must be complete, accurate, and supported by the right documents. VisaCoach helps prepare the application, organize the supporting evidence, and guide you through the process so you can move forward with more confidence.
VisaCoach naturalization application preparation is $730.
Related U.S. Citizenship Resources
Naturalization Process
See the major steps from filing Form N-400 to the citizenship interview and oath ceremony.
Citizenship Eligibility
Review the basic requirements before spending money on the naturalization application.
Citizenship Civics Test
Learn what to expect from the civics test and how to prepare with confidence.
Ready to Prepare Your Naturalization Application?
Do not risk delays, rejected filings, or confusion over fee rules. VisaCoach can help you prepare a complete naturalization application package.
VisaCoach provides immigration document preparation and personal guidance. VisaCoach is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice.
