USCIS Citizenship Fee: What You Need to Know

It’s funny how the one thing you thought you wouldn’t have to worry about—money—becomes one of the most crucial parts of becoming a U.S. citizen. You’ve made it this far, through years of residency, job changes, and making a life in a new country. But here’s the kicker: the fee for applying for U.S. citizenship is often higher than people expect. By the time you’re done reading this, you’ll understand exactly what that fee entails, why it’s necessary, and even how to budget for it.

Imagine, for a second, that you’re ready to apply for U.S. citizenship, having spent the last several years as a lawful permanent resident. You’ve put in the time, you’ve fulfilled all the requirements, and you’ve studied for the naturalization test. All that’s left is submitting your application, right? But then you find out the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) charges a fee—and it’s not just pocket change.

The standard fee for filing the Form N-400, the Application for Naturalization, is $725. This includes $640 for the processing fee and $85 for biometric services (fingerprinting). And guess what? That biometric fee applies to almost everyone, except a few rare cases where it’s waived.

Now, before you start thinking, “Why does it cost so much just to file some papers?”—let’s back up. There’s more to this than meets the eye. First, the process behind the scenes is more involved than it seems. USCIS has to conduct background checks, process biometric data, ensure compliance with national security protocols, and review each application carefully. You’re not just paying for a stamp; you’re paying for a robust system to ensure the integrity of the citizenship process.

Still, $725 can feel like a financial hurdle. What happens if you can’t afford it? Here’s where things get interesting: USCIS offers fee waivers and reductions. If your income falls below 150% of the federal poverty guidelines, you may qualify for a full fee waiver, meaning you won’t have to pay a cent. There’s also a reduced fee option of $405 if your income is between 150% and 200% of the federal poverty level.

So, how do you know if you qualify? Let’s break it down in terms of numbers. In 2023, the federal poverty line for a household of one is $14,580. If you make less than $21,870 annually, you might be eligible for the reduced fee. If your income is below $14,580, you could apply for the full waiver. It’s not as daunting as it sounds, right? The key is knowing your eligibility.

Now, let’s switch gears a bit. What if you don’t qualify for a fee waiver or reduction? You might still have options. USCIS allows you to pay the fee using a credit card, which can ease the burden if paying upfront is difficult. However, remember that using a credit card to pay for the application might accrue interest, adding to the overall cost. Always check the terms and conditions of your card before making this decision.

But is the $725 fee the only cost you’ll face? Not exactly. There are indirect costs that come with preparing for citizenship, such as paying for citizenship test preparation courses, legal help (if needed), or travel expenses for attending your naturalization interview at a USCIS office. You also need to consider that the fees for applying for citizenship are non-refundable. If your application is denied, you won’t get your money back. Ouch, right?

However, before you get discouraged, let’s focus on the bigger picture. The investment in citizenship is, by most standards, worth it. Think of it this way: The benefits of becoming a U.S. citizen far outweigh the initial costs. You gain the right to vote, access to more job opportunities, and the ability to petition for certain family members to join you in the U.S. You also eliminate the risk of deportation, which remains a possibility for permanent residents under certain circumstances.

Are there any alternatives? Well, if you’re not in a hurry to become a U.S. citizen, you could remain a permanent resident indefinitely. The downside is that you won’t have the full rights and privileges of citizenship, but if the fee feels overwhelming right now, it’s something to consider. Some people also decide to save up over time, planning for the application fee as a future investment in their family’s security and opportunities.

In a nutshell, the path to U.S. citizenship involves a price tag, but it’s also packed with long-term benefits. If you’re ready to move forward, make sure you’ve budgeted not just for the fee itself, but also for any additional costs you might incur along the way. And most importantly, don’t forget that fee waivers and reductions exist for a reason. Explore every possible avenue before you feel overwhelmed by the cost.