How much does it cost to apply for US citizenship in 2026?

The N-400 naturalization application fee is $710 when filed online and $760 when filed on paper. A reduced fee of $380 (paper only) is available for applicants with household income at or below 400% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.

Who qualifies for the reduced N-400 fee?

You qualify for the reduced $380 fee if your household income is at or below 400% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. For 2026, that is approximately $60,240 for a single person, $81,760 for 2 people, or $103,280 for a family of 4. You must file Form I-942 with your N-400 to request the reduced fee.

Is biometrics included in the N-400 fee?

Yes. As of the 2024 USCIS fee rule, the biometric services fee is bundled into the N-400 base filing fee. You will still be scheduled for a biometrics appointment, but there is no additional charge.

Can I get an N-400 fee waiver?

Yes. If your household income is at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, or you receive means-tested public benefits, you may qualify for a complete fee waiver (Form I-912). If your income is between 150% and 400% FPG, you may qualify for the reduced $380 fee (Form I-942).

How long does N-400 processing take in 2026?

N-400 processing times typically range from 8 to 24 months, depending on your field office and application completeness. Check current processing times at USCIS.gov/citizenship.

N-400 Naturalization Fee Calculator 2026 | Citizenship Cost

N-400 Fee & Reduced Fee Checker

Answer the questions below to find your N-400 fee and check if you qualify for a reduced or waived fee.

Household Size (number of people)

Annual Household Income ($)

Do you receive any of these benefits?

None Medicaid / SNAP / SSI / TANF

Preferred Filing Method

Online (myUSCIS)

$710 — saves $50 vs. paper

Paper Mail

$760 — or $380 if reduced fee

Number of Applicants

N-400 Fee Guide & Income Thresholds 2026

Fee Item	Amount
Estimated Total

USCIS offers two discount tiers for N-400 filers. The reduced fee ($380) is for moderate-income applicants. A full fee waiver ($0) is for low-income applicants or those receiving means-tested benefits.

Fee Comparison

Filing Method	Eligibility	Fee
Online (myUSCIS)	Standard — any income	$710
Paper Mail	Standard — any income	$760
Reduced (I-942)	Income ≤ 400% FPG — paper only	$380
Fee Waiver (I-912)	Income ≤ 150% FPG or public benefit	$0

2026 Income Thresholds

Household Size	150% FPG (Fee Waiver)	400% FPG (Reduced Fee)
1 person	$22,590	$60,240
2 people	$30,630	$81,680
3 people	$38,670	$103,120
4 people	$46,710	$124,560
5 people	$54,750	$146,000
Each additional	+$8,040	+$21,440

N-400 Eligibility Requirements

Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) for at least 5 years (3 years if married to a US citizen).
Continuous residence in the US for the required period.
Physical presence for at least 30 months out of the last 60 months (18 months for the 3-year rule).
Good moral character for the statutory period.
English language proficiency (reading, writing, speaking) — with exemptions for age/disability.
US civics knowledge — 100-question test administered at the interview.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the N-400 fee in 2026?

$710 online, $760 by paper, or $380 (reduced, paper only) if your income is ≤ 400% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Biometrics are included in the base fee.

What forms do I need with N-400?

You only need Form N-400 itself. If requesting a reduced fee, attach Form I-942. If requesting a full fee waiver, attach Form I-912 with supporting documents. No additional USCIS forms are required for a standard naturalization application.

How long is the N-400 interview?

Typically 20–45 minutes. The officer reviews your application, administers the English and civics tests, and asks questions about your background and continuous residence. Bring all original documents listed on your appointment notice.

Can I file N-400 early?

Yes. USCIS allows you to file up to 90 days before you meet the continuous residence requirement (5-year or 3-year). Your eligibility is evaluated as of the interview date, not the filing date.

N-400 Naturalization Fee Calculator 2026