The N-400 naturalization application has a standard filing fee, but the total cost of becoming a U.S. citizen involves more than just that one fee. Understanding the full picture — including what's included, what's optional, and where fee waivers apply — helps you budget accurately and avoid surprises.
As of 2026, here's the cost structure for the N-400:
Both fees are paid to USCIS at the time of filing. You pay online via the USCIS online account system if filing electronically, or by check or money order if filing by mail. USCIS does not accept cash.
These fees are set by USCIS regulations and are subject to change. Before you file, verify the current fees at uscis.gov/n-400 — USCIS updated its fee schedule significantly in April 2024 and may do so again. Always check the official source rather than relying on a fee amount you read elsewhere.
Applicants aged 75 and older are exempt from the biometrics fee. If you're applying under the military service pathway, different fee rules may apply — some active duty military applicants file with no government fee at all (using Form N-426 for military naturalization).
For all other applicants, the biometrics fee applies. You can't opt out of biometrics — USCIS uses it to run the background check that's part of every naturalization application.
USCIS offers fee waivers for N-400 applicants who meet certain income-based criteria. The fee waiver covers both the N-400 filing fee and the biometrics fee — if approved, you pay nothing in government fees.
To qualify, your household income must be at or below 150% of the federal poverty guidelines. You can also qualify based on need if you receive a means-tested public benefit (Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, TANF, and others) or if you're experiencing a significant financial hardship.
The fee waiver request is made using Form I-912 (Request for Fee Waiver). You file it alongside your N-400 application. Supporting documentation for income-based requests typically includes:
USCIS approval rates for fee waivers vary. A well-documented waiver request with clear evidence of income or benefit eligibility is more likely to be approved. If your waiver is denied, USCIS will notify you and allow you to pay the fee to continue processing your application.
You don't need a lawyer to file the N-400, and many people file successfully on their own. But if your situation is complicated — a criminal history, extended absences from the U.S., questions about continuous residence, or complex marital history — an immigration attorney's guidance can be worth the cost.
Immigration attorney fees for N-400 naturalization assistance typically range from $1,000 to $3,500 depending on complexity and the attorney's market. In major metropolitan areas, fees can be higher. Most attorneys charge flat fees for straightforward naturalization cases rather than hourly rates.
Be cautious of non-attorney "immigration consultants" or "notarios" (document preparers) who charge fees for application assistance. They're not authorized to practice immigration law, they cannot give you legal advice, and they've been the source of many fraudulent applications and lost fees. If you need professional help, hire a licensed attorney or accredited representative through a recognized immigration legal services organization.
Nonprofit immigration legal services organizations sometimes offer free or low-cost N-400 assistance to income-qualifying applicants. Organizations like Catholic Charities, legal aid societies, and CLINIC-affiliated agencies often provide naturalization assistance. Search your local area for nonprofit immigration services if cost is a barrier.
The $845 government fee is the main cost, but there are a few other expenses that catch people off guard:
Translation and document preparation: If any of your supporting documents are in a language other than English, USCIS requires certified translations. Translation costs vary but typically run $100 to $200 per document through a professional translation service.
Certified copies of documents: Some supporting documents — marriage certificates, court records, divorce decrees — may need to be certified copies rather than photocopies. Courts typically charge $5 to $25 per certified copy, and obtaining them can take time.
Passport application after naturalization: Once you're a citizen, you'll probably want a U.S. passport. As of 2026, a passport book costs $130 plus a $35 acceptance fee (for first-time applicants), for a total of $165. You can apply at the time of your oath ceremony or at any time after you receive your Certificate of Naturalization.
Document replacement: If you've lost your green card and need a replacement before filing (USCIS requires a copy of your green card with the N-400), you'll need to file Form I-90 for green card renewal/replacement. The current I-90 fee is $415.
The N-400 fee has increased significantly over the years. Before 2016, the combined fee was $680. By 2023, it was $725 (including biometrics). The 2024 fee schedule update raised it to $845.
USCIS funds its operations primarily through application fees, not congressional appropriations. When USCIS faces processing backlogs and operational costs exceed revenue, fee increases follow. The agency has been operating at a deficit for several years, which is part of what drove the 2024 fee increase.
For budget planning purposes, assume the current fee structure remains in place unless USCIS announces a change. Monitor the USCIS fee schedule page at uscis.gov/fees for any updates before you file.
USCIS generally does not refund filing fees, regardless of the outcome of your application. If your N-400 is denied, USCIS keeps the filing fee. If you withdraw your application after submitting it, USCIS typically keeps the fee. If USCIS rejects your application (different from denial — rejection happens before processing begins, for technical deficiencies like missing payment or missing signature), you may be eligible for a refund or credit, but this is handled case by case.
This non-refundable policy is why it's worth confirming your eligibility carefully before you file. Filing before you're eligible — because your continuous residence period isn't complete, or because you have a disqualifying criminal matter unresolved — can result in a denial where you lose the $845 fee and need to refile later.
The N-400 application overview covers the full eligibility requirements. The N-400 common pitfalls practice set covers the most common reasons applications run into problems — many of which can be caught before filing. Review both before you submit.
For the civics test preparation side of your application, the N-400 civics test preparation materials and required supporting documents guides here cover what you need to have ready for both the application and the interview stage.
For most applicants, the total out-of-pocket cost for naturalization runs $845 to $1,500 depending on whether you need translations, certified copies, or professional assistance. If you hire an attorney, add $1,000 to $3,500 to that range for a total of roughly $2,000 to $5,000.
That sounds like a lot, but citizenship is a one-time cost. And the long-term benefits — voting rights, eligibility for federal employment and benefits, freedom from deportation, ability to sponsor family members, and the ability to hold a U.S. passport — make the investment worth it for most permanent residents who qualify.
If cost is a significant barrier, start by checking whether you qualify for a fee waiver. Then look into nonprofit immigration legal services organizations in your area who offer low-cost or free naturalization assistance. Many permanent residents don't realize these resources exist.
Once you've filed and the government fees are handled, shift your focus to preparation — specifically the civics test. The N-400 processing time guide covers what happens after you file, so you know what to expect at each stage.