Free Guide to U.S. Citizenship Application Costs

Understanding U.S. Citizenship Application Fees

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) charges a filing fee and a biometric services fee for the naturalization petition, which is the official form submitted to become a U.S. citizen. As of 2024, the filing fee is $640 and the biometric services fee is $85, making the total cost $725 for most people. These fees are set by federal regulation and change periodically, so it's important to verify the current amounts on the official USCIS website before preparing your submission.

The filing fee covers the cost of processing your petition, reviewing your background, and managing the administrative work involved in evaluating your request for citizenship. The biometric services fee covers the cost of taking your fingerprints and photographs, which are used for background checks and identification purposes. Both fees must be paid together when you submit your petition.

USCIS accepts payment through several methods, including check, money order, credit card, or debit card. If you pay by check or money order, make it payable to "U.S. Department of Homeland Security." It's critical to include the correct fees with your submission, as incomplete payments may delay processing or result in your petition being returned.

Some individuals may not have to pay these fees. People with income at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty line may petition for a fee reduction or waiver. For example, in 2024, a family of four with income of approximately $55,500 or less per year might qualify for a reduction. Even if you believe you may qualify for a reduction, you must still submit the appropriate request form along with your petition.

Practical takeaway: Before submitting your naturalization petition, confirm the current filing and biometric fees on USCIS.gov, verify your payment method options, and determine whether your household income may qualify you for a fee reduction or waiver by reviewing the federal poverty guidelines.

Fee Reduction and Waiver Eligibility

USCIS understands that the cost of naturalization can be a significant expense for many households. For this reason, the agency offers the option to request a fee reduction or a complete fee waiver based on your household income and family size. A fee reduction typically lowers your cost, while a fee waiver eliminates the filing fee entirely. However, the biometric services fee cannot be waived—only reduced in rare circumstances.

To request a fee reduction or waiver, you must complete Form I-942, "Request for Reduction or Waiver of Fees." This form asks you to report your household income, the number of people in your household, and any expenses that affect your ability to pay. The form is straightforward and available on the USCIS website at no cost. You submit this form together with your naturalization petition (Form N-400).

The income thresholds change annually and are based on the federal poverty line. USCIS publishes updated poverty guidelines each year, typically in January. As a general reference, a single person with annual income below approximately $15,000, or a family of four with income below $31,000, may be within the range for considering a reduction or waiver. However, these numbers change, and you should verify current thresholds on the USCIS website or by consulting the published poverty guidelines.

When you submit a fee reduction or waiver request, USCIS will review your financial information and notify you whether your request was approved, denied, or partially approved. An approval might mean you pay a reduced amount or nothing at all. The decision is made on a case-by-case basis and considers your individual circumstances. You are not required to provide additional documentation beyond what appears on Form I-942 unless USCIS requests it.

Practical takeaway: If your household income is near or below twice the federal poverty line, complete Form I-942 and submit it with your naturalization petition. Review the current year's poverty guidelines on the USCIS website to determine whether you may be eligible for a fee reduction or waiver.

Payment Methods and Submission Options

USCIS offers multiple ways to submit your naturalization petition and pay the associated fees, giving you flexibility based on your circumstances and preferences. The most common method is submitting by mail to the appropriate USCIS Service Center for your location. When mailing, you'll include your completed Form N-400, the required supporting documents, and your payment (check, money order, or credit/debit card authorization form).

If paying by check or money order, write "U.S. Department of Homeland Security" on the front and include your USCIS receipt number once assigned. Do not send cash, as it cannot be tracked if lost in the mail. Many people prefer checks or money orders because they provide a receipt and clear payment record. Keep a copy of your cancelled check or money order receipt as proof of payment.

Credit and debit card payments are also accepted. You'll complete Form G-1450, "Authorization for Credit Card or Debit Card Transactions," and include it with your petition. This form authorizes USCIS to charge your card for the filing and biometric fees. One advantage of this method is that your bank and credit card statements provide documentation of payment. Some people also use this method to build credit history in the United States while handling important immigration matters.

Certain locations also offer in-person submission at USCIS Application Support Centers. You can call the USCIS National Customer Service line at 1-800-375-5283 to find the service center nearest you and learn about their submission hours and procedures. In-person submission sometimes allows you to pay with cash, which some applicants prefer, though policies vary by location. Always confirm with your local service center about accepted payment methods and whether an appointment is required.

Practical takeaway: Choose your payment method based on convenience and documentation preference—mail with check/money order, mail with credit card authorization, or in-person submission. Keep all payment receipts and records until your naturalization petition is fully processed and approved.

The Naturalization Process and Associated Costs

The naturalization process involves several stages, and understanding where costs occur helps you prepare financially and logistically. After you submit your Form N-400 with payment, USCIS processes your petition, which typically takes several months. During this time, background checks are conducted, and your immigration history is reviewed. The filing and biometric fees cover this initial processing.

Once USCIS completes the initial review, you'll be scheduled for a biometrics appointment. At this appointment, your fingerprints and photograph are taken. The biometric services fee you paid at the time of submission covers this appointment. You do not pay additional fees for the appointment itself. You'll receive a notice in the mail with the date, time, and location of your biometrics appointment.

After biometrics are collected and your background check clears, you'll receive a notice for an interview and naturalization test. This interview is conducted at a local USCIS office and is free to attend. During the interview, you'll answer questions about your background, immigration history, and residence in the United States. You'll also take a test on civics and English language skills. There are no additional fees for the interview or test.

If your petition is approved, you'll be scheduled for a naturalization oath ceremony, where you formally pledge allegiance to the United States and become a citizen. Some ceremonies are conducted by USCIS officials, while others are held in federal courts. The oath ceremony is free, though some courts may charge a minimal fee for issuing your Certificate of Naturalization—typically $0 to $35 depending on the court. After taking the oath, you receive your Certificate of Naturalization, which is your official proof of U.S. citizenship.

Practical takeaway: The primary costs for naturalization are the filing and biometric fees paid upfront ($725 standard, or less with a reduction/waiver). Subsequent steps—the interview, test, and oath ceremony—are free or have minimal fees. Budget for these upfront costs and keep your payment documentation throughout the process.

Additional Costs and Expenses to Consider

Beyond the official USCIS fees, several other expenses may arise during the naturalization process. Understanding these potential costs helps you plan your budget realistically. One common expense is obtaining copies of official documents needed to support your petition, such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, divorce decrees, or police clearance records. If these documents are