How Much Does It Cost to Apply for U.S. Citizenship in 2026?

So, you want to become a U.S. citizen. But you wonder how much the U.S. citizenship application fee costs in 2026. The process feels complex. You need clear answers now.

Also, applying for citizenship means dealing with forms, fees, and timing. Many people feel confused about what they must pay. But this guide makes it simple. You will learn the exact U.S. citizenship application fee, what each part covers, and how to avoid common mistakes.

Plus, understanding the naturalization fees helps you plan better. You can save time and money when you know the steps. This post breaks down the USCIS citizenship cost so you feel confident moving forward.

Table of Contents

• What Is the U.S. Citizenship Application Fee?
• Complete Breakdown of Naturalization Fees
• Step-by-Step: How to Pay Your Application Fee
• Fee Waivers and Reductions Explained
• Common Mistakes That Cost You Money
• Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the U.S. Citizenship Application Fee?

The U.S. citizenship application fee is the money you pay USCIS to process your naturalization request. In 2026, the total N-400 filing fee stands at $760 for most applicants. This fee covers your application review, biometrics, and interview scheduling.

But what does that number really mean? The USCIS citizenship cost includes two main parts. First, you pay a $640 application processing fee. Then, you add an $85 biometrics fee for fingerprinting and background checks.

So, most people pay $725 total ($640 + $85). Yet some applicants qualify for different amounts. For example, applicants age 75 or older do not pay the biometrics fee. That means they pay only $640.

Who Pays the Full Fee?

Most adult applicants pay the complete naturalization fee of $725. This applies if you are between 18 and 74 years old. Also, this applies if you meet standard eligibility requirements for citizenship.

But military members and their families often pay less. In fact, some military applicants pay zero fees. Plus, low-income applicants may qualify for fee waivers or reductions. We cover those options in detail later in this guide.

Now, let’s break down exactly what each part of the U.S. citizenship application fee covers. Understanding these components helps you plan your budget and timeline effectively.

Complete Breakdown of Naturalization Fees

So, what do you get for your naturalization fees? Each dollar goes toward specific services USCIS provides during your citizenship process. Let’s examine each component clearly.

Application Processing Fee: $640

The $640 processing fee covers most of your application work. USCIS uses this money to review your Form N-400. Then, they schedule your citizenship interview and civics test.

Also, this fee pays for officer time during your interview. Plus, it covers administrative costs for processing your case. When you submit your application, USCIS begins working on your file immediately.

But this fee does not include biometrics. That comes separately. So, most applicants must budget for both components of the USCIS citizenship cost.

Biometrics Fee: $85

The biometrics fee covers your fingerprinting appointment. USCIS uses your fingerprints to run FBI background checks. This ensures you meet security requirements for citizenship.

After you pay this fee, USCIS schedules your biometrics appointment. You visit an Application Support Center near you. Then, technicians take your fingerprints, photo, and signature.

However, applicants age 75 or older skip this fee. USCIS waives biometrics for older applicants. That means seniors pay only the $640 processing fee.

Total Cost for Most Applicants

Now, let’s add it up. Most adults pay $640 plus $85. That equals $725 total for the U.S. citizenship application fee in 2026.

But some situations cost less. Military service members pay nothing. Applicants over 75 pay $640. Plus, low-income applicants may qualify for fee waivers. We explain those options next.

First, though, you need to know how to actually pay your naturalization fees. The payment process matters as much as the amount.

Additional Costs to Consider

Beyond the USCIS citizenship cost, you may face other expenses. For example, some applicants hire immigration attorneys. Legal fees vary widely across different firms and regions.

Also, you might need certified document copies. Birth certificates, marriage licenses, and court records can add $20 to $100 to your total cost. Plus, translation services cost money if your documents are not in English.

Then, there are test preparation materials. While not required, many applicants buy citizenship study guides or take classes. These resources typically cost $15 to $200.

So, budget for the N-400 filing fee plus these potential extras. Planning ahead prevents financial surprises during your citizenship journey. The citizenship application process requires careful financial preparation.

Step-by-Step: How to Pay Your Application Fee

Now you know the U.S. citizenship application fee amount. But how do you actually pay it? USCIS offers several payment methods. Each has specific rules you must follow.

Payment Methods Accepted

USCIS accepts four main payment types for naturalization fees. First, you can pay by check. Make your check payable to “U.S. Department of Homeland Security.” Never abbreviate this name.

Also, money orders work well. Many applicants prefer money orders because they are trackable. Buy your money order from a bank or post office. Then, fill it out carefully.

Plus, credit cards are accepted if you file online. You can use Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover. Online filing through the USCIS website makes payment simple and fast.

But cash is not accepted. Never send cash with your application. USCIS will reject applications with cash payments.

Step 1: Calculate Your Exact Fee

First, determine your exact USCIS citizenship cost. Are you under 75? Then, pay $725. Are you 75 or older? Then, pay $640.

Also, check if you qualify for military fee waivers. Active duty members and veterans may pay nothing. Confirm your eligibility before submitting payment.

Step 2: Choose Your Payment Method

Next, select how you will pay. Filing online with a credit card is fastest. Your payment processes immediately. Then, USCIS confirms receipt within minutes.

But paper filers must use checks or money orders. Make your payment out correctly. Write your Alien Registration Number on the check or money order.

Step 3: Submit Payment with Your Application

Now, include your payment with Form N-400. If filing online, enter your credit card information on the payment screen. The system guides you through each step.

For paper applications, clip your check or money order to the first page. Do not staple it. Staples damage the payment and can cause processing delays.

Step 4: Keep Your Receipt

After USCIS receives your payment, they send a receipt notice. This Form I-797C confirms your N-400 filing fee payment. Save this receipt carefully.

Also, make copies of the receipt. Keep one with your citizenship documents. Store another in a separate safe place. You may need to show this receipt during your interview.

Step 5: Track Your Payment Status

Then, monitor your case online. USCIS provides a receipt number on Form I-797C. Use this number to check your application status. Visit the USCIS case status website regularly.

Plus, this tracking helps you know when USCIS schedules your biometrics appointment. You will receive a notice in the mail. But online tracking gives you advance warning.

What Happens if Payment Fails?

Sometimes payments are rejected. Your check might bounce. Or your credit card might decline. When this happens, USCIS sends a rejection notice.

So, you must resubmit your entire application with correct payment. This delays your citizenship process by several weeks. Double-check all payment details before submitting.

But if you catch the error quickly, you can fix it. Contact USCIS immediately. Then, resubmit with the correct U.S. citizenship application fee. Acting fast minimizes delays to your naturalization timeline.

Expert Insight from Hector Herrera, Immigration Attorney:

“Many applicants rush through payment details. Then, they face rejection notices and delays. Take time to verify your payment information. One small error can cost you months in processing time.”

Fee Waivers and Reductions Explained

Not everyone pays the full naturalization fees. USCIS offers fee waivers and reductions for qualifying applicants. Understanding these options saves you money if you are eligible.

Who Qualifies for Fee Waivers?

Fee waivers eliminate the U.S. citizenship application fee completely. You pay nothing if USCIS approves your waiver request. But you must meet strict income requirements.

First, your household income must be at or below 150% of Federal Poverty Guidelines. These guidelines change yearly. Check the current limits on the USCIS fee waiver page before applying.

Also, you can qualify if you receive means-tested benefits. Programs like Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, or TANF count. Show proof of your current benefits when requesting a waiver.

Plus, financial hardship qualifies you. If paying the USCIS citizenship cost would prevent you from meeting basic living expenses, you may qualify. Document your hardship clearly.

How to Request a Fee Waiver

Now, let’s walk through the waiver request process. You must file Form I-912 with your N-400 application. This form asks about your income, assets, and expenses.

First, gather supporting documents. You need recent pay stubs, tax returns, and bank statements. Also, collect proof of government benefits if you receive any.

Then, complete Form I-912 carefully. Explain your financial situation clearly. Be honest about your income and expenses. USCIS reviews these requests thoroughly.

After that, submit Form I-912 with your citizenship application. Do not pay the naturalization fee if you request a waiver. Wait for USCIS to review your request first.

Fee Reduction Option

Some applicants qualify for fee reductions instead of full waivers. The reduced N-400 filing fee is $380 in 2026. This saves you $345 compared to the standard cost.

But fee reductions have different requirements. Your household income must be between 150% and 200% of Federal Poverty Guidelines. You earn too much for a waiver but still face financial challenges.

So, check your income carefully. Calculate where you fall in the guidelines. Then, decide if a waiver or reduction fits your situation better.

Military Fee Exemptions

Military members often pay no U.S. citizenship application fee. Active duty service members serving during periods of hostilities qualify for free naturalization. This benefit extends to certain veterans too.

Also, spouses of military members may qualify for reduced fees. File Form N-400 with your military documents. Include proof of service or veteran status.

Then, USCIS processes your application without charging the USCIS citizenship cost. But you must still meet all other citizenship requirements. The fee exemption does not change eligibility rules.

What If Your Waiver Is Denied?

Sometimes USCIS denies fee waiver requests. When this happens, you must pay the full naturalization fees within a deadline. USCIS sends instructions in the denial notice.

But you can appeal the decision. Submit a written explanation with additional evidence. Show why you believe you qualify for the waiver. Some denials get overturned on appeal.

Or you can simply pay the fee and continue your application. While disappointing, paying the U.S. citizenship application fee keeps your case moving forward. Delays can cost you more in the long run.

Common Mistakes That Cost You Money

Many applicants waste money on avoidable errors. These mistakes delay cases and sometimes require reapplication. Learn from others’ experiences. Avoid these costly problems.

Mistake 1: Wrong Payment Amount

Some people pay incorrect naturalization fees. They might use outdated fee schedules. Or they calculate the biometrics fee wrong. Then, USCIS rejects the application.

So, always verify current fees before paying. Visit the official USCIS website. Check the fee schedule for Form N-400. The U.S. citizenship application fee changes periodically.

Plus, consider your age. Remember that applicants 75 and older skip the biometrics fee. Paying extra does not help. USCIS will not refund overpayments automatically.

Mistake 2: Incorrect Payee Name

Many checks get rejected because applicants write the wrong payee name. You must write “U.S. Department of Homeland Security” exactly. Do not abbreviate. Do not use “USCIS” or “DHS” alone.

Also, spell everything correctly. One wrong letter can cause rejection. Take time to write clearly. Use block letters if your handwriting is unclear.

Mistake 3: Forgetting to Sign the Check

Unsigned checks cause automatic rejections. USCIS cannot process unsigned payments. Then, your entire application comes back. You lose weeks of processing time.

So, sign your check before mailing. Double-check that your signature is present and legible. This simple step prevents frustrating delays to your N-400 filing fee payment.

Mistake 4: Not Keeping Payment Records

Some applicants lose track of their payments. They do not keep receipts or copies. Then, problems become hard to resolve. You cannot prove you paid the USCIS citizenship cost.

But keeping records is easy. Make copies of checks or money orders before mailing. Save credit card statements showing the naturalization fees charge. Store these documents with your citizenship application copies.

Plus, photograph your payment before sending. Digital backups provide extra security. If mail gets lost, you have proof of payment.

Mistake 5: Applying Before Fee Increase Takes Effect

USCIS sometimes announces fee increases months in advance. Smart applicants file before increases take effect. But some people wait too long. Then, they pay higher naturalization fees unnecessarily.

So, watch for fee increase announcements. The official USCIS newsroom publishes these notices. File early if increases are coming. Even a few weeks can save you money.

Mistake 6: Not Exploring Fee Waiver Options

Many low-income applicants pay full fees because they do not know about waivers. Fee waivers exist to help qualifying individuals. But you must request them.

Also, some people assume they do not qualify. They never check the income guidelines. But guidelines are generous. You might qualify even if you work full-time.

So, review waiver requirements before paying. Submit Form I-912 if you might qualify. The worst outcome is denial. Then, you simply pay the U.S. citizenship application fee normally.

Mistake 7: Using the Wrong Form Version

USCIS updates forms regularly. Old versions get rejected. Then, you waste your N-400 filing fee payment and must resubmit everything.

But avoiding this mistake is simple. Always download forms directly from the USCIS website. Check the edition date in the form’s corner. Use only the most recent version.

Plus, if you started your application months ago, verify the form is still current before submitting. USCIS might have released an update. Five minutes of checking saves weeks of delays.

Expert Insight from Hector Herrera, Immigration Attorney:

“I have seen applicants lose months because of simple payment errors. Verify every detail before submitting. Your U.S. citizenship application fee payment deserves the same care as the application itself.”

Quick Reference: U.S. Citizenship Application Fee Definition

The U.S. citizenship application fee is the mandatory payment required by USCIS to process Form N-400, the Application for Naturalization. In 2026, this fee totals $725 for most applicants, consisting of a $640 processing fee plus an $85 biometrics services fee. Applicants age 75 or older pay only $640, as they are exempt from biometrics requirements. Military service members and certain veterans may qualify for complete fee exemptions. Low-income applicants can request fee waivers or reductions through Form I-912. The naturalization fee covers application review, background checks, fingerprinting, interview scheduling, and administrative processing costs. Payment methods include checks, money orders, and credit cards for online filers. This fee is non-refundable even if USCIS denies the citizenship application.

Step-by-Step Process: How to Apply for U.S. Citizenship

1. Verify you meet basic eligibility requirements including permanent resident status for five years.
2. Calculate your exact U.S. citizenship application fee based on your age and military status.
3. Gather required documents including your green card, identification, and supporting evidence.
4. Complete Form N-400 accurately using the most recent version from USCIS website.
5. Prepare your payment using check, money order, or credit card for online filing.
6. Submit Form N-400 with payment and all supporting documents to USCIS.
7. Receive Form I-797C receipt notice confirming USCIS received your application and fee.
8. Attend biometrics appointment at designated Application Support Center for fingerprinting.
9. Prepare for citizenship interview by studying civics questions and reviewing your application.
10. Attend citizenship interview and take civics and English tests administered by USCIS officer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the U.S. citizenship application fee in 2026?

The U.S. citizenship application fee is $725 for most applicants. This includes a $640 processing fee plus an $85 biometrics fee. Applicants age 75 or older pay only $640 because they skip biometrics. Military members may qualify for fee waivers. Check USCIS guidelines for your specific situation.

How do I pay the naturalization fees?

You can pay naturalization fees by check, money order, or credit card. Make checks payable to “U.S. Department of Homeland Security” without abbreviating. Online filers use credit cards directly on the USCIS website. Never send cash. Keep payment receipts for your records always.

Can I get a refund if USCIS denies my application?

No, the U.S. citizenship application fee is non-refundable. USCIS keeps your payment even if they deny your application. However, you may reapply and pay the fee again. Focus on submitting a strong application initially. This minimizes denial risks and wasted fees.

Who qualifies for citizenship fee waivers?

Fee waivers are available for low-income applicants. Your household income must be at or below 150% of Federal Poverty Guidelines. Also, recipients of means-tested benefits like Medicaid or SNAP qualify. File Form I-912 with your N-400 to request a waiver. Provide income documentation with your request.

When should I pay the N-400 filing fee?

Pay the N-400 filing fee when you submit your citizenship application. Include payment with your Form N-400 and supporting documents. USCIS will not process applications without proper payment. For online filing, pay immediately during the submission process. Paper filers include checks or money orders.

Conclusion and Next Steps

Now you understand the U.S. citizenship application fee for 2026. The total USCIS citizenship cost is $725 for most applicants. This covers your Form N-400 processing and biometrics services.

But remember, senior applicants pay less. Military members may pay nothing. Plus, low-income applicants can request fee waivers through Form I-912. Explore all options before paying naturalization fees.

So, what should you do next? First, verify you meet citizenship eligibility requirements. Then, gather your supporting documents. After that, calculate your exact N-400 filing fee based on your situation.

Also, download the most recent Form N-400 from USCIS. Complete it carefully. Double-check every answer. Small errors cause delays and potentially waste your payment.

Then, prepare your payment correctly. Use the right payee name. Sign your check. Or file online with a credit card for faster processing. Keep copies of everything you submit.

Plus, consider working with experienced immigration professionals. The citizenship process involves many steps beyond just paying fees. Professional guidance helps you avoid costly mistakes. Our immigration services team has helped thousands of applicants achieve citizenship successfully.

Finally, start your application soon. Processing times vary by location. But beginning today moves you closer to citizenship. Your naturalization fees investment becomes worthwhile when you take your oath of allegiance.

For personalized assistance with your citizenship application, contact our experienced team. We guide you through every step from fee payment to interview preparation. Let us help you navigate the naturalization process confidently and efficiently.