DHS Proposes Raising the Naturalization (N-400) Fee to $1,330 and Ending Fee Waivers (Proposed Rule — Not Yet in Effect)

On June 22, 2026, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), published a proposed rule (Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, RIN 1615-AD08) that would sharply increase the cost of applying for U.S. citizenship and remove fee help for lower-income applicants. It is important to understand up front: this is a proposal, not a final rule, and it is not in effect today. Current fees still apply.

What the proposal would change

The rule targets Form N-400, Application for Naturalization (the main citizenship application), and the related appeal form. According to the proposed rule:

• N-400 (paper filing): would rise from $760 to $1,330 — about a 75% increase (roughly $570 more).
• N-400 (online filing): would rise from $710 to $1,280 — about an 80% increase.
• Reduced fee for lower-income applicants: the current $380 reduced fee for households at or below 400% of the federal poverty guidelines would be eliminated (those applicants would pay the full fee).
• Fee waivers: the income/hardship-based fee waiver for N-400 and N-336 would be eliminated for most applicants.
• N-336 (request a hearing after a denial): would rise from $830 to $1,475 on paper (and $780 to $1,425 online).
• Military exemption stays: active and former U.S. service members remain exempt from naturalization fees by law.

DHS says the increases are meant to recover the full cost of adjudicating these applications, including screening and vetting.

This is a proposal — here is the timeline

The rule was published in the Federal Register as a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking. A 60-day public comment period is open, during which anyone can submit comments for or against the changes. After comments close, DHS reviews the feedback and may revise the rule before issuing a final version, which would then have its own effective date. Until a final rule takes effect, the current fees ($760 paper / $710 online for N-400) remain in place.

What this means for you

• If you are eligible to naturalize now, it may be worth reviewing your timeline. Filing under the current fee structure is still possible while the proposal is pending.
• If you rely on a fee waiver or the reduced fee, know that those options still exist today but are targeted for elimination under the proposal.
• Nothing is final yet. Do not panic-file or make rushed decisions based on a proposal alone — but it is a good moment to confirm your eligibility and gather documents.

This post is general information, not legal advice.

We can help

Asal Immigration Services helps Columbus-area clients and individuals understand fee changes and plan the right timing for naturalization. If you want to review your eligibility and options before any new rule takes effect, you can contact us to schedule a consultation. You can also explore our forms and guides and resources to learn more about the N-400 process.