How Much Does It Cost to Become a US Citizen? (Price Guide)

For most adults, becoming a citizen means filing Form N-400, the Application for Naturalization, with US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The filing fee is the largest single cost. Other expenses, such as study materials, document translation, travel to appointments, and a first passport, depend on your situation.

This page covers costs only and is not immigration advice. Eligibility and the right filing path vary, so consult a licensed immigration attorney or a Department of Justice accredited representative with questions about your case. Figures here were checked Oct 13, 2026.

Marble reports that, with government and practical costs together, the total typically lands at $800 – $2,000. The government filing fee is a large part of that, and the rest depends on how much help you need and how far you live from USCIS offices.

USCIS publishes the N-400 fee on its form page and on its fee schedule, Form G-1055.

How you file changes the price:

• Online. Filing through a USCIS online account costs less than paper.
• Paper. Filing by mail costs more.
• Reduced fee. Applicants with household income inside a qualifying band can request a lower fee. USCIS says the reduced fee requires a paper filing, along with documentation of income.
• Fee waiver. Applicants who meet the income or benefit rules can request a waiver on Form I-912, which also requires a paper filing. USCIS decides each request on its merits.

The N-400 fee covers the biometrics appointment, so there is no separate biometrics charge for naturalization. USCIS has rejected filings sent with the wrong fee, so confirm the amount on uscis.gov right before you file.

DHS has proposed higher fees. Check uscis.gov for the current amount before filing.

Beyond the filing fee, budget for the items below.

• Test preparation. USCIS publishes free English and civics study materials. Paid classes or tutoring are optional.
• Translations. Documents not in English generally need a certified translation, and cost varies by length and provider.
• Travel. You may travel to a biometrics appointment and, separately, an interview.
• First passport. A US passport is not part of naturalization, but many new citizens apply for one soon after.
• Legal help. Attorney fees are optional and vary widely.

Many people complete the N-400 on their own, and USCIS provides instructions for the form. A licensed immigration attorney, or an accredited representative working for a recognized nonprofit, can help if your case has complications, such as past arrests, long trips abroad, or questions about eligibility. Nonprofit legal service providers sometimes charge less than private practice. Beware of anyone who is not an attorney or accredited representative offering to prepare immigration forms for a fee. Check credentials before you pay.

• Filing method. Online filing costs less than paper.
• Income. A reduced fee or a waiver may lower the government cost for eligible applicants.
• Study method. Free USCIS materials versus a paid course.
• Document needs. Foreign-language records require translation.
• Distance. Travel to appointments adds cost.
• Help. Hiring an attorney is the most variable expense.
• Military service. Some military applicants are exempt from the filing fee. Check USCIS for the rules that apply.

Filing before you meet the eligibility requirements wastes the fee, since USCIS may deny the application and generally keeps the money. Review the eligibility rules on the USCIS naturalization page, gather your records first, and file only when you are ready. A licensed immigration attorney can confirm whether you qualify.

The N-400 fee covers processing the application, background and security checks, the biometrics appointment, the English and civics tests, the interview, and the oath ceremony. USCIS says it generally does not refund filing fees once it accepts and processes the payment, including if an application is denied or withdrawn. Make sure you meet the eligibility requirements before you file.

USCIS accepts payment by methods listed on its fee page, and those can change. Read the instructions for Form N-400 and the filing fee page right before you submit. A payment that is incorrect, missing, or in a method USCIS no longer accepts can cause the whole filing to be rejected.