Citizenship Is About to Get More Expensive: What the Proposed $1,330 Naturalization Fee Means for You

A major naturalization fee increase is proposed: and the public comment period has already closed. If you are a green card holder considering U.S. citizenship, now is the time to review your eligibility, understand the current rules, and plan carefully.

On June 23, 2026, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking titled “Naturalization Application Fee Adjustments.” The proposal appears in the Federal Register at 91 FR 37500 under Federal Register document 2026-12542.

The proposal would increase the paper filing fee for Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, to $1,330. It would also eliminate the current reduced-fee option and fee waiver for most applicants.

The proposal is not yet in effect. However, because the comment period closed on August 24, 2026, DHS could finalize the rule soon. If you are eligible to apply, you may want to plan as though the change will take effect.

What is naturalization?

Naturalization is the legal process through which a person born outside the United States becomes a U.S. citizen.

Most applicants begin by filing Form N-400, Application for Naturalization. The process generally includes:

• Confirming that you meet the eligibility requirements;
• Filing Form N-400 with USCIS;
• Completing required background checks and biometrics;
• Attending a naturalization interview;
• Taking the English and civics tests, unless an exception applies; and
• Taking the Oath of Allegiance at a naturalization ceremony.

Naturalization can provide important benefits, including the right to vote in federal elections, access to a U.S. passport, stronger protection from removal, and the ability to petition for certain relatives under different family immigration categories.

You generally must be at least 18 years old and have held your green card for at least five years. If you are married to and living with a U.S. citizen, you may qualify under the three-year rule. Other requirements also apply, including continuous residence, physical presence, and good moral character.

You can review the basic requirements through USCIS’s naturalization eligibility information.

What fees are proposed?

The proposed rule would raise fees for both Form N-400 and Form N-336.

The proposed paper fee for Form N-400 would increase by $570, or approximately 75%. The proposed paper fee for Form N-336 would increase by $645, or approximately 78%.

The online filing discount would remain $50 under the proposal. That means online filing would still cost less than paper filing, but the proposed online fees would also be significantly higher than today’s fees.

What are the current N-400 fees?

Until a final rule takes effect, the current fees remain in place.

According to the USCIS Form N-400 page, the current options are:

• $760 for a paper Form N-400;
• $710 for an online Form N-400;
• $380 for qualifying applicants using the reduced-fee option; or
• $0 if USCIS approves a fee waiver.

Applicants requesting a reduced fee or fee waiver generally must file a paper Form N-400. USCIS states that applicants requesting a fee waiver use Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver, or submit a written request with supporting evidence.

These current options remain available unless and until DHS publishes and implements a final rule.

Who would be affected?

The proposal would affect most nonmilitary applicants who file Form N-400 or Form N-336 after the new rule becomes effective.

This includes:

• Green card holders applying for citizenship;
• Applicants filing through the five-year naturalization process;
• Applicants filing through the three-year marriage-based process;
• People requesting a hearing after a naturalization denial; and
• Low-income applicants who currently qualify for a fee waiver or reduced fee.

The proposed changes would not change the basic eligibility requirements for naturalization. They would change the cost of applying and remove important payment relief for many applicants.

Why would low-income applicants be hit hardest?

The proposal would eliminate both the $380 reduced fee and the existing fee waiver for Form N-400.

Currently, a qualifying applicant may use the reduced fee if their documented household income is no more than 400% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Applicants with a means-tested benefit, household income at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, or extreme financial hardship may qualify for a full fee waiver.

Under the proposal, most applicants would have to pay the full fee regardless of their financial circumstances.

That could create a substantial barrier for people who are already balancing:

• Rent or mortgage payments;
• Food, transportation, and childcare costs;
• Medical bills;
• Unstable employment;
• Student loans or other debt; and
• Financial responsibilities to relatives in the United States or abroad.

For a low-income applicant who currently qualifies for a fee waiver, the change could mean going from paying $0 to paying $1,330 for a paper application. For someone who currently qualifies for the $380 reduced fee, the increase would be $950.

DHS acknowledges in the Federal Register notice that some applicants may delay or give up their naturalization applications because of the higher cost.

Why does DHS say it needs higher fees?

DHS says USCIS is primarily funded by fees paid by people and organizations seeking immigration benefits. Under the proposal, USCIS would move toward a “beneficiary-pays” approach. In plain English, DHS argues that the person receiving the benefit should pay the full cost of processing that benefit.

The agency says the current naturalization fees do not cover the full cost of:

• Reviewing the N-400;
• Conducting identity and background checks;
• Performing national security screening;
• Reviewing immigration and travel history;
• Conducting the naturalization interview;
• Administering the English and civics tests; and
• Processing the oath ceremony and final decision.

The Federal Register notice states that the proposal is intended to recover the full cost of adjudicating Forms N-400 and N-336. DHS estimates that the general fee increases could result in approximately $430 million in annual transfer payments from current full-fee applicants to USCIS.

DHS also says eliminating fee waivers and reduced fees would simplify processing and reduce the resources USCIS spends reviewing fee-relief requests.

The bigger picture is that the government is placing more of the financial burden directly on naturalization applicants. Whether the proposal improves processing remains to be seen, but the immediate effect for many families would be a much higher upfront cost.

Are military applicants still exempt?

Yes. The proposal would leave the existing statutory fee exemptions for qualifying current and former U.S. armed forces service members unchanged.

Applicants who qualify for naturalization under the military service provisions of INA sections 328 or 329 would continue to be exempt from the Form N-400 and Form N-336 fees.

Military eligibility rules can be fact-specific. If you believe you qualify through military service, review the USCIS military naturalization information and consider speaking with an immigration attorney before filing.

What should you do now?

The proposal is not currently effective, but you should not wait until the last minute to make a plan.

1. Check your naturalization eligibility

Review:

• The date you became a permanent resident;
• Whether you qualify under the five-year or three-year rule;
• Your travel outside the United States;
• Your physical presence in the country;
• Your tax filing history;
• Any arrests, convictions, or pending charges;
• Any prior immigration applications or statements; and
• Whether you have maintained continuous residence.

USCIS allows eligible applicants to file up to 90 calendar days before completing the required continuous residence period.

2. Gather your records

Start collecting your:

• Green card and prior green cards;
• Passports and travel history;
• Tax records;
• Marriage, divorce, or death certificates;
• Court and arrest records, if applicable;
• Proof of residence and physical presence; and
• Documents related to prior immigration filings.

A complete review is especially important if you have taken long trips abroad, used different names, received public benefits, had a criminal case, or previously provided information to immigration officials that may need explanation.

3. Budget for the current fee

If you are eligible and ready to file, determine whether you can submit before a final rule takes effect. Filing before the effective date may allow you to use the current $760 paper fee, $710 online fee, $380 reduced fee, or approved fee waiver, depending on your circumstances.

Do not file an incomplete or rushed application simply to avoid a fee increase. A denial, rejection, or delay could cost you time and money. The goal is to file a complete and accurate application under the rules that apply when USCIS receives it.

4. Consider an immigration attorney

An experienced immigration attorney can help you evaluate eligibility, identify risks, prepare Form N-400, and determine whether filing now makes sense.

This is particularly important if your case involves:

• Criminal history;
• Extended travel;
• Tax problems;
• Prior removal or immigration court proceedings;
• Possible false claims to U.S. citizenship;
• Misrepresentation or inconsistent information;
• A prior naturalization denial; or
• Questions about military eligibility.

You can learn more about citizenship and naturalization services from Badmus & Associates or schedule a consultation.

What happens next?

The public comment period closed on August 24, 2026. DHS will now review the comments and may publish a final rule. The final version could match the proposal, make changes, delay implementation, or be challenged in court.

Until USCIS announces an effective date and updated filing instructions, the current fees remain in effect. We will continue to monitor the rulemaking and keep you updated as new information becomes available.

If you are eligible for naturalization, review your options now rather than waiting for the new fee to become effective. Careful planning may help you preserve access to the current fee structure and avoid unnecessary delays.

This article is for general information only and is not legal advice. Immigration eligibility, filing requirements, and government fees can change. Speak with a qualified immigration attorney about your individual circumstances before filing Form N-400 or Form N-336.

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