The cost of filing the initial application for naturalization is generally $1,200. This total represents the initial $1,170 N-400 filing fee and the $30 biometrics charge, both of which are paid with a single check when initially submitting the application to the USCIS. Government fees are fixed (filing fees) but usually there will usually be additional, variable costs as well.
~ Government Fees are as of October 2nd, 2020.
| Government Fees | Variable Costs |
|---|---|
| Everyone pays these. | Varies based on your situation. |
| USCIS Filing Fee: $1,170 | Assistance: ie. RapidVisa ($349) or a traditional attorney ($2,000+) |
| Biometrics Fee: $30 | |
| Total Government fees: $1,200 |
Fee Exceptions
Applicants aged 75 year or older are not required to pay the biometrics fee. No fees at all are required from military applicants seeking naturalization under sections 318 or 329 of the Immigration and Naturalization Act. Also note that reduced fees are available to low-income applicants by filing a Form I-942 Request for Reduced Fee. RapidVisa does not assist with this process.
Naturalization Costs and Fees Breakdown
USCIS Filing fee - $1,170
This fixed government fee is for filing of the N-400 application for naturalization.
Biometrics Fee - $30
This fee covers the costs of collecting biological identifiers from the applicant (fingerprinting, photographs and/or digital signatures). This charge is included with the $1,170 filing fee for the N-400 in a single payment of $1,200. Again, applicants over the age of 75 are exempt from the biometrics fee.
Miscellaneous Costs – Varies
Securing Needed Documents: Finding court documents, earnings records, bank statements, translating documents and the like can all add to overall costs
Travel Costs: Finding/compiling documentary evidence, traveling to appointments and translations of foreign papers can also add to the cost.