Citizenship Fee Increase: USCIS Proposes Raising the Cost to $1,330
- Attorney Denise P. Cabrera
- Jun 23
- 4 min read
Introduction
If you have been thinking about becoming a U.S. citizen, now may be the time to act. USCIS has proposed a significant increase to the citizenship application fee, raising it from $760 to $1,330. For many immigrant families, that is a difference of more than $570 per person.
Under the proposal, the new cost would take effect in approximately 60 days. And that is not all: USCIS is also seeking to eliminate the fee waiver for most people, which means more applicants would have to pay the full amount. In this article, we explain what is changing, who it affects, and why filing your application sooner rather than later could save you hundreds of dollars.
What is USCIS proposing?
USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) has proposed raising the cost of the naturalization application —Form N-400— from $760 to $1,330. This is the form a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) files when they want to become a U.S. citizen.
The proposal also seeks to eliminate the fee waiver for most applicants. Today, some people with limited income may qualify to pay no fee or a reduced fee. If this proposal is approved, that option would no longer be available to many families, forcing them to pay the full cost.
When would the new cost take effect?
As proposed, the new cost would take effect in approximately 60 days. This means there is a limited window of time to file under the current $760 fee. Once the new cost takes effect, applications filed after the deadline would have to pay the full $1,330.
It is important to understand that USCIS fee rules can change with little notice. That is why, if you are already eligible and have your documents ready, waiting could cost you money you might otherwise save.
Who should act now?
If you are a permanent resident and meet the requirements to naturalize, this is the time to evaluate your case. In general, you should consider applying soon if:
You have been a permanent resident for at least 5 years (or 3 years if married to a U.S. citizen).
You meet the physical presence and continuous residence requirements.
You are prepared for the citizenship test and interview.
You have good moral character under USCIS standards.
Before filing, it is worth getting familiar with the recent changes to the citizenship test and the questions you can expect during your interview, so you arrive prepared and avoid delays in the process.
Why file before the increase?
The reason is simple: money and certainty. If you qualify and are ready to become a citizen, filing your application before the cost goes up lets you save around $570. For a family with several eligible members, those savings add up quickly.
Beyond cost, filing now also gives you control over your case timeline. If you have questions about your eligibility, about how to complete Form N-400, or about how to gather the right documentation, consulting with an immigration attorney can help you file correctly the first time and avoid costly delays.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much will citizenship cost with the new USCIS fee increase?
USCIS has proposed raising the cost of the citizenship application (Form N-400) from $760 to $1,330. Under the proposal, the new cost would take effect in approximately 60 days.
How much can I save if I apply before the citizenship fee increase?
If you file your application under the current $760 fee before the new cost takes effect, you could save around $570 per applicant compared to the proposed $1,330 fee.
Is USCIS eliminating the fee waiver for citizenship?
The proposal seeks to eliminate the fee waiver for most people. If approved, more applicants would have to pay the full application cost instead of a reduced or free version.
Who qualifies to apply for U.S. citizenship?
In general, you must be a permanent resident for at least 5 years (or 3 years if married to a U.S. citizen), meet the continuous residence and physical presence requirements, demonstrate good moral character, and pass the citizenship test and interview.
What form is used to apply for citizenship?
You use Form N-400, Application for Naturalization. It is the form a lawful permanent resident files when they want to become a U.S. citizen.
Should I wait or apply now for citizenship?
If you are already eligible and have your documents ready, applying now lets you pay the lower fee and gives you more control over your case timeline. Fee rules can change with little notice, so waiting could cost you more.
Conclusion
USCIS has proposed raising the citizenship fee from $760 to $1,330 and eliminating the fee waiver for most applicants, with a change that could take effect in about 60 days. If you qualify and are ready to become a citizen, now is the time to act and save.
Contact Denise P. Cabrera – Immigration Attorney in Santa Ana
Schedule a consultation to review your immigration file, understand the status of your case, and receive guidance about your available options.
Contact Information 📍
📞 Phone: (714) 855-6741
🌐 Website: www.attorneydpc.com
Legal Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. USCIS fee proposals can change, and every immigration case is different. For guidance on your specific situation, consult a licensed immigration attorney.
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