Cost breakdown — Form N-400
How much does Form N-400 cost?
The current USCIS filing fee for Form N-400 (u.s. citizenship application) is $760 (online) / $760 (paper). Here's the full breakdown including biometrics, ancillary costs, payment methods, and fee waivers.
$760 (online) / $760 (paper)
USCIS filing fee
- Biometric services fee
- Included
- USCIS edition accepted
- 2024
- Fee waiver eligible
- Yes (via Form I-912)
- Online filing
- Available
Realistic total cost estimate
USCIS's sticker price is only part of the story. Most applicants spend more than the filing fee once you factor in supporting documents and ancillary expenses. Here's a realistic estimate for a typical Form N-400 filing:
| USCIS filing fee | $760 (online) / $760 (paper) |
| Passport photos | $15–$20 |
| Test prep materials | $0–$40 |
| Realistic total | ~$760–$820 |
Accepted payment methods
USCIS accepts several payment methods depending on how you file. The wrong payment method is one of the most common reasons a Form N-400 package is rejected on arrival.
-
Check or money order
Made payable to "U.S. Department of Homeland Security" — do not abbreviate as "USDHS" or "DHS".
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Credit or debit card
Paper filings: attach Form G-1450. Online filings: pay directly through your USCIS online account.
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ACH bank transfer
Available via USCIS online account for electronic filings.
Can I get a fee waiver?
Yes. Form N-400 is on USCIS's list of forms eligible for a fee waiver via Form I-912. You may qualify if any of the following apply:
- Your household income is at or below 150% of the federal poverty guidelines
- You, your spouse, or your child receives a means-tested public benefit (SNAP, Medicaid, TANF, SSI)
- You can demonstrate financial hardship (unemployment, medical expenses, homelessness)
File Form I-912 together with your Form N-400 package. If USCIS denies the waiver, the full package is returned and you can refile with payment.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Form N-400 cost to file?
The current USCIS filing fee for Form N-400 is $760 (online) / $760 (paper). This is the fee USCIS charges directly — the full real-world cost can be higher once you add medical exams, translations, and other supporting documents.
Is the Form N-400 fee refundable if USCIS denies my case?
No. USCIS filing fees are non-refundable regardless of outcome. If your form is rejected for a filing error (wrong fee, missing signature), USCIS will usually return your package and any check uncashed — but once USCIS accepts the fee, it is not refunded even if the case is denied.
Can I pay the Form N-400 fee with a credit card?
Yes. USCIS accepts credit card payments through Form G-1450 (Authorization for Credit Card Transactions) for paper filings, and directly through a USCIS online account for eligible online filings. Checks, money orders, and cashier's checks payable to "U.S. Department of Homeland Security" are also accepted.
Can I get a fee waiver for Form N-400?
Yes — Form N-400 is one of the USCIS forms eligible for a fee waiver via Form I-912. You can qualify if your household income is at or below 150% of the federal poverty guidelines, you receive a means-tested public benefit, or you can demonstrate financial hardship. A denied I-912 does not prevent refiling with payment.
Did the Form N-400 fee change recently?
Yes. USCIS adjusted most filing fees under the final fee rule that took effect April 1, 2024 — the first significant update in over seven years. The current Form N-400 fee of $760 (online) / $760 (paper) reflects that rule. Always verify the fee on the official USCIS form page before mailing a check.
Full form guide
Want the complete Form N-400 walkthrough — who files, where to file, common mistakes? See the Form N-400 page.
Sources & Citations
All claims in this guide link to primary government sources.
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Not legal advice. Cost estimates reflect the USCIS fee rule that took effect April 1, 2024 and typical ancillary expenses — your actual costs will vary. Always verify current fees on the official USCIS page before mailing a check.