The standard cost to apply for U.S. citizenship is $710 if you file online or $760 if you file by mail, according to current USCIS fees. This single fee includes both the application filing and biometric services, which USCIS consolidated into one charge as of 2026.
Most applicants qualify for a reduced fee, a waiver, or a complete exemption depending on their income or military service. If you earn 150–400% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, you pay half ($380). If you earn less than 150% or receive certain government benefits, the fee is waived entirely.
Official resources:
- Check eligibility on Uscis’s official study page — Use this page to check the study’s participation requirements.
- Check eligibility on Uscis’s official study page — Use this page to check the study’s participation requirements.
Table of Contents
- Standard Filing Fees
- Reduced Fees for Limited Income
- Fee Waivers for Applicants Below Poverty Threshold
- Military Service Exemption
- Check Your Exact Fee Before Filing
- Frequently Asked Questions
Standard Filing Fees
The baseline cost is $710 for online filing through the uscis portal or $760 for paper forms mailed to USCIS. Both amounts include all services in one charge; USCIS no longer separates the filing fee from the biometric fee. This pricing applies regardless of which USCIS office processes your application.
The fees are set annually and adjusted for inflation. Current FY 2026 fees took effect January 1, 2026 and reflect inflation adjustments from the previous 18 months. Applications postmarked before that date used the prior fee schedule.
Reduced Fees for Limited Income
If your household income falls between 150% and 400% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, you qualify for a 50% reduced fee of $380. Eligibility is determined at the time you file using your current year's Federal Poverty Guidelines, which are adjusted annually. To claim a reduced fee, document your household income with tax returns, pay stubs, or other proof.
Household size and annual gross income determine whether you fall in this range. USCIS verifies the information before processing your application.
Fee Waivers for Applicants Below Poverty Threshold
you owe nothing if your household income is at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Fee waivers also apply if you receive means-tested benefits (such as SNAP, Medicaid, or housing assistance) or can document extraordinary financial hardship. You request a waiver by filing Form I-912 with your application.
Approval is not automatic—you must submit the waiver request and supporting evidence when you apply. USCIS will notify you if your waiver is approved or denied and what fee (if any) you owe.
Military Service Exemption
Active duty and honorably discharged service members pay $0 for citizenship applications. This exemption applies under military provisions of U.S. immigration law (INA sections 328 and 329) to both current and former armed forces personnel. The zero fee is automatic when you apply—no waiver request is required. If you file under military provisions, include your military documentation with your application to show your eligibility for the exemption.
Check Your Exact Fee Before Filing
Your citizenship application fee depends on three variables: how you file (online saves $50), your household income, and your military status. Use the USCIS fee calculator to enter your details and see your exact cost in real time. The calculator accounts for current fees and applies all reductions and exemptions automatically.
Before submitting your application, verify that current Federal Poverty Guidelines apply to your household size. Guidelines change annually and determine whether you qualify for a reduced fee or waiver. Having the wrong income threshold can delay your application while USCIS clarifies your fee status.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I can't afford the fee right now?
You can request a fee waiver using Form I-912 if your income is at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines or if you receive means-tested benefits. USCIS will review your request with your application and notify you whether the waiver is approved.
Is the $710 fee final, or will my costs increase when USCIS processes my application?
The fee you pay is the total cost for filing and biometrics. No additional citizenship fees are charged later in the process, though you may have costs for required documents (like copies of birth certificates) or the oath ceremony location.
I'm on active duty. Do I still have to prove my military status?
Yes. Include your military ID, discharge papers (DD Form 214), or other official military documentation with your N-400 application to qualify for the zero-fee exemption.