N-400 Costs Explained: Filing & Attorney Fees Alternatives

The government charges $760 to process your N-400 application when filing by mail. But the full picture is more complicated - your total bill could range from under $900 to well over $3,000 depending on the route you choose.

So you're finally ready to become a U.S. citizen. Congratulations! But before you start memorizing the civics questions, there's a question you probably want answered first: how much is this going to cost me?

The short answer: $760 if you file by mail, $710 if you file online. But here's the thing - that's just what USCIS charges. Your actual total could be anywhere from under $900 to well over $3,000 depending on how you approach the process.

What USCIS Charges for Form N-400

Let's start with the fees you absolutely cannot avoid. Here's what USCIS charges right now:

If you're using a preparation service like Immiva, or if you're requesting a fee waiver or reduced fee, you'll need to file by paper. That means the $760 fee is your baseline.

Important change you need to know: As of October 28, 2025, USCIS stopped accepting paper checks and money orders completely. You must pay by credit card (using Form G-1450) or ACH bank transfer (using Form G-1650). This trips up a lot of people who try to mail in checks - don't be one of them.

How the Fees Changed in 2024

Before April 2024, the system worked differently. You paid $640 for the application plus a separate $85 biometrics fee, totaling $725. Now biometrics is included in one fee - $710 online or $760 by mail.

So yes, the total cost went up slightly. But you also gained something: expanded eligibility for reduced fees. Before 2024, you could only get the reduced $320 fee if your income was between 150% and 200% of poverty guidelines. Now that range extends up to 400%, which means way more people qualify for help.

Who Qualifies for Reduced Fees or Fee Waivers

Here's something many applicants don't realize: not everyone has to pay full price.

Full Fee Waiver ($0)

If your household income is at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, you may qualify to have the entire fee waived. You'll need to submit Form I-912 (Request for Fee Waiver) along with evidence like tax returns, pay stubs, or proof that you receive means-tested benefits such as Medicaid, SNAP, or SSI.

Here's what 150% of the 2025 poverty guidelines looks like for different household sizes:

Add $8,250 for each additional person beyond 8.

Reduced Fee ($380)

If your household income falls between 150% and 400% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, you can request to pay just $380 - half the regular fee. You request this directly on the N-400 form itself (Part 10), and you'll need to provide income documentation.

Here's the income range for the reduced fee in 2025:

Add $8,300 for each additional person beyond 8.

Military Applicants

Active-duty service members and veterans who served honorably typically pay $0 in filing fees. Just include proof of your military service with your application under Sections 328 or 329.

One catch to know: if you're requesting a fee waiver or reduced fee, you must file by paper mail. Online filing isn't available for these requests.

Hidden Costs Most Guides Don't Mention

The USCIS fee is just the starting point. Here are other expenses that can sneak up on you:

Passport Photos ($10-$25)

USCIS may request physical passport-style photos during processing. You can get these at pharmacies, shipping stores, or even print them yourself.

Document Copies and Translations ($0-$200+)

Any documents in a foreign language need certified English translations. Professional translation services typically charge $20-$50 per page. You'll also want copies of your green card, passport pages, and any supporting documents.

Travel and Time Off Work ($50-$300+)

Your biometrics appointment and naturalization interview will be scheduled during business hours at a USCIS office. Depending on where you live, this could mean taking time off work or paying for transportation. If your nearest USCIS office is far away, you might need gas money or even a hotel stay.

Civics and English Test Preparation ($0-$300)

If you filed your N-400 on or after October 20, 2025, you'll take the new 2025 civics test - and it's significantly harder than the old version. You'll now need to study 128 possible questions (up from 100), answer 20 questions during your interview (up from 10), and get at least 12 correct to pass.

USCIS offers free study materials, but some people prefer structured classes or tutoring - especially if English isn't their first language.

Heads up: The new civics test requirements apply to anyone who files their N-400 on or after October 20, 2025. If you already filed before that date, you'll take the older, shorter test.

Your First U.S. Passport ($165-$205)

Here's a cost almost nobody talks about: once you become a citizen, you'll need a passport. And that's not free.

You'll pay:

• $165 for a passport book (required for international air travel)
• $30 for a passport card (optional, but useful for land/sea travel to Canada, Mexico, Caribbean)
• $205 if you get both the book and card together

Most people need this within a few months of citizenship because, well, that's the whole point - you can finally travel freely. Budget for it.

Add it all up, and even a completely DIY application could cost $1,100-$1,400 when you factor in these extras plus your passport.

How Much Does Citizenship Cost for a Family?

If you're not applying alone, the math changes fast.

Let's say a family of four is all applying for citizenship at the same time. Each adult needs their own N-400 application. Here's what that looks like:

Quick note about kids: If your children are under 18 when you become a citizen, they automatically become citizens too (if they have green cards and live with you). You don't need to file separate N-400s for them. But if you want proof of their citizenship, you can file Form N-600, which costs $1,170. Most people just wait and apply for their kids' passports instead, which serves as proof and costs way less.

What Immigration Attorneys Charge for Citizenship Cases

Now let's talk about the elephant in the room: lawyer fees.

Attorney fees for N-400 applications typically range from $500 to $2,500 for straightforward cases. On the lower end, you might just get help reviewing your completed form. On the higher end, the attorney handles everything - filling out the application, gathering documents, and accompanying you to your interview.

If your case has complications - a criminal history, lengthy travel abroad, or gaps in your residency - expect to pay more, potentially $2,000-$3,000 or higher. Some immigration attorneys charge hourly rates of $200-$450, which can add up quickly for complex situations.

Here's the honest truth: for most straightforward naturalization cases, you don't need a lawyer. The N-400 form is detailed, yes, but it's designed for applicants to complete on their own. The naturalization process is one of the more predictable immigration pathways, and USCIS provides extensive instructions. Learn more about when you can file N-400 without a lawyer.

That said, legal help makes sense if:

• You have any criminal record, even minor arrests
• You've taken long trips outside the U.S. that might affect your eligibility
• You're unsure whether you meet the physical presence requirements
• You've received a Request for Evidence (RFE) on a previous application
• You simply want peace of mind and can afford the cost

A Smarter Middle Ground: Guided Preparation Services

What if you want more help than going it completely alone, but don't want to pay $1,500+ for an attorney?

This is where online preparation platforms come in. Services like Immiva's N-400 platform offer guided, step-by-step questionnaires that walk you through the N-400 in plain English. You answer simple questions, the system flags potential errors in real time, and your completed forms are generated automatically - ready to print, sign, and mail.

The cost? A fraction of what attorneys charge - often comparable to the price of a nice dinner out.

These platforms aren't a replacement for legal advice if you have a genuinely complicated situation. But for the majority of green card holders with clean records and straightforward histories, they offer:

• Error prevention: Catch mistakes before they cause rejections (learn about common N-400 mistakes to avoid)
• Time savings: No deciphering confusing government instructions
• Confidence: Know your forms are complete and consistent

Think of it this way: the $760 filing fee goes to USCIS no matter what. The question is how much extra you spend on preparation - and whether that money actually reduces your risk of problems.

Citizenship vs. Keeping Your Green Card: The Real Cost Comparison

Here's something worth considering: what if you just keep your green card instead?

It sounds cheaper at first. But let's run the numbers.

Your green card expires every 10 years. Each time you need to renew it, you pay $540 (as of 2025). So over 30 years, that's $1,620 in renewal fees.

Compare that to citizenship:

• One-time N-400 fee: $760
• Passport (lasts 10 years): $165
• Passport renewals over 30 years: $330

Total over 30 years:

• Green card holder: $1,620
• Citizen: $1,255

Citizenship is actually cheaper in the long run. And that's before considering the other benefits - voting rights, no worries about deportation, easier family sponsorship, access to certain government jobs, and the ability to live outside the U.S. without risking your status.

So yeah, the upfront cost might feel steep. But it's a one-time investment that pays off.

Quick Takeaways: Your N-400 Cost Cheat Sheet

• USCIS filing fee (paper): $760 - biometrics included
• USCIS filing fee (online): $710 - but not available for fee waivers or reduced fees
• Reduced fee option: $380 if household income is 150-400% of poverty guidelines
• Full fee waiver: $0 if income is at or below 150% of poverty guidelines
• Military applicants: $0 filing fee with proof of service
• Attorney fees: Typically $500-$2,500 for standard cases, higher for complex situations
• Total DIY cost (paper filing): Approximately $900-$1,100 including incidentals
• Total with passport: Approximately $1,100-$1,400
• Total with attorney: Approximately $1,500-$3,500+
• Family of 4 (full price): $2,840-$3,040 just for filing fees

Pro tip: If you qualify for a fee waiver or reduced fee, or if you're using a preparation service, you must file by paper mail. Budget extra time for mailing and processing.

Making Your Decision: What's the Right Path for You?

The citizenship application fee isn't cheap, but it's a one-time investment in something permanent: becoming an American citizen. Unlike visa renewals that happen every few years, naturalization is forever.

Here's my honest advice after watching many people go through this process:

Go completely DIY if:

• Your case is straightforward (no criminal issues, no long absences from the U.S.)
• You're comfortable with paperwork and detail-oriented
• You want to save maximum money

Use a guided platform if:

• You want to avoid mistakes without paying attorney prices
• You prefer step-by-step guidance in plain language
• Your case is relatively straightforward but you're not confident filling out forms yourself

Hire an attorney if:

• You have any concerns about your eligibility
• There's anything in your history that might raise red flags
• You want someone in your corner for the interview

Whatever route you choose, don't let the cost scare you away from applying when you're eligible. Citizenship opens doors that permanent residence doesn't - voting rights, certain government jobs, easier sponsorship of family members, and the security of knowing your status can never be revoked.

Start by confirming you meet the basic requirements (check our guide on N-400 physical presence requirements), gather your documents, and pick the preparation method that fits your budget and comfort level.

The finish line is closer than you think.