The Department of Homeland Security has proposed increasing naturalization application fees by as much as 80 percent. The change would disproportionately affect Indian nationals, one of the largest groups of green card holders pursuing citizenship.
Under the plan, the fee for Form N-400 would rise from 760 dollars to 1,330 dollars for paper filings and from 710 dollars to 1,280 dollars for online submissions. The proposal appeared in the Federal Register on 22 June 2026, opening a 60-day public comment period that ends on 24 August 2026. Current fees remain unchanged while comments are collected.
Additional increases would apply to Form N-336 appeals, which would cost 1,475 dollars on paper and 1,425 dollars online. The proposal would also eliminate reduced-fee options and income-based waivers for most applicants, leaving only military service members exempt.
Officials describe the adjustment as a full-cost recovery model that covers expanded background checks and processing. They argue earlier fees were kept artificially low.
Indian nationals represent a major share of employment-based green card applicants. With roughly 6.7 million Indians living in the United States, many have already completed lengthy visa and sponsorship steps before reaching naturalization. The higher final fee would add a significant expense.
Advocates warn that removing waivers could discourage lower-income but eligible applicants. Immigration experts note that elevated costs may reduce overall naturalization rates and limit civic participation.
The rule has not yet taken effect. Applicants may still file at current rates until any final regulation is issued.
