The fee to apply for American citizenship could jump from $760 to $1,330 — and the reductions for lower-income applicants could disappear. It's still a proposal, not law, and the comment period runs through August 24, 2026. For anyone close to applying, it's a window with a deadline.
What happened
On June 23, 2026, DHS published a proposal in the Federal Register to adjust naturalization fees. The proposed numbers: the N-400 (citizenship application) would go from $760 to $1,330 on paper, and from $710 to $1,280 for the online version. The N-336 (request for a hearing when naturalization is denied) would rise to $1,475 on paper and $1,425 online.
The proposal would also eliminate two forms of relief that exist today: the reduced fee for those with household income up to 400% of the federal poverty line, and the fee waiver (full exemption) for the N-400 and the N-336. Military members and veterans remain exempt, as required by law. The public comment period runs through August 24, 2026; after that, DHS may publish the final rule.
What changes for you
While it's still a proposal, the amount you pay today doesn't change. But two things are worth watching closely. The first is the jump: about $570 more for the N-400, an increase of nearly 75%. The second, which weighs more heavily on many people, is the end of the reduced fee and the fee waiver. Today, those with lower income can pay less — or nothing — for the N-400. If the rule passes as written, that path closes, and the full amount would apply to everyone outside the military exceptions.
For those who already meet the naturalization requirements — time as a permanent resident, physical presence, and the other criteria USCIS lists — the difference between filing before or after a possible final rule could be hundreds of dollars. And for anyone who would have relied on the waiver, it could be the difference between being able to pay or not. It's not about rushing; it's about knowing the window exists and has a date.
In practice
- Today's amount is still $760 (paper) or $710 (online). Always check the current fee on the USCIS G-1055 page before sending, because the wrong fee results in the filing being treated as incomplete.
- If you were counting on a reduced fee or fee waiver, understand that the proposal eliminates them — it's worth planning your budget with the full amount as the scenario.
- Public comment is open to anyone through August 24, 2026, on the Federal Register. The proposal may still change based on the comments received.
Deciding whether and when to apply is your choice. What document preparation does is get the N-400 package complete and ready, so the decision to file doesn't run into missing paperwork.
Sources
- Federal Register — Naturalization Application Fee Adjustments (06/23/2026)
- USCIS — Fee Schedule (G-1055)
Educational information, not legal advice. Prime Immigration Office is a paralegal service — document preparation only. For legal advice, consult a licensed Texas attorney or DOJ-accredited representative.