Citizenship Cost (2024)

FAQs

Citizenship Cost? ›

The cost of filing an Application for Naturalization form, or N-400, will go up from $640 — or $725 if biometric work is needed — to $760.

The cost of filing an Application for Naturalization form, or N-400, will go up from $640 — or $725 if biometric work is needed — to $760.

The current average processing time across all offices is 15.5 months. The whole naturalization process (including application processing, the citizenship interview and exam, and oath of allegiance ceremony) takes 18-24 months on average.

Fees: There is a fee for Form N-400. However, if you cannot afford the naturalization fee, then you may be eligible for a fee waiver (uscis.gov/i-912) or fee reduction.

The fastest way to gain U.S. citizenship is by marrying a U.S. Citizen and having your spouse file for your I-130 and I-485 for your permanent residency or by joining the military. Eligible service members can file Form N-400 after one day of service.

To qualify for a fee waiver based on receipt of a means tested benefit, the evidence that you provide must demonstrate that you, your spouse, your parent (if you are under 21 or are disabled), sibling, or your child living with you are currently receiving the means-tested benefit.

Mar 27, 2024

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) published its final rule and is moving forward with significant fee increases for various immigration applications. This change represents the first major fee adjustment since 2016 and addresses the agency's operational and financial challenges.

How much does it cost to Renounce U.S. Citizenship? The government fee to renounce U.S. citizenship is $2,350. Additional costs might apply if you have to become tax compliant. You must be tax compliant for five years in order to renounce your US citizenship.

The general rule is that a naturalized citizen who voluntarily resides outside the US for an uninterrupted period of more than one year may be presumed to have abandoned their US citizenship. However, this presumption is rebuttable if the individual can provide evidence to the contrary.

What is the 4 year 1 day rule for U.S. citizenship? ›

The statutory period preceding the filing of the application is calculated from the date of filing. Once 4 years and 1 day have elapsed from the date of the applicant's return to the United States, the period of absence from the United States that occurred within the past 5 years is now less than 1 year.

While both documents serve as proof of U.S. citizenship, the Certificate of Naturalization is issued to those who have become U.S. citizens through the naturalization process, while the Certificate of Citizenship is issued to those who acquired U.S. citizenship at birth or through other means.

Ordinarily, denial of U.S. citizenship leaves the person with permanent residence, but there's a risk of green card cancellation and deportation.

Who Qualifies For Citizenship? All green card holders, as long as they meet key conditions, can apply for U.S. citizenship after five years (known as the “five-year rule”) — but those with a U.S. spouse and a green card through marriage can apply after only three years (known as the “three-year rule”).

A typical citizenship interview lasts about 20 minutes, but the exact timeframe varies by applicant.

Another change affects those seeking a green card or adjusting their status. The cost of an application is now $1,440, up from $1,225. And USCIS has added two additional fees for those applications – one for filing for interim work authorization and another for filing for an interim work permit.

The current average processing time for Form N-400 is around 7–11 months (Boundless updates this timeline on a monthly basis). Generally, however, the speed of processing depends on the USCIS field office handling the application, and some applicants can get a head start on the process (see “Filing Early” below).

You will have a voice in our government and justice system. You can vote, serve on a jury or be elected to public office. You will be included in all aspects of life in the US and enjoy the many freedoms and rights that US citizens enjoy. There are so many reasons to make US citizenship your goal.