Fees & Costs
Cost to Apply for U.S. Citizenship: The N-400 Fee Explained
Applying for U.S. citizenship is a significant step, and the cost is understandably part of the planning. Form N-400 carries a government fee, and many applicants want a firm number up front. Because USCIS fees are revised from time to time, the most reliable approach is to understand what the fee covers and confirm the current amount on the official source before you file.
Beyond the base fee, it helps to know about reduced-fee and fee-waiver options, which can make naturalization accessible for applicants with limited income. There may also be small incidental costs along the way.
Here's a clear picture of what to budget for and where to verify the numbers.
Key takeaways
- ✓The N-400 fee is the government charge to process naturalization, often including biometrics.
- ✓Fees change periodically—verify the current amount on USCIS.gov, don't rely on old figures.
- ✓Reduced fees (Form I-942) and full fee waivers (Form I-912) may be available by income or hardship.
- ✓Minor incidental costs (photos, certified documents) may apply on top of the fee.
- ✓Confirm the fee and payment method before filing to avoid a rejection that delays you.
What the N-400 fee covers
The N-400 fee is the government charge to process your naturalization application, and in many cases it includes the biometrics (fingerprinting) component. The exact structure and whether biometrics are billed separately can change with USCIS fee rules.
There can also be small additional costs that aren't part of the USCIS fee itself—things like obtaining passport-style photos if required, or gathering certified copies of supporting documents. These are usually minor compared to the filing fee.
Because the fee changes periodically, we don't quote it from memory. Verify the current N-400 fee on the official USCIS page before sending payment.
Reduced fees and fee waivers
USCIS offers ways to lower the cost for eligible applicants. A reduced fee may be available to those whose household income falls within a defined range above the poverty guidelines (requested with Form I-942), and a full fee waiver (Form I-912) may be available for those with lower income, certain means-tested benefits, or financial hardship.
Each option requires documentation—typically income and household-size evidence—and USCIS decides eligibility. These programs exist specifically so that the cost of the fee doesn't keep eligible permanent residents from naturalizing.
If money is a barrier, it's worth checking whether you qualify before assuming you can't afford to apply.
Budgeting and confirming the amount
When you plan, confirm the current N-400 fee, whether a separate biometrics charge applies, and which payment methods USCIS accepts—all on the official page. Filing online calculates the fee for you; filing by mail requires following the form instructions exactly.
Paying the wrong amount is a frequent cause of rejected filings, which only delays your citizenship. A quick check against the official fee schedule at the time you file avoids that.
Asal can help you prepare the N-400, determine whether a reduced fee or fee waiver fits your situation, and confirm the current fee against USCIS at the time of filing.
Verify the official details
Government fees, processing times, form editions, and rules change regularly. Before you rely on any figure, confirm the current information on the official government page.
Verify the current N-400 fee on USCIS.govFrequently asked questions
How much does it cost to apply for citizenship?+
It depends on the current USCIS fee schedule, which changes periodically, so we don't quote an exact figure. Verify the current N-400 fee on the official USCIS page before you file.
Does the N-400 fee include biometrics?+
In many cases the fee includes the biometrics component, but the structure can change with USCIS rules. Check the official fee page to see what's included for your filing.
Are there ways to pay less?+
Yes. A reduced fee (Form I-942) may apply for certain income levels, and a full fee waiver (Form I-912) may apply for lower income, certain benefits, or hardship. Documentation is required and USCIS decides.
What other costs should I expect?+
Usually only minor ones—such as photos if required or certified copies of documents. These are typically small compared to the filing fee itself.
How do I pay the fee?+
Filing online calculates and collects the fee at submission. If you file by mail, follow the current form instructions for accepted payment methods.
What if I can't afford the fee?+
Check whether you qualify for a reduced fee or fee waiver before assuming you can't apply. These programs exist so the cost doesn't bar eligible residents from naturalizing.
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Asal Immigration Services is a document preparation service operated by Asal Multi-Services LLC. We are not attorneys and are not authorized to practice law. We do not provide legal advice, explanations, opinions, or recommendations about legal rights, remedies, defenses, options, or strategies. We assist with the preparation of immigration forms based on information you provide. For legal advice, consult a licensed immigration attorney.