The US govt allows its permanent residents to obtain US citizenship through naturalization. The thing that proves a barricade in the process is the Cost to Become a US Citizen. That’s where our guide on How Much Does It Cost to Become a US Citizen helps with financial planning.
Many immigrants have a lifelong dream of getting citizenship in the US and if it’s your dream too, it is the time to get US citizenship and be a proud part of the US locals who are privileged to enjoy benefits and protection bestowed by US govt.
Getting US citizenship involves many procedures and one of these is to know How Much Does It Costs to Become a US Citizen. This guide is a breakdown of What is the Cost to Become a US Citizen, and everything you need to know.
US Naturalization Price
Do you belong to a non-US country and aspire to attain US citizenship? You can turn your dream into reality with naturalization, a process that allows a citizen from a foreign country to obtain US citizenship but you must know the US Naturalization Price.
It is hardly surprising that Naturalization Cost takes a toll on the budget of many immigrants but according to an estimation, it’s less expensive than remaining a permanent resident with a green card. Green card renewal fees cost much more in the long term than the Cost for Becoming a US Citizen.
Total Cost of Becoming a US Citizen is a once-in-a-lifetime USCIS cost as compared to permanent residency costs which a resident has to pay every 10 years as part of green card renewal fees that cost $465 and thousands of dollars over a lifetime and will continue to increase in the coming years.
Eligibility Criteria for Naturalization:
US permanent residents living in the US for 5 years
Spouses of U.S. citizens living in the US for three years
Children under 18 automatically acquire U.S. citizenship
How Much is Naturalization Fee
Are you a US permanent resident planning to obtain US citizenship through naturalization, you are required to file a naturalization application with a form N400. This form requires an Application for Naturalization Fee.
Application Fee for Citizenship is $760 including biometric fee. The cost of citizenship will only get more expensive in the future as U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) raises fees. The fee may seem a bit pricy but it is a once-in-a-lifetime fee which you don’t have to pay again if the application gets approved. If you apply online, the fee is $710 reducing $50.
You can submit the fee through credit cards, using simply submitting Form G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Transactions, with your Form N-400, Application for Naturalization. Make sure to pay the entire fee using a single card.
For those who can’t afford the naturalization fee, there are reduced fees available to many especially military applicants, active duty service members, and those who apply for fee waivers and reductions. To request a fee waiver, you can submit Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver, with your Form N-400.
Fee Waiver
Applicants whose household income falls below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines may qualify to have the entire fee waived. Supporting documents, such as tax returns or proof of public benefits like Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly called Food Stamps), Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF), and Supplemental Security Income (SSI)., are required.
Reduced Fee
Individuals with incomes between 150% and 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines may be eligible for a reduced fee of $$380, which includes the biometric fee. You can file the request for a reduced fee in the N400 application with supporting documents such as income tax returns.
Read More: U.S. Citizen Filing for a Brother or Sister Processing Time
How Much Cost American Citizenship
American citizenship is not a smooth process, it requires legalities and on top of all lies the cost. Those who seek US citizenship through naturalization must use Form N400 and for those who attain citizenship at birth through their US-based parents, N600 - Application for Certificate of Citizenship is for them.
N400 costs $760
N600 costs $1385
For N400 and N600 applicants, reduced fees and fee waivers are available to provide the benefit to those who can’t afford the American citizenship fee. For fee waivers and reduced fees, make sure to meet the eligibility criteria.
Why is N600 So Expensive?
N600 costs $1385. Many applicants ask, Why is the N-600 so expensive? The fee for N600 covers administrative expenses including document verification, background checks, and Certificate of Citizenship issuing for processing the application. Although the cost is heavy on finances, it is necessary for a careful application process.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Does It Cost to Become a U.S. Citizen?
Whether you seek US citizenship through N400 or N600, there is a cost you are required to pay and the eligibility criteria to meet. The cost for N400 is $760 if applied through paper, and is $710 if applied online. The cost for N600 is $1385.
These costs include filing fees, biometrics, attorney fees for legal assistance, citizenship test preparation fees, and optional costs of passports, travel, appointments, interviews and others.
