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If you’re eligible for U.S. citizenship, don’t wait. On June 23, 2026, the Department of Homeland Security published a proposed rule that would raise the N-400 naturalization application fee by 75 to 80 percent — and wipe out income-based fee waivers for most applicants. That’s not a minor adjustment. That’s a wall. If this rule goes through, hundreds of thousands of people who’ve earned the right to citizenship may simply not be able to afford it. Our team at Tez Law P.C. is urging every eligible applicant to understand what’s at stake and act before the public comment deadline: August 24, 2026.
What DHS Is Proposing — and Why It Matters
Right now, the standard filing fee for Form N-400 is $710 for paper filers and $760 online. For low-income applicants, fee waivers and reduced-fee options have long kept that door open. The proposed rule would push the fee to $1,280 to $1,330 — a jump of roughly $570 or more depending on how you file. And it doesn’t stop there. The proposal would eliminate income-based fee waivers entirely for most applicants, removing the reduced-fee pathways that working families, elderly immigrants, and fixed-income applicants have relied on for years. USCIS says the increase is needed to cover rising costs and reduce backlogs. Immigration advocates say it’s a barrier that hits low-income immigrants and communities of color the hardest. We think eligible applicants deserve to make that decision for themselves — before this window closes.
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The proposed rule is currently in a public comment period. Members of the public, advocacy organizations, and legal professionals have until August 24, 2026 to submit formal comments to the federal government. A high volume of substantive comments can influence whether and how a proposed rule is finalized.
How This Proposed Fee Hike Affects Eligible Immigrants
The impact of this proposed rule would be felt most acutely by specific communities across the United States:
- Low-income permanent residents: Those who currently qualify for fee waivers based on income — including recipients of means-tested public benefits — would lose access to that relief entirely. Under the proposal, ability to pay would no longer be a consideration for most applicants.
- Elderly immigrants: Many older green card holders live on fixed incomes and have long-deferred naturalization due to cost. A near-doubling of fees with no waiver option could permanently close the door to citizenship for this population.
- Naturalization applicants with large families: Families seeking to naturalize multiple members simultaneously would face compounding costs with no relief available.
- Applicants in high-cost states: In states like California, New York, and Texas — where cost of living is already high — the proposed fee increase adds another layer of financial burden on immigrant communities.
- DACA recipients and mixed-status families: Eligible family members in mixed-status households who have been saving for naturalization may find themselves unable to afford the increased fee without waiver options.
Beyond the financial burden, delaying naturalization has real legal consequences. U.S. citizens enjoy protections that green card holders do not, including the right to vote, access to certain federal benefits, protection from deportation, and the ability to petition for a wider range of family members. Every year that eligible immigrants delay applying is a year they remain in a more vulnerable legal status. Our immigration services team can help you assess your eligibility and timeline right now.
What You Should Do Right Now
Whether you are already eligible for naturalization or are approaching the five-year mark as a lawful permanent resident, the current climate demands action. Here is what Tez Law P.C. recommends:
- File your N-400 before the rule is finalized. The proposed rule is not yet in effect. If you are eligible today and file under current fee structures, you will pay the current fee of $710 or $760 and may still qualify for a fee waiver. Do not wait. The comment period closes August 24, 2026, and a final rule could take effect with relatively short notice thereafter.
- Consult with an immigration attorney immediately. Eligibility for naturalization involves more than just meeting the residency requirement. A qualified attorney can review your travel history, tax compliance, criminal record (if any), and other factors that affect whether you can safely file right now. Schedule a free consultation with our team today.
- Submit a public comment. The public comment process is a legally meaningful opportunity for the government to hear from affected communities. Individual comments, especially those describing personal hardship or economic impact, carry weight. Visit regulations.gov and search for the DHS naturalization fee proposed rule to submit your comment before August 24, 2026.
- Check your fee waiver eligibility now. If you receive Medicaid, SSI, SNAP, or other means-tested federal benefits, you may currently qualify for a Form I-912 fee waiver. This option may disappear if the proposed rule is finalized.
- Connect with community organizations. Nonprofit legal aid organizations and immigrant advocacy groups are mobilizing around this issue. Getting connected to local resources can provide both legal support and information about how to participate in public comment efforts.
Why Choose Tez Law P.C. for Your Naturalization Case
At Tez Law P.C., managing attorney JJ Zhang (California Bar #326666) leads a team that is deeply committed to protecting immigrant rights and making the path to citizenship as clear and accessible as possible. Based in West Covina, California, we serve clients across the United States on a wide range of immigration matters — from family-based petitions and adjustment of status to naturalization and removal defense.
We understand that proposed rule changes like this one create urgency and anxiety. Our job is to cut through the noise, give you accurate legal guidance, and help you make decisions that protect your future. We handle naturalization cases with the thoroughness your life milestone deserves — reviewing every detail of your application to ensure it is complete, accurate, and submitted at the right time.
Whether you need help filing your N-400 today, understanding how the proposed fee rule might affect your case, or simply want to know where you stand, our team is ready to help. Request your free consultation and take the first step toward U.S. citizenship with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the fee increase already in effect, or is this still a proposal?
As of July 2026, the fee increase is still a proposed rule — it has not been finalized or implemented. The public comment period runs through August 24, 2026. Until a final rule is published with an effective date, the current N-400 fee of $710 (paper) or $760 (online) remains in place. However, once a final rule is issued, it can take effect quickly, which is why filing sooner rather than later is strongly advisable if you are eligible.
What happens to my fee waiver application if I file before the rule is finalized?
If you submit your Form N-400 along with an approved Form I-912 fee waiver request before a final rule takes effect, you will generally be governed by the rules in place at the time of your filing. This means filing now — while fee waivers are still available — could protect you from the proposed elimination of waiver options. An immigration attorney can help you gather the documentation needed to support a strong fee waiver request before the deadline.
How do I submit a public comment on the proposed naturalization fee rule?
You can submit a public comment by visiting regulations.gov and searching for the DHS proposed rule on naturalization fees published June 23, 2026. Anyone — including non-citizens, green card holders, advocacy groups, and legal professionals — can submit a comment. The deadline is August 24, 2026. Comments that explain personal hardship, economic impact, or legal concerns are most effective. Tez Law P.C. encourages all affected individuals and organizations to participate in this process.
The proposed naturalization fee hike is a serious development that could permanently alter who has access to U.S. citizenship. The window to act under the current fee structure — and with fee waivers still available — is open right now, but it may not stay open for long. Whether you are ready to file today or simply have questions about your eligibility, the team at Tez Law P.C. is here to help. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us help you move forward with your naturalization case before the rules change.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Contact Tez Law P.C. at 626-678-8677 or [email protected] for advice specific to your situation. Results may vary.