Naturalization application cost N-400 fee breakdown

Applying for U.S. citizenship is one of the most meaningful decisions you'll make, but it comes with real financial considerations. The N-400 Application for Naturalization involves multiple fees that can total significantly more than the base filing cost—and without proper planning, unexpected expenses can derail your timeline. Whether you're a permanent resident who's met the five-year requirement or have been in the U.S. for just three years through marriage to a citizen, understanding the complete cost breakdown is essential. This guide walks you through every fee, potential cost reduction, and payment option so you can budget accurately and move forward with confidence toward your citizenship goal.

Official USCIS N-400 Fees and Payment Requirements

The N-400 Application for Naturalization is the official form you submit to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to apply for U.S. citizenship. As of January 2024, the filing fee for the N-400 application is $640, according to USCIS's official fee schedule. This represents the primary cost component that nearly all applicants will pay directly to USCIS.

In addition to the filing fee, USCIS charges a biometric services fee of $85. This fee covers fingerprinting and background checks—a critical step in the naturalization process. Official USCIS documentation confirms these fees are mandatory for most applicants unless you qualify for a fee waiver or reduction.

Combined standard fees total $725 before any additional costs or potential reductions. These two fees are submitted together with your N-400 application package.

Payment methods accepted by USCIS include:

Personal check (made payable to U.S. Department of Homeland Security)
Cashier's check
Money order
Credit card (through the USCIS online payment portal for certain applications)

Never send cash through the mail. Cash cannot be tracked, and USCIS cannot issue refunds for lost currency. Always use a traceable payment method and keep documentation of your payment.

USCIS periodically adjusts immigration fees to reflect operational costs and inflation. You can verify the most current fee amounts on the USCIS official fees page, which is updated whenever changes take effect. Information in this article was verified as of January 2024, so always confirm current fees with USCIS before submitting your application, as fees may increase.

Fee Waivers, Reduced Fees, and Cost Assistance for Low-Income Applicants

If you cannot afford the full $725 in fees, USCIS offers two cost-reduction options: fee waivers and reduced fees for low-income applicants. Understanding these options can make naturalization accessible regardless of your financial situation.

Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver allows you to request that USCIS eliminate the filing and biometric fees entirely. To qualify for a fee waiver, according to USCIS guidelines, your household income must be at or below 200% of the federal poverty line. For 2024, this means a single person earning $27,740 annually or a family of four earning $56,620 annually would likely qualify.

You must submit Form I-912 with your N-400 application. Include documentation of your household income, such as:

Recent pay stubs (typically last 30 days)
Tax returns from the past year
Benefit award letters (Social Security, SNAP, Medicaid, etc.)
Bank statements showing minimal savings
Proof of rent or mortgage payments

Reduced fees are available if your household income falls between 200% and 250% of the federal poverty line. Rather than paying the full $725, you would pay a reduced fee of approximately $380 (the filing fee only, with the biometric fee waived). This option provides significant savings for applicants in moderate financial hardship.

USCIS does not automatically grant waivers or reductions—you must request them. Processing time for fee waiver decisions typically adds 2-4 weeks to your overall application timeline. Complete instructions for Form I-912 are available on the official USCIS website.

Important note on refunds: If USCIS denies your application, filing fees are generally non-refundable. However, if your fee waiver or reduction is approved and you subsequently withdraw your application before final adjudication, you may be eligible for a refund. Always consult with USCIS directly or a qualified immigration attorney if your circumstances change after submitting fees.

Complete N-400 Cost Breakdown and Application Timeline

Beyond the $725 base filing and biometric fees, several additional expenses may apply depending on your situation. Here's a realistic breakdown of total naturalization costs:

Required costs (included in N-400 filing):

Filing fee: $640
Biometric services fee: $85

Common additional costs (varies by applicant):

Birth certificate certified copies: $10–$30 (may need multiple copies)
Marriage certificate certified copies: $10–$30 (if applicable)
Divorce decree certified copies: $15–$40 (if applicable)
Police clearance certificates: $0–$50 (if required)
Medical exam (Form I-693): $0–$400 (only if USCIS requests one; uncommon for N-400 but possible)
Translation services for foreign documents: $50–$300 (depends on document quantity and language)
Photography for application (2 passport-style photos): $10–$20
Immigration attorney consultation or representation: $500–$3,000+ (optional but recommended if complications arise)

Realistic total cost range: $695–$4,500+, depending on your specific circumstances and whether you hire legal representation.

The standard N-400 processing timeline is 8–12 months from submission to oath ceremony, though this varies by local USCIS office. You can check your application status on the official USCIS Case Status tool using your receipt number. The biometric appointment typically occurs 4–8 weeks after application submission.

Step-by-step cost checklist:

Gather vital records (birth certificate, marriage/divorce documents): $20–$100
Obtain certified translations if needed: $50–$300
Submit N-400 with $725 in fees (or approved waiver/reduction): $0–$725
Attend biometric appointment (no additional cost): Free
Pay for additional services only if USCIS requests them: $0–$400
Attend naturalization interview and oath ceremony: Free

Comparison to previous years: The $640 filing fee and $85 biometric fee established in 2024 remain in effect. Prior to 2024, the filing fee was $520 and biometric services were $85, representing a 23% increase in