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Applying for U.S. Citizenship Could Nearly Double in Cost: What Applicants Need to Know

The cost of applying for U.S. citizenship could increase significantly under a new proposal from the Department of Homeland Security. According to Bloomberg Law, DHS has proposed raising the government filing fees for Form N-400, Application for Naturalization.


Under the proposal, the filing fee could increase to:

  • $1,280 for applications submitted online;

  • $1,330 for paper applications.


Currently, applicants pay $710 to file Form N-400 online and $760 to submit a paper application. If the proposal is approved, the fee would increase by $570—approximately 80% for online filings and 75% for paper filings.


Why Is DHS Proposing Higher Fees?

DHS states that the current filing fees do not cover the full cost of reviewing and processing naturalization applications.

USCIS is primarily funded through fees paid by applicants. Under the proposed cost-recovery model, applicants would be required to cover the full cost associated with adjudicating the forms they submit.


Could Reduced Fees and Fee Waivers Be Eliminated?

The proposal would affect more than the standard N-400 filing fee.

DHS is also proposing to:

  • eliminate the reduced N-400 filing fee currently available to certain applicants based on household income;

  • eliminate fee waivers for most applicants filing Forms N-400 and N-336.

Certain current and former members of the U.S. Armed Forces applying for naturalization based on military service may remain exempt.

If adopted, these changes could have a particularly significant impact on lower-income applicants who currently qualify for a reduced filing fee or a full fee waiver.


Have the New Fees Taken Effect?

No. The changes are currently only a DHS proposal.

Until a final rule is issued and officially takes effect, the current USCIS filing fees remain unchanged:

  • $710 for Form N-400 filed online;

  • $760 for Form N-400 filed by mail.


This material is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every immigration case is unique.


If you are planning to apply for U.S. citizenship and would like to confirm your eligibility, identify potential risks, and properly prepare your application, schedule a strategy session with an immigration attorney at Bloomrich Law Firm.


To schedule a consultation, contact us at info@bloomrich.com.



 
 
 

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