USCIS (the government) charges a fee to apply for citizenship. The government plans to increase the fee and end the fee waivers. Starting October 2, 2020, the new application fee will be $1,170. Advocates are fighting the changes and encouraging people to apply for citizenship now.

If you apply before October 2, 2020:

For most people, the fee is $725. 

The $725 fee includes:

• $640 for the application, and
• $85 for fingerprinting (biometrics).

Exception: If you are 75 or older, you only pay $640.

What if I can't afford the fee? 

If you apply before October 2, 2020, you may ask USCIS for a full or reduced fee waiver. If USCIS approves your:

• full fee waiver (Form I-912), you pay $0.
• reduced fee waiver (Form I-942), you pay $405.

Use this Fee Calculator from the New Americans Campaign to see if you qualify for a full or reduced fee waiver. The full fee waiver is for people whose income is less than 150% of the poverty level. The reduced fee waiver is for people whose income is between 150% and 200% of the poverty level.  The Fee Calculator tells you which form to use. 

You can pay the citizenship application fee by:

• check,
• money order, or
• credit card.

Note: Starting October 2, 2020, the rules change, and most people will not qualify for a fee waiver. The reduced (or partial) fee waiver ends. Click here to learn more.