Naturalization Costs and Fees: How Much Does It Cost to Apply for U.S. Citizenship?

 

Applying for U.S. citizenship through naturalization involves government filing fees and, depending on the applicant's circumstances, additional legal and documentation expenses. The primary government expense is the filing fee for Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, submitted to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Other potential expenses may include attorney representation, obtaining certified court or civil records, document translations, and medical evaluations for applicants requesting disability exceptions. USCIS establishes its immigration benefit fees under the federal fee regulations in 8 C.F.R. Part 106. Applicants should review the applicable fee schedule before submitting Form N-400 because incorrect payments or failure to include required supporting documentation may result in rejection of an application.

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1. USCIS Form N-400 Government Filing Fees

The Form N-400 filing fee depends on whether an applicant submits the application electronically or by mail. The online filing option provides a $50 reduction compared with paper filing. USCIS generally collects the applicable fee when the application is submitted. Applicants should remember that the filing fee is a government charge and is separate from any attorney fees or expenses associated with preparing the naturalization application.

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Important 2026 Fee Update: The Department of Homeland Security published a proposed rule in June 2026 that would increase the Form N-400 filing fees and eliminate certain reduced-fee and fee-waiver options. A proposed rule does not automatically change the fees currently charged by USCIS. Applicants should verify the effective fee schedule before filing.

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2. Reduced Naturalization Filing Fees

Certain applicants whose household income falls within the applicable Federal Poverty Guidelines may qualify for a reduced Form N-400 filing fee. Under the currently published fee rules, eligible applicants whose documented household income is greater than 150% but not more than 400% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines may qualify to pay a reduced filing fee.

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Applicants requesting a reduced fee must:

• Submit a Paper Application: Reduced-fee requests cannot currently be submitted through the online N-400 filing system.

• Complete the Appropriate Section: Complete the reduced-fee request section in Part 10 of Form N-400.

• Provide Income Evidence: Submit documentation supporting household income, such as federal tax returns, pay statements, or other relevant financial records.

• Verify Household Size: Ensure that the household size and income calculations correspond to the applicable Federal Poverty Guidelines.

 

The reduced fee is not automatically granted simply because an applicant has limited income. USCIS must determine whether the applicant satisfies the applicable requirements.

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3. Naturalization Fee Waivers

Applicants who demonstrate an inability to pay the required filing fee may qualify for a complete fee waiver, subject to USCIS eligibility requirements. A fee waiver may be available when an applicant establishes one or more qualifying circumstances, including:

• Means-Tested Public Benefits: The applicant or certain qualifying household members receive an eligible means-tested public benefit, such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Medicaid, or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

• Household Income at or Below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines: The applicant provides evidence establishing that household income meets the applicable threshold.

• Extreme Financial Hardship: The applicant demonstrates circumstances that significantly affect their ability to pay, such as substantial unexpected expenses or other qualifying financial difficulties.

 

To request a fee waiver, applicants generally submit Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver, or a qualifying written request together with the paper Form N-400 and supporting documentation. Applicants requesting a fee waiver cannot currently file Form N-400 online. They must follow the applicable paper-filing instructions and should not submit the regular filing payment when properly requesting a fee waiver.

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4. Additional Costs Associated With Naturalization

Although the USCIS filing fee is the principal government expense, some applicants may incur additional costs depending on their immigration history and the complexity of their cases.

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Potential expenses include:

• Immigration Attorney Fees: Legal fees for reviewing Form N-400, evaluating eligibility, analyzing potential inadmissibility or good moral character concerns, preparing supporting evidence, and representing applicants during USCIS proceedings.

• Certified Court and Criminal Records: Applicants with prior arrests, charges, or convictions may need to obtain certified police records, court dispositions, sentencing documents, and other relevant records.

• Document Translation Services: Foreign-language documents submitted to USCIS generally require complete English translations accompanied by the appropriate translator certification.

• Tax and Financial Records: Applicants with complicated tax histories may incur expenses obtaining tax transcripts, resolving outstanding obligations, or securing professional tax assistance.

• Medical Evaluations for Form N-648: Applicants requesting an English and/or civics testing exception may incur physician or psychologist fees for the required medical evaluation and certification.

• Additional Legal Proceedings: Applicants whose naturalization applications are denied may need legal assistance in evaluating administrative review options or other appropriate remedies, which can involve additional government and attorney fees.

 

These expenses are not charged uniformly to every applicant. The actual costs depend on the applicant's individual circumstances and the professional services required.

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5. Military Naturalization Fee Exemptions

Certain current and former members of the U.S. Armed Forces may qualify for an exemption from the Form N-400 filing fee under applicable military naturalization provisions. Under INA § 328 and INA § 329, eligible service members may apply for naturalization under special statutory provisions without paying the standard N-400 filing fee.

 

Applicants must satisfy the applicable military service and naturalization requirements and provide the necessary military certification and supporting documentation. Form N-426, Request for Certification of Military or Naval Service, may be required to establish qualifying service.

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6. Understanding Attorney Fees and Naturalization Legal Services

Attorney fees for naturalization representation are separate from USCIS filing fees. The amount generally depends on the scope of legal services, the complexity of the applicant's immigration history, and whether additional legal analysis or representation is necessary.

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At Santamaria Law Firm, P.C., we understand that naturalization applications can involve significant legal and financial considerations. Our services are designed to help applicants identify potential issues before filing and prepare accurate, well-supported applications.

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Our naturalization legal services may include:

• Form N-400 Preparation and Review: Reviewing application responses, immigration history, travel records, and supporting documentation.

• Good Moral Character Assessment: Evaluating criminal history, tax compliance, prior immigration violations, and other matters that may affect eligibility.

• Continuous Residence and Physical Presence Analysis: Reviewing international travel and potential interruptions in continuous residence.

• Medical Disability Exception Assistance: Providing legal guidance concerning Form N-648 and supporting documentation.

• Naturalization Interview Preparation: Conducting mock interviews and preparing applicants for questions concerning their application, background, English language, and civics examination.

• USCIS Interview Representation: Providing legal representation during naturalization interviews, subject to the applicable representation requirements.

 

Our objective is to identify potential eligibility concerns, help applicants understand their financial obligations, and prepare them for the naturalization process.

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Schedule a Naturalization Consultation

Are you planning to apply for U.S. citizenship but are uncertain about the government filing fees, reduced-fee eligibility, fee waivers, or additional legal expenses?

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Contact Santamaria Law Firm, P.C. to schedule a consultation. Our team can review your circumstances, explain the applicable naturalization requirements and potential costs, and help you determine the appropriate legal preparation for your Form N-400 application.

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Disclaimer: This content is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Viewing or interacting with this content does not create an attorney-client relationship. Immigration laws, regulations, policies, and individual circumstances vary. For legal guidance specific to your situation, consult a licensed immigration attorney.​