N-400 Filing Fee 2026: Reduced Fee & Waiver Options Explained

The N-400 Application for Naturalization comes with a filing fee, but that fee is not the same for everyone. USCIS offers three payment options depending on your household income, and if you qualify for the right one, you could pay $0 instead of $760.

The 2026 N-400 Filing Fee: What USCIS Charges

USCIS publishes a standard filing fee of $760 for the N-400 as of 2026. This is the amount most applicants pay when they file their application for naturalization.

However, the standard fee is not mandatory for everyone. USCIS recognizes that applicants have different financial situations and offers a reduced fee and a fee waiver option for those who qualify. Understanding which category you fall into can save you hundreds of dollars and remove a barrier to filing.

The Reduced Fee Option: When $380 Applies Instead of $760

If your household income falls between 150% and 400% of the federal poverty guideline for your household size, you qualify for a reduced fee of $380. This is exactly half the standard filing fee.

The federal poverty guideline changes every year and varies by household size. For example, in 2024, the guideline for a household of four was around $31,200 annually. So 400% of that guideline would be approximately $124,800. If your household income is within that range, you can request the reduced fee.

To claim the reduced fee, you file your N-400 along with Form I-539A (Application to Reduce or Waive Fees). You must also provide documents that show your household income, such as recent tax returns, pay stubs, or an affidavit explaining your financial situation.

The Fee Waiver Path: How to Request $0 Payment

If your household income is at or below 150% of the federal poverty guideline for your household size, USCIS publishes that you may request a complete fee waiver. This means you pay $0 to file your N-400.

To request a fee waiver, you submit your N-400 along with Form I-539 (Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status, which includes the fee waiver request section) and supporting income documentation. The criteria for approval is straightforward: USCIS must verify that your household income does not exceed 150% of the federal poverty guideline.

You can also use information about the N-400 interview to understand what happens after you file and how to prepare for the next stage, regardless of which fee option you use.

What Documents Prove Your Income Qualifies

Whether you're requesting a reduced fee or a fee waiver, USCIS requires you to provide supporting documents that verify your household income. Acceptable documents typically include:

• Recent tax returns (federal and/or state, usually for the past year or two)
• Recent pay stubs (typically the last 3–6 months)
• Employer letter confirming your current employment and salary
• Bank statements showing deposits and financial resources
• Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support) if someone is sponsoring you and their income counts toward your household
• Social Security statement or pension award letter if you receive benefits
• Affidavit explaining your financial situation if you cannot provide the documents above (for example, if you are self-employed or unemployed)

The key point: USCIS needs to verify that your household income aligns with your claimed fee category. Have your documents organized and ready when you file.

What Happens If Your Fee Waiver or Reduced Fee Request Is Denied

If USCIS denies your fee waiver or reduced fee request, perhaps because the income documentation does not meet the threshold, you have options:

1. Pay the full fee and continue processing. Denial of the waiver or reduced fee request does not stop USCIS from processing your N-400 if you pay the standard $760 fee.

1. Appeal the denial. USCIS publishes that applicants have appeal rights if they believe the decision was incorrect. You can submit additional documentation or a written statement explaining your circumstances.

1. Request a payment plan. In some cases, USCIS may work with you on a payment schedule if the upfront $760 is genuinely hardship.

The point is: a denied fee waiver or reduced fee request is not the end of the process. Your N-400 can still move forward.

Other Costs to Plan For Beyond the Filing Fee

The $760 (or $380 or $0) N-400 filing fee covers the application itself. However, applicants typically encounter other costs during the naturalization process:

• Biometric services (fingerprinting, photography). USCIS usually covers this, but confirm with your local office.
• Replacement green card. If your green card is lost, damaged, or nearing expiration, a replacement may cost extra.
• Medical examination (Form I-693). If required, you pay a private civil surgeon for the medical exam and form; this is not covered by the N-400 fee.
• Translation or certified copies. If you submit documents in a language other than English, certified translations may incur costs.
• Travel. Getting to your biometric appointment, interview, oath ceremony, and replacement document appointments may involve transportation costs.

While the filing fee is the largest upfront cost, it's wise to budget for these additional expenses as you move through the naturalization timeline.

Ready to Study?

Once you've filed your N-400, whether at the full fee, reduced fee, or with a waiver, preparation for the citizenship test is the next critical step. USCIS administers a civics test that covers U.S. history, government, and civics. You can explore the civics test in detail to understand what you'll be asked and how to prepare. Studying in advance, even while your N-400 is being processed, puts you in a strong position when the USCIS officer administers the exam during your interview.