Published: May 28, 2026 • Author: Amira Khalil
Becoming a United States citizen involves planning for the associated costs. While the naturalization civics and English tests themselves are free, applying for naturalization through USCIS requires filing fees. Understanding the current fee structure, payment methods, and potential fee waiver options for 2026 will help you prepare financially for your application.
USCIS updated its fee schedule to encourage online filings. The fee for Form N-400 depends on your method of submission:
Both fees represent the total application cost; there is no separate biometrics fee required as it is now integrated into the main filing price.
To ensure naturalization remains accessible, USCIS offers financial assistance programs based on household income:
If filing online, you can pay using a credit card, debit card, or direct bank transfer through the secure Pay.gov portal. If filing by paper, you can submit a personal check, cashier's check, money order, or complete Form G-1450 to pay by credit card. Rejection of payment will lead to immediate rejection of your application, so double-check your funds before submitting.
Disclaimer: CivicFlare is an independent platform and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or associated with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or any government agency.