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

Currently it costs $760 to become a U.S. citizen through the naturalization process (for most applicants). However, some individuals may qualify for a reduced fee or fee waiver. The fee for Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, does not include any additional fees that you may optionally choose to pay for someone to help you prepare your application. You may pay U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) by check, money order, credit card, or debit card.

Exceptions to N-400 Fees

Persons applying on the basis of military service (under section 328 or 329 of the INA) are exempt from both fees. No filing fee is required.

Paying N-400 Fees by Check or Money Order

When submitting your N-400 fees by check or money order, use all of the following guidelines:

• Make the check or money order payable to “U.S. Department of Homeland Security”
• Payment must be drawn on a bank or other financial institution in the United States and must be payable in U.S. currency
• Paper clip the check, money order, or credit card form to the top of your N-400 application before mailing it to USCIS
• If you are currently living outside the U.S., contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for instructions on making the payment

Those making payments by check should note that USCIS will convert the payment into an electronic funds transfer (EFT). In other words, they will electronically debit your account.

Paying N-400 Fees by Credit Card or Debit Card

When submitting your N-400 fees by credit card or debit card, use all of the following guidelines:

• Fill out all three sections of Form G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Transactions
• Do not submit multiple G-1450 forms – use a single credit card to make the payment in one single payment
• Paper clip the Form G-1450 on top of your Form N-400 application before mailing it to USCIS

For additional information about paying N-400 fees by credit card or debit card, visit USCIS.

Reduced Fee on Form N-400

The current fee structure provides a 50 percent reduction of the naturalization fee, or $380, for applicants who have a household income that is between 150 percent and 400 percent of the federal poverty guidelines. The request for a reduced fee is integrated with the current edition of Form N-400. In other words, there is no separate form to apply for the reduced fee. (Previously, applicants needed to submit Form I-942 to apply for the fee reduction.)

N-400 Fee Waiver

For some applicants, it may cost nothing to become a U.S. citizen. USCIS offers a fee waiver for certain individuals that qualify. To be eligible for a fee waiver, one of the following requirements must be met:

• You or qualified members of your household are currently receiving a means-tested benefit. A means-tested benefit is one for which the individuals’ income/resources determine eligibility and/or the benefit amount;
• Your household income is at or below the 150 percent of the poverty level at the time you file; or
• You are experiencing a financial hardship that prevents you from paying the filing fee, including unexpected medical bills or emergencies.

In order to obtain a fee waiver, you must submit Form I-912 with your N-400 application. If granted a fee waiver, you will pay no USCIS fee for the Form N-400. The complete details are on the USCIS Fee Waiver web page.

RECOMMENDED: How to Get U.S. Citizenship at a Reduced Cost

Cost Not to Become a U.S. Citizen

How much does it cost not to become a U.S. citizen? CitizenPath created a Citizenship Cost Calculator that compares the costs of becoming a U.S. citizen with the cost of remaining a permanent resident. USCIS requires permanent residents to renew green cards every 10 years at a cost of $465 for each occurrence. You must pay the same fee to replace a green card if it’s lost or stolen. These fees become extraordinarily expensive over a life time.

RECOMMENDED: Try the Citizenship Cost Calculator

Requirements to Become a U.S. Citizen

CitizenPath offers numerous resources to help you through the naturalization process. Start by reviewing the requirements to become a U.S. citizen. We also offer an affordable service to help applicants prepare Form N-400. CitizenPath allows users to try the service for free and provides a 100% money-back guarantee that USCIS will approve the application. Try it now.