Updated June 26, 2026.

Will USCIS Raise the Citizenship Fee by $570? Yes, Here's What the Proposed Rule Changes

What did the Department of Homeland Security propose on June 23, 2026?

The Department of Homeland Security proposed on June 23, 2026 to raise the Form N-400 naturalization fee from $760 to $1,330, a $570 increase, and to eliminate the fee waiver for citizenship applications, per JD Supra's June 25, 2026 analysis. The proposal states that naturalization should not offer low-cost or no-cost filing pathways. The rule is in proposed status as of June 26, 2026. A public comment period follows before the rule is finalized. If the rule is adopted, the new fee takes effect on the date the Department publishes in the Federal Register.

Think of a fee waiver like a discount code at checkout. Right now, some applicants with low income can use it. The proposed rule would remove that option entirely. If you cannot afford the fee, you would not be able to apply unless you save the full amount.

How much would Form N-400 cost under the proposed rule?

Form N-400 would cost $1,330, up from the current $760, an increase of $570, per Iowa Park Leader's June 24, 2026 report. That is a 75 percent increase. The proposal argues that USCIS should recover the full cost of processing each application through fees. Migrant Insider noted on June 24, 2026 that this would be the highest citizenship fee in recent memory.

Here is the comparison:

Think of it like a concert ticket price doubling overnight. If you were planning to buy a ticket at the old price, you now need to budget almost twice as much.

Who would be most affected by the proposed citizenship fee increase?

Lawful permanent residents with low income who were planning to file Form N-400 under a fee waiver would face the largest impact, per The Times of India's June 24, 2026 analysis. Under the current rule, applicants who receive a means-tested benefit or whose household income is at or below 150 percent of the federal poverty guideline can request a fee waiver. The proposed rule eliminates that option. That means anyone who was counting on a waiver would need to save the full $1,330 or delay filing until they can afford it. Family-based green card holders who work hourly jobs or part-time positions may find the fee harder to budget.

Think of it like a required textbook for a class. If a student could borrow it from the library before, but the library stops lending it, the student must buy the book or drop the class.

Can I file Form N-400 at the current $760 fee before the rule is finalized?

Yes. Applications filed before the final rule's effective date are governed by the fee schedule in effect on the filing date, per standard USCIS practice. The rule is in proposed status as of June 26, 2026. A public comment period follows. If you are eligible to file now and can afford the current $760 fee, filing before the rule is finalized locks in the lower fee. Consult a licensed immigration attorney to review your eligibility and timing.

Think of it like a sale ending at midnight. If you place your order before the clock strikes twelve, you pay the sale price. If you wait until the next morning, you pay full price.

Does the proposed rule change Form I-485 adjustment of status fees?

No. This development focuses on Form N-400 naturalization fees only. Form I-485 adjustment of status fees are governed by a separate fee schedule, which was not part of the June 23, 2026 proposed rule. If you are planning to file Form I-485, review the current fee schedule on the USCIS website or consult a licensed immigration attorney. For background on adjustment of status after USCIS Policy Memo PM-602-0199