In this article, we’ll explain who needs to pay the U.S. citizenship fees, how and where to pay, and what options are available if you can’t afford the fees. If you want to know more about U.S. naturalization, check out our in-depth guide on how much it costs to become a U.S. citizen. Unsure about your eligibility? You can start by checking if you qualify for citizenship.
U.S. Citizenship Fees Explained
The fee for applying for U.S. citizenship is currently $760.
However, some applicants may qualify to pay less or even have the fee completely waived.
Who Needs to Pay the Full Fee?
Not everyone has to pay the full fee for naturalization. If you’re applying for U.S. citizenship based on military service, you don’t have to pay the application fee. Other applicants will need to pay the full fee unless they qualify for an income-based reduction or fee waiver (explained below).
Ways to Pay for Your Application
If You Live in the U.S.
- If you file your naturalization application (Form N-400) online through myUSCIS, you can also pay the fees online.
- If you file a paper Form N-400 by mail, you can choose from these payment methods (cash is not accepted):
- Money order
- Personal check
- Cashier’s check
- Credit card (using Form G-1450, “Authorization for Credit Card Transactions”)
Tip: If you file online, USCIS gives you a $50 discount on the filing fee. That means you’ll pay $50 less if you submit your application online instead of by mail.
Important Payment Tips For U.S Citizen:
- You can only use one payment method for your entire application. For example, if you pay the filing fee with a money order, you can’t pay the biometrics fee with a personal check.
- If you’re submitting multiple citizenship applications (e.g., for family members), make sure to use the same payment method for all applications.
- Payments must be in exact amounts. If the amount is wrong, USCIS will reject your application and return your payment. You’ll need to resubmit both with the correct amount.
- If you’re paying by money order, personal check, or cashier’s check, make sure to write “U.S. Department of Homeland Security” as the payee (don’t abbreviate it).
- If paying by credit card, complete all sections of Form G-1450, sign it, and include it on top of Form N-400.
If You Live Outside the U.S.
- If you’re paying by money order, personal check, or cashier’s check, you’ll need to contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for detailed instructions on how to make your payment.
Fee Reduction or Waiver
If you can’t afford the naturalization fee, you may be able to apply for a fee reduction or waiver as a U.S. citizen. Check here for more details on how to qualify for reduced or waived fees.
How can I qualify for a reduced filing fee?
To qualify for a reduced filing fee for the U.S. citizenship application (Form N-400), you must meet specific income criteria and follow certain procedures:
Eligibility Criteria
- Income Requirements: Your documented annual household income must be:
- Greater than 150% but less than 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines to qualify for a fee reduction.
- Alternatively, you can qualify for a reduced fee if your income is less than 400% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, but this typically applies to different scenarios, such as specific waivers or reductions.
Application Process to become a U.S. Citizen
- Complete Form I-942: This form is specifically designed to request a reduced fee. You must fill it out and submit it along with your Form N-400 application. Ensure that you sign the form, as USCIS will reject any unsigned submissions.
- Documentation: Provide documentation that clearly shows your household income falls within the required thresholds. This may include tax returns, pay stubs, or other financial statements.
- Submission: Mail your completed Form I-942 along with your Form N-400 and any supporting documents to USCIS. Make sure to include the reduced fee payment and any applicable biometrics fee.
- Timing: You cannot submit Form I-942 after your Form N-400 has been filed; both forms must be submitted together
Payment
If eligible for a reduced fee, you will pay only $380 instead of the standard fee of $760 for paper applications. Note that the biometrics fee remains separate and must still be paid in full.
By following these guidelines and ensuring all documentation is accurate and complete, you can successfully apply for a reduced filing fee to become a U.S. Citizen
How Law and Visas Can Help?
At Law and Visas, our team of expert immigration consultants is here to make your travel straightforward and successful. Whether you’re applying for an EB-1 Visa or an EB-2 Visa, we handle every step—from preparing your application to gathering the required documents.
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