Becoming a U.S. citizen is one of the most meaningful milestones in an immigrant’s journey — but it is about to get significantly more expensive. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) that would dramatically raise the filing fees for naturalization applications while eliminating most fee waivers and reduced-fee options. If finalized, this rule would place U.S. citizenship further out of reach for many low- and middle-income immigrants who have spent years working toward this goal.
The proposed changes were first published in the Federal Register on June 23, 2026 (91 FR 37500), and an agency correction was issued on July 8, 2026 (91 FR 42144). The public comment period is open until August 24, 2026 — giving immigrants, advocates, and community organizations a limited window to make their voices heard. Understanding what is being proposed, who it affects, and what you can do about it has never been more urgent.
What Is USCIS Proposing to Change?
The NPRM would increase the filing fees for two key naturalization forms:
- Form N-400 (Application for Naturalization): The proposed fee would rise to $1,330 for paper filing or $1,280 for online filing.
- Form N-336 (Hearing on a Decision in Naturalization Proceedings): The proposed fee would increase to $1,475 for paper filing or $1,425 for online filing. This form is used when an applicant appeals a denial of their naturalization application.
These proposed fees represent a substantial jump from current filing costs. For many immigrant families already navigating tight budgets, affording naturalization will become a serious financial challenge if this rule is finalized.
Equally alarming is the proposal to eliminate most fee waivers and reduced-fee options that currently help low-income applicants access the naturalization process. Under current policy, eligible applicants can request a fee waiver or pay a reduced fee based on their income level. The proposed rule would do away with nearly all of these accommodations.
Who Would Be Most Affected?
The proposed fee increases and elimination of waivers would disproportionately affect some of the most vulnerable members of immigrant communities:
- Low-income green card holders who are otherwise fully eligible for citizenship but rely on reduced fees or fee waivers to afford the application.
- Seniors and retirees on fixed incomes who have lived in the United States for decades and are now working toward their final step of becoming citizens.
- Immigrants in service industries and agriculture who make meaningful contributions to U.S. communities but earn modest wages.
- Military families and veterans who may use existing fee reduction programs that could be eliminated under this proposal.
- Applicants who have had a naturalization denial and need to file Form N-336 for a hearing — they would face fees nearly as high as the original application itself.
For many of these individuals, the path to citizenship has already required years of patience, thousands of dollars in prior immigration fees, and meeting continuous residency and good moral character requirements. The proposed increases add yet another financial barrier at the final step.
Why Is USCIS Proposing These Changes?
USCIS has stated that the proposed fee adjustments are intended to align fees with the actual cost of processing applications. The agency’s fee structure is meant to be largely self-funded through user fees rather than congressional appropriations. The agency has pointed to increased operational costs, staffing needs, and processing investments as justification for the increases.
However, immigration advocates and legal organizations — including the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) — have raised serious concerns about whether eliminating fee waivers is consistent with congressional intent and whether such sharp increases serve the public interest. Many argue that making citizenship more expensive does not serve the nation’s long-term goal of integrating immigrants into civic life.
The correction issued on July 8, 2026 added sections on the estimated number of respondents, time to respond, and the total public burden in time and cost — indicating that USCIS is still developing its full accounting of who would be impacted.
How to Submit a Public Comment Before August 24, 2026
This is a proposed rule, not a final one. That means the public has the right — and the opportunity — to submit formal comments that USCIS must consider before finalizing any changes. Your comment matters, and comments from individuals directly affected by the rule carry particular weight.
Here is how to submit a comment:
- Visit regulations.gov and search for Docket No. USCIS-2026-0265.
- Click “Comment” and write your response. You can share your personal story, the financial hardship the proposed fees would cause, or your concerns about the elimination of fee waivers.
- Comments must be submitted by August 24, 2026.
- You do not need to be an attorney to submit a comment. Personal stories from immigrants and their families are powerful and meaningful.
If you are a green card holder who is currently saving up for naturalization, or if you know someone who relies on fee waivers to access the citizenship process, consider submitting a comment that describes your situation. USCIS is required to respond to substantive comments before publishing a final rule.
What Should Current and Future Naturalization Applicants Do Now?
This proposed rule has not yet been finalized. Current filing fees remain in effect, and you can still apply for naturalization at today’s rates. If you are eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship now, here is what experts recommend:
- Apply as soon as possible if you meet all eligibility requirements. Do not wait for the rule to be finalized — if the fee increases take effect, filing now could save you hundreds of dollars.
- Check your eligibility for a fee waiver under the current rules. If you qualify, file promptly before any changes are made to the waiver program.
- Gather your documents now. Assembling your N-400 application package — including tax records, travel history, and any required supporting documents — takes time. Starting early helps you file quickly if needed.
- Consult an immigration attorney. A qualified attorney can review your eligibility, help you prepare a strong application, and advise you on the impact of upcoming policy changes on your specific situation.
- Submit a public comment by August 24, 2026, if you are concerned about the proposed fee increases or the elimination of fee waivers.
What Happens Next?
After the public comment period closes on August 24, 2026, USCIS will review all submitted comments and may revise the proposed rule based on the feedback received. The agency will then publish a final rule in the Federal Register, which will include an effective date giving applicants time to adjust. Until a final rule is published and takes effect, current fees and waiver options remain in place.
It is possible that public pressure and advocacy efforts could result in modifications to the proposal — particularly around the elimination of fee waivers. History has shown that robust public participation in the comment process can meaningfully shape final agency rules. Your voice, and the voice of your community, can make a difference.
Conclusion: Act Early, Stay Informed
The proposed USCIS fee increases for Form N-400 and Form N-336 represent one of the most significant proposed changes to the naturalization process in recent memory. For millions of lawful permanent residents across the United States who dream of becoming citizens, this is a critical moment. Whether you are ready to apply for citizenship today, planning to apply in the coming months, or simply want to protect your options, taking action now — by filing your application under current rates or submitting a public comment — is the most powerful thing you can do.
For full details on the proposed rule and official guidance on how to comment, visit the American Immigration Lawyers Association at aila.org or consult a qualified immigration attorney who can advise you based on your unique circumstances.
Immigration Fleet Law Firm