When you begin the process of becoming a US citizen, there’s a lot to think about. You must meet the eligibility requirements, gather your documents, and prepare for the citizenship test. But one of the biggest concerns is the cost… How much does it cost to apply for US citizenship?
While the US citizenship test cost is not excessive, it can still be a significant expense, especially if you haven’t planned for it. Your financial situation and the specific type of application you choose can also affect the final amount you pay. In some cases, you may qualify for a reduced fee or even a complete fee waiver.
But don’t worry! We’ll explain exactly how much it costs to apply for US citizenship so you can prepare ahead of time and avoid surprises. Plus, we’ll ensure you only pay the exact amount required – nothing more, nothing less.
How much does it cost to apply for US citizenship?
The first step in the naturalization process is to complete and file Form N-400, the official application for US citizenship.
So, how much does it cost to get US citizenship? Effective April 1, 2024, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has updated the filing fees for this form:
- $760 if you file by mail.
- $710 if you file online through the USCIS portal.
As you can see, filing online not only speeds up the process but also saves you $50 in fees.
This payment covers both application processing and biometric services (fingerprints, photo, and signature), so there’s no extra charge for these services.
However, the cost of applying for US citizenship depends on your eligibility. Not everyone must pay the full government fee. For example, applicants applying based on military service are exempt from the filing fee.
Comparison of past and current US Citizenship Application Fees: How much is the US citizenship application fee?
| Form N-400 Filing Method | Previous Fee | Current Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Online Filling (N-400 Form) | $725 | $710 |
| Paper Fillien (N-400 Form) | $725 | $760 |
| Applications for service members of the US Armed Forces | $0 | $0 |
What if you can’t afford the cost to apply for US Citizenship?
If the price of applying for US citizenship is too high, some options can help reduce or even eliminate the cost. USCIS offers two ways to help applicants with financial hardship: a fee reduction and a fee waiver. To qualify, you must meet certain income and economic criteria.
How to apply for a fee reduction
You may apply for a reduced application fee if your household income is between 150% and 400% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. If you qualify, your application fee will be reduced by 50% so that you will pay only $380 instead of the full amount.
To apply for this reduction, you must complete Part 10 of the Form N-400 when you submit your application.
Who qualifies for a fee waiver?
If you cannot afford the naturalization fee, you may qualify for a full fee waiver. To qualify, you must show that you:
- Receive a means-tested public benefit (such as Medicaid, SNAP, or SSI).
- Have a household income at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
- Experiencing financial hardship (such as high medical bills or unemployment).
If you meet these conditions, you may apply for a fee waiver by filing Form I-912 (Request for Fee Waiver) with your Form N-400.
If USCIS approves your request, the cost of applying for US citizenship will be $0.
How to pay the fees for your citizenship application
You already know the US citizenship costs… but how do you pay these fees?
USCIS offers different payment options depending on how you submit your application – online or by mail.
Online Application
If you apply for US citizenship through your myUSCIS account, you can pay the cost of the fees directly on the platform. You can use a credit card, debit card, prepaid card, or electronic funds transfer.
Paying online is the most convenient method because you receive immediate payment confirmation and avoid delays in processing your application.
However, before you pay, ensure you’re on the official website. USCIS only processes payments through pay.gov – any other site is a scam.
Mail applications
If you submit a paper application, you may pay the fee by check or money order. Make the check or money order payable to the US Department of Homeland Security. Cash payments will not be accepted.
Write your full name, address, and reference to Form N-400 on the check or money order to ensure proper processing.
You may also pay by credit card, debit card, or prepaid card. You must include Form G-1450 (Authorization for Credit Card Transactions) with your application to do so.
Basic rules for paying the cost of your US citizenship application
No matter how you submit your application, there are some important rules to follow:
- You may use only one method of payment. You cannot split the payment between different methods, such as paying part with a check and the rest with a credit card.
- The amount must be exact. If your payment doesn’t match the required fee, USCIS will reject your application.
- If you file multiple applications, you must pay separately for each.
Are USCIS fees refundable?
No. The cost of applying for US citizenship is non-refundable. If your application is denied or you decide to withdraw it, you will not get your money back. And if you decide to reapply, you’ll have to pay the fees again.
That’s why it’s important to review your application before submitting it. Ensure that all your information is correct, that you have filled in all the required sections, and that you have included all the necessary documents required by the USCIS.
Also, prepare well for your citizenship test. If you fail, you’ll have to start the process over – and pay the fees again.
With Citizen Now, you get access to all the resources you need to ace your English and civics tests, prepare for your interview, and complete your N-400 application with confidence.
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Summing up…
Becoming a US citizen is a long and complex process that requires time, effort, and a significant financial investment. In addition to the application fee, there are other naturalization costs, such as legal assistance, translations, document processing, and even travel expenses for scheduled appointments.
However, if you follow the USCIS guidelines and our tips, gather all the necessary documents, and prepare well for your test and interview, you won’t have any problems. With determination and good planning, you’ll soon become a US citizen and enjoy all the benefits that come with it.
And if you have any questions about how to apply for US citizenship or how much it costs to apply, leave a comment below. We’re here to help!