How much does it cost to apply for citizenship, and can I pay less?

How much does Form N-400 cost?

As of November 2026, here is what U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) charges, according to its current fee schedule. There's no separate fee for biometrics.

Fees can change, so check the current fee schedule, Form G-1055, on the day you file. Our guide on how to fill out Form N-400 explains the rest of the process.

Do I qualify to pay less?

There are two ways to pay less, and you should request only one. Both depend mostly on your household income compared with the Federal Poverty Guidelines, which USCIS publishes in a table by household size each year.

If your income is at or below 150%, USCIS directs you to a fee waiver instead of the reduced fee.

What counts as a means-tested benefit? USCIS lists Medicaid, SNAP, TANF, SSI, housing assistance, WIC, LIHEAP, and certain VA cash benefits. It says Medicare, unemployment, Social Security, SSDI, and student aid do not count.

What counts as extreme financial hardship? USCIS gives examples such as unemployment, a family member's medical expenses, a natural disaster, eviction, or homelessness that keeps you from paying.

Who counts in my household?

USCIS's fee pages use the same basic definition for both requests. Your household can include:

• You.
• The head of your household, if that isn't you.
• Your spouse, if you live together. If you are separated or live apart, USCIS says not to include your spouse.
• Your parents and your unmarried children or legal wards under 21, if they live with you.
• Your unmarried children or legal wards aged 21 to 23 who are full-time students, if they live with you when not at school.
• Your unmarried children or legal wards with a disability who can't care for themselves and whose legal guardian you are, if they live with you.
• Other dependents on your federal tax return, or on your spouse's or head of household's return.

A relative or roommate who lives with you but doesn't fit these groups doesn't count, and neither does their income.

USCIS also describes a few special situations:

• Separated, for a fee waiver. USCIS asks for a signed statement or documents showing that your spouse lives elsewhere and gives you no income help. Any monthly support payments from your spouse still count as income.
• Spouse abroad, for a reduced fee. Include what your spouse contributes to your household. If your spouse gives no support, include a statement explaining that.
• Abuse, for a reduced fee. If you are applying as the battered or abused spouse of a U.S. citizen you still live with, USCIS says not to include that spouse's income.

What proof do I need?

Requests can be turned down for lack of evidence, so send it with your form.

Anything in a foreign language needs a full English translation with the translator's signed statement.

Why do these requests get turned down?

USCIS lists the common problems on its fee pages. For a fee waiver, they include:

• You don't meet any of the conditions.
• You didn't sign Form I-912 or your written request.
• You didn't state your basis, by checking a box in Part 1 of Form I-912 or another way.
• You didn't send evidence of your benefit, income, or hardship.
• Your evidence isn't in English and has no certified translation.
• You sent the request without the application.

For a reduced fee, USCIS warns about not sending enough information and documents, and about untranslated documents.

If your fee waiver is denied, the denial notice (Form I-797) gives the reason. If USCIS rejects a filing, it sends a notice explaining why. If you then refile and want to pay by card, you need a new Form G-1450.

How do I pay?

It depends on how you file. USCIS's rules for paper filings have changed, and it generally no longer takes checks.

• Declined payments. If your card is declined, USCIS doesn't try again, and it rejects your filing. If a bank withdrawal fails for lack of funds, USCIS tries one more time before rejecting it. For a bank withdrawal declined for any other reason, it rejects your filing without trying again.
• No refunds. USCIS says filing fees are final and nonrefundable, even if your application is denied or you withdraw it.

Are the fees going up?

Possibly, but nothing has changed yet. In June 2026, the Department of Homeland Security published a proposed rule. As of November 2026, here is what it would do if it became final:

Public comments closed on August 24, 2026. We found no final rule, and USCIS's fee schedule dated October 26, 2026 still lists the current fees. A proposal can change before it becomes final, or it may never take effect, and we can't predict the timing. We will update this guide if that changes.

When should I talk to a professional?

Most people can work out their fee from USCIS's table. Consider getting help if any of these apply to you:

• You aren't sure who counts in your household, or your income changed recently.
• Your fee waiver or reduced fee request was turned down.
• You are applying under the military paths and aren't sure what to file.

A DOJ-accredited representative or licensed attorney can help, and some nonprofit organizations offer low-cost services.