DHS Proposes Major Fee Increase for Naturalization: What Applicants Should Know

A proposed federal rule would raise the cost of applying for U.S. citizenship by more than 75%. Here's what's changing, why it matters, and how to make your voice heard before the comment window closes.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has proposed a rule that would sharply increase fees for naturalization. The change would also end two options that currently help lower-income applicants: the reduced fee and the fee waiver. Public comments close August 24, 2026.

What's Changing

The proposed rule would raise the fee for Form N-400, the Application for Naturalization, from $760 to $1,330 for paper filings. The online filing fee would increase from $710 to $1,280. Both changes represent an increase of about 75-80%.

The rule would also raise the fee for Form N-336, used to appeal a denied naturalization application, from $830 to $1,475 for paper filings.

Two forms of financial relief would disappear under the proposal:

• The reduced fee. Applicants with household income at or below 400% of the federal poverty guidelines currently qualify for a discounted $380 fee. The proposed rule eliminates this option entirely.
• Fee waivers. Applicants who cannot afford the fee can currently request a full waiver using Form I-912. The proposed rule ends waiver eligibility for both Form N-400 and Form N-336.

Current and former U.S. armed forces service members would keep their existing fee exemption. Federal law requires this protection, so DHS cannot remove it through this rule.

“Green card holders who are eligible to naturalize have spent years or decades living in America, and are intentionally opting to pass an American history civics exam, swear allegiance to defend the country, serve on juries, and pay fees to naturalize, because they want to,” said Xiao Wang, CEO of Boundless. “Adding a significant financial burden, such as this new policy creates, is likely to deter qualified applicants from completing their path to citizenship.”

Why DHS Says It's Making This Change

DHS says the current fees don't cover the actual cost of processing naturalization applications, including background checks, interviews, and the citizenship test. The agency estimates it currently loses more than $630 million a year on Form N-400 processing alone.

Under the proposed approach, called "beneficiary-pays," DHS wants each applicant to cover the full cost of their own case. Right now, that gap gets filled by raising fees on other immigration forms, like green card and work permit applications. DHS argues that shifting the cost back to naturalization applicants is fairer to people filing for other benefits.

What This Means for Applicants

If you're planning to apply for naturalization, the proposed fees are not yet final and haven't taken effect. DHS must review public comments and issue a final rule before any new fee applies.

If you currently qualify for a reduced fee or a fee waiver, this proposal is worth watching closely. If finalized as written, you would lose access to both options, and the full fee would apply to your application going forward.

How to Take Action Now

Submit a public comment. DHS is accepting comments through August 24, 2026. Comments that reference a specific part of the rule and explain your reasoning tend to carry more weight with the agency.

Consider your timing. If you currently qualify for a reduced fee or waiver and meet the eligibility requirements to naturalize now, it could be beneficial to file now. You should speak with an immigration attorney to determine what makes sense for your situation.

Watch for the final rule. DHS must publish a final rule before any fee increase takes effect. That rule will include an effective date and, in most cases, advance notice of the change.

This article is for general information and is not legal advice. If you have questions about your specific case, talk with a licensed immigration attorney.

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