Published: July 7, 2026
Are you a green card holder seeking to apply for US citizenship? Naturalization statistics showed that an estimated 818,500 green cardholders became US citizens in FY 2024. That includes all the naturalization ceremonies conducted in the US and around the world.
The decision to pursue US citizenship represents a significant milestone in your immigration journey. If you’re a lawful permanent resident (LPR) who meets the eligibility requirements for citizenship, the newly proposed naturalization fee increase is worth your attention.
On June 23, 2026, the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) that would substantially increase the fees charged by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for naturalization applications.
While the rule is not yet in effect and current fees still apply, knowing what’s ahead can help you decide whether filing sooner would be advantageous before any changes take hold. Below, we’ll break down what’s being proposed, what it means for your citizenship, and what steps to consider next.
Overview of the Newly Proposed DHS Naturalization Fee Changes
In the proposed rule, the DHS wants to increase the fees by approximately 75% for processing the Application for Naturalization and Request for a Hearing on a Decision in Naturalization Proceedings.
The proposed higher fees are intended to align with the agency’s actual costs of adjudicating these forms, including necessary screening and vetting checks. Below is a summary of what DHS is proposing regarding naturalization fees.
- Increases the Request for a Hearing on a Decision in Naturalization Proceedings fee from $780 to $1425 for online filings, and from $830 to $1475 for paper filings.
- Increases the Application for Naturalization fee from $710 to $1280 for online filings, and from $760 to $1330 for paper filings.
- Removes the reduced-fee option of $380 for lower-income applicants or those whose household income is at or below 400% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines (FPG).
- Eliminates fee waivers for naturalization and appeals, except for current and former members of the armed forces.
Before it can be finalized, the proposed rule remains open for public comment for 60 days after publication in the Federal Register. That means the agency is accepting public feedback on its proposal through August 24, 2026. After reviewing the comments, DHS may revise the proposed changes before issuing a final rule.
What the Proposed Naturalization Fee Increase Means for You
The current fee structure remains in place until DHS issues a final rule and it takes effect. If finalized, the proposed increase in naturalization fees could affect your path to US citizenship. The following outlines what this could mean for your application if the changes are adopted as proposed:
- It will increase the financial burden, causing you to pay significantly more for your application.
- You will no longer be able to waive the fee even if you face extreme financial hardship or qualify for certain means-tested government benefits.
- You will no longer qualify for a reduced filing fee even if you fall under the lower-income category.
- If naturalization costs have kept you from filing, you will have to choose between paying more or waiting longer.
Whether filing now makes sense depends on your specific case, not solely on the naturalization fee. If you already meet the citizenship eligibility requirements, the proposed increase in the naturalization fee is a good reason to review your timeline.
Applying before the final rule takes effect may allow you to secure the current, lower fee structure. However, eligibility still comes first. If you file before confirming eligibility, you could lose your filing fee and face further delays if your citizenship application is denied.
Take the Appropriate Next Step With a Los Angeles Immigration Lawyer
Applying for US citizenship involves more than filling out a form. It requires verifying your eligibility, compiling the necessary documentation, and preparing for the corresponding naturalization interview and test. A reliable Los Angeles immigration lawyer can help you navigate each of these steps.
With the possibility of naturalization going up, getting your citizenship application right the first time is more critical than ever. Those who are already eligible may want to consider filing before the proposed fee increase takes effect. Call our legal team at ALG Lawyers to stay well informed and to guide you in taking the appropriate next steps.
FAQs on What the Newly Proposed Naturalization Fee Increase Means for Your Citizenship Application
Are there any exceptions for the newly proposed naturalization fee increase?
Even if the proposed changes take effect, existing law would exempt you from paying the naturalization fees if you’re a current or former member of the US armed forces.
Would the reduced-fee option and fee waivers remain available?
The proposed changes would eliminate income- and hardship-based fee waivers for both naturalization applications and requests for a hearing following a denial of a citizenship application. Likewise, the current $380 reduced-fee option for lower-income applicants would no longer be available.
Should you file for naturalization now, before the rule changes take effect?
If you’re already qualified and your citizenship application is ready, filing before the rule changes take effect can be a smart move. Since the proposal would increase the naturalization fee and remove most reduced-fee and waiver options, waiting could cost you more. But the right timing still varies by case. You can evaluate the best time to apply for citizenship with an immigration lawyer.
(Please note that this article does not create an Attorney-Client relationship between our law firm and the reader and is provided for informational purposes only. Information in this article does not apply to all readers. Readers should not rely on this information as legal advice and should seek specific counsel from a qualified attorney based on their individual circumstances. Thank you.)