How Much Does US Citizenship Cost in 2026? The Full N-400 Fee Breakdown
The current cost to apply for US citizenship: the N-400 filing fee, the online versus paper difference, what is included, and the fee waiver and reduced fee options through Form I-912.
The cost of applying for US citizenship is one of the most common questions applicants ask, and it is an easy one to get a clear answer to. The main expense is the government filing fee for Form N-400. There are a couple of details that change the number, and there are options for applicants who cannot afford the full amount.
These figures are current for 2026, but government fees do change, so confirm the exact amount on the official USCIS website or your USCIS account before you pay.
The N-400 filing fee
The filing fee for Form N-400, the Application for Naturalization, depends on how you file:
- Online: $710
- By paper (mail): $760
Filing online is slightly cheaper, and it is the route most applicants use. The $50 difference is simply the government's pricing for the two methods.
Biometrics are included
In the past there was a separate biometrics fee on top of the application. That is no longer the case for the N-400. The fingerprinting and background-check costs are now built into the filing fee above. When you pay the N-400 fee, your biometrics appointment is covered, so there is no extra charge for it at the Application Support Center.
Fee waivers and reduced fees
US citizenship is meant to be reachable for people who cannot pay the full fee, and there are two main forms of relief:
- Fee waiver (Form I-912): applicants who meet certain low-income criteria can request to have the fee waived entirely. You file Form I-912 along with your application and provide supporting documentation.
- Reduced fee: some applicants whose household income falls within a defined range above the waiver threshold can qualify for a lower fee rather than a full waiver.
One practical point: if you are requesting a fee waiver or a reduced fee, you generally have to file your N-400 on paper rather than online. The eligibility rules and income thresholds for these options are specific, so check the current criteria on the USCIS website before assuming you do or do not qualify.
Other costs to plan for
The filing fee is the only mandatory government charge for the N-400 itself, but applicants often spend a little more along the way. Common extras include:
- Passport photos, if you file on paper and need to submit them.
- Travel to your biometrics appointment, your interview, and your oath ceremony.
- Document copies or translations, if any of your records are not in English.
- A US passport, which is a separate application and fee after you naturalize, if you want one.
- Legal help, if you choose to hire an immigration attorney or use an accredited representative. This is optional, and the cost varies, but it can be worth it if your case is complicated.
Is the fee worth budgeting for in advance
Yes. The filing fee is due when you submit the application, not spread out over the process, so plan for the full amount up front. If money is the obstacle, look closely at the fee waiver and reduced fee options before deciding you cannot apply. Many eligible applicants do not realize these exist.
Where to practise
The application fee buys you the chance to take the test. Preparing for it is free. PassCitizen has the complete official civics question set in a free flashcard format, built for the oral style of the real interview, so you can study at no cost while you save for the filing fee.
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