N-400 Filing Fee Guide + Citizenship Cost Calculator
The N-400 filing fee is one of the most important costs to understand before submitting Form N-400, Application for Naturalization. USCIS sets strict payment rules, and the amount you pay may vary depending on how you file and whether you qualify for a reduction. This guide explains the current fees and shows how the Citizenship Cost Calculator can help you evaluate the long-term financial impact of becoming a U.S. citizen.
Key Takeaways
- The N-400 filing fee is $710 online or $760 by mail.
- Reduced fee applicants pay $380 and must file by mail.
- Fee waiver applicants pay $0 and must submit Form I-912 by mail.
- USCIS strictly enforces documentation rules.
- The Citizenship Cost Calculator shows your lifetime green card renewal costs compared to naturalization costs.
Current N-400 Filing Fee (USCIS)
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) states that the N-400 naturalization fee is:
- $710 if filed online
- $760 if filed by mail
However, USCIS requires applicants requesting a reduced fee or fee waiver to file by mail. USCIS does not permit online submission in those cases.
| N-400 Filing Type | USCIS Fee | CitizenPath Cost |
|---|---|---|
| By mail | $760 | $199 |
| Online or upload PDF | $710 | $199 |
| By mail with reduced fee | $380 | $199 |
| By mail with fee waiver | $0 | $199 |
The CitizenPath Cost shown in the table is our affordable flat price for application preparation. It covers our guided, step-by-step service that helps you prepare the N-400 accurately, avoid common mistakes, and generate a completed application package. CitizenPath’s price is separate from (and in addition to) the N-400 filing fee.
N-400 Reduced Filing Fee ($380)
USCIS allows certain applicants to pay a reduced N-400 filing fee of $380 instead of $760. According to USCIS instructions, the reduce fee option is available when documented annual household income less than 400% of the federal poverty guidelines.
There are also important rules when requesting the reduced fee:
- You must file by mail
- You must include documentation proving income and household size
- USCIS will reject the filing if evidence does not support eligibility
Applicants typically submit tax transcripts, pay statements, or proof of household members. If income is below 150% of the federal poverty guidelines, a full fee waiver may be more appropriate.
When you use CitizenPath, we'll help you determine if you qualify for the reduced N-400 naturalization fee and make sure your application is prepared correctly. Learn more about the Naturalization Application Package →
If you want extra confidence when preparing Form N-400, CitizenPath provides clear instructions written for everyday people. The affordable service checks for mistakes and builds a tailored checklist so you know exactly what to submit. You pay only when you’re satisfied and ready to download your N-400 package.
N-400 Fee Waiver ($0 Filing Fee)
USCIS permits eligible applicants to request a fee waiver using Form I-912. If eligible, you pay no N-400 filing fee. USCIS recognizes three primary eligibility paths:
- You receive a means-tested public benefit.
- Your household income is at or below 150% of the federal poverty guidelines.
- You demonstrate qualifying financial hardship.
Similar to the reduced fee, there are some key rules when requesting a complete fee wavier:
- You must submit Form I-912 with the N-400 by mail
- You must include documentation supporting eligibility
- USCIS may reject incomplete fee waiver requests
Applicants should carefully organize documentation to avoid intake delays. If you believe you may qualify, learn more about the USCIS fee waiver →
Citizenship Cost Calculator: Is Naturalization Cheaper Long-Term?
The Citizenship Cost Calculator helps answer a common question: Is it cheaper to renew a green card for life or apply for citizenship now? See how much you'll pay in green card maintenace fees over a lifetime. Compare it to the one-time N-400 filing fee.
For most applicants, U.S. citizenship through naturalization currently costs $710. Once you become a citizen, you will never have to pay another USCIS fee again. What’s more, your permanent resident children under the age of 18 will automatically become U.S. citizens when you naturalize through derived citizenship. There is no additional cost.
Payment Methods for the N-400 Filing Fee
USCIS now requires electronic payment methods for paper-filed forms submitted to a USCIS lockbox. They no longer accept personal or business checks, money orders, or cashier’s checks for most paper filings.
When paying the Form N-400 filing fee, USCIS generally accepts only:
- Credit/debit/prepaid card using Form G-1450 (Authorization for Credit Card Transactions)
- ACH debit (bank transfer) using Form G-1650 (Authorization for ACH Transactions)
CitizenPath has found that ACH bank transfers are usually the safest option because credit card transactions can be declined or flagged by a bank’s fraud controls, which may lead to a rejected filing and lost time. For more information, review our post on how to use Form G-1650 and G-1450 →
Common N-400 Filing Fee Mistakes
Many rejections occur because of avoidable issues:
- Using outdated fee amounts and payment methods
- Filing online when requesting reduced fee
- Missing supporting income documentation
- Combining reduced fee and fee waiver
- Using more than one payment method
USCIS will reject an application if the fee is incorrect. Of course, a rejection delays your case.
FAQs About the N-400 Filing Fee
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