How Much Does It Cost to Become a U.S. Citizen?

For most immigrants, the naturalization process costs between $710 and $760 in government filing fees, plus any travel costs for an in-person interview. Filing fees are paid to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), which has made some recent changes to how you can submit payments.

This guide will break down the costs involved in becoming a U.S. citizen so you know what to expect and can avoid mistakes while filing.

How much does it cost to become a U.S. citizen?

The cost to apply for U.S. citizenship is between $710 and $760 for most people, with additional fees if you need a certificate of citizenship. Exactly how much you pay depends on how you file Form N-400, the Application for Naturalization:

• As of 2026, it costs $710 to file Form N-400 online and $760 by paper. This is a combined payment that covers both the initial application fee, as well as background and biometrics processing.
• If your household income is at or below 400% of the federal poverty guidelines, the N-400 filing fee is $380.
• If you’re requesting a certificate of citizenship (Form N-600), it will cost $1,335 total to file online and $1,385 total via mail. (Current and former members of the U.S. armed forces may not have to pay the filing fee.)

Note that if you’re requesting a fee waiver, you’ll need to file your application by mail.

Breakdown of costs to become a U.S. citizen

• Form N-400 filing fee: $710 online or $760 by mail (if no waiver applies)
• Biometrics fee: Included in N-400 filing fee as of 2024
• Certificate of citizenship (optional): Optional fee of $1,335 to file Form N-600
• Lawyer fees (optional): $1,000 to $3,000 in most cases

How to pay the filing fees for U.S. citizenship (Form N-400)

If you file Form N-400 online, when you submit the form, the system will prompt you to enter your payment details. Payment is handled by the Department of the Treasury through Pay.gov.

As of Oct. 28, 2025, USCIS no longer accepts checks or money orders. This is because the federal agency is transitioning to electronic filing. As a result, applicants must now use either their credit card, debit card, or an ACH transaction to pay.

Those filing by mail must fill out additional forms to authorize electronic payments. You can submit either Form G-1450 for debit/credit cards, or Form G-1650 for ACH transactions. Note that USCIS will immediately destroy the form containing your payment information after the payment is processed.

Remember that USCIS may reject paper N-400 filings if they don’t have an approved electronic payment method or fee waiver.

Guide to paying citizenship fees

• Online N-400 filing: Pay through online portal, by card or ACH transfer
• Paper N-400 filing, ACH transfer: Include Form G-1650 with your application
• Paper N-400 filing, credit or debit card: Include Form G-1450 with your application

How to get a waiver for electronic payments

If you cannot pay electronically, you’ll need to file Form G-1651. This accommodation can only be requested if you meet one of the following requirements:

• You cannot access a bank or an electronic payment system due to remote geographic location.
• You cannot handle electronic payments because of mental impairment.
• Electronic payment would cause you undue hardship, such as mental disability or remote geographic location.
• You cannot pay online due to national security or law enforcement-activities.

Can you get a fee waiver for naturalization costs?

If paying the full citizenship application fee would cause financial hardship, you may qualify for a fee waiver or reduced filing fees:

Fee waivers

If your household income is at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, or if you receive certain public benefits such as Medicaid, SNAP, or Supplemental Security Income, you can get the entire N-400 filing fee waived. To request this, fill out Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver, and submit it with your N-400. USCIS will reject the waiver if you don’t include evidence of the financial hardship.

Certain active or past military members may also qualify for free $0 filing fees for naturalization. If you’re a permanent resident who served for at least a year in the U.S. military and were honorably discharged, USCIS will waive your N-400 fees. You just need to include proof of your service with your N-400.

Reduced filing fees

If you make between 150% and 400% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, you may only have to pay a reduced filing fee of $380 for Form N-400.

For example, a family of four would qualify for a reduced fee if their total income falls under $128,600. No extra forms are needed to request a reduced fee, but you will need to provide documentation when filing your N-400. (In the past, Form I-942 was used for this purpose, but it’s no longer required as of April 2024.)

Are U.S. citizenship fees increasing in 2026?

There is no planned increase to the N-400 filing fee in 2026, though USCIS does occasionally adjust filing fees due to inflation or operational costs.

The last major change for naturalization payments happened in 2024. That year, the federal agency eliminated the separate biometrics fee and adjusted the N-400 fee to its current price.

The October 2025 Fee Schedule update added several changes to payment processing, but it did not adjust fees for naturalization.

As of now, USCIS has not announced any further increases to naturalization filing fees. If the federal agency decides to adjust citizenship fees, they need to place a notice in the Federal Register at least 30 days before changes are made.

Navigate naturalization filing fees and more with confidence 

USCIS forms and filing fees can be overwhelming, but an experienced immigration attorney can make all the difference. Start your journey to become a U.S. citizen today by requesting a consultation with Manifest’s experienced N-400 lawyers.

FAQs about the costs cost to become a U.S. citizen

How much is the citizenship test fee?

The U.S. citizenship test does not have a separate fee. All the costs for the naturalization process are included in the initial N-400 application fee.

Can I pay the N-400 fee in installments?

No, USCIS does not offer a payment plan for the N-400 filing fee.

Do military members pay for naturalization?

Certain military service personnel qualify for free naturalization. If you’ve served honorably for at least a year, you may be eligible for a fee waiver.

What if my application is denied?

If USCIS denies your application, they will send you a written denial notice. This document will state the reasons why you received an unfavorable decision, and if you qualify for an appeal. However, your fee will not be refunded.

What’s the total cost to become a U.S. citizen, including everything?

Most applicants only pay $710 to file an N-400 petition. Fee waivers, legal representation, and the way you file may affect the final costs.

How much does it cost to become a U.S. citizen with a Green Card?

Green Card holders going through the naturalization process must pay the N-400 filing fee of $710 to file online or $760 to file by mail. Reduced fees and fee waivers are available for low-income applicants and U.S. services members.

Can I pay filing fees with a non-U.S. bank account?

USCIS does not take money from bank accounts outside of the U.S. If you do not have access to an American account, ask a trusted person in the U.S. to pay for you or get a pre-paid visa credit card. Wire transfers or third-party payment services like PayPal or Venmo are not listed by USCIS as acceptable payment methods.

Where exactly can I pay filing fees online?

When paying a filing fee, make sure you are using the proper USCIS website. Doing so can prevent you from falling for immigration scams.

Do I need to pay separate filing fees for each family member?

If you’re submitting an application as a couple or as family members, remember that each member must pay a separate filing fee. However, you may both qualify for a fee reduction or waiver if your household income falls below the 400% or 150% poverty threshold, respectively.

Did USCIS increase premium processing fees?

USCIS increased premium processing fees on March 1, 2026. While this faster processing doesn’t apply to Form N-400, you can ask USCIS for expedited review of your application in rare circumstances, like if you face a humanitarian situation.