The path to U.S. citizenship is about to get significantly more expensive if a new Department of Homeland Security proposal moves forward. On June 23, 2026, DHS published a notice of proposed rulemaking in the Federal Register that would sharply increase the cost of applying for naturalization — and strip away financial assistance options that many applicants have relied on for years.
What the Proposed Rule Would Change
Under the proposal, the filing fee for Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, would jump from $760 to $1,330 for paper submissions — a 75% increase. Online filers would see a similar hike, from $710 to $1,280. That is an increase of roughly $570 to $580 depending on how you file.
The proposed fee for Form N-336, which is filed by applicants who want to appeal a denial of their naturalization application, would also rise — from $830 to $1,475 for paper filings, and from $780 to $1,425 online. That is an increase of close to $645.
Beyond the dollar amounts, the proposal would eliminate two affordability options that currently exist for lower-income applicants. First, the reduced filing fee of $380 — available to applicants whose household income is at or below 400% of the federal poverty guidelines — would be removed entirely. Second, fee waivers for both Form N-400 and Form N-336 would no longer be available. For some applicants who currently qualify for the full fee waiver, this could mean paying more than three times what they would pay today.
The only group that would remain exempt from paying naturalization fees under the proposal is active and former U.S. military service members, who are protected by statute.
Why DHS Is Proposing This Change
DHS has stated that the current N-400 and N-336 fees do not cover the full cost of adjudicating those applications, particularly given enhanced screening and vetting requirements tied to recent executive orders. The agency is moving to a “full-cost, beneficiary-pays” model, arguing that naturalization processing costs should not be subsidized by fees collected from applicants filing for other immigration benefits.
This represents a clear break from the approach of previous administrations, which historically kept naturalization fees below full cost to encourage eligible green card holders to pursue citizenship.
This Rule Is Not Yet in Effect
The proposal is not final. A 60-day public comment period opened on June 22, 2026, and comments can be submitted through August 24, 2026 via the Federal eRulemaking Portal at regulations.gov (DHS Docket No. USCIS-2026-0265). After reviewing public feedback, DHS may revise or finalize the rule. Current fees remain in place throughout this process, and there is no confirmed effective date for any increase.
What This Means for You
If you are a lawful permanent resident who is eligible to apply for naturalization, the timing of your filing could have real financial consequences. Filing at the current fee while the rule is still proposed locks in the lower cost — as long as USCIS receives your application before any final rule takes effect. That said, filing before you are fully prepared can create complications, so it is worth speaking with an immigration attorney to confirm your eligibility and review your case before submitting anything.
Eligibility generally requires five years of permanent residence (or three years if you obtained your green card through marriage to a U.S. citizen), continuous physical presence in the United States, and demonstration of good moral character, among other requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much would it cost to apply for citizenship under the proposed rule?
A: The proposed fee for Form N-400 would be $1,330 for paper filings and $1,280 for online submissions. These are significant increases from the current fees of $760 (paper) and $710 (online).
Q: Would fee waivers still be available if the rule is finalized?
A: No. Under the proposal, fee waivers for both Form N-400 and Form N-336 would be eliminated entirely. The reduced fee option currently available to lower-income applicants would also be removed.
Q: Is the fee increase already in effect?
A: No. The proposal is currently in a 60-day public comment period that runs through August 24, 2026. Current fees remain in place until a final rule is published and takes effect.
Q: Can I still submit comments on the proposed rule?
A: Yes. Public comments can be submitted through August 24, 2026 at regulations.gov using docket number USCIS-2026-0265.
Q: Should I file my N-400 now before the fee increases?
A: If you are already eligible, filing now at the current fee may make financial sense. However, you should consult with an immigration attorney first to make sure your application is complete and that you meet all eligibility requirements before submitting.
If you or your family members have any questions about how immigration and nationality laws in the United States may affect you, or if you want to access additional information about immigration and nationality laws in the United States or Canada, please do not hesitate to contact the immigration and nationality lawyers at NPZ Law Group. You can reach us by emailing info@visaserve.com or by calling us at 201-670-0006 extension 104. We also invite you to visit our website at www.visaserve.com for more information. Nachman, Phulwani, Zimovcak (NPZ) Law Group, P.C. — VISASERVE.