So, you’re finally thinking about making it official. Becoming a citizen is a huge deal—honestly, it’s one of the biggest life milestones you can hit. But then you start looking at the paperwork and the price tags, and suddenly it feels like you're trying to solve a math problem that keeps changing.
How much does it cost to apply for citizenship? If you’re looking for a quick, one-size-fits-all number, you’re probably going to be frustrated. It’s not just one check you write and call it a day.
Between government fees, "invisible" costs like travel, and the big question of whether you need a lawyer, the total can swing from $0 to $5,000 faster than you can say "Star-Spangled Banner."
Let’s break down the actual dollars and cents of the process as it stands in 2026.
The Standard Sticker Price: Form N-400
The core of the expense is the Form N-400, the Application for Naturalization. This is the big one.
Currently, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has a tiered pricing system. It’s basically a "convenience" model:
- Online Filing: $710.
- Paper Filing (by mail): $760.
Yeah, they really want you to use the website. It’s $50 cheaper and, honestly, a lot harder to lose in the mail.
One thing that confuses people is the biometrics fee—the part where they take your fingerprints and photo. In the "old days," this was a separate $85 charge. Now, it’s bundled into the main price. Whether you file online or by mail, that $710 or $760 covers the background check costs too. No more separate checks to worry about.
The "Middle Class" Discount You Might Miss
Not many people talk about the "reduced fee" option, but it’s a lifesaver if you’re making a decent living but still find $700+ to be a massive hit to your budget.
If your household income is between 150% and 400% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, you don't pay the full price. You pay $380.
That’s a huge jump. For a family of four in 2026, 400% of the poverty guideline is a pretty significant income, meaning a lot of working families actually qualify for this discount without realizing it.
The catch? You generally have to file on paper to request this. You can't just click a button on the website and get the discount. You have to prove your income with tax returns or pay stubs. It’s more work, but it saves you $330.
When Citizenship is Actually Free
There are two main ways to get the application fee down to zero.
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- Military Service: If you are a veteran or currently serving in the U.S. Armed Forces, the N-400 fee is usually waived entirely. It’s the government’s way of saying thanks.
- Full Fee Waiver: If your income is below 150% of the poverty guidelines, or if you’re receiving a means-tested benefit (like SNAP/Food Stamps or Medicaid), you can file Form I-912. If approved, you pay $0.
I’ve seen people delay their application for years because they thought they couldn't afford it, not realizing they qualified for a waiver the whole time. If you’re struggling, look into this first.
The "Hidden" Costs Nobody Warns You About
The USCIS fee is just the beginning. Most people forget about the secondary expenses that nibble away at your bank account.
The Passport Factor
Once you pass your interview and take the oath, you aren't done spending. You'll likely want a U.S. passport. As of 2026, a passport book for an adult is $130, plus a $35 execution fee.
Documentation and Translations
Got a birth certificate or marriage license that isn't in English? You can't just use Google Translate. USCIS requires certified translations. Depending on the length of the document and the language, this can run you $25 to $75 per page.
Travel and Time Off
Unless you live next door to a USCIS Field Office, you’re going to be driving. Maybe a lot. You’ll have at least two major appointments: the biometrics (fingerprinting) and the actual interview.
If the office is three hours away, that’s gas, maybe a hotel, and definitely a missed day of work. If you’re an hourly worker, that "free" appointment might actually cost you $150 in lost wages.
The Lawyer Question: $500 or $5,000?
This is the biggest variable. Do you need a lawyer?
Technically, no. If your case is "clean"—meaning you’ve never been arrested, you haven't spent long periods outside the U.S., and your taxes are perfect—you can probably do it yourself.
But if things are complicated?
- Simple Legal Review: Some firms offer a "flat fee" to just look over your paperwork. Expect to pay $500 to $1,000.
- Full Representation: If you have a criminal record (even an old one) or immigration issues, a lawyer might charge $2,000 to $5,000 to handle the case from start to finish.
It’s expensive, but it's cheaper than being denied and losing your $710 filing fee—or worse, ending up in deportation proceedings because you flagged something you shouldn't have.
Actionable Next Steps
If you're ready to start, don't just guess at the costs. Follow this roadmap to keep your budget in check:
- Check the Poverty Guidelines: Look up the 2026 Federal Poverty Guidelines for your household size. If you're under 400%, stop and prepare for a reduced fee ($380) or a full waiver ($0).
- Choose Online if You’re Paying Full Price: Save yourself the $50 and the headache. The online portal is much faster and gives you instant confirmation that they received your money.
- Gather Your "Paper" Costs Early: Get quotes for translations now. Don't wait until the week you're filing to find out the local translator is on vacation or charges "emergency" rates.
- Don't Forget the Passport: Set aside an extra $165 in a "passport fund" so you can apply for it immediately after your oath ceremony.
Getting your citizenship is an investment in your future. While the initial $710 might feel steep, the benefits—voting, traveling with a U.S. passport, and permanent security—are basically priceless. Just make sure you know which "price" applies to you before you hit submit.
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