How Much Does Naturalization Cost?

In this guide we will explore the financial costs of applying U.S. citizenship. We’re going to talk about the application fees, payment methods to use, where to send your application, and what to do if you can’t afford the fees.

The Costs of U.S. Citizenship

Here are the specific questions we will answer:

• How Much Does The Naturalization Application Cost?
• Should My Documents Be Translated Into English?
• How Much Will I Pay?
• How Do I Pay For My Naturalization Application?
• Where Should I Send My Payment?
• Other Important Things To Know About Payment

How Much Does The Naturalization Application Cost?

The total cost to apply for naturalization is $725. This cost is the combination of two fees.

The first cost is the filing fee for the N-400, Application for Naturalization, which is $640. The second cost is the biometric services fee which is $85.

These fees are non-refundable whether the U.S. government denies or approves your application. So, even if your application is rejected, you will not get your money back.

But, it is possible for some applicants to have the fee reduced or waived completely.

Should My Documents Be Translated Into English?

When you’re applying for naturalization, a fee reduction, or a fee waiver, you might have to include some documents in a foreign language.

If you submit any document with information in a foreign language, you must also submit an English translation. To guarantee that your naturalization application and fee are processed quickly, it helps to use a certified translator. Some other documents that commonly need to be translated for immigration purposes include:

• Criminal records
• Birth certificates
• Death certificates
• Marriage certificates
• Divorce decrees
• Academic transcripts

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How Much Will I Pay?

Depending on your situation, you may not have to pay the full $725 to apply for naturalization. There are three different types of applicants that can have their fee reduced or waived.

• Active duty military members and veterans will not need to pay the application fee or the biometric services fee.
• People who are aged 75 and older will need to pay the $640 filing fee, but will not need to pay the biometric services fee.
• Applicants experiencing financial hardship will need to prove their eligibility for a fee reduction or a fee waiver depending on their circumstances. Applicants applying for a fee reduction must prove that their income is greater than 150 percent, but less than 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.

Applicants applying for a fee waiver must prove three circumstances.

1. Applicants will need to prove their income is below 150 percent of the Federal Poverty Guideline according to their state.
2. Applicants must prove they’re receiving a “means-tested benefit” from the government such as Medicaid, SNAP, and TANF, or others.
3. Applicants must prove they’re experiencing financial hardship by detailing things like medical expenses of family members, unemployment, eviction, homelessness, or other hardships.

Below is a visual aid to explain how much each applicant will need to pay:

How Do I Pay For My Naturalization Application?

How you pay depends on if you’re living in the United States or if you’re living abroad.

For applicants who are living in the United States:

If applying online – If you submit your application online through myUSCIS, you will be able to pay your fees through the online portal as well.

If applying by mail – When you submit your N-400, application for naturalization through the mail, in paper form, you can pay in 4 ways:

• Money Order
• Personal Check
• Cashier’s Check
• Credit Card. If you pay by credit card, you’ll need to use Form G-1450, which is officially called the “Authorization for Credit Card Transactions.”

For applicants who are living in the United States:

If you are the spouse or family member of a U.S. citizen who is employed abroad, and you are paying by check or money order, you should ask the closest U.S. embassy or consulate about their payment process.

Where Should I Send My Payment?

If you’re paying by mail you should send your money order or check along with your application. But the address where you send your application depends on where you live, and whether you’re in the military or not.

If you’re not in the military, the USCIS address you use to mail your N-400, depends on the state you live in. Luckily, USCIS clearly explains the address each state should use.

If you are an active duty military member, veteran, or the family member of military personnel, you will send your application and payment to a different address.

Other Important Things To Know About Payment

• You must pay for your application fee and biometric fee using the same method. For example, you cannot pay for your N-400 by money order, and then pay your biometric services fee by check. If you pay for your N-400 by money order, you must pay your biometric services fee by money order as well.
• If you are mailing in more than one N-400 at the same time, you should pay for each one using the same method. For example, if multiple family members are mailing their N-400 in the same envelope, they should all use the same payment method.
• If you are mailing multiple applications of any kind, USCIS recommends that you pay for each application separately. This is because if one of your applications, petitions, or requests is rejected, then all the applications will be rejected as well. For example, it is smart to pay your N-400 fee and your biometric services fee separately.
• Payments should be made in the exact amount required by USCIS. For example, if USCIS requires $640 for your N-400, and you accidentally send a check for $650, your application will be rejected.
• When filling out your check or money order and you reach the section that says “PAY TO THE ORDER OF”, you must write “U.S. Department of Homeland Security”. You must not abbreviate this name or change it in any way.
• If your check does not have a date within the last 365 days, USCIS will reject your filing.
• If you are paying by credit card using Form G-1450, be sure to fill out the form completely, then place Form G-1450 on top of form N-400.

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Author: Aaron Randolph | LinkedIn