The cost to become a U.S. citizen primarily involves the filing fee for Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, and a biometric services fee. As of 2025, the standard total fee is $760 if filing by paper, or $710 if filing online, which includes the biometric fee

. More specifically:

• The N-400 application fee is $640.
• The biometric services fee is $85.
• Total standard cost: $725 (some sources report $760 reflecting the latest fee increase)

Fee reductions and waivers are available for eligible applicants:

• Applicants with household incomes no more than 400% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines may qualify for a reduced fee of about $380 to $405, depending on inclusion of biometric fees

• Those with household incomes below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines or experiencing financial hardship can apply for a full fee waiver, making the application free

• Active-duty military members and veterans are exempt from the application fee altogether

Additional costs may include legal fees, preparation courses for the citizenship test, translation services, and travel expenses, which can range from $150 to $2,000 or more depending on individual circumstances

. In summary, the baseline government fee to apply for U.S. citizenship is approximately $760, with possible reductions or waivers based on income and service status. Other associated costs depend on personal needs and choices during the application process.