Understanding the citizenship application fee is essential when planning your journey to become a US citizen. This comprehensive guide covers the N-400 naturalization fee, certificate of citizenship costs, fee waivers, and payment methods for 2026. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) sets these fees, which were last updated in April 2024.
Understanding the US Citizenship Application Fee in 2026
The citizenship application fee is the government filing fee required to submit Form N-400, the Application for Naturalization. This fee covers the entire processing of your application, from initial review through your oath ceremony and issuance of your Certificate of Naturalization. For green card holders ready to become US citizens, understanding these costs is crucial for proper financial planning.
USCIS fees are set through federal rulemaking and are subject to periodic adjustments. The current fee structure has been in effect since April 1, 2024, when USCIS implemented significant changes including bundling biometrics costs into the main filing fee. Unlike US visa fees paid to the Department of State for entry visas, citizenship fees are paid directly to USCIS for immigration benefits.
What is the N-400 Citizenship Application Fee in 2026?
The US citizenship application fee (Form N-400) is $710 for online filing or $760 for paper filing in 2026. This naturalization fee includes biometrics processing—there is no separate biometrics fee. Low-income applicants may qualify for a reduced fee of $380 or a complete fee waiver, while military applicants can naturalize at no cost.
The Form N-400 filing fee depends on how you submit your application. USCIS offers a $50 discount for online filing, making it the more affordable option for most applicants. The fee covers application processing, background checks, biometrics appointment, naturalization interview, civics and English testing, and your Certificate of Naturalization upon approval.
N-400 Fee Structure 2026
Since April 2024, the N-400 fee includes biometrics processing. USCIS may still require you to attend an Application Support Center appointment for fingerprinting, photograph, and signature, but there is no separate fee for this appointment.
How Can I Get a Citizenship Fee Waiver or Reduced Fee?
You may qualify for a full fee waiver if your household income is at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines or if you receive means-tested benefits such as Medicaid, SNAP, or SSI. A reduced fee of $380 is available for applicants with income between 150% and 400% of the poverty guidelines. Request waivers using Form I-912.
USCIS recognises that not everyone can afford the full citizenship application fee. Several options exist for applicants facing financial hardship.
Full Fee Waiver Eligibility
To qualify for a complete fee waiver, you must demonstrate financial hardship by meeting one of the following criteria:
- Income threshold: Household income at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines
- Means-tested benefits: Currently receiving Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, or TANF
- Financial hardship: Extraordinary expenses preventing payment (medical emergencies, unemployment)
To request a fee waiver, complete Form I-912 (Request for Fee Waiver) and submit it with your paper N-400 application. You cannot file online if requesting a fee waiver.
Reduced Fee Option ($380)
If your household income is between 150% and 400% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, you may qualify for the reduced naturalization fee of $380. Request this directly in Part 10 of Form N-400—you do not need a separate form. However, you must file on paper; the reduced fee option is not available for online filing.
Military Fee Exemption
Active-duty service members and veterans who meet the requirements of INA sections 328 or 329 regarding military service can naturalize with no application fee. Include proof of military service (such as Form N-426, Request for Certification of Military or Naval Service) with your N-400 application.
What Are the Other Citizenship-Related USCIS Fees?
Beyond the N-400 naturalization fee, other citizenship-related costs include Form N-600 (Certificate of Citizenship) at $1,335-$1,385, Form N-565 (replacement documents) at $505-$555, and Form N-336 (hearing request) at $780-$830. Each form has different fee waiver eligibility rules.
While the N-400 is the most common citizenship form, USCIS processes several other citizenship-related applications with their own fee structures.
N-600: Certificate of Citizenship
Form N-600 is used to obtain documentary evidence of US citizenship for individuals who acquired or derived citizenship through a parent. The fee is $1,335 for online filing or $1,385 for paper filing. Current or former military members filing on their own behalf pay no fee, as do certain adopted children meeting specific criteria.
N-565: Replacement Documents
If your naturalization certificate or citizenship document is lost, stolen, damaged, or contains errors, use Form N-565 to request a replacement. The fee is $505 for online filing or $555 for paper filing. There is no fee if the replacement is needed due to a USCIS error on the original document.
N-336: Hearing on Naturalization Decision
If your N-400 application is denied, you can request a hearing to have the decision reviewed by filing Form N-336. The fee is $780 for online filing or $830 for paper filing. A reduced fee of $320 applies if you originally filed under military provisions (INA sections 328 or 329) and your application was denied.
- N-400 (Naturalization): $710 online / $760 paper
- N-600 (Certificate of Citizenship): $1,335 online / $1,385 paper
- N-565 (Replacement Document): $505 online / $555 paper
- N-336 (Hearing Request): $780 online / $830 paper
- N-426 (Military Certification): No fee
How Do I Pay USCIS Citizenship Fees?
For online filing, pay through your USCIS account using credit card, debit card, or bank account transfer. For paper filing, use Form G-1450 to authorise a credit or debit card payment. As of October 28, 2025, USCIS no longer accepts checks or money orders for paper filings.
Online Filing Payment
When filing through your USCIS online account, the system guides you through payment using credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover), debit card, or bank account withdrawal (ACH transfer). Online payment is processed immediately, and you receive confirmation upon successful submission.
Paper Filing Payment
For paper applications, include Form G-1450 (Authorization for Credit Card Transactions) with your application to authorise USCIS to charge your card. Ensure all information matches your card exactly, as discrepancies will result in rejection.
Most USCIS fees are non-refundable once accepted. If USCIS accepts your fee and begins processing, you cannot get a refund even if your application is denied or withdrawn. Always verify the current fee amount on the official USCIS Fee Schedule (Form G-1055) before submitting your application.
- N-400 naturalization fee: $710 online or $760 paper (includes biometrics)
- Reduced fee of $380 available for income 150-400% of poverty guidelines
- Full fee waiver for income at or below 150% or means-tested benefits recipients
- No checks or money orders accepted since October 2025
- Fees are non-refundable once USCIS accepts your application
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a US citizenship application cost in 2026?
The US citizenship application fee (Form N-400) costs $710 for online filing or $760 for paper filing in 2026. This fee includes biometrics processing. Low-income applicants may qualify for a reduced fee of $380 or a complete fee waiver. Military applicants meeting certain requirements can naturalise at no cost.
What is the N-400 fee for 2026?
The N-400 fee is $710 for online filing or $760 for paper filing. This naturalization fee has been in effect since April 1, 2024, and includes biometrics processing. There is no separate biometrics fee. USCIS offers a $50 discount for online filing to encourage digital submissions.
Is there a separate biometrics fee for citizenship applications?
No, there is no separate biometrics fee for Form N-400 as of April 2024. The biometrics cost is now bundled into the main filing fee. USCIS may still require you to attend an Application Support Center appointment for fingerprinting, photograph, and signature, but you will not pay an additional fee for this appointment.
How can I get a citizenship fee waiver?
To request a fee waiver, file Form I-912 (Request for Fee Waiver) with your paper N-400 application. You may qualify if your household income is at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, you receive means-tested benefits (Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, TANF), or you can demonstrate financial hardship due to extraordinary circumstances. You must file on paper to request a waiver.
Is the citizenship application fee refundable if my application is denied?
No, the citizenship application fee is non-refundable in most cases. Once USCIS accepts your fee and begins processing, the fee cannot be returned regardless of the outcome—even if your application is denied or withdrawn. This is standard USCIS policy for most immigration benefit requests.
What is the citizenship fee for seniors over 75?
There is no special reduced fee for seniors based on age alone. Applicants over 75 pay the same fee as other adults ($710-$760) unless they qualify for a reduced fee or waiver based on income. Previously, seniors were exempt from the separate biometrics fee, but since biometrics is now included in the main fee, this distinction no longer applies.
How much is the N-600 certificate of citizenship fee?
The N-600 fee is $1,335 for online filing or $1,385 for paper filing in 2026. This form is used to obtain a Certificate of Citizenship for those who acquired or derived citizenship through a parent. Current or former military members filing on their own behalf, and certain adopted children meeting specific criteria, may be exempt from this fee.
Can I pay USCIS fees with a check or money order?
No, USCIS no longer accepts checks or money orders for paper filings as of October 28, 2025. You must now pay using credit card, debit card, or bank account withdrawal for all applications. For paper filings, include Form G-1450 (Authorization for Credit Card Transactions) to authorise USCIS to charge your card. Professional immigration solicitors can assist with complex applications if you need guidance.