For better work opportunities, better social status, and overall a better life, many people seek to become US citizens. And it is not in vain. There are many benefits that only a US citizen can get access to, ranging from constitutional rights to permanent legal status.
However, one must be aware of the correct legal pathway to acquire US citizenship, and how much it can cost. This comprehensive guide will tell you how much does it cost to get US citizenship, and what are the options that you have. Read along to stay updated and apply accordingly.
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Apply for U.S. CitizenshipWhy Become a US Citizen at all?
If you are wondering what would you get if you become a US citizen, then this part is for you. Given below is a list of benefits only a US citizen has access to:
Permanent Status: Citizenship grants the citizen a legal permanent status in the US.
Constitutional Rights: After becoming a citizen, you gain access to every constitutional right granted to the citizens of the United States. This includes freedom of speech, protection from authorities, and much more.
Ability to Sponsor: As a US citizen, you can sponsor your family members for Green Cards.
Better Opportunities: After becoming a citizen, you get access to more work opportunities as many companies and industries might prefer a citizen over those with impermanent status.
Right to Vote: As a citizen, you can vote in local as well as federal elections. This means you get an equal opportunity in choosing who runs the Government.
US Government jobs: There are numerous US government and federal jobs available that can be taken by US citizens alone.
Deportation Free: After you get US citizenship, an impermanent legal status is not a worry factor anymore. In other words, one need not worry about deportation anymore.
US Citizenship Cost Structure
Fee for Naturalization
The government fee for filing the Form N-400 is $710 if filed online. While it is $760 if filed by paper. This includes application processing fee and Biometrics fee.
Who is exempted from fee?
Individuals over the age of 75 do not need to pay the Biometrics fee.
Military service members are exempted from paying the full fee. They can file the Form N-400 without paying any fee.
Applicants can also apply for US citizenship fee waiver. Individuals whose household income is below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines can apply for fee waiver.
Additional Cost to Consider
The total cost of becoming naturalized and gaining US citizenship is sometimes dependent on the total fees associated with the process one has undertaken. For instance, whether you have applied for a family based green card or employment based green card before Naturalization.
For Family Based Green Card: Form I-130, the Petition for Alien Relative costs $625 if filed online and $675 if filed through paper. Then for Adjustment of Status, Form I-485 costs $1390 if filed online and $1440 via paper. During the time of application, if the applicant is outside of the United States, then consular processing will follow which involves immigration fee.
For Employment Based Green Card: The fee for filing the Form I-140 is $715.
There are other routes to obtain a Green Card as well. The costs for each legal pathway can differ from the other, based on requirements of forms, supporting documents, and eligibility.
Total US Citizenship Cost in 2026
| Expense | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| N-400 Filing Fee | $710–$760 |
| Passport Book (After Naturalization) | $130–$165 |
| Passport Photos | $15–$25 |
| Document Translation (If Needed) | $20–$100+ |
| Certified Copies of Documents | $20–$100+ |
| Professional Filing Assistance (Optional) | Varies |
| Estimated Total Cost | $850–$1,500+ |
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Start Citizenship ApplicationWho Qualifies for Reduced Citizenship Fees?
USCIS offers reduced fees and fee waivers based on household income and other qualifying circumstances. Military applicants may also qualify for free naturalization filing.
Applicant Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard Applicant | $710–$760 |
| Income ≤ 400% of Federal Poverty Guidelines | $380 |
| Income ≤ 150% of Federal Poverty Guidelines | $0 (Fee Waiver) |
| Active-Duty Military Applicant | $0 |
Professional Tips
Consider the instructions given below to make successful submission and avoid additional costs and delays. Mistakes and errors may cause application failure, thus requiring further costs due to re-application.
- Make sure to file the correct forms.
- With the application, make sure to submit the proper documents as well.
- Ensure you meet all the eligibility criteria.
- Apply early to avoid any unnecessary updates that could affect the total cost. USCIS may update fees and regulations, so it is wise to apply early.
- Review the form and documents before submission. Incorrect details can lead to rejection, as well as improper documentation.
- Consider taking professional assistance. Government authorization processes can sometimes be confusing, tricky and exhausting. That’s why many applicants choose Documitra to apply for Naturalization.
How Documitra Can Help You
Documitra has had years of experience in handling immigration cases for applicants across different countries. We take extreme care with every case that we handle. This lets us make long lasting working relationships with our clients. Our team of professional experts are deft and experienced in handling documentation, eligibility, form preparation and the entire process of application. You can contact our team and start your American journey today.
FAQs
Q. Who can apply for US citizenship in 2026?
Individuals who have held their green cards for the specified time by the USCIS are eligible to apply for Naturalization. For legal permanent residents, they need to hold their green cards for five years, three if married to a US citizen, to become eligible.
Q. How much does it cost to become a US citizen in 2026?
The government fee for filing the form of Naturalization, Form N-400, is $710 if filed online, and it is $760 if filed by paper.
Q. Can I apply for a fee waiver for US citizenship?
Yes, if you meet the eligibility criteria then you can apply for a fee waiver to the USCIS. If your household income is less than 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, then you can apply for a waiver.
Q. Do military service members have to pay the fee for Form N-400?
No, military service members are not required to pay the fee for Form N-400. If they meet the eligibility criteria, they will be exempted from paying government filing fees.
