If you have been putting off applying for naturalization, 2026 is not the year to keep waiting. The federal government has proposed one of the largest citizenship fee increases in recent history — and the window to file at today’s lower cost is closing fast.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has proposed raising the fee to become a U.S. citizen from $710 to $1,280 for online filings, and from $760 to $1,330 for paper filings of Form N-400, Application for Naturalization. That is an increase of roughly 75% to 80%. On top of that, the proposal would eliminate the reduced-fee option and fee waivers for most applicants — meaning the green card holders who can least afford a jump like this could end up paying far more than they do today.
That is not a rounding error. It is a permanent shift in who can afford to become a citizen, and when.
How Much Will U.S. Citizenship Cost in 2026?
Here is a quick side-by-side of the current naturalization fees and the proposed 2026 fees so you can see exactly what is at stake:
- Form N-400 (online): $710 today → $1,280 under the proposal
- Form N-400 (paper): $760 today → $1,330 under the proposal
- Reduced fee for lower-income applicants ($380): eliminated under the proposal
- Fee waivers for qualifying applicants: eliminated for Form N-400 and Form N-336
- Military applicants: remain exempt from naturalization fees by law
The proposal was published on June 23, 2026, and DHS is accepting public comments through August 24, 2026. Importantly, the current, lower fees remain in effect while that process plays out.
Why This Matters More Than It Might Seem
Naturalization is not just a formality — it is the legal finish line for millions of lawful permanent residents. It is the difference between a status that can be reviewed, questioned, or revisited, and the full, permanent protection of U.S. citizenship.
Becoming a citizen means the right to vote, the ability to sponsor family members more easily, a U.S. passport, and protection from the kind of scrutiny that green card holders can still face when they travel internationally or interact with immigration officials. In other words, naturalization is the step where “living in the U.S. legally” becomes “being American.” A fee increase of this size does not just make that step more expensive — for many families, it can make it feel out of reach.
The Clock Is Ticking — But There Is Still Time to File
Here is the good news buried in the announcement: because the current fees stay in place during the comment period, eligible green card holders still have a window to file at today’s rates. That window will not stay open forever.
You may be eligible to apply for citizenship now if you have held your green card for at least five years (or three years if you are married to and living with a U.S. citizen), and you meet the continuous residence, physical presence, and good moral character requirements. If that describes you, there is little reason to keep waiting for “someday.” Someday could come with a bill that is nearly double what it is right now.
What You Should Actually Do Before the Fee Increase
- Confirm your eligibility now, not later. Continuous residence, physical presence, and good moral character are all evaluated against specific timelines. An immigration attorney can review your history and flag anything that could slow down or complicate your case before you pay a filing
- Gather your documentation Tax returns, travel records, and proof of continuous residence add up to a bigger paperwork trail than most people expect. Starting early means you are not scrambling at the deadline.
- Do not file An N-400 that gets flagged for even a minor inconsistency can mean months of delay — or a denial that puts your existing status under a microscope. This is not a form to guess your way through.
- Get ahead of the If you are already eligible, the smartest move is often simply not waiting. Immigration rules rarely move in a direction that benefits applicants.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2026 Citizenship Fee Increase
How much does it cost to apply for U.S. citizenship in 2026?
Right now, the Form N-400 filing fee is $710 online or $760 by paper. Under the DHS proposal, those fees would rise to $1,280 online and $1,330 by paper. The current fees remain in effect until any final rule takes effect.
Has the citizenship fee increase already taken effect?
No. As of now it is a proposed rule. DHS is accepting public comments through August 24, 2026, and the current fees stay in place throughout that process. There is no confirmed effective date yet, which is exactly why eligible applicants may want to file sooner rather than later.
Will fee waivers still be available?
The proposal would eliminate both the reduced-fee option and fee waivers for Form N-400 and Form N-336 for most applicants. Current and former members of the armed forces would remain exempt from naturalization fees, as required by law.
Should I file my N-400 now to lock in the lower fee?
If you are already eligible and your case is straightforward, filing before any final rule takes effect can lock in today’s lower fee. But eligibility and timing matter — filing before you are truly ready can slow or complicate your case. It is worth speaking with an immigration attorney first.
Talk to a Naturalization Attorney Before the Price Changes
Immigration policy shifts fast, and it rarely shifts in a way that makes things simpler or cheaper. If citizenship has been on your “someday” list, this is the moment to move it up.
At Botelho Law Group, we guide clients across the country through every stage of the naturalization process — from green card renewals to the N-400 application and interview preparation. Because immigration law is federal law, our team can represent you no matter what state you call home.
Ready to find out where you stand? Contact Botelho Law Group today for a consultation and let’s talk about your path to citizenship — before the price of that path changes.
Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration fees and rules are subject to change. Consult a licensed immigration attorney about your specific situation.