We serve immigration clients nationwide. Contact Us to schedule a consultation with one of our lawyers today.

FAQs: How Much Does it Cost to Become a U.S. Citizen? | Immigration Attorney Mario Godoy

FAQs: How Much Does it Cost to Become a U.S. Citizen?

There are many practical benefits of being a U.S. citizen – including the expense. The cost to become a U.S. citizen is less than to remain a green card holder. Permanent residents must renew their green card every 10 years and pay applicable fees. Once someone becomes a U.S. citizen, he or she will never have to apply for or renew permission to live or work in the United States. The cost to file Form N-400, Application for Naturalization become a citizen changes as U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) fees change, but in 2020:

N-400 Application Fee
USCIS charges a non-refundable application fee of $640.

Biometric Services Fee
The required non-refundable biometrics fee is $85. Biometrics screening is to confirm your identity and may include:

• Fingerprints
• Digital signature
• Passport photos

A full FBI background check and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) database check of non-citizens who have an immigration violation (such as crossing the border illegally) will be conducted using your biometrics. If you have a criminal record, contact an immigration lawyer before going to a USCIS biometrics appointment.

Immigration Lawyer Fee
You are not required to hire a lawyer to file your citizenship application. United States immigration laws can be extraordinarily complicated. A small mistake on an N-400 application can lead to years of delays to citizenship and even outright denials and deportation. In some instances, an innocent mistake can lead to denaturalization (losing your citizenship) years after it was conferred. Your decision to hire an experienced immigration lawyer can save you time, money and stress – and make the difference between your citizenship application being denied or approved.

You can pay USCIS fees online or by check, money order, credit card, or debit card. You can make a single payment of $725 to cover both the N-400 Application fee and the biometrics fee.

Exemptions to Citizenship Application Fees

• USCIS does not require naturalization applicants 75 years and older to pay biometrics fees. Applicants age 75 or older may submit a total payment of $640, or the current N-400 application fee.

• Applicants applying on the basis of military service (under section 328 or 329 of the INA) are exempt from both fees. No filing fee is required.

• USCIS offers a fee waiver for financial hardship to process immigration applications for qualified applicants.

Learn More:

Now Is A Good Time To File for US Citizenship

How Long After I Get My Green Card Can I Become a Citizen?

Upcoming Changes to Naturalization Test Announced

The skilled immigration lawyers at Godoy Law Office can answer any questions about immigration and guide you through every step of the citizenship process. Call us today at 855-554-6369.

Mario Godoy
Mario Godoy
Immigration Lawyer and Illinois Crimmigration Attorney

Immigration Attorney Mario Godoy has years of experience guiding clients with immigration issues through the immigration process along with guiding clients through the criminal case. Godoy focuses on family-based immigration law, business immigration law, removal defense, and criminal defense representation of immigrants. A criminal charge or conviction can be devastating to your immigration case. With over a decade of immigration law experience and memories of family members who were deported due to bad legal advice, Godoy is committed to helping other immigrant families receive the legal justice they deserve. As a legal entrepreneur who practices immigration law, criminal law, estate and probate law, and running two successful law firms, Mario Godoy understands the importance of keeping families together and making a home and future in America.

Lead Counsel Rated
expertise
Illinois State Bar Association
American Immigration Lawyers Association
ASLA
DCBA