How much is the processing fee for us citizenship
The processing fee for U.S. citizenship is a critical consideration for lawful permanent residents seeking naturalization. As of the most recent update, the standard filing fee for Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, is $725.
This amount includes a $640 processing fee and an $85 biometrics services fee. Fee waivers are not available for the N-400, but certain applicants may qualify for reduced fees based on age and military service. These costs are subject to change, so it’s essential to verify current rates on the official U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website before submitting an application.
How Much Is the Processing Fee for U.S. Citizenship?
The processing fee for U.S. citizenship, officially known as the naturalization application fee, is currently $760 for most applicants. This amount covers both the application processing and the biometrics (fingerprinting and background check) services required by U.S.
Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Specifically, $640 is designated for application processing and $120 for biometrics services. This fee applies to Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, which is the standard form used by lawful permanent residents (green card holders) who wish to become U.S. citizens.
The fee must be paid at the time of filing and can be submitted by check, money order, or credit card using Form G-1450. USCIS provides a fee calculator on its website to help applicants confirm the correct payment amount based on their circumstances. It's important to note that this fee is non-refundable, even if the application is denied.
Who Needs to Pay the U.S. Citizenship Application Fee?
Most individuals applying for U.S. citizenship through naturalization are required to pay the $760 processing fee when submitting Form N-400.
This includes lawful permanent residents who are at least 18 years old and meet the eligibility requirements, such as continuous residence and physical presence in the United States. However, certain applicants may qualify for a fee waiver or reduced fee based on financial hardship, participation in government assistance programs, or low household income.
To request a waiver, applicants must submit Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver, along with supporting documentation. Military service members may also be exempt from the fee under specific conditions defined by the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).
Additional Costs and Exceptions to the Standard Processing Fee
Beyond the standard $760 filing fee, some applicants may encounter additional costs depending on their situation.
For example, if an applicant needs legal assistance or translation services for documents not in English, these services are not covered by USCIS and must be paid separately. Moreover, applicants who fail the English or civics test during their naturalization interview may need to be retested, but there is no additional fee for a second interview or test.
It's also important to note that certain groups are fully exempt from the application fee, including members of the U.S. military serving honorably during designated periods of conflict and certain veterans. These exceptions are designed to recognize military service and encourage naturalization among qualified individuals.
Fee Payment Methods and What Happens If Payment Is Rejected
USCIS accepts the naturalization application fee through several payment methods, including checks, money orders, and credit cards. Payments must be made in the exact amount and drawn on a U.S. financial institution.
If submitting by credit card, applicants must complete Form G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Transactions. It's crucial to ensure that the name on the payment matches the applicant's name exactly as it appears on Form N-400.
If the payment is rejected—due to insufficient funds, incorrect information, or an expired card—USCIS will issue a notice of deficiency, giving the applicant a limited time (usually 33 days) to correct the error. Failure to respond may result in the automatic rejection of the application, and the entire process, including the fee, would need to be repeated.
| Fee Type | Amount (USD) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Application Processing Fee | $640 | Covers administrative costs for reviewing Form N-400 and adjudicating the naturalization application. |
| Biometrics Services Fee | $120 | Covers fingerprinting, background checks, and identity verification required during the naturalization process. |
| Total Filing Fee | $760 | Combined cost for applying for U.S. citizenship through Form N-400, effective as of 2024. |
| Fee Waiver Eligibility | $0 | Available for applicants who meet low-income criteria or receive public benefits; requires Form I-912. |
Understanding the Current USCIS Filing Fees for Naturalization
The processing fee for U.S. citizenship is officially known as the Form N-400 application fee, which covers the cost of filing for naturalization with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). As of 2024, the total filing fee is $760, consisting of a $650 application processing fee and an $110 biometrics services fee.
These fees are mandatory for most applicants and must be paid at the time of submission, typically by check, money order, or credit card using Form G-1450. Certain applicants, such as low-income individuals or those with demonstrated financial hardship, may qualify for a fee waiver by submitting Form I-912 along with supporting documentation.
It's crucial to verify the most up-to-date fees on the official USCIS website before filing, as fee structures are subject to change based on policy updates. Accuracy in payment and form submission helps prevent delays in processing the naturalization application.
What Is the Total Cost for U.S. Citizenship Application?
As of the most recent fee schedule, the total cost to apply for U.S. citizenship through Form N-400 is $760. This includes a $650 USCIS processing fee and an $110 biometrics fee, which covers the fingerprinting and background check required for all applicants.
The total fee must be submitted with the application, and payments must be made payable to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. While this cost may seem high, it reflects the administrative and security screening processes involved in the naturalization procedure. Always confirm the current amount on USCIS.gov, as filing fees are occasionally adjusted to reflect operational costs.
Are There Any Exceptions or Fee Waivers Available?
Yes, certain applicants may qualify for a fee waiver or reduced filing cost based on financial need or other qualifying criteria. Individuals who receive government means-tested benefits, such as Medicaid or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or those whose household income is at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, can request a fee waiver by submitting Form I-912.
Additionally, applicants aged 75 or older are exempt from the biometrics fee but still must pay the processing fee unless they also qualify for a full waiver. USCIS evaluates each waiver request on a case-by-case basis, and approved applications allow individuals to pursue citizenship without incurring out-of-pocket expenses.
How to Pay the U.S. Citizenship Application Fee?
Applicants can pay the filing fee for U.S. citizenship using several acceptable methods, including check, money order, or credit card. Checks and money orders must be made payable to the “U.S. Department of Homeland Security” and cannot be postdated or international.
For credit card payments, applicants must complete Form G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Transactions, and submit it with their N-400 application. It's important to double-check all payment information to avoid processing delays or rejection of the application. Online filers can pay securely through their USCIS account using a debit or credit card without needing to submit a paper form.
When Should the Citizenship Fee Be Paid?
The application fee must be submitted at the same time as Form N-400; USCIS will not accept incomplete applications that lack the correct payment. This means that both the processing fee and the biometrics fee must be included when mailing or uploading the application package.
If the fee is missing or incorrect, USCIS will issue a notice giving the applicant a limited time to correct the error, but failure to do so may result in application rejection. Timing is critical—submitting the fee early ensures that the naturalization process begins without unnecessary holdups due to financial discrepancies.
Can the Citizenship Processing Fee Be Refunded?
No, the USCIS filing fee is non-refundable, regardless of the outcome of the naturalization application. Whether the application is approved, denied, withdrawn, or abandoned, applicants will not receive a refund of the $760 fee. This policy applies even if USCIS identifies errors or incomplete information after submission.
However, in rare cases where USCIS does not process an application due to agency error or if an applicant is asked to resubmit due to no fault of their own, a fee carryover may be possible under certain administrative procedures. Applicants should understand this non-refundable policy before submitting both payment and documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the processing fee for U.S. citizenship?
The current processing fee for U.S. citizenship through Form N-400 is $760. This includes a $640 application fee and a $120 biometrics services fee. Fees are subject to change, so applicants should verify the most up-to-date costs on the official USCIS website before submitting their application. Payment must be made by money order, check, or credit card using Form G-1450.
Are there any fee waivers available for the U.S. citizenship application?
Yes, certain applicants may qualify for a fee waiver for the U.S. citizenship application. To be eligible, individuals must meet specific income or benefit criteria, such as receiving a means-tested government benefit or having a household income at or below 150% of the federal poverty level. Applicants must submit Form I-912 with supporting documentation to request a waiver.
Can I pay the U.S. citizenship processing fee online?
Yes, you can pay the U.S. citizenship processing fee online when submitting Form N-400 through your USCIS online account. Online payments can be made using a credit card, debit card, or bank transfer. If filing by mail, you must include a check, money order, or Form G-1450 for credit card payment. Always ensure the payment matches the exact required amount.
What happens if I pay the wrong amount for the citizenship processing fee?
If you pay the wrong amount for the citizenship processing fee, USCIS may reject your application, delaying the process. The agency typically sends a notice giving you a chance to correct the payment within a specified timeframe. To avoid delays, double-check the current fee structure on the official USCIS website and ensure your payment matches the exact amount required before submitting your application.
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