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

Currently it costs $725 to become a U.S. citizen through the naturalization process (for most applicants). However, some individuals may qualify for a fee waiver. When filing Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, you must pay two separate fees: an application fee and a biometric services fee. The N-400 application fee is $640, and the biometric services fee is $85. Submit the fee as one single payment of $725. This does not include any 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

USCIS does not require applicants 75 years of age and older to pay biometrics fee. Thus, applicants age 75 or older may submit a total payment of $640. Additionally, 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.

Fee Waivers for N-400

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% of the poverty level at the time you file. Check the current poverty levels for this year at: Form I-912P, HHS Poverty Guidelines for Fee Waiver Requests.
• You are experiencing a financial hardship that prevents you from paying the filing fee, including unexpected medical bills or emergencies.

The complete details are on the USCIS Fee Waiver web page. Additionally, there’s a partial fee waiver if your documented annual household income is greater than 150 percent but not more than 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines at the time you file. If you may qualify, you can learn more about Form I-942, Request for Reduced Fee.

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 $540 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.