Calculate the total cost of US citizenship through naturalization in 2025. Includes N-400 filing fees, eligibility check, fee waiver info, and processing timeline.
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Eligible to apply
| N-400 Filing Fee | $760 |
|---|---|
| US Passport (book + execution + photos) | $225 |
| Estimated Total | $985 |
Eligibility Check
Eligible: 5 years meets the 5-year requirement
Civics Test
Standard civics test (100 questions, answer 6 of 10)
Estimated Timeline
8-14 months (varies by field office)
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Naturalization is the process by which a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) becomes a US citizen. It grants the right to vote, hold certain government positions, obtain a US passport, and receive full protection under US law including the inability to be deported. The process involves filing Form N-400, attending a biometrics appointment, passing an interview with English and civics tests, and taking the Oath of Allegiance at a ceremony.
The decision to naturalize is significant and irrevocable in most cases. While dual citizenship is generally permitted by the US (though some countries may not allow it), the oath requires renouncing allegiance to foreign powers. Understanding the full costs and requirements before beginning the process helps ensure a smooth application and avoids unnecessary delays or denials.
The basic eligibility requirements for naturalization include being at least 18 years old, having been a lawful permanent resident for at least 5 years (or 3 years if married to and living with a US citizen), continuous residence in the US for at least half the required period, physical presence in the US for at least 30 months of the 5-year period (or 18 months of the 3-year period), and residence in the state where you apply for at least 3 months.
Additional requirements include the ability to read, write, and speak basic English, knowledge of US government and history (civics test), good moral character, and attachment to the principles of the US Constitution. Certain criminal convictions, failure to pay taxes, or immigration violations can disqualify an applicant or delay the process.
Military members and veterans have special provisions that may reduce or eliminate the residency requirements. Active-duty service members can apply for naturalization at any time during their service, and certain veterans can naturalize even while living abroad. These provisions recognize the sacrifice and commitment to the country made by military service members.
The N-400 application fee is $760 as of 2025, which includes the biometrics services fee. This is a single payment covering the entire USCIS portion of the process. For applicants with household income between 150% and 200% of the federal poverty guidelines, a reduced fee of $380 is available.
Full fee waivers are available through Form I-912 for applicants who receive means-tested public benefits (such as Medicaid, SNAP, or SSI), have household income at or below 150% of the federal poverty guidelines, or are experiencing financial hardship that prevents payment. If granted, the entire $760 fee is waived.
The fee waiver process requires documentation of financial situation, such as tax returns, pay stubs, benefit award letters, or a hardship statement. USCIS reviews fee waiver requests on a case-by-case basis, and denial of a fee waiver does not affect the underlying N-400 application. Applicants denied a fee waiver can either pay the full fee or request reconsideration with additional documentation.
Hiring an immigration attorney for naturalization is not required but can be beneficial for applicants with complex cases. Simple, straightforward naturalization cases with no criminal history, no extended absences, and no other complications can often be handled without an attorney using USCIS resources and free legal aid organizations.
For cases involving criminal history, extended travel abroad, tax issues, or other complications, an attorney can be valuable. Attorney fees for naturalization typically range from $1,500 to $3,000 depending on case complexity and geographic location. Some attorneys charge flat fees while others bill hourly. Many immigration legal aid organizations offer free or low-cost naturalization assistance to qualifying applicants.
Factors that increase attorney costs include prior removal proceedings, criminal convictions (even dismissed charges), periods of unlawful presence, failure to file tax returns, issues with selective service registration, and complex family situations. In these cases, the attorney helps navigate potential pitfalls and prepares the applicant for interview questions about these issues.
The naturalization interview includes an English language test and a civics test. The English test evaluates reading, writing, and speaking ability at a basic level. You may want to read one sentence correctly out of three, write one sentence correctly out of three, and demonstrate the ability to understand and respond to questions during the interview.
The civics test draws from a pool of 100 questions about American government and history. The USCIS officer asks 10 questions and the applicant must answer at least 6 correctly. USCIS provides free study materials including the complete list of 100 questions and answers, flashcards, and practice tests on their website.
Special accommodations are available for certain applicants. Those aged 65 or older who have been permanent residents for at least 20 years can take a simplified civics test with only 20 possible questions (answering 6 of 10). Applicants aged 50+ with 20+ years of residence, or 55+ with 15+ years of residence, can take the civics test in their native language. Medical disability waivers (Form N-648) are available for applicants unable to learn English or civics due to physical or developmental disabilities.
After taking the Oath of Allegiance, new citizens typically want to obtain a US passport. The passport book costs $170 for adults ($145 for a passport card), plus a $35 execution fee for first-time applicants, and approximately $20 for passport photos. Expedited processing is available for an additional $60 if needed quickly.
New citizens should also update their Social Security records, driver's license, voter registration, and employer records to reflect their citizenship status. While most of these updates are free, they require time and sometimes travel to various government offices. Some new citizens also choose to register for selective service if they naturalized before age 26, which is free but required by law.
The Certificate of Naturalization received at the oath ceremony is a vital document that should be stored securely. If lost, a replacement (Form N-565) costs $555. Unlike a passport, the Certificate of Naturalization should not be used for travel and should be kept in a safe location as proof of citizenship.
The naturalization timeline from filing to oath ceremony typically takes 8-14 months, though processing times vary dramatically by USCIS field office. Some offices process cases in as few as 5 months while others take 18+ months. USCIS publishes estimated processing times by office on their website, which should be checked before filing.
The process follows these steps: file N-400 (online or by mail), receive receipt notice (1-3 weeks), attend biometrics appointment (2-4 weeks after receipt), attend interview (4-12 months after filing), receive decision (usually at the interview), and attend oath ceremony (same day or within 2-6 weeks of approval). Some offices combine the interview and oath ceremony on the same day.
Applicants can file up to 90 days before meeting the continuous residence requirement. Early filing allows you to get in line sooner, though USCIS will not schedule the interview until you meet all requirements. Tracking your case online through the USCIS case status system provides real-time updates on your application's progress through each stage.
The N-400 filing fee is $760, which includes biometrics. With attorney fees ($1,500-$3,000), total costs range from $760 (self-filing) to $4,000+.
The process typically takes 8-14 months from filing to oath ceremony. Processing times vary significantly by USCIS field office location.
Yes, fee waivers are available via Form I-912 if your household income is at or below 150% of federal poverty guidelines, you receive means-tested benefits, or you experience financial hardship.
Generally 5 years as a permanent resident. If married to a US citizen, this is reduced to 3 years. Military members may qualify for expedited naturalization.
The civics test covers 100 questions on US government and history. You may want to answer 6 of 10 correctly. Applicants 65+ with 20+ years of residence get a simplified 20-question version.
You can file the N-400 up to 90 days before meeting the continuous residence requirement. For the 5-year rule, you can file at 4 years and 9 months. For the 3-year marriage rule, you can file at 2 years and 9 months of residence.
You may want to demonstrate the ability to read, write, and speak basic English during the interview. Exceptions exist for applicants age 50+ with 20 years of residence or age 55+ with 15 years of residence, who may take the civics test in their native language.
The naturalization interview typically lasts 15-30 minutes. An officer reviews your N-400 application, asks about your background, administers the English and civics tests, and verifies your identity. Bring original documents of everything submitted with your application.
Denaturalization is extremely rare and only occurs through fraud in the naturalization process, membership in subversive organizations within 5 years, dishonorable military discharge within 5 years, or voluntary renunciation. Ordinary citizens cannot be stripped of citizenship.
The US does not require you to renounce your other citizenship during naturalization, though the oath includes language about renouncing foreign allegiances. Many countries allow dual citizenship. Check your home country laws, as some nations revoke citizenship when you naturalize elsewhere.
Total Cost = N-400 Fee + Attorney Fees + Passport Costs
N-400 fee: $760 (full), $380 (reduced), or $0 (fee waiver)
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