Verified against USCIS Form G-1055 — updated May 6, 2026
US Civics Practice Editorial Team
Editorially reviewed by an immigration educator with experience helping naturalization applicants prepare for their interviews. Content verified against official USCIS sources: May 2026.
How Much Does It Cost to Apply for U.S. Citizenship in 2026? (Full Fee Breakdown + Hidden Costs)
Our content is researched by immigration educators with experience helping naturalization applicants prepare for their interviews.
Editorial Standards: All content is based on official USCIS materials and reviewed for accuracy. Learn more about our team
Quick Answer
Verified May 2026 | Source: USCIS.govApplying for U.S. citizenship costs $710 if you file online or $760 if you file by paper mail as of 2026. This is the N-400 fee 2026 rate, and it covers the application and biometrics. Some applicants qualify for a full fee waiver based on income.
The official Form N-400 filing fee in 2026 is $710 online or $760 by mail. This amount includes biometrics services.
However, the total naturalization application cost often ranges from $800 to $1,500 depending on additional expenses like passport photos, certified documents, translations, and test preparation. Before filing, make sure you have the required documents for your interview organized.
This guide covers every citizenship filing cost, including fee waiver options using Form I-912, hidden costs many applicants forget, and payment methods. According to the official USCIS N-400 page, these are the current rates. You can also verify fees on the USCIS fee schedule.
2026 Citizenship Costs at a Glance
| Filing Type | 2026 Cost |
|---|---|
| Online Filing (Form N-400) | $710 |
| Paper Filing (Form N-400) | $760 |
| Reduced Fee (Income-Based) | $380 |
| Fee Waiver (Form I-912) | $0 |
Based on current USCIS guidance as of May 2026. Always confirm on the USCIS fee calculator before filing.
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Get Instant Access — $9.99Official USCIS Filing Fee for Form N-400 (2026)
The Form N-400 filing fee covers the entire naturalization process, including application review, background checks, interview scheduling, the civics and English tests, and issuance of your Certificate of Naturalization upon approval.
| Filing Method | Fee |
|---|---|
| Online filing through USCIS account | $710 |
| Paper filing by mail | $760 |
| Reduced fee (N-400 reduced fee income 2026: 150–400% FPG) | $380 |
| Military applicants (active duty/veterans) | $0 |
| Fee waiver approved (Form I-912) | $0 |
Good news: Biometrics fee is included
As of April 2024, the $85 biometrics fee is bundled into the N-400 filing fee. You will not pay a separate fee for fingerprinting and photos.
Why Are USCIS Fees So High?
USCIS is primarily fee-funded and does not receive significant appropriations from Congress. Filing fees cover the cost of application processing, background checks, interviews, and administrative operations. This fee structure explains why naturalization costs have increased over time.
2026 Income Limits: Do You Qualify for a Fee Waiver or Reduced Fee?
Whether you qualify for the N-400 fee waiver or reduced fee depends on your household size and annual income. The citizenship fee waiver income limit 2026 is based on the Federal Poverty Guidelines published by HHS. Here are the exact thresholds:
| Household Size | Full Waiver (≤150% FPG) | Reduced Fee (150–400% FPG) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | ≤ $23,940 | $23,941 – $63,840 |
| 2 people | ≤ $32,460 | $32,461 – $86,560 |
| 3 people | ≤ $40,980 | $40,981 – $109,280 |
| 4 people | ≤ $49,500 | $49,501 – $132,000 |
| 5 people | ≤ $58,020 | $58,021 – $154,720 |
| 6 people | ≤ $66,540 | $66,541 – $177,440 |
| 7 people | ≤ $75,060 | $75,061 – $200,160 |
| 8 people | ≤ $83,580 | $83,581 – $222,880 |
Based on 2026 Federal Poverty Guidelines effective January 13, 2026. For each additional person beyond 8, add $8,520 to the full waiver column and $22,720 to the reduced fee column. Source: USCIS Poverty Guidelines.
Additional Costs Many Applicants Forget
The USCIS filing fee is only part of your total citizenship cost. Many applicants are surprised by additional expenses that add up throughout the naturalization process. Here is what to budget for beyond the N-400 fee:
U.S. Passport (after approval)
Required for international travel as a U.S. citizen
Passport Photos
2 photos required for passport application
Certified Document Copies
Birth certificates, marriage licenses, court records
Document Translations
Certified translations for non-English documents
Citizenship Test Preparation
Study materials, practice tests, tutoring
Immigration Attorney (optional)
Legal assistance with N-400 preparation
$500–$2,500 for standard cases, higher for complex immigration histories.
IRS Tax Transcripts
May be needed to verify tax filing history
Mailing Costs (paper filing)
Certified or priority mail recommended
For tips on avoiding document issues at your interview, see our guide on what happens if you forget documents at your citizenship interview. You can also check physical presence requirements before filing.
Can You Get the Fee Waived? (Form I-912)
USCIS offers fee waivers and reduced fee options for applicants facing financial hardship. If you qualify, the N-400 fee waiver can save you $710 or more.
You may qualify for a full fee waiver ($0) if:
- Your household income is at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines
- You receive means-tested benefits (Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, TANF)
- You can demonstrate extreme financial hardship
You may qualify for a reduced fee ($380) if:
- Your household income is greater than 150% but less than 400% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines
Important: Paper filing required for fee waivers
If you are requesting a fee waiver or reduced fee, you must file Form N-400 on paper. Online filing is not available for fee waiver requests. Submit Form I-912 (Request for Fee Waiver) with your paper application and supporting documentation.
Note: Form I-942 is now obsolete
Request the reduced fee directly in Part 10 of your paper Form N-400. You no longer need to submit a separate Form I-942.
For detailed guidance on uploading supporting documents, see our article on how to upload documents when filing Form N-400 online.
How Much Does Citizenship Cost for a Family?
Each adult in a family files a separate N-400 and pays the full fee. There is no family discount from USCIS. But children under 18 usually cost nothing — they gain citizenship automatically when a parent naturalizes.
| Who | Filing Fee | Other Costs | Subtotal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult 1 (online) | $710 | ~$275 | ~$985 |
| Adult 2 (online) | $710 | ~$275 | ~$985 |
| Children under 18 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Family Total (2 adults) | ~$1,970 | ||
Children under 18 get citizenship free
When a parent naturalizes, children under 18 who are lawful permanent residents automatically become U.S. citizens under the Child Citizenship Act. No N-400 needed. No fee. Form N-600 (Certificate of Citizenship) costs $1,170 online but is optional — a U.S. passport ($165) works as proof of citizenship and costs less.
Tip: File as a couple and save on prep costs
When two adults file at the same time, they can share expenses like study materials, certified document copies, and translation services. Filing together also lets you attend the same biometrics appointment and, in some field offices, the same interview date.
Is It Cheaper to Keep Renewing My Green Card or Apply for Citizenship?
This is one of the most common questions about the cost of citizenship vs green card renewal. The short answer: citizenship is cheaper in the long run for nearly everyone.
| Option | Cost Over 20 Years | Cost Over 40 Years |
|---|---|---|
| Green Card Renewal ($540+ every 10 years) | $1,080+ | $2,160+ |
| Citizenship (one-time $710–$760) | $710–$760 | $710–$760 |
| You Save | $320+ | $1,400+ |
Green card renewal costs at least $540 each time. That adds up forever. Citizenship is a one-time cost. After you naturalize, you never pay USCIS again. Children under 18 also derive citizenship free when a parent naturalizes — saving the family even more.
Beyond fees, citizens gain the right to vote, hold certain government jobs, sponsor relatives faster, and travel on a U.S. passport. Want to check your eligibility date? Use our free tool.
Payment Methods Accepted by USCIS
⚠️ October 2025 Update: N-400 check or money order no longer accepted
USCIS no longer accepts checks or money orders. Paper filers must now use Form G-1450 (credit/debit card) or Form G-1650 (ACH bank withdrawal) only.
The payment methods you can use depend on whether you file online or by mail. USCIS updated payment requirements in October 2025, so always confirm the current instructions on the USCIS website before submitting your application.
Online Filing
- Credit card
- Debit card
- Prepaid card
- U.S. bank account (ACH)
Paper Filing
- Form G-1450 (credit/debit card)
- Form G-1650 (ACH bank transfer)
- Check or money order
Checks and money orders discontinued October 29, 2025
Final Cost Estimate Example (Realistic Scenario)
Here is a realistic breakdown of what a typical applicant might spend to become a U.S. citizen in 2026:
Example: Maria's Citizenship Budget
Note: Maria did not hire an attorney and used affordable study materials. Costs vary based on individual circumstances.
Keep your study costs low
Our bilingual study pack includes all 128 official USCIS civics questions with Spanish translations, plus bonus study guides — for just $9.99.
View the Complete Study Pack →Frequently Asked Questions
Can USCIS change fees after I file my N-400?
No. Once USCIS accepts your Form N-400 and payment, your filing fee is locked in at the rate you paid. If USCIS increases fees after you file, you will not owe additional money. However, if your application is rejected for any reason and you need to refile, you will pay the fee in effect at the time of refiling. USCIS may update filing fees in the future through formal rule changes, so always confirm the current fee directly on the official USCIS website before filing.
What if my payment is rejected by USCIS?
If your payment is rejected, USCIS will return your entire application package without processing it. Common reasons include insufficient funds, incorrect payment amount, or using a payment method that is not accepted. You will need to correct the payment issue and resubmit your application. This can add weeks or months to your timeline, so double-check your payment method and amount before submitting. Always verify current payment instructions on the USCIS website.
Does the N-400 fee include biometrics?
Yes. As of the April 2024 fee update, the biometrics services fee is included in the N-400 filing fee. You will not pay a separate $85 biometrics fee. However, you still need to attend a biometrics appointment at an Application Support Center for fingerprinting, photographs, and digital signature collection. This appointment is scheduled by USCIS after your application is accepted.
Is the citizenship application fee refundable?
No. The N-400 filing fee is non-refundable. Once USCIS accepts your payment, the fee will not be returned even if your application is denied, withdrawn, or you change your mind. This is why it is important to ensure you meet all eligibility requirements before filing and to prepare thoroughly for the civics and English tests.
Can I pay the N-400 fee in installments?
No. USCIS does not offer payment plans or installment options for the citizenship application fee. The full amount must be paid at the time of filing. If you cannot afford the fee, consider applying for a fee waiver using Form I-912 or the reduced fee option if your household income qualifies. Some community organizations also offer grants or assistance for naturalization fees.
Can I pay the N-400 fee with a check or money order?
No. USCIS stopped accepting checks and money orders as of October 29, 2025. All paper filers must now pay electronically using Form G-1450 for credit/debit card or Form G-1650 for ACH bank withdrawal. Online filers pay directly through their USCIS account via card or U.S. bank account.
How much does citizenship cost for a family of four?
Each adult files a separate N-400 and pays the full fee ($710 online / $760 paper). Children under 18 automatically become U.S. citizens when a parent naturalizes — no separate N-400 or fee required. Optional Form N-600 (certificate of citizenship for children) costs $1,170 online, but most families skip it and use a U.S. passport as proof instead.
Is citizenship cheaper in the long run than renewing a green card?
Yes, for most people. Green card renewal currently costs over $540 every 10 years — indefinitely. Citizenship is a one-time fee of $710–$760. Over 30 years, citizenship saves most applicants $900 or more in USCIS fees alone, plus eliminates renewal paperwork permanently.
Will the N-400 fee increase in 2026?
As of May 2026, USCIS has not announced any N-400 fee increase. The last major change was April 2024. However, a new law allows USCIS to adjust certain fees annually for inflation starting in fiscal year 2026. Always confirm the current fee at uscis.gov/g-1055 before filing.
Plan Your Budget and Start Preparing
So how much does naturalization cost in total? The answer ranges from $0 (with a fee waiver) to over $2,000 (with attorney assistance and all additional costs). For most applicants, budgeting $900 to $1,200 provides a realistic estimate that covers the USCIS naturalization fee, documents, and post-approval passport.
Remember that the N-400 filing fee is non-refundable, so make sure you meet all citizenship eligibility requirements before applying and prepare thoroughly for the civics and English tests. If you are not sure whether you are ready, see what happens if you fail the civics test.
Not sure if you're ready to file? Use our free tool to check your eligibility date and find your earliest N-400 filing date.
Filing the N-400 fee is only the first step. Passing the civics and English tests is what moves your application forward. Strong preparation improves your chances of passing on the first attempt, helping you avoid delays and complete the naturalization process smoothly.
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Disclaimer:
This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Fee information is based on current USCIS guidance as of May 2026 and is subject to change. USCivicsPractice.com is not affiliated with USCIS or any government agency. For official fee information, visit uscis.gov/n-400.
Aviso: Este artículo es solo para fines educativos y no constituye asesoramiento legal o financiero. USCivicsPractice.com no está afiliado con USCIS.