DHS: U.S. Citizenship Fees to Rise 75%

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security proposes raising citizenship fees by 75% and eliminating nearly all exemptions. If approved, the change will primarily affect permanent residents with modest incomes.

The measure has not yet taken effect. For now, it is open to public comment and could change before a final decision. DHS maintains that the adjustment seeks to cover the full cost of the naturalization process.

What Would Change With the Proposal?

The proposal raises the cost of Form N-400, which is used to apply for citizenship. The paper fee would increase from $760 to $1,330. The online version would go from $710 to $1,280.

Form N-336 would also change, used to appeal a naturalization denial. On paper it would rise from $830 to $1,475. Online, the cost would go from $780 to $1,425.

DHS says it wants to move to a «full cost paid by beneficiary» model. This means the applicant would bear more of the procedure’s expense. The agency says the current fee does not cover the entire review process.

The USCIS official website explains that Form N-400 is the main application to naturalize. Form N-336, on the other hand, serves to challenge a denial. Therefore, the increase affects both those starting the process and those appealing.

Who Would Be Most Affected?

The proposal would impact hundreds of thousands of permanent residents each year. In practice, the pressure would be greater for families with low incomes. It could also slow applications from those already trying to save money to file paperwork.

DHS proposes eliminating nearly all fee exemptions and reductions. Today there are relief options for people with financial hardship, recipients of public assistance or limited income. If the rule advances, that pathway would close almost entirely.

According to the document cited by Newsweek, the agency wants to eliminate exemption eligibility for the forms