How much does it cost to apply in 2026?
The standard Form N-400 filing fee is $760 on paper or $710 online — online filers get a $50 discount. This single fee also covers biometrics (fingerprints). But many people qualify to pay only $380, and some pay $0.
| Your situation | Form | You pay |
|---|---|---|
| Standard fee — paper filing | N-400 | $760 |
| Standard fee — online filing | N-400 | $710 |
| Reduced fee (income 150–400% of poverty line) | N-400 + I-942 | $380 |
| Full fee waiver (income ≤150%, benefits, or hardship) | N-400 + I-912 | $0 |
| U.S. military members (filing under INA §328 or §329) | N-400 | $0 |
One important rule: if you are requesting a reduced fee or a fee waiver, you cannot file online. You must file a paper N-400 together with the waiver form and your income evidence.
Do I qualify to pay less?
Probably more often than you'd guess. The fee is tied to your household income compared to the Federal Poverty Guidelines. If your income is between 150% and 400% of that line, you can request the $380 reduced fee. If it is at or below 150%, or you receive a benefit like Medicaid or SNAP, you can request a full $0 waiver.
This is the part most people miss. They see $760, assume it's impossible, and never apply. But a family of four earning a modest income very often qualifies for the reduced fee — and sometimes the full waiver. It is worth checking before you decide you can't afford it.
The costs people forget to budget for
The filing fee is the main cost, but a few smaller ones can sneak up on you. None are required for everyone — budget only for what your situation calls for:
- Document translations. Any document not in English (birth certificate, marriage certificate, divorce decree) must be submitted with a certified English translation.
- Passport photos. Some applicants (those living outside the U.S.) need two passport-style photos — a few dollars at a pharmacy.
- Gathering records. Ordering certified copies of court or tax records, if your case needs them, can carry small county or state fees.
- Help preparing your application. Educational guidance and document preparation, if you choose it — far less than hiring an attorney for a simple case.
Do I need to pay a lawyer?
Not for a straightforward case. You are never required to hire an attorney to naturalize. Many people complete the process with educational guidance and document-preparation support, which costs a fraction of legal fees. A lawyer earns their cost when your case is genuinely complex — criminal history, prior immigration violations, or long trips outside the country.
We are educators and document preparers, not attorneys. For most people that is exactly what the process calls for — clear help understanding the form and preparing it correctly. When we see a case that needs a lawyer, we tell you, and we refer you to a trusted immigration attorney. That honesty is the whole point.
USCIS filing fees are not refundable — even if your application is denied. Filing a clean, complete application the first time is the cheapest path to citizenship there is.
Frequently asked questions
Is the N-400 fee refundable if I'm denied?
No. USCIS does not refund filing fees, even on a denial. That's why preparing the application correctly the first time is so important.
How do I pay the USCIS fee?
As of October 28, 2025, USCIS no longer accepts personal or business checks, money orders, or cashier's checks for forms filed on paper — unless you qualify for an exemption. For a mailed paper N-400 you now pay by credit, debit, or prepaid card (Form G-1450), or directly from a U.S. bank account by ACH (Form G-1650). Filing online lets you pay by card or bank account through your USCIS account. USCIS does not offer payment plans — if the full fee is out of reach, the reduced fee or waiver is the real path.
Does the fee include the biometrics appointment?
Yes. The N-400 fee covers the biometrics (fingerprint) appointment, so there is no separate charge.
Find out what your path costs
Take our free 2-minute eligibility quiz. You'll learn if you qualify — and what your realistic next step and cost look like.
Take the Free Eligibility Quiz →