How Much Does It Cost to Get US Citizenship? (Price Guide)

Becoming a U.S. citizen through naturalization starts with Form N-400. The government fee is the main required cost, and it is set by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Other costs depend on your situation, such as document copies, photos, translations, or help from a professional.

This page lists the official filing fees published by the federal government. It covers the general naturalization application and a few related forms that people often need, such as a replacement certificate. It does not say whether you are eligible or how to handle your case. Rules and fees change, and USCIS is the place to confirm both before you file.

Filing the N-400 online costs $710. Filing on paper costs $760. USCIS lists both amounts on its N-400 page, and the online fee is lower. According to the agency, you submit the fee with your application, and it covers the application itself.

Filing method also matters for who can use the reduced fee. USCIS notes that applicants asking for a reduced fee must file a paper Form N-400.

USCIS lists a reduced fee of $380 for applicants whose documented household income is at or below 400 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. You submit documentation with the application to support it. The federal regulation that sets the fees also provides that no fee is charged to applicants who meet the military service requirements in sections 328 or 329 of the Immigration and Nationality Act.

USCIS also offers a fee waiver process for people who cannot pay. If you think you may qualify, read the agency's instructions for the fee waiver request before you file. A licensed immigration attorney or a Department of Justice accredited representative can answer questions about your own case.

The N-400 is not the only citizenship form. Three others come up often.

Form N-600, for a Certificate of Citizenship, costs $1,385. This is a different process from naturalization and applies to people who may already be citizens through a parent. Form N-565 replaces a lost, stolen, or damaged naturalization or citizenship document and costs $555. Form N-336, a request for a hearing after a denied N-400, costs $830. The regulation notes exceptions for some of these forms, such as no fee for certain military applicants, so read the form instructions.

Beyond the filing fee, people may spend money on:

• Certified copies of records, such as marriage or court documents, when the application asks for them.
• Certified translations of documents that are not in English.
• Professional help. Fees for attorneys and accredited representatives vary by provider, so ask for a written fee agreement.
• Travel to an appointment or interview.

None of these amounts are set by the government. Ask any provider what is included before you agree.

Pay USCIS directly through the methods listed on its website. USCIS fees are only paid to the agency or through its official forms and payment systems. Be cautious about websites that charge extra for forms that are free to download from uscis.gov. Notarios and unlicensed consultants are not authorized to give immigration advice in the way an attorney or accredited representative is. For free or low cost legal help, the Department of Justice maintains a list of recognized organizations and accredited representatives.

USCIS fees are written into federal regulation and revised periodically. Check the current fee on the form's USCIS page and use the most recent edition of the form before you send anything. If the fee is wrong or the form is outdated, USCIS may reject the filing, which costs time even when it returns your payment.