The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has proposed a substantial increase in fees for naturalisation applications, a move that could significantly raise the cost of becoming a US citizen for permanent residents, including thousands of Indians who apply for citizenship every year.
If implemented, the proposal would increase the filing fees for key citizenship-related applications by as much as 80%, while also eliminating fee reductions and waivers currently available to lower-income applicants.
Sharp Increase in Naturalisation Application Fees
Under the proposal, the filing fee for Form N-400, the primary application used by green card holders seeking US citizenship through naturalisation, would see a major increase.
For paper submissions, the fee would rise from $760 to $1,330, representing an increase of approximately 75%. For online filings, the increase would be even steeper. The fee would jump from $710 to $1,280, an increase of about 80%.
The proposed changes would make the process of acquiring American citizenship significantly more expensive for lawful permanent residents.
Reduced-Fee Option and Fee Waivers to Be Removed
One of the most significant aspects of the proposal is the elimination of financial relief measures currently available to applicants with limited means. According to the proposal:
- The reduced-fee option available to lower-income applicants would be abolished.
- Fee waivers for naturalisation filings would be completely scrapped.
At present, eligible applicants facing financial hardship can apply for either a reduced fee or a full waiver of the filing charges. If the proposal is approved, these options would no longer be available.
Impact on Indian Applicants
The proposed fee hike comes at a time when Indians continue to be among the largest groups obtaining US citizenship. According to DHS statistics:
- 65,960 Indians acquired US citizenship in FY-2022 (fiscal year ending September 30).
- 59,100 Indians became US citizens in FY-2023.
- 49,700 Indians acquired US citizenship in FY-2024.
Despite the decline in numbers over the past two years, India remained the second-largest source country for new American citizens in FY-2024. The changes could therefore affect a substantial number of Indian green card holders who become eligible for naturalisation each year.
Appeal Hearing Fee Also Set for Massive Increase
DHS has also proposed a steep increase in the filing fee for Form N-336, which is used by applicants seeking a hearing after the denial of their citizenship applications. The form allows applicants to challenge an adverse naturalisation decision. Under the proposal:
- The fee for paper submissions would rise from $830 to $1,475.
- The fee for online filings would increase from $780 to $1,425.
This would significantly increase the cost for applicants seeking to appeal denied citizenship applications.
DHS Explains Reason for Increase
According to DHS, the proposed fee hikes are intended to better align filing fees with the agency’s actual costs of processing and adjudicating naturalisation-related applications. The department says the revised fees would help cover the expenses associated with reviewing, processing and deciding citizenship cases.
Public Feedback Period Open
Before the proposal becomes final, DHS will accept public comments for 60 days. The agency will review the feedback received during this period before deciding whether to implement the new fee structure as part of a final rule.
If approved, the changes would mark one of the most significant increases in US citizenship application costs in recent years, affecting green card holders across the world, including a large number of Indian applicants seeking to become American citizens.
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