USCIS Naturalization Fee Change Proposal

Last week, USCIS published a proposal to increase naturalization application fees and eliminate the fee waiver and reduced fee request. The proposal would significantly increase fees for the N-400 and N-336:

Form N-400 Application for Naturalization (paper filing)

• Current fee: $760
• Proposed fee: $1330
• % Increase: 75%

Form N-400 Application for Naturalization (online filing)

• Current fee: $710
• Proposed fee: $1280
• % Increase: 80%

Form N-336 Appeal of Naturalization Denial (paper filing)

• Current fee: $830
• Proposed fee: $1475
• % Increase: 78%

Form N-336 Appeal of Naturalization Denial (online filing) 

• Current fee: $780
• Proposed fee: $1425
• % Increase: 83%

In addition to these fee increases, the proposal would eliminate the fee waiver for the N-400 and N-336 and eliminate the reduced fee option for the N-400. Currently, over half of N-400s completed by NAC partners are submitted with a full or partial fee waiver request.

This is a proposed rule, meaning it does not go into effect immediately. There is a 60-day comment period (ending August 24, 2026), after which USCIS will need to review all comments before publishing a final rule. That means it will take at least several months before any changes go into effect.

These proposed changes would present huge barriers to prospective naturalization applicants. We are in conversation with partners about the best ways to challenge this proposal, and we will follow up with more guidance on submitting comments.