Proposed N-400 fee increase: what it means if you're applying now

This is about a proposed rule, not a change in effect. In June 2026, the Department of Homeland Security proposed raising the fee for Form N-400, the citizenship application. As of November 2026, no final rule has been published, so the current fees still apply.

Our guide to N-400 fees covers every fee option in full. This article covers the proposal and where it stands.

What would change?

If the rule became final as proposed, these fees would go up:

Form N-336 is the request for a hearing after a citizenship application is denied.

The proposal would also end fee waivers for both forms and the reduced N-400 fee. Today, some applicants can pay $380 or nothing, depending on income or benefits. Qualified current and former members of the armed forces would stay exempt.

Where does the proposal stand?

The proposal was published in the Federal Register on June 23, 2026, and public comments closed on August 24, 2026. As of our last check, no final rule had been published.

A proposed rule can change before it becomes final, or never take effect. We won't guess at the timing. When something changes, we'll record it on our What's Changed page with the date and the official source.

What applies if I'm applying now?

The fees on USCIS's current fee schedule. Today that means $710 online or $760 on paper, or a reduced fee or fee waiver if you qualify.

USCIS sets out the fee for your application in its fee schedule and on the form's page. Check both on the day you file, because fees are set by regulation and can change when a final rule takes effect.

Should I file before a fee change?

That's a personal decision, and it depends on whether you're eligible now. Filing before you're eligible can lead to a denial, and USCIS says filing fees are nonrefundable.

Our eligibility guide and our free filing date calculator can help you see when you may be able to apply. If your case has complications, such as an arrest or long trips abroad, talk to a professional before you file.