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 a $380 reduced fee is available to applicants with household income at or below 400% of the federal poverty guidelines who request it in Part 10 of a paper Form N-400.
Current N-400 Filing Fee
USCIS charges $760 to file Form N-400 on paper and $710 to file online, per the USCIS Fee Schedule (Form G-1055). The fee includes both application processing and biometrics services. It covers the cost of processing your application, conducting background checks, and administering your citizenship interview and test.
When assembling your application, use our step-by-step N-400 guide alongside the N-400 document checklist.
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 of $380. USCIS no longer uses Form I-942. Request the reduced fee in Part 10 of a paper Form N-400 and include documents that show your household income, as described in the USCIS reduced fee instructions. You cannot file online if you request a reduced fee or a fee waiver.
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.
Official Sources
Sources last checked .
- USCIS: N-400, Application for Naturalization
- USCIS: I-912, Request for Fee Waiver
- USCIS: G-1055, Fee Schedule
- USCIS: Additional Information on Filing a Reduced Fee Request
Practice with Citizenry
Answer interview questions out loud and get feedback in the app.
