Naturalization Fees Are Going Up: What USCIS’s Proposed Rule Means for You

If you're a green card holder planning to apply for citizenship, the calendar just got more important. This summer, the Department of Homeland Security proposed a steep increase in the cost of naturalization, and it would also remove the fee assistance many applicants rely on.

At Salinas Law Firm, we want you to have the facts before you make a decision. Here's what the proposal says, what hasn't changed, and how to think about your next move.

What DHS Is Proposing

DHS published its notice of proposed rulemaking in the Federal Register in late June 2026, under the title Naturalization Application Fee Adjustments. You'll see both June 22 and June 23 cited, which likely reflects the gap between DHS's announcement and the official publication. Either way, the numbers are consistent.

Here's how the main fees would change:

• N-400 (online): $710 to $1,280, an increase of 80%
• N-400 (paper): $760 to $1,330, an increase of 75%
• N-336 appeal (online): $780 to $1,425
• N-336 appeal (paper): $830 to $1,475
• Reduced fee and fee waivers: the $380 reduced fee would be eliminated, and fee waivers would end for both forms

The N-336 is the form used to contest a denied naturalization application, so even the appeal route would get more expensive.

Why DHS Says the Increase Is Needed

DHS's argument is about cost recovery. In its view, current naturalization fees don't cover everything it takes to process an application, including background checks, interviews and other screening steps. It's part of a broader push to have USCIS fees cover the real cost of each service, with the idea that the person receiving the benefit should be the one paying for it.

DHS has also said it doesn't expect the higher fee to discourage many people from applying. That's the agency's position, not a proven outcome, and it's worth reading with a critical eye.

Who Will Feel This the Most

The headline number matters, but the bigger story for many families is the end of fee assistance. The New Americans Campaign reports that more than half of the N-400 applications completed through its partner network are filed with a full or partial fee waiver request. For those applicants, the proposal wouldn't just raise the price. It would remove the option they're using.

Then there's the math for households. A married couple filing online would pay $2,560 in combined filing fees under the proposed rates, compared with $1,420 today.

The proposal hits hardest if you:

• Rely on the $380 reduced fee or a fee waiver today
• Are applying with a spouse or several family members at once
• Need to file an N-336 appeal after a denial

The League of Women Voters Houston, which opposed a smaller naturalization fee increase in 2023, describes this proposal as roughly four times the size of that one, and notes that the earlier version didn't eliminate fee waivers. It also frames the issue as one of democratic participation, not just immigration policy.

What Hasn't Changed

It's easy to read the headlines and assume the higher fees already apply. They don't. This is still a proposed rule, and the current fees stay in effect, including the reduced fee and fee waivers, until DHS publishes a final rule and it takes effect.

A few other points worth knowing:

• Current and former members of the U.S. armed forces remain exempt from naturalization fees under existing law, and this proposal doesn't change that
• Eligibility requirements stay the same, including residency, background checks, and the English and civics tests
• The comment period is over. It ran 60 days and closed August 24, 2026

Timing is the open question. Estimates point to a final rule in late 2026 or early 2027, but nobody outside DHS knows for sure, so treat any specific date you read with caution.

Should You File Before the New Fees Take Effect?

If you're already eligible for citizenship, there's a practical case for not waiting. Current fees apply to anything filed today, and a final rule could land sooner than expected. Filing sooner means paying today's price and getting your case moving.

But rushing carries its own risk. An application filed too early, with missing evidence or an answer that doesn't match your records, can be delayed or denied, and then you may be paying again. Before you file, make sure you actually meet the requirements and that every form is complete. It helps to know the common immigration filing mistakes that trip people up, from incomplete forms to outdated addresses.

How to Get Ready

Whether DHS finalizes the rule next month or next spring, you'll be in a better position if you've done the groundwork. Start with a short checklist:

• Confirm you're eligible. Check your time as a permanent resident, travel history and any past arrests or immigration issues before you file.
• Gather your documents. Collect your green card, tax records, and anything that proves your residence and history.
• Budget for the fee. Plan for the current fee now, and know what the higher fee would cost if the rule changes before you file.
• Talk to an attorney if your case isn't simple. A past denial or a gap in your records is worth a conversation before you file.

If you've already been denied, you may be thinking about an appeal on Form N-336. Our team handles citizenship and naturalization matters from the first N-400 to a denial that needs a second look, and we can review your situation honestly before you spend another dollar on a filing. We also offer flat-fee options and payment plans when appropriate, so legal help doesn't have to feel out of reach.

Conclusion

The proposed rule would raise the cost of becoming a citizen by $570 for most applicants, and by far more for anyone relying on the $380 reduced fee or a waiver. It isn't law yet, current fees still apply, and the final version may look different from what DHS first proposed. What you can control is how prepared you are when your window opens.

If you're unsure whether to file now, wait or fix something in your history first, it's worth reading our take on whether you need an attorney to file your paperwork, then reaching out to our office to talk through your options. This post is general information, not legal advice for your situation.