How Much Does It Cost to Become a U.S. Citizen?

In this guide, we’ll cover who is required to pay, how and where to submit payments, and what to do if you can’t afford the fees. To learn more about U.S. naturalization, check out our detailed guide to U.S. citizenship. Not sure if you qualify for citizenship? You can also start by checking your eligibility.

How much does it cost to become a U.S. citizen?

The current naturalization fee for a U.S. citizenship application is $725.

That total includes $640 for application processing and $85 for biometrics services, both of which are nonrefundable, regardless of whether the U.S. government approves or rejects an application. Some applicants, however, can have these fees reduced or waived entirely.

If all of this sounds complicated and intimidating, don’t worry! We’ve joined forces with RapidVisa to help you complete your citizenship application and guide you all the way to the finish line. Together we’ll help you stay on top of interview preparation, follow-on forms, and every other important milestone along the way.

Not everyone must pay the full government fees for naturalization. Those applying for U.S. citizenship based on their military service are exempt from both the application filing fee and the biometrics fee. Applicants aged 75 and older are exempt from the biometrics fee only. Everyone else must pay both fees, unless eligible for an income-based fee waiver or reduction (see below).

Here’s a quick summary of the fees and who’s required to pay them:

FOR APPLICANTS LIVING IN THE UNITED STATES

If you submit the naturalization application (Form N-400) online through myUSCIS, then you may also pay the applicable fee(s) online.

If you submit a paper Form N-400 through the mail, you may pay the applicable fee(s) with one of the following options (do not send cash):

• Money order
• Personal check
• Cashier’s check
• Credit card (using Form G-1450, officially called the “Authorization for Credit Card Transactions”)

Important things to remember:

• You must choose only one method of payment. In other words, you cannot pay the application filing fee using a money order but pay the biometrics fee using a personal check.
• If you’re submitting more than one U.S. citizenship application (for multiple family members, for example), you must use the same method of payment for all of them.
• All payments must be in exact amounts. Otherwise, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will reject your naturalization application and return your payment, both of which you’ll need to resubmit with the correct payment amount.
• If you’re paying by money order, personal check, or cashier’s check, you must spell out “U.S. Department of Homeland Security” as the payee. Do not abbreviate the Department’s name as “USDHS” or “DHS.”
• If you’re paying by credit card, make sure to complete all three sections of Form G-1450, sign the form, and place Form G-1450 on top of Form N-400.

FOR APPLICANTS LIVING ABROAD:

If paying by money order, personal check, or cashier’s check, you must contact the U.S. embassy or consulate in your area for specific payment instructions.

What if I can’t afford the fees?

If you can’t afford to pay your naturalization fee(s), you may apply for a fee reduction or waiver. Learn more here about qualifying for reduced or waived fees.

We’ve joined forces with RapidVisa. Together we can help you complete your citizenship application and guide you all the way to the finish line. We’ll help you stay on top of interview preparation, follow-on forms, and every other important milestone along the way.

Related information

Naturalization, Explained

Requirements for Naturalization

Understanding the Application for Naturalization (Form N-400)

Documents Needed for Citizenship

Advantages of U.S. Citizenship

The Naturalization Timeline

The Naturalization Interview, Explained

Sample Naturalization Interview Questions

The Citizenship Test

Taking the Oath of Allegiance During Naturalization

Understanding Dual Citizenship

US Naturalization Process