Citizenship application fee guide: How much does U.S. citizenship cost?

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Applying for U.S. citizenship is a major milestone, and, like most government processes, it comes with fees you need to plan for.

The citizenship application fee covers the cost of processing your application, reviewing your documents, and completing required background checks. While the amount may seem straightforward at first glance, the total cost of becoming a U.S. citizen can vary depending on how you apply and whether you qualify for reduced fees or a waiver.

Fees also change. So if you’re searching for the US citizenship application fee 2025 or planning ahead for the US citizenship application fee 2026, it’s smart to use official numbers¹ (and double-check them right before you file).

In this guide, you’ll learn how much the U.S. citizenship application costs, what the fee includes, how to pay it, and what additional expenses to expect so you can prepare with confidence before submitting your application.

What is the citizenship application fee?

The U.S. citizenship application fee is the government filing fee you pay to submit Form N-400², also known as the Application for Naturalization form. This is the form you need to fill out if you’re applying to be a naturalized citizen of the United States. According to USAHello³, the time for approval takes an average of 5 to 8 months, and approval is highly dependent on the information you fill out and whether or not you easily completed all the steps in the application.

Think of the citizenship application fee as the “processing” fee for your application. It’s separate from any costs you might pay for legal help, translations, or travel to your biometrics or interview appointment. The application fee can be paid either online through credit or debit card transactions, or the amount can be mailed. A quick heads-up, USCIS fees are generally non-refundable once your application is accepted for processing, even if it happens to be denied later on.

How much is the U.S. citizenship application fee?

Here’s the part most people are really searching for: how much is the US citizenship application fee right now? USCIS lists different N-400 fees⁴ depending on whether you file online or by mail. The fees can change, and other charges can be checked through their website’s Fee Calculator⁵.

Standard USCIS citizenship application fee

Filing type for Form N-400	Associated fee according to the USCIS⁴
Online filing	$710
Paper filing (mail)	$760

Those whose annual household income does not surpass 400% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines will be charged $380 for paper filing. USCIS also notes that the N-400 fee schedule changed under its fee rule updates. As a best practice, you should always check the current USCIS fee schedule before you submit.

Under the 2024 fee rule, the Immigrant Legal Resource Center highlights how there is no separate biometrics fee for naturalization the way there used to be. USCIS may still schedule biometrics, but it isn’t charged as a separate add-on fee for N-400 under the current schedule.

How to pay the citizenship application fee

USCIS payment options depend on how you file your application. To accommodate more people, USCIS has been modernizing payment methods for paper filings, so it’s worth checking the latest guidelines the week you decide to file.

Paying online

If your file Form N-400 online, you can typically pay electronically through the USCIS system, which may include bank account (ACH) transfers, debit cards, or credit cards, depending on availability at the time of filing. USCIS explains the accepted online payment options on its filing fees page¹, including paying from a U.S. bank account through ACH.

Before you hit submit, make sure the name on your USCIS account matches your filing information, and double-check you’re using a valid U.S. payment option.

Paying by mail

If you file by mail, USCIS generally accepts checks or money orders, and, in some cases, credit card payments using Form G-1450 (Authorization for Credit Card Transactions). USCIS also offers an ACH option⁶ for certain paper filings, which allows a payment from a U.S. bank account where accepted.

What payments USCIS does not accept

USCIS is strict about payments. If you send the wrong fee amount or use a payment method that isn’t accepted for your filing type or lockbox, they can reject your application and send the whole packet back.

Because accepted payment methods and processing systems can change, it’s important to confirm the current options on the official USCIS website before submitting your application.

Here are some common examples of payments that can cause problems (and how to avoid them):

Using a payment method that isn’t allowed for that submission path.
Online filing runs through your USCIS account payment flow, while paper filing has lockbox-specific rules. Don’t assume a payment method that worked for a different form (or a friend’s filing last year) will work for yours.

Incomplete or incorrect payment forms for paper filings.
For example, if you pay by card using Form G-1450, missing details or a signature can trigger rejection.

Payment that can’t be processed.
This includes situations like insufficient funds, bank blocks, or a declined card, basically anything that prevents USCIS from successfully taking the fee can stop your application from being accepted for processing.

Citizenship application fee waiver (Form I-912)

If paying the standard citizenship application fee might be difficult, USCIS allows some applicants to request a fee waiver using Form I-912 (Request for Fee Waiver).

Who qualifies for a fee waiver?

USCIS uses a set of rules to decide who may qualify for a fee waiver. In simple terms, a fee waiver is designed for applicants who genuinely can’t afford the filing fee. USCIS explains eligibility using poverty guidelines and other qualifying categories, such as receiving certain means-tested public benefits or showing financial hardship that matches USCIS criteria.

Most applicants who qualify fall into one of these buckets:

Low income (based on the Federal Poverty Guidelines)
Receiving a qualifying means-tested benefit
Financial hardship (a major life event that makes paying the fee unrealistic right now)

How to apply for a fee waiver

USCIS provides Form I-912 and instructions on what evidence you should submit. This is what the process usually looks like:

Confirm that your form is fee-waiver eligible and that you qualify.
USCIS outlines eligibility categories (like meeting income guidelines, receiving certain means-tested benefits, or showing financial hardship) and lists which forms can be filed with a waiver request.

Gather evidence before you fill anything out.
The I-912 instructions explain what kinds of documents USCIS expects depending on how you qualify (benefit letter, income proof, hardship documentation).

Complete Form I-912 carefully, then assemble your packet.
USCIS’ guidance is to submit the I-912 with your application and supporting documentation.

File on paper if you’re requesting a fee waiver (or reduced fee).
For Form N-400 specifically, USCIS guidelines state that you cannot file online if you’re requesting a fee waiver or reduced fee, so you must file a paper N-400 with the appropriate request.

Mail it to the correct USCIS filing address and keep proof.
USCIS lockbox rules and addresses vary depending on the form and where you live, so always use the USCIS page for your form and follow the filing-fee guidance right before you mail it.

Many community organizations also provide step-by-step help and checklists, including how to avoid common mistakes that lead to rejection.

Reduced citizenship application fees

Not everyone qualifies for a full fee waive, but some applicants may qualify for a reduced N-400 fee. USCIS refers to this as a reduced fee option⁷ based on household income. The reduced naturalization fee is $380 for eligible applicants who fall between 150% to 400%⁸ of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. If you’re unsure where you land, USCIS publishes the poverty guideline chart used for fee waiver requests, which is also helpful context when you’re figuring out whether you might qualify for reduced fees.

Additional costs beyond the USCIS fee

The citizenship application fee is the main expense. But for a lot of applicants, it’s not the only one that shows up along the way. Here are the most common add-ons you should factor into your budget:

English and civics test prep.
USCIS provides free study materials, and many libraries and community groups run low-cost classes. Some people still choose paid tutoring or prep courses if they learn better with structure or need extra speaking practice.

Legal help or accredited support.
Plenty of applicants file on their own, but if you have a complicated travel history, prior immigration issues, or you just want peace of mind, you may pay for an attorney or an accredited representative to review your application before you submit.

Translations, certified copies, and records.
If you’re using documents that aren’t in English, you may need professional translation. Some applicants also pay small fees to request certified copies of records (like birth or marriage certificates) if the originals are missing or outdated.

Travel, parking, and time off work.
Even if the government appointment itself is “free,” getting there isn’t. Allotted spend for transportation costs, parking, childcare if needed, and the possibility of taking unpaid time off.

Passport costs after approval.
Naturalization makes you eligible to apply for a U.S. passport, but the passport application has its own separate fees and processing timelines.

A good rule of thumb is to budget beyond the filing fee, even if you plan to keep things simple. These extras don’t always hit all at once but they can add up fast if you’re caught off guard. Check what you might spend on prep, paperwork, appointments, and your passport after approval.

How long does the citizenship process take after paying the fee?

Paying the fee doesn’t mean you’re done. Rather, it just starts the formal process. USCIS publishes a processing time tool⁹ where you can check estimated timelines by form type and field office.

Processing times vary by location and workload, so the most accurate move is to check the tool using your specific office. Boston, for example, has an average processing time of 8.5 months for applicants filing the Form N-400. It’s also worth noting that if USCIS accepts your fee and begins processing, that fee is generally non-refundable even if the case is denied.

Citizenship application fee FAQs

How much is the citizenship application fee (really) if I’m filing in 2025 or 2026?

The best answer is to use the USCIS fee schedule as your source of truth right before you file, because fees can change. If you’re researching the US citizenship application fee 2025 or US citizenship application fee 2026, treat blog posts as a starting point, but confirm on USCIS before submitting payment.

Can I pay the citizenship application fee in installments?

USCIS generally requires the full fee at the time you file, and it doesn’t advertise an official installment plan for the N-400 filing fee. If you need help budgeting, community organizations like The New Americans Campaign¹⁰ can help applicants plan or locate assistance programs.

Is the citizenship application fee refundable?

In most cases, no. USCIS fees are generally non-refundable once accepted for processing. Community resources also repeat this clearly. If your application is denied, you generally won’t get the fee back.

Can someone else pay my application fee?

Many applicants have a spouse or family member to cover costs, but payment rules (especially for paper filings) can be strict, so make sure the payment method is accepted and completed correctly to avoid rejection.

What happens if I can’t afford the fee?

You have two options. You can either fill out a citizenship application fee waiver (Form I-912) if you qualify. Otherwise, there’s a reduced fee option if you meet the income criteria USCIS lists.

How BOSS Revolution can help you prepare financially

The citizenship process is paperwork-heavy, but it’s also budget-heavy. And for many families, the fee isn’t the only expense. There are documents to gather, appointments to get to, and often relatives abroad who still rely on support while the process is ongoing.

BOSS Revolution can help in the practical day-to-day ways people actually manage money across borders: staying in touch with affordable international calling, sending mobile top ups when family needs connectivity, and using money transfers with clear pricing so you can plan ahead.

And because the brand comes from a retail background, many customers use retail partner locations as an option when they don’t want to rely on cards, which is helpful for people who prefer cash or are building credit history.

Conclusion

The citizenship application fee is a major milestone expense, and the easiest way to avoid surprises is to plan around official USCIS numbers, then add a buffer for the extra costs that often show up along the way. Plus, if you’re budgeting for citizenship while still supporting family abroad, BOSS Revolution can help you stay connected and move money in a way that fits real life—especially when you want straightforward pricing and flexible ways to fund a transfer.

Sources: all third party information obtained from applicable website as of December 29, 2025

https://www.uscis.gov/forms/filing-fees
https://www.uscis.gov/n-400
https://usahello.org/citizenship/prepare/n400-vocabulary/
https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/forms/g-1055.pdf
https://www.uscis.gov/feecalculator
https://www.uscis.gov/pay-by-ach-transaction
https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/questions-and-answers/Form-N400-FAQ-6-18-24.pdf
https://www.uscis.gov/archive/frequently-asked-questions-on-the-uscis-fee-rule
https://egov.uscis.gov/processing-times/
https://www.newamericanscampaign.org/learn-about-becoming-a-citizen/costs-and-fee-waivers/

This article is provided for general information purposes only and is not intended to address every aspect of the matters discussed herein. The information in this article is not intended as specific personal advice. The information in this article does not constitute legal, tax, regulatory or other professional advice from IDT Payment Services, Inc. and its affiliates (collectively, “IDT”), and should not be taken or used as such by any individual. IDT makes no representation, warranty or guaranty, whether express or implied, that the content in this article is current, accurate, or complete. You should obtain professional or other substantive advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the information in this article.