N-400 Filing Fees and Fee Waivers Explained

The N-400 filing fee covers application processing, biometrics, and the citizenship interview and test. According to USCIS, fee waivers are available through Form I-912 for applicants who cannot afford the fee, and reduced fees are available through Form I-942 for applicants with household income at or below 400% of the federal poverty guidelines.

Current N-400 Filing Fee

The N-400 filing fee includes both the application processing fee and the biometrics services fee. The total fee covers the cost of processing your application, conducting background checks, and administering your citizenship interview and test.

Fee Waiver (Form I-912)

If you cannot afford the filing fee, you may request a fee waiver by submitting Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver. You may qualify if you:

• Receive a means-tested benefit (Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, TANF)
• Have a household income at or below 150% of the federal poverty guidelines
• Are experiencing financial hardship

Reduced Fee Option

If your household income is greater than 150% but at or below 400% of the federal poverty guidelines, you may be eligible to pay a reduced filing fee. Submit Form I-942, Request for Reduced Fee, with your application.

What's Included in the Fee

• Processing of your N-400 application
• Biometrics appointment (fingerprints and photo)
• Background check
• Citizenship interview and test
• Oath ceremony

Prepare Without Breaking the Bank

While the application fee is a necessary cost, your test preparation doesn't have to be expensive. The best way to prepare for your citizenship test is by practicing with mock interviews. Citizenry offers unlimited mock interviews to help you pass on your first attempt, potentially saving you the cost of reapplying if you fail.