Federal Register: DHS/USCIS Proposes Higher Naturalization Fees and Ending Fee Waivers (Comment Deadline Aug. 24, 2026)

On June 23, 2026, DHS (through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) in the Federal Register titled "Naturalization Application Fee Adjustments" (RIN 1615-AD08). The key point: this is a proposal, not a final rule, and it is not in effect today. Current filing fees and fee-waiver rules remain in place unless and until a final rule is issued with an effective date.

What the proposal would change

The NPRM focuses on two naturalization-related forms: Form N-400 (the main application for U.S. citizenship) and Form N-336 (a request for a hearing after a naturalization denial). DHS proposes, among other things:

• Form N-400 (paper): increase to $1,330
• Form N-400 (online): increase to $1,280
• Form N-336 (paper): increase to $1,475
• Form N-336 (online): increase to $1,425

DHS also proposes to remove two forms of cost relief that many applicants currently rely on:

• End the reduced-fee option for Form N-400 (currently available for certain households at or below 400% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines).
• End fee waivers for Form N-400 and Form N-336 (meaning applicants who currently qualify to pay $0 could have to pay the full fee under a final rule).

The proposal notes that current and former U.S. military service members would remain exempt from paying these fees where the law requires it.

What happens next (timeline)

Because this is an NPRM, DHS is requesting public input before any final decision is made. The Federal Register notice states that written comments must be submitted on or before August 24, 2026.

After the comment period closes, DHS may revise the proposal and publish a final rule (if it chooses to move forward). Any final rule would need an effective date before new fees or eligibility changes would apply.

What this means for you

• If you are considering U.S. citizenship: the proposal is a reminder to check your eligibility and timeline. If a final rule is issued later, filing fees could be higher than today.
• If you qualify for a fee waiver or reduced fee now: those benefits would be at risk under the proposal, but they are still available today unless the rules change.
• If you are unsure how to plan: it may help to gather documents and confirm whether you are ready to file, rather than waiting until possible fee changes are finalized.

This post is general information, not legal advice.

We can help

Asal Immigration Services helps Columbus-area clients understand naturalization requirements and plan practical next steps. If you want to review your eligibility and timing, you can [contact us](/contact) to schedule a consultation. You can also explore our [forms and guides](/forms) and [resources](/resources) to learn more about the N-400 process.

Authoritative source: Federal Register (DHS/USCIS NPRM, RIN 1615-AD08): https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2026-06-23/pdf/2026-12542.pdf