USCIS filing fees for Form N-400

The highest single cost in most naturalization cases is the USCIS filing fee for Form N-400, Application for Naturalization.

Under the final fee rule that took effect on April 1, 2024, the standard N-400 fee structure is:

There is no separate biometrics fee anymore. The N-400 fee itself covers fingerprints, photos, and related background checks.

USCIS can adjust fees over time, and a new law now allows certain fees to be updated annually for inflation beginning in fiscal year 2026\. Some fees will change, while others will remain the same. Therefore, it is essential to confirm the latest N-400 amount on the USCIS fee schedule (Form G-1055) or the “Filing Fees” page before submitting your application.

Breakdown of the standard naturalization fee

Although biometrics are now bundled, it is helpful to understand what the N-400 fee actually covers.

Application filing fee

The core filing fee pays for USCIS to:

For most adults, this is the single largest cost of the naturalization process.

Biometrics and background checks

Under the current fee rule, there is no separate biometrics fee for Form N-400. Instead, biometrics costs are built into the main filing fee, whether you file online or by paper. USCIS can still require you to attend an Application Support Center appointment to provide fingerprints, a photograph, and a signature, but you do not pay a separate fee for that appointment.

Total standard government cost

Putting everything together, most adult applicants can expect:

Unless you qualify for a reduced fee or fee waiver, that one payment covers the full USCIS processing from filing through your oath ceremony and issuance of your Certificate of Naturalization.

Who qualifies for reduced or no fees

Some people do not pay the full N-400 amount. The type of relief you may receive depends on your situation.

Military members and certain veterans

If you are an active-duty service member or a veteran with qualifying military service under INA sections 328 or 329, you may be able to naturalize without paying filing fees for Form N-400. This is a significant benefit that recognizes your service. The exact eligibility rules depend on your dates of service, discharge status, and whether you served during a designated period of hostility.

Older applicants

In the past, applicants age 75 or older did not pay a separate biometrics fee. Under the current fee rule, there is no separate biometrics fee for anyone filing N-400, so older adults generally pay the same N-400 filing fee as other adults unless they qualify for a reduced fee or fee waiver.

While age alone no longer changes the fee, older applicants may qualify for simplified civics or English testing, which can make the process less stressful, even though the filing fee is the same.

Children and derivative citizenship

Most children under 18 who become citizens through their parents do so automatically by operation of law and do not file Form N-400 themselves. In such cases, families often file Form N-600 (Application for Certificate of Citizenship) instead, which has its own separate fee schedule and differs from the adult N-400 fee.

If a child does need to file N-400 directly in a special situation (such as certain military cases), the fee rules generally follow the same structure as for adults, unless a specific statute or USCIS exemption applies.

Fee waiver and reduction options

If the full N-400 fee is more than you can afford, you may qualify for a full fee waiver or a reduced fee of $380 under the current rules.

Complete fee waiver (Form I-912)

You can request a full fee waiver using Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver, if any of these apply:

If USCIS approves a full fee waiver, your N-400 fee becomes $0.

50% reduced fee ($380)

Under the 2024 fee rule, USCIS expanded eligibility for reduced naturalization fees:

To qualify, you need to submit proof of your household income, such as recent tax returns, pay stubs, or other evidence that shows your income is within the allowed range.

Eligibility documentation

Whether you are asking for a full waiver or a reduced fee, USCIS expects clear supporting documents, which may include:

If you do not include enough proof, USCIS can deny the waiver or reduction and ask you to pay the full fee before processing your application.

How to apply for a waiver or reduced fee

Here is the typical process:

How to pay USCIS fees

Once you know whether you are paying the full, reduced, or waived amount, you need to choose a payment method that USCIS accepts for N-400 at the time you file.

Credit or debit card

If you file online, you can pay with a credit or debit card during the electronic filing process. If you file by mail, USCIS also allows card payments in many cases when you include Form G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Transactions, with your paper application.

Payment options sometimes change as USCIS updates its systems, so you should always follow the latest payment instructions in the N-400 filing guidance and on the USCIS “Filing Fees” page.

ACH Transaction / Bank Account

Another option when filing online is to use your bank account for payment of the fees. If filing via mail, use Form G‑1650, Authorization for ACH Transactions, to submit your filing fees. This form allows USCIS to withdraw the payment directly from your U.S. bank account through an Automatic Clearing House (ACH) debit.

No payment plans

USCIS does not offer payment plans or installments for naturalization fees. You must pay the required amount in full at the time you file, unless you qualify for and receive a fee waiver or reduced fee. If you need time to save up, you may want to delay filing until you can comfortably afford the fee or gather everything needed for a waiver or reduction.

How to reduce citizenship costs

There are several ways to lower the total cost of becoming a U.S. citizen. With a bit of planning, you can avoid many unnecessary expenses and keep the process affordable.

Conclusion

Becoming a U.S. citizen in 2026 costs most applicants $710 online or $760 by mail for the N-400 filing fee, unless you qualify for a reduced fee or a complete fee waiver. Once you include expenses like test preparation, travel, translations, document gathering, and your first U.S. passport, the total may range from about $800 to more than $4,000, depending on your needs and whether you hire an attorney.

While the process may feel expensive, many permanent residents qualify for financial help, and there are many free preparation resources that can lower your overall costs. The long-term benefits of citizenship, including voting rights, stronger family immigration options, protection from deportation, and greater personal and professional opportunities, usually make the cost worthwhile for most eligible green card holders.