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US Naturalization Fees Set to Rise Significantly: Proposed 75% Hike for N-400 Form – Elimination of Waivers & Reduced Fees

  • Writer: Xavi
    Xavi
  • 21 hours ago
  • 2 min read

Updated: 5 hours ago

US naturalization fees set to rise with 75 percent N-400 increase to 1,330 dollars, eliminating fee waivers and reduced fees for most applicants
US naturalization fees set to rise with 75 percent N-400 increase to 1,330 dollars, eliminating fee waivers and reduced fees for most applicants

Washington D.C., 23 June 2026 — The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has proposed significant increases in filing fees for naturalization and related applications, with the cost of Form N-400 (Application for Naturalization) rising by up to 75% under the new plan.

According to the notice of proposed rulemaking (expected to be published in the Federal Register on 23 June 2026), the standard paper-filed N-400 fee would increase from $760 to $1,330, while the online filing fee would rise from $710 to $1,280. This marks one of the largest single fee hikes for naturalization in recent US immigration history.

Proposed Fee Changes at a Glance

Form

Current Fee

Proposed Fee

Increase

N-400 (Paper)

$760

$1,330

75%

N-400 (Online)

$710

$1,280

80%

N-400 (Reduced Fee)

$380

$1,330

250%

N-336 (Request for Hearing) – Paper

$830

$1,475

78%

N-336 (Online)

$780

$1,425

83%

Critical Changes:

  • The reduced fee option for applicants with household income below 400% of federal poverty guidelines will be eliminated.

  • Fee waivers for Form N-400 and N-336 will also be removed.

Why DHS Is Proposing These Increases

DHS states the adjustments are necessary to better align filing fees with the actual costs of adjudicating these applications. US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has faced chronic funding shortfalls, and the agency argues that current fees no longer cover the full operational expenses of processing naturalization cases.

The proposed rule does not take immediate effect. USCIS is accepting public comments for 60 days following publication in the Federal Register. After reviewing feedback, a final rule will be issued with an implementation period (typically 30–60 days).

Impact on Naturalization Applicants

  • Higher Financial Barrier: Many long-term residents, especially lower-income families, may find the new fees prohibitive.

  • Loss of Relief Options: Elimination of waivers and reduced fees removes important safety nets for vulnerable applicants.

  • Encourages Online Filing: The smaller relative increase for online applications may push more people toward digital submissions.

This proposal comes at a time when naturalization backlogs remain a challenge and public interest in US citizenship continues to grow among lawful permanent residents.

Practical Advice for Those Planning to Naturalize

  1. Apply Before Changes Take Effect — If you are eligible now, consider filing under the current fee structure while it is still available.

  2. Prepare Strong Applications — Complete all forms accurately to avoid delays or Requests for Evidence (RFEs) that could add costs.

  3. Explore Fee Assistance — While waivers may be eliminated, some non-profit organisations and legal aid groups may still offer limited support.

  4. Monitor the Comment Period — Individuals and organisations can submit comments during the 60-day window to influence the final rule.


For the latest US naturalization updates, N-400 fee changes, citizenship application guidance, and 2026 immigration news, visit: visasupdate.com/blog/categories/usa


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