USCIS Proposes a Steep Naturalization Fee Increase — and an End to Fee Waivers

On June 23, 2026, the Department of Homeland Security published a proposed rule that would significantly raise the fees to apply for U.S. citizenship and to appeal a naturalization denial — and would eliminate fee waivers for those filings. Importantly, this is a proposal, not a final rule: the public can comment through August 24, 2026, before any change takes effect. Here is a plain‑English summary.

What's being proposed

According to the rule, DHS proposes to:

• Raise the fee for Form N‑400 (Application for Naturalization) — as proposed, from about $760 to roughly $1,330 for a paper filing (and from about $710 to roughly $1,280 online), an increase in the range of 75–80%.
• Raise the fee for Form N‑336 (Request for a Hearing on a naturalization decision) — as proposed, from about $830 to roughly $1,475 (paper).
• End the reduced‑fee option for the N‑400 (the lower fee currently available to some applicants based on income).
• Eliminate fee waivers for both the N‑400 and the N‑336.
• Keep existing military exemptions, so current and former service members filing under the military naturalization provisions would not pay these fees.

DHS states the goal is to align the fees with the cost of adjudicating the forms.

What it means right now

Two things to keep in mind: nothing has changed yet — these are proposed numbers, and fees stay at current levels unless and until DHS issues a final rule after reviewing public comments; and the public can weigh in through the Federal Register portal until August 24, 2026.

If citizenship is on your radar

For lawful permanent residents thinking about naturalizing, it's reasonable to review your eligibility and timeline now so you can make an informed decision — including understanding where you stand on the residence and other requirements. Whether it makes sense to move sooner depends on your individual circumstances, so a case‑specific conversation with an immigration attorney is the most reliable way to plan.

How to comment

Comments can be submitted through the Federal Register page for the rule (search “Naturalization Application Fee Adjustments,” FR Doc. 2026‑12542) on or before August 24, 2026.

This article is general legal information, not legal advice, and does not create an attorney-client relationship. It summarizes a recent legal development; how the law applies depends on the specific facts of each case. Consult a qualified immigration attorney about your situation. This website is attorney advertising.