N-400 Costs Explained in 2025: Filing, Attorney Fees, and Alternatives

So you're finally ready to become a U.S. citizen. Congratulations! But before you start memorizing the civics questions, there's a question you probably want answered first: how much is this going to cost me?

$760 to process your N-400 application when filing by mail. But the full picture is more complicated—and depending on the route you choose, your total bill could range from under $900 to well over $3,000.

What USCIS Charges for Form N-400

Let's start with the fees you absolutely cannot avoid. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services sets the official N-400 fee, and it varies slightly based on how you file:

If you're using a preparation service like Immiva, or if you're requesting a fee waiver or reduced fee, you'll need to file by paper—which means the $760 fee is your baseline.

Important change: As of October 28, 2025, USCIS no longer accepts paper checks or money orders. You'll need to pay by credit card (Form G-1450) or ACH bank transfer (Form G-1650). If you're curious about the details, check out our guide on how to pay USCIS filing fees.

One piece of good news: the biometrics fee is now included in your N-400 filing fee. Before April 2024, USCIS charged a separate $85 for fingerprinting and photos. That's been rolled into the main fee, so you don't need to worry about an extra payment.

Who Qualifies for Reduced Fees or Fee Waivers

Here's something many applicants don't realize: not everyone has to pay full price.

Full Fee Waiver ($0)

If your household income is at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, you may qualify to have the entire fee waived. You'll need to submit Form I-912 (Request for Fee Waiver) along with evidence like tax returns, pay stubs, or proof that you receive means-tested benefits such as Medicaid, SNAP, or SSI.

For 2025, here's what 150% of the poverty guidelines looks like:

• Individual: approximately $22,590
• Family of 4: approximately $46,350

Reduced Fee ($380)

If your household income falls between 150% and 400% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, you can request to pay just $380—half the regular fee. You'll request this directly on the N-400 form itself (Part 10), and you'll need to provide income documentation.

Military Applicants

Active-duty service members and veterans who served honorably typically pay $0 in filing fees. Just include proof of your military service with your application.

One catch to know: if you're requesting a fee waiver or reduced fee, you must file by paper mail. Online filing isn't available for these requests

Hidden Costs Most Guides Don't Mention

The USCIS fee is just the starting point. Here are other expenses that can sneak up on you:

Passport Photos ($10-$25) USCIS may request physical passport-style photos during processing. You can get these at pharmacies, shipping stores, or even print them yourself.

Document Copies and Translations ($0-$200+) Any documents in a foreign language need certified English translations. Professional translation services typically charge $20-$50 per page. You'll also want copies of your green card, passport pages, and any supporting documents.

Travel and Time Off Work Your biometrics appointment and naturalization interview will be scheduled during business hours at a USCIS office. Depending on where you live, this could mean taking time off work or paying for transportation.

Civics and English Test Preparation ($0-$300) If you're filing your N-400 on or after October 20, 2025, you'll take the new 2025 civics test—and it's significantly harder than the old version. You'll now need to study 128 possible questions (up from 100), answer 20 questions during your interview (up from 10), and get at least 12 correct to pass. USCIS offers free study materials, but some people prefer structured classes or tutoring—especially if English isn't their first language.

Heads up: The new civics test requirements apply to anyone who files their N-400 on or after October 20, 2025. If you already filed before that date, you'll take the older, shorter test.

Add it all up, and even a completely DIY application could cost $900-$1,100 when you factor in these extras.

What Immigration Attorneys Charge for Citizenship Cases

Now let's talk about the elephant in the room: lawyer fees.

Attorney fees for N-400 applications typically range from $500 to $2,500 for straightforward cases. On the lower end, you might just get help reviewing your completed form. On the higher end, the attorney handles everything—filling out the application, gathering documents, and accompanying you to your interview.

If your case has complications—a criminal history, lengthy travel abroad, or gaps in your residency—expect to pay more, potentially $2,000-$3,000 or higher. Some immigration attorneys charge hourly rates of $200-$450, which can add up quickly for complex situations.

Here's the honest truth: for most straightforward naturalization cases, you don't need a lawyer. The N-400 form is detailed, yes, but it's designed for applicants to complete on their own. The naturalization process is one of the more predictable immigration pathways, and USCIS provides extensive instructions.

That said, legal help makes sense if:

• You have any criminal record, even minor arrests
• You've taken long trips outside the U.S. that might affect your eligibility
• You're unsure whether you meet the physical presence requirements
• You've received a Request for Evidence (RFE) on a previous application
• You simply want peace of mind and can afford the cost

A Smarter Middle Ground: Guided Preparation Services

What if you want more help than going it completely alone, but don't want to pay $1,500+ for an attorney?

This is where online preparation platforms come in. Services like Immiva offer guided, step-by-step questionnaires that walk you through the N-400 in plain English. You answer simple questions, the system flags potential errors in real time, and your completed forms are generated automatically—ready to print, sign, and mail.

The cost? A fraction of what attorneys charge—often comparable to the price of a nice dinner out.

These platforms aren't a replacement for legal advice if you have a genuinely complicated situation. But for the majority of green card holders with clean records and straightforward histories, they offer:

• Error prevention: Catch mistakes before they cause rejections
• Time savings: No deciphering confusing government instructions
• Confidence: Know your forms are complete and consistent

Think of it this way: the $760 filing fee goes to USCIS no matter what. The question is how much extra you spend on preparation—and whether that money actually reduces your risk of problems.

Quick Takeaways: Your N-400 Cost Cheat Sheet

• USCIS filing fee (paper): $760—biometrics included
• USCIS filing fee (online): $710—but not available for fee waivers or reduced fees
• Reduced fee option: $380 if household income is 150-400% of poverty guidelines
• Full fee waiver: $0 if income is at or below 150% of poverty guidelines
• Military applicants: $0 filing fee with proof of service
• Attorney fees: Typically $500-$2,500 for standard cases, higher for complex situations
• Total DIY cost (paper filing): Approximately $900-$1,100 including incidentals
• Total with attorney: Approximately $1,500-$3,500+

Pro tip: If you qualify for a fee waiver or reduced fee, or if you're using a preparation service, you must file by paper mail. Budget extra time for mailing and processing.

Making Your Decision: What's the Right Path for You?

The citizenship application fee isn't cheap, but it's a one-time investment in something permanent: becoming an American citizen. Unlike visa renewals that happen every few years, naturalization is forever.

Here's my honest advice after watching countless people go through this process:

Go completely DIY if:

• Your case is straightforward (no criminal issues, no long absences from the U.S.)
• You're comfortable with paperwork and detail-oriented
• You want to save maximum money

Use a guided platform if:

• You want to avoid mistakes without paying attorney prices
• You prefer step-by-step guidance in plain language
• Your case is relatively straightforward but you're not confident filling out forms yourself

Hire an attorney if:

• You have any concerns about your eligibility
• There's anything in your history that might raise red flags
• You want someone in your corner for the interview

Whatever route you choose, don't let the cost scare you away from applying when you're eligible. Citizenship opens doors that permanent residence doesn't—voting rights, certain government jobs, easier sponsorship of family members, and the security of knowing your status can never be revoked.

Start by confirming you meet the basic requirements (check our guide on N-400 physical presence), gather your documents, and pick the preparation method that fits your budget and comfort level.

The finish line is closer than you think.