USCIS Proposes Dramatic Increase in U.S. Citizenship Filing Fees: What Permanent Residents Need to Know

For millions of Lawful Permanent Residents ("LPR"), becoming a U.S. citizen represents the final step in a long immigration journey. However, that path may soon become substantially more expensive.

On June 23, 2026, the Department of Homeland Security ("DHS") published a proposed rule that would significantly increase the filing fees for naturalization applications while eliminating many of the fee reductions and waivers that have historically made citizenship accessible to lower-income applicants.

If adopted, these changes would represent one of the most substantial increases in naturalization-related fees in recent years.

Proposed Naturalization Filing Fee Increases

Under the proposed regulation, applicants seeking U.S. citizenship would face considerably higher filing costs.

The filing fee for Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, would increase from $760 to $1,330 for paper filings. Applicants who file online would see the fee rise from $710 to $1,280.

The proposal also substantially increases the cost of Form N-336, Request for a Hearing on a Decision in Naturalization Proceedings, which is filed when an applicant seeks administrative review of a denied naturalization application. Under the proposal, the filing fee would increase from $830 to $1,475 for paper filings.

These proposed adjustments amount to fee increases approaching 80 percent for many applicants and would make the naturalization process significantly more expensive than it is today.

Elimination of Fee Waivers and Reduced-Fee Eligibility

Perhaps even more consequential than the fee increases themselves is the Administration's proposal to eliminate nearly every affordability measure currently available to naturalization applicants.

Under existing regulations, many LPRs whose household income falls within specified federal poverty guidelines qualify for a reduced filing fee for Form N-400.

In addition, eligible applicants experiencing financial hardship may request a complete fee waiver for certain naturalization-related filings.

The proposed rule would eliminate both of these longstanding provisions.

If finalized, applicants would generally be required to pay the full filing fee regardless of financial circumstances.

The only significant exception preserved by the proposal applies to current and former members of the U.S. Armed Forces who qualify for statutory naturalization fee exemptions.

For many LPRs, particularly families with limited financial resources, the elimination of fee waivers could become a significant barrier to obtaining U.S. citizenship despite otherwise meeting all legal eligibility requirements.

Why DHS Is Seeking These Changes

According to DHS, the proposed fee increases are intended to move the agency toward a "full cost recovery" model for immigration benefits.

The Department maintains that the current filing fees no longer cover the actual costs associated with adjudicating naturalization applications, particularly in light of expanded identity verification, security screening, and background vetting requirements implemented under recent executive actions.

DHS further argues that maintaining below-cost naturalization fees has required the agency to offset those expenses by charging higher fees for other immigration benefit requests.

Under the proposed framework, each immigration benefit would more closely reflect its actual adjudication cost.

This proposal also reflects a notable shift in immigration policy. Historically, naturalization has been viewed as a public benefit that promotes civic participation, community integration, and long-term national interests.

Earlier administrations generally accepted that naturalization fees should remain comparatively affordable to encourage eligible permanent residents to become U.S. citizens.

The current proposal moves away from that policy approach by placing greater emphasis on having applicants bear the full administrative costs of the process.

What Permanent Residents Should Consider

At this stage, these fee increases have not taken effect. The proposal remains subject to the federal rulemaking process, including a public comment period before DHS issues a final rule.

Nevertheless, eligible LPRs who have already been considering filing for naturalization may wish to evaluate whether filing under the current fee structure is in their best interests.

Waiting until after a final rule becomes effective could result in substantially higher government filing costs.

The public comment period remains open through August 24, 2026, after which DHS will review submitted comments before determining whether to finalize, modify, or withdraw the proposal.

Our Perspective

The proposed rule represents more than a routine fee adjustment. It signals a broader policy shift regarding access to U.S. citizenship and the financial burden placed on LPRs seeking to naturalize.

Although DHS justifies the proposal as necessary to recover adjudication costs, eliminating reduced-fee eligibility and fee waivers may disproportionately affect lower-income immigrants who have lived, worked, and paid taxes in the United States for many years and who otherwise fully qualify for citizenship.

Individuals who may be eligible for naturalization should remain informed as this proposal progresses.

If the rule is finalized substantially as proposed, filing costs could increase dramatically, making early planning more important than ever.

How We Can Help

Our firm closely monitors changes in U.S. immigration law and USCIS policy to help clients make informed decisions about their immigration options.

If you are an LPR considering applying for U.S. citizenship, we can evaluate your eligibility, advise you regarding the potential impact of these proposed fee changes, and prepare a comprehensive naturalization application designed to avoid unnecessary delays.

If you have questions about your eligibility for naturalization or would like assistance preparing your application before any new fee rule takes effect, contact our office to schedule a consultation.

Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

Immigration laws and policies may change, and every case is unique. Please consult an immigration attorney regarding your specific circumstances.