USCIS Proposes Major Naturalization Fee Hikes, Eliminates Waivers and Reduced Fees
Summary
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has proposed significant adjustments to U.S. naturalization fees, specifically for Forms N-400 and N-336. These changes include eliminating the reduced fee option for N-400 and ending all fee waivers for both forms, aiming to align costs with adjudication expenses. This move will substantially increase the financial burden for many aspiring U.S. citizens, making the naturalization process less accessible for low-income applicants, although military members remain exempt.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) proposes to overhaul the fee structure for naturalization applications, directly impacting Forms N-400 (Application for Naturalization) and N-336 (Request for a Hearing on a Decision in Naturalization Proceedings). The most impactful changes include the elimination of the current reduced fee option for Form N-400 and the complete discontinuation of fee waivers for both Forms N-400 and N-336. The stated intent behind these adjustments is to ensure that fees accurately reflect the full costs associated with adjudicating these applications, as USCIS primarily operates on fees collected from applicants. Importantly, current and former members of the U.S. armed forces applying for naturalization under specific statutes will continue to be exempt from these fees.
These proposed changes represent a significant financial barrier for many immigrants seeking U.S. citizenship, particularly those from low-income households who currently rely on fee waivers or reduced fees to afford the application process. Without these options, the cost of naturalization could become prohibitively expensive, potentially slowing down the integration of eligible immigrants into American society. The adjustments underscore USCIS's ongoing efforts to achieve full cost recovery for its services, a policy that often shifts the financial burden directly onto applicants.
Background
USCIS regularly reviews and adjusts its fees to cover operational costs, and the provision of fee waivers and reduced fees has historically been a mechanism to ensure access to immigration benefits for financially vulnerable individuals.
Who This Affects
- Low-income naturalization applicants will face significantly higher costs as fee waivers and reduced fee options for Form N-400 are eliminated.
- Individuals appealing naturalization decisions using Form N-336 will also lose the ability to apply for a fee waiver, increasing the financial barrier to challenging adverse decisions.
- Current and former U.S. armed forces service members applying for naturalization will remain unaffected by these fee changes due to existing statutory exemptions.
What You Should Do Now
- Immigrants eligible for naturalization should consider filing their Form N-400 application promptly before the proposed fee changes take effect to potentially benefit from current fees, reduced fees, or fee waivers.
- Review the specific details of the proposed rule on the Federal Register website during the public comment period to understand the exact fee adjustments and provide feedback.
- Consult with an immigration attorney or a reputable legal aid organization to assess your eligibility for current fee waivers or reduced fees and understand the potential impact on your naturalization pathway.
Key Takeaway
The proposed changes will significantly increase the financial burden for most naturalization applicants by raising fees and eliminating fee waivers and reduced fee options, urging timely action for eligible individuals.
Source: Read official article on Federal Register (Immigration)
Publisher note — NaviBound summarizes cited third-party sources for convenience only. Confirm all requirements with the linked official announcement and qualified professionals. Not legal advice. Display date: Jun 23, 2026. Editorial policy