The cost of becoming a US citizen could soon rise sharply. The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has proposed a significant increase in naturalisation filing fees, potentially making American citizenship considerably more expensive for lawful permanent residents, including thousands of Indians who apply for citizenship each year.The proposal would not only raise application costs by up to 80% but also eliminate fee waivers and reduced-fee options currently available to lower-income applicants.1. Who can apply for US citizenship?To become a naturalised US citizen, applicants must generally be at least 18 years old, hold lawful permanent resident (green card) status, and have lived in the United States continuously for at least five years.They must also have been physically present in the country for at least 30 months during that period and lived for at least three months in the state or USCIS district where they file their application.Applicants are also required to maintain good moral character, demonstrate an attachment to the principles of the US Constitution, and remain continuously resident in the country until citizenship is granted. In addition, they must pass English language requirements and show a basic understanding of US history, government and civics.2. N-400 citizenship application fee could rise by up to 80%Under the Department of Homeland Security’s proposal, the filing fee for Form N-400, the primary application used by green card holders seeking US citizenship, would increase sharply.The fee for paper applications would rise from $760 to $1,330, a jump of 75%, while online applicants would see the fee increase from $710 to $1,280, an increase of around 80%.
3. Reduced fees and fee waivers could be eliminatedThe proposal would end reduced-fee applications and most fee waivers currently available to lower-income applicants.If approved, the change could make the citizenship process significantly more expensive for students, retirees and other immigrants who currently qualify for financial assistance.4. Nearly 50,000 Indians became US citizens in FY 2024Indians continue to be among the largest groups acquiring American citizenship.According to DHS data, 49,700 Indians became US citizens in FY 2024, making India the second-largest country of birth among newly naturalised Americans after Mexico.5. Indian citizenship numbers have fallen nearly 25% in two yearsThe number of Indians acquiring US citizenship has steadily declined in recent years.DHS data shows that 65,960 Indians became US citizens in FY 2022, followed by 59,050 in FY 2023 and 49,700 in FY 2024, a drop of nearly 25% over two years.6. Appeals against citizenship denials could cost up to $1,475The proposal also raises fees for Form N-336, which allows applicants to challenge a denial of their citizenship application.The filing fee for paper submissions would increase from $830 to $1,475, while online filings would rise from $780 to $1,425.7. Public has 60 days to comment before rule is finalisedThe proposed changes are not yet in effect. DHS has opened a 60-day public comment period during which individuals and organisations can submit feedback.The agency will review those comments before deciding whether to implement the final rule.“The electronic Federal Docket Management System will accept comments prior to midnight ET at the end of that day,” the DHS statement reads.According to the department, the proposed increases are intended to better align application fees with the actual cost of processing and adjudicating immigration benefits. DHS says the move will help recover operational expenses and support immigration services.
