How much does it cost to apply for U.S. citizenship?

The current USCIS filing fee for a standard paper Form N-400 application is $760. Qualifying applicants may be eligible for a $380 reduced fee or a complete fee waiver.

Is there a reduced naturalization fee?

Yes. Applicants whose documented household income meets USCIS reduced-fee requirements may qualify for a $380 Form N-400 filing fee.

Can the naturalization filing fee be waived?

Certain applicants may qualify for a complete USCIS fee waiver if they meet the applicable fee-waiver requirements.

U.S. Citizenship

Naturalization Costs: How Much Does It Cost to Become a U.S. Citizen?

The main government cost to apply for U.S. citizenship is the USCIS filing fee for Form N-400, Application for Naturalization. Depending on income and eligibility, an applicant may pay the standard fee, qualify for a reduced fee, or qualify for a fee waiver.

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Quick Answer

For a paper Form N-400 application, the current USCIS filing fee is $760. Qualifying applicants with documented household income within the USCIS reduced-fee threshold may pay $380. Some applicants may qualify for a complete fee waiver.

USCIS fees and fee-waiver rules can change. Confirm the fee in effect when you are ready to file.

Current Naturalization Cost Breakdown

Cost Item	Amount	What It Means
Form N-400 standard filing fee	$760	The current USCIS fee for a standard paper Form N-400 application.
Reduced Form N-400 filing fee	$380	May be available when documented household income meets the USCIS reduced-fee requirements.
Fee waiver	$0	Certain applicants may qualify to request a complete USCIS filing-fee waiver.
Biometrics	Included	There is currently no separate biometrics services fee for Form N-400.
VisaCoach application preparation	$730	Optional VisaCoach naturalization application preparation and personal guidance.

Fee update: DHS published a proposed naturalization fee rule in June 2026. As of September 2026, that proposal has not replaced the current USCIS N-400 fee schedule. Always verify the current fee before filing.

Which Naturalization Fee Might Apply?

Standard Fee

If you do not qualify for a reduced fee or fee waiver, the standard USCIS filing fee applies.

Reduced Fee

If your documented household income meets USCIS requirements, you may qualify for the reduced $380 filing fee.

Fee Waiver

If you meet USCIS fee-waiver requirements, you may be able to request that the Form N-400 filing fee be waived completely.

When Can You Apply for Naturalization?

Naturalization is the process of becoming a U.S. citizen after first becoming a lawful permanent resident. The filing fee is only one part of the process; you must also meet the applicable eligibility requirements.

Many permanent residents married to a U.S. citizen: The three-year naturalization rule may apply if all requirements are met. USCIS generally allows filing up to 90 calendar days before completing the required continuous-residence period.
Many other permanent residents: The five-year naturalization rule generally applies, with filing permitted up to 90 calendar days before completing the required continuous-residence period.

Eligibility can also depend on continuous residence, physical presence, marital history, travel, taxes, good moral character, and other factors.

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Video: U.S. Citizenship Application Costs

Fred Wahl, the VisaCoach, explains the basic cost to apply for naturalization and the reduced-fee option discussed in this VisaCoach Minute.

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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 your household income is over, then you pay the full fee of $760.

This was Fred Wahl, The VisaCoach.

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Other Naturalization Costs to Consider

Document and Translation Costs

You may need copies of green cards, marriage records, divorce records, tax records, court records, certified translations, or other supporting documents. These costs vary by applicant.

Travel and Appointment Costs

You may need to travel for biometrics, a USCIS interview, or the oath ceremony. These are not USCIS filing fees, but they can still add to the total cost of becoming a U.S. citizen.

How VisaCoach Helps

Naturalization is not just about paying the filing fee. Your Form N-400 must be complete and accurate, and the appropriate supporting documents must be included. VisaCoach helps prepare the application, organize supporting evidence, and guide you through the process.

VisaCoach naturalization application preparation is $730.

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