If you are ready to become a U.S. citizen, the main cost is the government filing fee for Form N-400, Application for Naturalization. This page explains that fee in plain English, and covers the reduced-fee and fee-waiver options that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) offers.
These Are Government Fees, Not Attorney Fees
The dollar amounts on this page are U.S. government filing fees paid to USCIS — not Altius Law's attorney fees. Altius does not publish attorney fees here, because the cost of legal help depends on your specific situation. To get a quote for representation, book a consultation and we will walk you through it.
The N-400 Filing Fee
The filing fee for Form N-400 depends on how you submit your application:
| How you file | Form N-400 filing fee |
|---|---|
| Paper (by mail) | $760 |
| Online (through a USCIS online account) | $710 |
Fees as of July 2026 — set by USCIS and subject to change. Confirm current amounts on the USCIS Fee Schedule (Form G-1055) or the USCIS Fee Calculator.
Filing online is $50 cheaper than filing by mail. A biometrics (fingerprint) fee is included in these amounts for most applicants — there is no separate biometrics charge.
Fees as of July 2026 — set by USCIS and subject to change. Confirm current amounts on the USCIS Fee Schedule (Form G-1055) or the USCIS Fee Calculator.
These fees are set by USCIS and are current as of July 2026 — they can change. Always confirm the amount before you file, using the official USCIS Fee Calculator or the USCIS Form G-1055 fee schedule.
Reduced Fee (Income-Based)
USCIS offers a reduced filing fee for applicants whose documented annual household income is not more than 400% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. If you qualify, you pay a lower N-400 fee instead of the full amount.
Because the exact reduced amount depends on the current fee schedule, we do not list a dollar figure here. Check your specific reduced fee on the official USCIS Fee Calculator or the Form G-1055 fee schedule, and be prepared to document your household income when you apply.
Fee Waiver ($0) for Certain Military Applicants
Fees as of July 2026 — set by USCIS and subject to change. Confirm current amounts on the USCIS Fee Schedule (Form G-1055) or the USCIS Fee Calculator.
Certain military applicants can file with no fee at all. Applicants who qualify to naturalize through their military service under section 328 or section 329 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) file Form N-400 without paying the filing fee.
Eligibility rules for military naturalization are specific, so confirm your situation against the official USCIS guidance and the Form G-1055 fee schedule before filing. If you are not sure whether you qualify, reach out to us and we can help you check.
Other Applicants May Qualify for a Fee Waiver
Beyond the military categories above, some applicants may be eligible to request a fee waiver based on financial hardship or need-based criteria. Whether a fee waiver is available depends on your circumstances and the current USCIS rules. Review the official Form G-1055 fee schedule and confirm eligibility before you apply, or talk with us about your options.
Not Sure What You'll Pay?
The right fee — full, reduced, or waived — depends on your income, your military service, and your specific eligibility. The Altius Law team can review your situation, confirm which fee applies, and quote you for the legal help you need.
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This page is for general information only and is not legal advice. Government filing fees are set by USCIS and are subject to change; the amounts shown are current as of July 2026. Always verify the current fee on the USCIS Fee Calculator or Form G-1055 before filing.