Story perspectives

USCIS Plans $1,330 N-400 Fee, Threatening Low-Income Applicants

7/11/2026

Summary

Story summary

Homeland Security proposed raising the N-400 fee from $760 to $1,330 and ending fee waivers.
Immigration lawyers say low-income residents may postpone citizenship because attorneys report longer test waits, heightened scrutiny of minor infractions and new interview requirements that lowered FY 2026 approval rates.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) data showed applications rose to 169,159 in October 2025 then fell to 41,478 in November, a rush before the fee hike.

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Story summary

Homeland Security proposed raising the N-400 fee from $760 to $1,330 and ending fee waivers.
Immigration lawyers say low-income residents may postpone citizenship because attorneys report longer test waits, heightened scrutiny of minor infractions and new interview requirements that lowered FY 2026 approval rates.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) data showed applications rose to 169,159 in October 2025 then fell to 41,478 in November, a rush before the fee hike.