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N-400 Filing Fee: What You Pay and How to Pay Less

Updated: October 30, 2026

As of October 2026, the N-400 filing fee is $710 if you file online and $760 if you file on paper. People with household income at or below 400% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines can pay a reduced fee of $380, and people who can't afford to pay at all can ask for a fee waiver with Form I-912. Both the reduced fee and the waiver require a paper filing. Fees change, so confirm the amount on uscis.gov/n-400 and the USCIS fee schedule (Form G-1055) on the day you file.

Current N-400 fees at a glance

These amounts come from the USCIS fee schedule in effect as of October 2026:

There is no separate biometrics fee for the N-400. Under the fee rule that took effect in 2024, biometrics are included in the filing fee.

Why online is cheaper

USCIS charges $50 less for online filing because electronic applications cost less to process. If you are paying the full fee and don't need a waiver or reduction, filing online through a USCIS online account is the cheapest choice. It also gives you instant confirmation that your application arrived. See filing online or by mail to compare the two.

The $380 reduced fee

The reduced fee is for applicants whose household income is not more than 400% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines at the time of filing. The guidelines are updated every year by the Department of Health and Human Services and depend on household size, so check the current figures before you apply.

How to request it:

  1. File Form N-400 on paper.
  2. Fill in Part 10, Request for a Fee Reduction, with your household size and income.
  3. Include proof of income. That usually means a copy of each household member's most recent federal tax return. If someone didn't file a return, or the return no longer reflects their income, use at least a month of recent pay stubs, a W-2, an SSA-1099 or an employer letter.
  4. Pay $380.

The head of household is the person who filed the most recent tax return listing you as a dependent, or the person who provides most of the household income.

The fee waiver (Form I-912)

If you can't pay at all, you can ask USCIS to waive the fee. The N-400 is one of the forms eligible for a waiver. USCIS generally considers three grounds:

Check the Form I-912 instructions for the exact current criteria and evidence. Send the I-912 (or a detailed written request) with your paper N-400 and no payment. If USCIS denies the waiver, it rejects the application and you will need to file again with the fee. That can cost you time, so make sure your evidence is strong.

How to pay

Online filers pay through the USCIS online account at the end of the application.

Paper filers must pay electronically in almost all cases. Since October 28, 2025, USCIS generally accepts only these methods for mailed applications:

Checks, money orders and cashier's checks are accepted only if you qualify for and include Form G-1651, Exemption for Paper Fee Payment. That covers, for example, people with no access to banking or electronic payment. Put your payment form on top of the application package. If the payment is declined, USCIS rejects the filing, so make sure the card or account can cover the full amount.

Fees for other forms in the process

Depending on your situation, you may also run into these fees (as of October 2026, from the G-1055 fee schedule):

You'll also pay outside costs: certified court records, translations, passport photos if requested, and, after the oath, your first U.S. passport.

A proposed fee increase to watch

On June 23, 2026, the Department of Homeland Security published a proposed rule that would raise the N-400 fee to $1,330 on paper and $1,280 online. It would also end the reduced-fee option and fee waivers for the N-400 and N-336. As of this writing it is only a proposal. The current fee schedule still lists $710 and $760. If the rule becomes final, the new fees would apply to applications filed after its effective date. If you are eligible now and fees matter to you, it's worth watching the Federal Register and USCIS announcements.

Refunds

USCIS generally does not refund filing fees, even if your application is denied or you withdraw it. Before you pay, check that you meet the eligibility requirements and aren't filing more than 90 days early. Early filings are rejected.

Frequently asked questions

Is the biometrics fee extra for Form N-400?

No. The current N-400 fee includes biometrics. You do not pay a separate $85 biometrics fee as applicants did before 2024.

Can I request a reduced fee and file online?

No. Reduced-fee requests and fee waivers must be filed on paper. Only full-fee applicants can file online.

Can I pay the N-400 fee with a personal check?

Generally not anymore. Since October 28, 2025, mailed applications must be paid by card (G-1450) or bank debit (G-1650), unless you qualify for the paper payment exemption on Form G-1651.

Will I get my money back if I fail the test?

No. Filing fees are not refundable. If you fail the test twice and your case is denied, you can file a new N-400 with a new fee, or request a hearing with Form N-336.

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Informational article, not legal advice. Civio is not affiliated with USCIS or any government agency; always check current requirements at uscis.gov.

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