How much does naturalization cost?
Answer
Filing fee plus biometric fee, unless waived
Explanation
The total cost of naturalization for most applicants is the Form N-400 filing fee plus any incidental costs (document fees, legal representation if used, transportation to USCIS appointments, and the eventual U.S. passport application after naturalization). Under the USCIS fee schedule effective April 1, 2024, the filing fee for Form N-400 is $710 for online filing and $760 for paper filing, with the cost of biometric services included in the unified fee. The previous fee structure (in effect from 2016 to 2024) was $640 for the form plus $85 for biometrics, totaling $725; older study materials may still reference these figures.
Reduced and waived fees are available. Applicants with household income between 150 percent and 400 percent of the federal poverty guidelines may file Form I-942 (Request for Reduced Fee) and pay $405 for online filing or $475 for paper filing. Applicants with household income at or below 150 percent of the federal poverty guidelines, those receiving certain means-tested public benefits (Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, TANF), or those experiencing financial hardship may file Form I-912 (Request for Fee Waiver) and pay nothing. Applicants 75 or older are exempt from biometric services fees. Members of the U.S. armed forces filing under sections 328 (peacetime service) or 329 (service during designated hostilities) of the Immigration and Nationality Act pay no fee at all.
Beyond the filing fee, common ancillary costs include obtaining vital records (birth certificate, marriage certificate, divorce decrees) at $5 to $50 per document, certified translations of foreign-language documents at $25 to $75 per page, two passport-style photographs (only required for applicants residing outside the United States) at $10 to $20, IRS tax transcripts (free at irs.gov/transcripts), transportation to the biometrics appointment and interview (out-of-pocket), and optional legal representation by an attorney or BIA-accredited representative at $500 to $3,000 or more depending on case complexity. After naturalization, applicants typically apply for a U.S. passport (Form DS-11) at $130 for the passport book plus a $35 acceptance fee, which is separate from USCIS fees and paid to the U.S. Department of State.
Why this matters for your test
Understanding the full cost of naturalization helps applicants budget realistically. The filing fee is the largest expense, but ancillary costs (documents, translations, possible legal help) add up.
Knowing about reduced fees, fee waivers, and military exemptions can make naturalization affordable for low-income applicants who might otherwise feel priced out.
Source: USCIS Application Guide (2025)
