DHS Proposes 75% Increase in Naturalization Fees: Comment Period Open Through August 24, 2026
The Department of Homeland Security published a proposed rule in the Federal Register on June 23, 2026, that would dramatically increase the cost of applying for U.S. citizenship. Under the proposal, the Form N-400 (Application for Naturalization) fee would rise from the current $710 to $1,280 for online filings and to $1,330 for paper filings — an increase of approximately 80–87 percent. The public comment period closes on August 24, 2026.
The proposed rule also seeks to eliminate fee waivers for Form N-400 and Form N-336 (Request for a Hearing on a Decision in Naturalization Proceedings), which currently allow low-income applicants to apply at no cost. If finalized, this would be one of the most significant barriers to naturalization in recent U.S. history.
DHS frames the increase as necessary to recover the full cost of adjudicating naturalization applications. However, immigration advocates warn that eliminating fee waivers would effectively price out hundreds of thousands of eligible lawful permanent residents — particularly low-wage workers, seniors, and individuals with disabilities.
This is a proposed rule, not yet final. The fee increase will not take effect until after the comment period closes and DHS publishes a final rule. Eligible applicants who file Form N-400 before the final rule takes effect will pay current fees.
This is a critical immigration news 2026 and visa updates development for lawful permanent residents considering naturalization.
Sources: Federal Register Proposed Rule (June 23, 2026) — https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/06/23/2026-12542/naturalization-application-fee-adjustments; CBS News (June 23, 2026) — https://www.cbsnews.com/news/us-citizenship-application-fee-trump-administration-uscis/; PristerLaw.com (June 23, 2026) — https://pristerlaw.com/immigration-blog