The current filing fee for Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, is $760. That's the base fee for most applicants filing with USCIS as of 2026. You also pay an $85 biometrics fee for the fingerprinting appointment — bringing the total standard cost to $845.
That said, not everyone pays the full amount. USCIS has a fee waiver program, a reduced fee option for lower-income applicants, and several categories of applicants who are exempt from fees entirely. The exact amount you owe depends on your specific situation.
This guide breaks down the N-400 filing fee in plain terms — what you pay, how to pay it, and how to apply for a waiver or reduction if the standard fee is a financial hardship.
Here's the full cost picture for a standard N-400 application:
USCIS can waive the entire N-400 filing fee — including biometrics — for applicants who demonstrate financial hardship. You apply for a fee waiver using Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver, submitted alongside your N-400.
You likely qualify for a fee waiver if you meet at least one of these criteria:
The income threshold changes annually with the Federal Poverty Guidelines. For 2026, a family of four at 150% of the poverty level is approximately $46,800/year. Check the current USCIS fee waiver instructions for the exact figures when you apply.
Important: USCIS doesn't automatically approve fee waivers. You need to submit supporting documentation — recent tax returns, benefit award letters, or other proof of your financial situation. A poorly documented I-912 gets denied, so be thorough.
If you don't qualify for a full fee waiver but your household income is between 150% and 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, you may qualify for a reduced N-400 fee of $380 (half the standard fee). The biometrics fee still applies at $85, bringing the reduced total to $465.
To request the reduced fee, you check the appropriate box on Form N-400 and submit documentation of your income. USCIS reviews the request and either approves the reduced fee, asks for more documentation, or may require you to pay the full fee if you don't qualify.
Don't just assume you qualify — check the income tables in the current Form N-400 instructions. The thresholds are published and updated annually.
Certain categories of applicants pay no filing fee at all — the fee is waived automatically, not through a separate I-912 application:
If you're a veteran, check carefully — the military fee exemption is significant and not always communicated clearly by recruiters or VSOs. For full details on the N-400 application process, see the complete N-400 application guide.
USCIS accepts several payment methods depending on how you file:
If you file at my.uscis.gov, you can pay by credit card, debit card, or bank account (ACH). Online filing is typically faster to process and allows you to track your case status easily. Payment is collected when you submit your application.
If filing by mail, acceptable payment methods include:
Do not send cash. Write your A-Number on the memo line of your check or money order. If your check bounces, USCIS will reject your application and may charge a returned check fee.
For a full walkthrough of how to complete and submit the form, the N-400 form instructions guide covers each section step by step.
Once USCIS receives your N-400 and payment, they'll send a receipt notice (Form I-797) within a few weeks. This notice confirms they've accepted your application and assigns your case a receipt number you can use to track status on the USCIS website.
After your application is accepted, you'll receive a separate biometrics appointment notice directing you to appear at an Application Support Center (ASC) for fingerprinting and photos. The $85 biometrics fee covers this appointment.
Processing times vary considerably by field office. The average N-400 processing time has ranged from 8-24 months in recent years depending on your filing location and workload. For current processing times, check the USCIS website — they update estimates monthly. The N-400 processing time guide explains what happens at each stage after you pay.
If USCIS denies your I-912 fee waiver request, they'll issue a rejection notice with an explanation. You typically have the option to:
A denied fee waiver doesn't mean you're disqualified from naturalization — it just means you need to either pay or submit better documentation. If you believe the denial was in error, consult with an immigration attorney or accredited representative before resubmitting.
Yes. USCIS adjusts its fee schedule periodically through a formal rulemaking process. The current fee of $760 for N-400 took effect in April 2024 after a significant increase from the previous $725 amount. Future increases are possible — file as soon as you're eligible if you're concerned about a fee increase.
USCIS does not refund filing fees if your application is denied. That's a key reason to ensure you meet all eligibility requirements before applying. The N-400 instructions guide helps you verify eligibility and complete the application correctly to avoid rejections. See also the comprehensive N-400 fee guide for additional payment scenarios and updated figures.