Lawyers charge different rates depending on their specialty and years of experience, so when searching for an immigration attorney you should select one with an excellent track record in winning cases like yours.
Average costs associated with citizenship typically total around $2600, including fees associated with filing the N-400 application and biometric testing. If your case is more complex, however, this cost could rise considerably.
Fees for filing an application
Becoming a citizen requires going through an involved process involving filling out forms, paying fees and attending citizenship interviews. Applicants may also incur expenses related to translation services and getting copies of old tax returns; this cost can present considerable obstacles for many.
Immigration lawyers charge various rates depending on the nature and complexity of each case they handle, with fees for employment-based visa applications typically costing between $2,000 and $5,000 in legal fees alone; additional USCIS filing fees can also be costly.
Commenters expressed concern that fee increases would harm low-income applicants and petitioners by making it more difficult for them to access DHS services. As a response, DHS proposed capping naturalization fees filed on behalf of biological or adopted children; however, such an approach would require costly administrative support costs, increasing overall fees by nearly $90.
Fees for biometrics
As part of your citizenship application, USCIS or a consulate will require you to attend a biometrics appointment for fingerprinting and photo capture for background checks and identification purposes. Typically, this process is straightforward and pain-free.
As part of your appointment with USCIS or an embassy, an ASC code on the top will identify what kind of biometrics will be collected; for instance if this code is 1, fingerprints will be taken for all 10 fingers and sent directly to FBI for background checking purposes; otherwise staff will collect your photo, signature and index finger press print as well.
USCIS implemented an additional fee to increase naturalization costs; however, in 2024 they removed this fee for most applications thereby making naturalization more affordable and meeting their increasing workload while improving service quality. These changes should help USCIS address its increasing workload while improving service quality.
Fees for an interview
To understand the cost of naturalization through naturalization, it’s crucial to have an idea of the fees for filing. While these can be high, there may be ways of lowering them; lower-income applicants may qualify for fee waivers or reductions through USCIS; however, one payment method must be chosen for both filing fees and biometrics fees.
Citizenship applications are reviewed by a citizenship officer who will ask you a series of questions related to your immigration history, travel into and out of the U.S., character traits and basic knowledge of American civics. In addition, an English test will also be administered.
At an estimated total cost of $725 for citizenship interviews, including application processing fees of $640 and biometric services fees of $85, the total costs may total approximately. Legal fees that an attorney may charge to help file your application may incur additional charges; Sheri Hoidra offers flat-fee rates but cannot give an exact quote until after consulting.
Fees for a decision
Citizenship costs have skyrocketed since Monday. Citizenship and Immigration Services has announced its new fee schedule that increases naturalization applications by 19% as well as many other immigration applications and benefits. Citizenship and Immigration Services states that increasing fees will enable it to recoup enough revenue to cover operating costs as well as provide adequate service.
Some USCIS applicants may qualify for fee waivers when filing naturalization and other applications, typically those whose annual income falls within 200% of the federal poverty guideline. Furthermore, local organizations and credit unions sometimes offer no- or low-interest loans specifically dedicated to citizenship cases.
Cost of citizenship may seem high at first, but you should carefully consider all fees prior to submitting an application for citizenship. Please keep in mind that becoming a citizen can take many years – however its advantages include voting rights and being eligible to bring family members over from other countries into the US.
