DHS Moves to End Most Naturalization Fee Waivers
Published Date: 6/23/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The Department of Homeland Security wants to change the fees for applying to become a U.S. citizen. They plan to remove the lower fee and fee waivers for most people, but military members still won’t have to pay. If you want to share your thoughts, you have until August 24, 2026, to comment before these changes might take effect.
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 5 costs, 0 mixed.
N-400 Fee Increased
USCIS proposes raising the Form N-400 naturalization fee to $1,330 for paper filings and $1,280 for online filings (USCIS would keep the $50 online filing discount). This change would make each naturalization application cost the applicant these specified amounts.
N-336 Fee Increased
USCIS proposes raising the Form N-336 fee to $1,475 for paper filings and $1,425 for online filings (with the $50 online discount maintained). These are the proposed fees an individual would pay when requesting a hearing on a naturalization decision.
Fee Waivers Ended for N-400/N-336
The proposal would eliminate eligibility for fee waivers for both Form N-400 and Form N-336. DHS estimates the annualized transfer payments from current fee-waiver eligible applicants to USCIS would be approximately $196,353,305 (primary estimate) and the 10-year transfer payments would be about $1,674,933,519 (primary estimate, 3% discount).
Estimated Revenue Transfers to USCIS
DHS projects fee increases would produce annualized transfer payments from current full fee-paying applicants to USCIS of approximately $430,049,505 (primary estimate). The 10-year transfer payment totals for those applicants are estimated at $3,668,409,508 (primary estimate, 3% discount) and $3,020,487,765 (primary estimate, 7% discount).
Reduced N-400 Fee Eliminated
The proposal would remove the reduced fee option for Form N-400 that applied to applicants whose household income is less than or equal to 400 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines (FPG). Applicants who previously qualified for that reduced fee would no longer be eligible under this proposal.
Military Exemptions Remain
USCIS would retain statutory fee exemptions for qualified current and former armed forces service members filing for naturalization under INA sections 328 or 329. Those military applicants would continue to be exempt from paying the Form N-400 and Form N-336 fees.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-14439, Establishing a Fixed Time Period of Admission and an Extension of Stay Procedure for Nonimmigrant Academic Students, Exchange Visitors, and Representatives of Foreign Information Media
Starting September 15, 2026, students, exchange visitors, and foreign media reps will get a fixed time to stay in the U.S. instead of an open-ended status. This change helps the government keep better track of who’s following the rules and makes extending stays clearer. It affects F, J, and I visa holders and could mean more careful planning and paperwork, but no new fees are mentioned.
2026-13392, EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022; Ensuring the Integrity of the EB-5 Program; Automatic Revocation of Petitions for Immigrant Classification
The EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022 shakes up the investor visa program by making sure only serious investors who create real jobs get green cards. It affects foreign investors and regional centers, adds new rules to stop fraud, and sets a deadline for public comments by August 31, 2026. This means more trust and transparency in the program, with changes rolling out soon and investments under closer watch.
2026-13137, Marine Casualty Reporting on the Outer Continental Shelf
Starting July 30, 2026, companies working on the Outer Continental Shelf must report marine accidents based on who’s involved, not just where they happen. The rule raises the damage cost that triggers a report from $25,000 to $75,000, saving businesses money and making rules clearer and fairer. This change cuts industry costs by over $10,000 in 10 years and aligns U.S. rules with international standards for offshore activities.
2026-11285, Clarification of Discretionary Employment Authorization for Certain Aliens
The Department of Homeland Security wants to clear up who can get special work permission if they’re temporarily allowed in the U.S. for urgent reasons, have deferred action, or are released under supervision. They’re also tightening rules for people with certain criminal records, unless helping law enforcement is involved. You’ve got until August 4, 2026, to share your thoughts—no fees or costs change yet, just a heads-up on new rules.
2026-09007, Fee Adjustment for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Form I-246, Application for a Stay of Deportation or Removal
If you’re applying to pause your deportation or removal with Form I-246, get ready for a fee jump from $155 to $755! This change helps cover the real costs since the fee hasn’t changed since 1989. You’ve got until July 6, 2026, to share your thoughts before the new fee kicks in.
2026-08699, Shipping Safety Fairways Along the Atlantic Coast
The Coast Guard is making the Atlantic Coast safer for ships by setting up special shipping lanes from New York to Florida. They’re reopening the comment period until June 22, 2026, so everyone can share their thoughts before the rules are finalized. This affects ship operators and coastal communities, aiming to keep sea travel smooth and safe without extra costs right now.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-12535, Establishment of Class E Airspace; Belmont, MS
The FAA wants to create new Class E airspace starting 700 feet above Tishomingo Airport in Belmont, MS, to keep flights safe and organized, especially for pilots using instruments. This change mainly affects pilots flying in and out of this airport and helps manage air traffic better. If you have thoughts, you’ve got until August 6, 2026, to speak up—no costs for the public, just safer skies!
Next: 2026-12543, Air Plan Approval; Colorado; RACT Requirements for the 2008 8-Hour Ozone Standard for the Denver Metro/North Front Range Nonattainment Area
The EPA is proposing to approve Colorado’s plan to control smog-causing pollution in the Denver Metro and North Front Range area. This plan updates rules for certain polluters and fixes past issues, helping the region meet clean air goals. People and businesses in this area should note the July 23, 2026 deadline to share their thoughts on the plan.