USCIS Proposes Significant Increase to Naturalization Application Fees

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has proposed significant increases to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) filing fees for naturalization applications and requests for review after a naturalization denial.

The proposed rule, published on June 23, 2026, would substantially increase the filing fees for Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, and Form N-336, Request for a Hearing on a Decision in Naturalization Proceedings. It would also eliminate the reduced-fee option for Form N-400 and fee waivers currently available for both forms.

Importantly, these changes are not yet in effect. The rule remains a proposal, and applicants continue to file under the current USCIS fee schedule unless and until DHS publishes a final rule with a new effective date.

Proposed USCIS Naturalization Fee Increase

Under the proposed rule, the following fees would apply:

Form N-400, Application for Naturalization

Paper filing

• Current fee: $760

• Proposed fee: $1,330

Online filing

• Current fee: $710

• Proposed fee: $1,280

  
  

Form N-336, Request for a Hearing on a Decision in Naturalization Proceedings

Form N-336 is generally used to request a hearing with USCIS after an application for naturalization has been denied.

Paper filing

• Current fee: $830

• Proposed fee: $1,475

Online filing

• Current fee: $780

• Proposed fee: $1,425

If finalized as proposed, these increases would add hundreds of dollars to the cost of applying for naturalization or seeking administrative review of a denied naturalization application.

Proposed Elimination of Naturalization Fee Waivers and Reduced Fees

The proposal goes beyond increasing the standard filing fees. Currently, qualifying Form N-400 applicants may request a fee waiver based on financial circumstances. USCIS also offers a reduced N-400 filing fee of $380 for qualifying applicants who meet the applicable household-income requirements.

The proposed rule would eliminate the reduced-fee option for Form N-400 and eliminate fee waivers for both Form N-400 and Form N-336.

An important exception would remain for qualifying current and former members of the U.S. armed forces who apply for naturalization under the applicable military naturalization provisions. Those statutory fee exemptions would continue.

Are the New USCIS Naturalization Fees in Effect?

No. DHS published the proposed rule on June 23, 2026. The public comment period closed on August 24, 2026.

As of September 17, 2026, DHS has not implemented these proposed naturalization fees through a final rule. The current USCIS filing fees therefore remain in effect.

Before any proposed changes become effective, DHS would generally need to complete the rulemaking process, consider public comments, publish a final rule, and identify when the new requirements will take effect.

Because the proposal may change before a final rule is issued, applicants should not assume that every provision of the proposed rule will ultimately be adopted in its current form.

What Does the Proposed USCIS Naturalization Fee Increase Mean for Applicants?

For individuals already considering naturalization, the proposal may make the timing of an application more important.

An applicant who is already eligible for naturalization and prepared to file may want to discuss whether filing under the current fee structure makes sense for their individual circumstances.

However, applicants should not rush to file an incomplete or inaccurate application simply because fees may increase in the future. Naturalization requires USCIS to evaluate numerous eligibility requirements, including continuous residence, physical presence, good moral character, English and civics requirements when applicable, and other aspects of the applicant's immigration history.

Certain criminal, tax, travel, selective service, immigration, or other issues may also require additional legal analysis before an N-400 is submitted.

What Happens Next?

The public comment period for the proposed rule ended on August 24, 2026. DHS may now review the comments it received and determine whether to proceed with the rule, modify it, or take another action.

There is currently no effective date for the proposed fee increases.

Applicants should continue to verify the applicable USCIS filing fee immediately before submitting an application because USCIS may reject a filing submitted with an incorrect fee.

Our office will continue monitoring developments regarding the proposed USCIS naturalization fee increase and any final rule that may affect Form N-400 or Form N-336 applicants.

Considering Applying for U.S. Citizenship?

If you are eligible for naturalization and are considering applying for U.S. citizenship, now may be a good time to review your eligibility and determine whether you are ready to file.

Our office can help evaluate your naturalization eligibility, identify potential issues before filing, prepare your application, and guide you through the naturalization process.

Contact our office to discuss your individual circumstances.

Disclaimer

This article is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration laws, USCIS policies, filing fees, and eligibility requirements may change. Reading this article does not create an attorney-client relationship. Individuals should consult with a qualified immigration attorney regarding their specific circumstances before taking action.

Authorities

• Department of Homeland Security, Naturalization Application Fee Adjustments, 91 Fed. Reg. 37500 (June 23, 2026), DHS Docket No. USCIS-2026-0265.

• DHS correction to the proposed rule, 91 Fed. Reg. 42144 (July 8, 2026).

• USCIS Form G-1055, Fee Schedule.