Future Citizens Face Hefty Price Tag as DHS Proposes Steep Fee Hikes
📋 What to Know
- The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has proposed increasing naturalization application fees (Form N-400) by 75-80%.
- Paper filing fees could jump from $760 to $1,330, while online filing could rise from $710 to $1,280.
- The proposal also seeks to eliminate reduced fee options and fee waivers, impacting low-income applicants.
- A 60-day public comment period is currently open, allowing stakeholders to voice their concerns.
For many aspiring U.S. citizens, the dream of naturalization could soon come with a significantly higher price tag. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recently unveiled a proposed rule that would dramatically increase the fees for naturalization applications, known as Form N-400, and eliminate crucial financial relief options for low-income individuals.
Understanding the Proposed Changes
On June 23, 2026, DHS published a notice of proposed rulemaking that outlines substantial increases to the Form N-400 filing fee. If finalized, the paper filing fee would jump from $760 to $1,330, representing a 75% increase. For those filing online, the fee would rise from $710 to $1,280, an increase of approximately 80%.
Beyond the steep fee hikes, the proposal also aims to eliminate the current $380 reduced fee option available to low-income applicants whose household income is at or below 400% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Additionally, fee waiver eligibility for both Form N-400 and Form N-336 (Request for a Hearing on a Decision in Naturalization Proceedings) would be terminated.
Who Will Be Affected Most?
These changes could place a significant financial burden on many individuals and families seeking to become U.S. citizens. USCIS, which is primarily funded by fees, states that the current fees for naturalization applications do not fully cover the costs of adjudicating these forms. However, critics argue that eliminating fee waivers and reduced options could make citizenship inaccessible for those who need it most.
The impact will be particularly felt by lower-income immigrants and families who rely on these financial assistance programs to afford the naturalization process. While the agency suggests these increases could potentially limit future fee hikes for other USCIS forms, the immediate effect is a substantial barrier to citizenship for many.
What You Can Do Now
The proposed rule is currently open for a 60-day public comment period. This is your opportunity to weigh in on the potential effects of these fee increases. Organizations and individuals who believe they will be impacted are encouraged to submit comments before the deadline. Your voice can help shape the final decision.
Current processing times for naturalization applications generally range from 6 to 14 months, varying by local USCIS field office. If you are considering applying for naturalization, understanding these proposed changes and acting during the public comment period is crucial.
📌 What you should do
- Review the proposed rule on the DHS website to understand the full scope of changes.
- Consider submitting a public comment during the 60-day period to express your concerns about the fee increases and elimination of waivers.
- Consult with an immigration attorney to assess how these potential changes might affect your specific naturalization timeline and eligibility.
- If eligible, consider filing your naturalization application as soon as possible, before any new fee structure takes effect.
The path to U.S. citizenship is a significant milestone, and staying informed about these proposed fee adjustments is essential for planning your journey. Engaging in the public comment process is a powerful way to advocate for fair and accessible immigration pathways for all.
📋 Sources & References
- DHS Proposes Increase to U.S. Citizenship Application Fees — Ogletree Deakins
- USCIS Announces Premium Processing Fee Increase Effective March 1, 2026 — USCIS
- Form N-400 Processing Times (July 2026): How Long It Takes — Immigration Direct
editor
Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Masry US. Egyptian-American journalist covering U.S. immigration policy, community affairs, and cross-cultural stories. Mo oversees editorial direction and ensures every story serves the Egyptian and Arab diaspora with accuracy and relevance.
