How much does it cost to become a U.S. citizen? The cost of the entire process is thousands of dollars. The final step—filing the N-400, Application for Naturalization—requires one final government filing fee of $725.
Introduction to US citizenship and Naturalization
Naturalization is the process of becoming a U.S. citizen for those who do not qualify for automatic citizenship (citizenship by birth). You can’t apply directly for citizenship, you must first have a green card (permanent residence) for several years. Beyond that, there are nine basic requirements to qualify for naturalization.
- Be at least 18 years old at the time of filing Form N-400, Application for Naturalization.
- Be a permanent resident (have a green card) for at least 5 years (3 years if married to a U.S. citizen).
- Show that you have lived for at least 3 months in the state or USCIS district where you apply.
- Demonstrate continuous residence in the United States for at least 5 years immediately preceding the date of filing Form N-400 (3 years if married to a U.S. citizen).
- Show that you have been physically present in the United States for at least 30 months out of the 5 years immediately preceding the date of filing Form N-400 (18 months over a 3-year period if married to a U.S. citizen).
- Be able to read, write, and speak basic English.
- Have a basic understanding of U.S. history and government (civics).
- Be a person of good moral character.
- Demonstrate an attachment to the principles and ideals of the U.S. Constitution.
How Much Is the US Citizenship Cost?
While there are many costs associated with the path to citizenship, there is only one government filing fee for the actual N-400 application. The N-400 filing fee is $640. Most applicants are also required to pay a biometrics fee of an additional $85.
If you are just at the beginning of the process (where you don’t yet have a green card) there are several other fees you will need to pay. Below is a breakdown of how much the entire process will cost, including government fees, application service fees, and citizenship test classes. The application fees are current as of September 16, 2018; check the USCIS website for current fees.
| N-400 Filing Fee (including biometrics) | $725 |
| Green Card Application Filing Fee (adjustment of status, I-485 application) | $1,140 (in most cases) |
| U.S. Immigration Software | $199 |
| U.S. Citizenship Test & Interview DVD | $59 |
| TOTAL: | $2,123 |
The other fees are for optional services which many applicants choose in order to make their citizenship journey more successful.
US-Immigration.com provides online software preparation services for the N-400 citizenship application. This secure, easy to use software will assist you every step of the way, providing helpful tools to file your application correctly. Start your application now!
US Citizenship Cost Waiver
It may be possible to qualify for a fee waiver so you do not have to pay the government filing fee for this application. Also, some applicants are automatically exempt from certain fees.
Fee Exemptions through Military Service
There is no fee required for military applicants filing under section 328 or 329 of the INA. To qualify, you must have honorably served or been in active service in the Armed Forces or Selected Reserve of the Ready Reserve of the United States for a period or periods aggregating 1 year. People who served during a time of war also qualify. There is no physical presence or continuous residence requirement for these applicants.
Applicants Age 75 or Older
Naturalization applicants 75 years of age or older do not need to pay a biometric fee. They only need to pay the $640 filing fee.
Qualifying for a Fee Waiver
USCIS fee waivers are income-based. In order to qualify, you must meet one of the following conditions:
- You, your spouse, or the head of household living with you, are currently receiving a means-tested benefit (SNAP or food stamps, TANF, SSI, etc.).
- Your household income is at or below 150 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines at the time you file. Check the current Federal Poverty Guidelines for this year at Form I-912P, HHS Poverty Guidelines for Fee Waiver Requests.
- You are currently experiencing financial hardship that prevents you from paying the filing fee, including unexpected medical bills or emergencies.
