DHS Issues Proposed Rule to Increase Fees for Citizenship Applications

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) proposed a new rule to significantly increase the processing fees for Form N-400, Application for Naturalization and Form N-336, Request for a Hearing on a Decision in Naturalization Proceedings. DHS’s last comprehensive adjustment to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) fee schedule that impacted these types of applications occurred took effect on April 1, 2024.

Summary of Changes

• Form N-336: Increases the fee from $830 to $1475 for paper filings and from $780 to $1425 for online filings
• Form N-400: Increases the fee from $760 to $1330 for paper filings and from $710 to $1280 for online filings
• Reduced Fee: Eliminates the $380 reduced fee option for individuals whose household income is less than or equal to 400 of the of the Federal Poverty Guidelines (FPG)
• Waivers: Eliminates eligibility for fee waivers
• Exemptions: Current and former armed members of the armed forces will remain exempt

Why Now?

DHS’s rationale for significantly increasing Form N-400 fees and eliminating waivers and reduced fee options, centers on a strict “beneficiary-pays” model to achieve full cost recovery for USCIS, an agency that operates primarily on fee revenue rather than congressional funding. DHS calculates that the existing filing fees will fall short of covering USCIS’s actual costs of adjudicating naturalization applications following significant changes to national security vetting processes mandated by multiple Executive Orders signed in 2025. Specifically, the implementation of enhanced screening protocols—including expanded biographical data cross-checks, deeper continuous vetting across federal databases, and more rigorous fraud detection systems—has substantially driven up the administrative costs per application. DHS seeks to ensure that it can meet the heightened vetting obligations and prevent backlogs without drawing resources from other areas and/or operating at a deficit.

What to Expect Next

The proposed rule is open for public comment through August 24, 2026. Following review of the submitted comments, DHS may revise terms prior to issuing a final rule.  The current fees for N-400 and N-336 remain in effect and fee waivers and reduced-fee options continue to be available.

What This Means for Employers

While not required, many employers opt to assist their lawful permanent resident employees with naturalization applications. For employers moving employees to US Citizenship status, this is a significant change to cost. Recommendations for employers include:

• Prioritize the preparation and filing any naturalization applications currently under consideration.
• Adjust budgets for applications and make appropriate adjustments.
• Review or update company policies with regard to assistance with naturalization applications and/or payment of related government filing fees.

Amy McCoy