Many immigrants see becoming a U.S. citizen as a stepping stone towards greater heights. However, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has its own costs which means it is not entirely free. Paying a fee is necessary when filing the application for naturalization (Form N-400) like most U.S. immigration forms. As it currently stands, the fees for 2025 are set at the highest level they have ever been, which can place a financial strain on low-income families.
As you would expect, not everybody is positioned to paying the full set amount, which is why Form I-912 offers payment exemptions and other relief programs designed to lessen the financial burden. These programs are put in place to ensure that the reason for not completing the naturalization is not the financial costs associated with the U.S. Citizenship.
How much does citizenship cost in 2025?
As of September 2025, the price for applying for citizenship depends on how you submit your application:
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Online application: $710
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Paper application: $760
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Members of the U.S. Armed Forces: no cost
What if you don’t pay anything?: The fee waiver (Form I-912)
The fee waiver means you don’t pay the filing fee at all. To request it, you must submit Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver, along with the application for naturalization. Remember: if you’re making a fee waiver request, you cannot submit your application online. You must send the forms by post.
Who is eligible? You may fit the criteria if:
- You or members of your family receive assistance, for example, Medicaid, food stamps, or other needs-based programs.
- Your total income for the household is at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
- You suffer from severe financial hardships, such as being unemployed, having medical bills, or being at risk of eviction or homelessness, or natural disasters.
To apply you will need proof: documents like pay stubs, bills, or other financial evidence. You will also need to submit a photocopy of both sides of your green card. If your waiver is approved by the USCIS, you will not pay anything. However, if your application is missing important information, the USCIS may deny your request.
Paying less: The 50% discount option
There is what is called fee reduction. You pay only $380 instead of the full fee. This applies if your family income is below 400% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. A cover form is not needed. You will complete Part 10 of Form N-400, and include the cover documents.
As the agency explains, “There are some applicants who cannot pay the full fee ($710–$760) and who are still able, though, to pay a reduced fee.” It makes a lot of sense for those families that earn too much for the fee exemption, but still find the fee to be expensive.
General requirements for citizenship in 2025
Even with financial help, you still need to meet the basic requirements for naturalization. In 2025, that means:
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Being at least 18 years old.
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Holding a green card for at least five years.
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Living continuously in the U.S. for those five years.
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Spending at least 30 months physically in the U.S. during that time.
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Living at least three months in the USCIS district where you apply.
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Showing good moral character during the past five years.
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Proving your attachment to U.S. constitutional values.
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Reading, writing, and speaking basic English.
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Passing a civics test on U.S. history and government.
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Taking the Oath of Allegiance.
Do you meet all the criteria but just sound too expensive? The financial burden of paying $700 all at once can be very difficult for some families. This is the reason why USCIS has implemented the full fee waiver, alongside the 50% discount option, as two possible ways to address this issue.