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If you hold a green card and you’ve been thinking about applying for U.S. citizenship, now is the time to pay attention. USCIS has proposed raising the naturalization application fee from $710 to $1,280 online — or $1,330 if you file by paper. That’s an increase of up to 80%. And it gets worse: the proposal would also eliminate reduced fees and fee waivers for most lower-income applicants. There’s a 60-day public comment period open right now, so this rule isn’t final yet — but it could be. At Tez Law P.C., we work with green card holders nationwide, and our advice is simple: understand what’s at stake, and seriously consider filing before any new fees kick in. Reach out to our team for a free consultation to find out if you’re eligible.
Background: What USCIS Is Proposing and Why It Matters
In 2026, USCIS published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that would overhaul the fee schedule for naturalization — the process where lawful permanent residents file Form N-400 to become U.S. citizens. Right now, the filing fee is $710 online or $760 by paper. Under the proposal, that jumps to $1,280 online and $1,330 by paper.
But the fee hike isn’t even the whole story. The proposal would also eliminate the reduced fee option — currently $405 for applicants earning between 150% and 400% of the federal poverty level — and wipe out fee waivers for most naturalization applicants. Today, if your income falls below a certain threshold, you can request a full fee waiver using Form I-912. Under this proposal, that safety net would largely be gone. For a lot of working families, that’s not a small thing. That’s the difference between becoming a citizen and putting it off indefinitely.
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USCIS justifies the increases by citing the need to fully fund agency operations, which rely almost entirely on application fees rather than congressional appropriations. Critics, however, argue that pricing out low-income permanent residents from the path to citizenship creates a two-tiered system that undermines the nation’s long-standing commitment to civic integration. The 60-day public comment period allows individuals, organizations, and advocates to submit formal feedback before any rule is finalized. Learn more about how our immigration services can help you navigate this rapidly changing landscape.
How This Affects Green Card Holders Seeking Citizenship
The proposed changes would have the most severe impact on specific segments of the permanent resident population:
- Low-income green card holders: Many permanent residents who currently rely on fee waivers or reduced fees work in service industries, agriculture, or other lower-wage sectors. For these individuals, a jump from $0 or $405 to $1,280 could effectively price them out of citizenship — potentially for years.
- Large families: Families with multiple eligible members applying simultaneously could face combined fees exceeding $5,000 or more, a prohibitive sum for many households.
- Elderly applicants: Senior permanent residents on fixed incomes who currently qualify for waivers would face the same full fee as any other applicant, creating a significant barrier.
- Military members and veterans: While some exceptions may apply, proposed changes could affect servicemembers who currently benefit from streamlined or waived fees.
- Long-term residents: Green card holders who have waited years — sometimes decades — to apply may feel increased urgency to file before the new rule takes effect.
It is critical to understand that this rule is not yet final. The public comment period represents an important opportunity to voice concerns. However, the safest strategy for eligible applicants is to begin the process now, under current fee structures, rather than wait and risk the higher costs taking effect. If this proposal is finalized, costs for some applicants could more than triple compared to what they paid under the reduced-fee or waiver programs.
What You Should Do Right Now
Whether or not this rule is ultimately adopted in its current form, there are concrete steps every eligible permanent resident should take immediately:
- Determine your eligibility now: Most green card holders can apply for naturalization after five years of continuous permanent residence (three years if married to a U.S. citizen). Do not assume you must wait — consult an attorney to confirm your eligibility date.
- File before any fee increase takes effect: If you are currently eligible or will become eligible within the next few months, filing under the current $710 fee structure could save you hundreds of dollars. An immigration attorney can help you prepare a complete, error-free application to avoid delays or rejections.
- Submit public comments: If you believe eliminating fee waivers is unjust, you have the right to submit a formal comment to USCIS during the open comment period. Comments from affected individuals carry real weight in the rulemaking process.
- Gather your documents early: Start collecting your green card, tax records, travel history, and any other supporting documents now. Being prepared means you can file quickly once you get legal clearance.
- Consult an immigration attorney: Fee changes, policy shifts, and complex eligibility rules make professional legal guidance more valuable than ever. An attorney can identify any issues in your record — such as trips abroad or prior legal matters — that could complicate your application.
Do not let uncertainty paralyze you. Schedule your free consultation with Tez Law P.C. today and take the first step toward citizenship while current fees are still in place.
Why Choose Tez Law P.C. for Your Naturalization Case
At Tez Law P.C., managing attorney JJ Zhang (California Bar #326666) leads a dedicated team that handles immigration cases for clients across the entire United States. We understand that naturalization is not just a legal process — it is one of the most meaningful milestones in a person’s life. Here is why clients nationwide trust us with their citizenship journey:
- Personalized attention: Every client receives individualized case evaluation, not a one-size-fits-all approach.
- Proactive strategy: We track legislative and regulatory changes — like this proposed fee hike — so our clients are always a step ahead.
- Comprehensive immigration practice: From naturalization and green cards to adjustment of status and visas, our immigration services cover the full spectrum of needs.
- Nationwide reach: Whether you are in California, Texas, New York, Florida, or anywhere in between, Tez Law P.C. is equipped to assist you.
- Transparent communication: We keep you informed at every stage of the process, so there are no surprises.
Our firm also handles personal injury matters, so if you or a family member has been hurt in an accident, we can help on that front as well — all under one trusted roof.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the new USCIS naturalization fee take effect?
As of July 2026, the proposed fee increase is not yet final. USCIS has opened a 60-day public comment period before it can finalize the rule. After the comment period closes, USCIS must review all feedback and publish a final rule, which typically takes several additional months. However, applicants who are eligible now should strongly consider filing under the current $710 fee structure rather than waiting. An immigration attorney can help you move quickly and accurately.
Will fee waivers still be available if the proposed rule is finalized?
Under the current proposal, fee waivers (Form I-912) and reduced fees for income-eligible naturalization applicants would be largely eliminated. This would represent a significant change for lower-income permanent residents who currently qualify for full or partial fee relief. If the rule is finalized as written, most applicants would be required to pay the full $1,280 (online) or $1,330 (paper) fee. This is precisely why filing now — before any final rule takes effect — is so important for eligible applicants.
How can I comment on the proposed USCIS fee rule?
You can submit a formal public comment through the federal government’s official rulemaking portal at regulations.gov by searching for the USCIS fee schedule NPRM. Comments from affected individuals, community organizations, and advocates are a critical part of the rulemaking process and can influence the final outcome. Your comment should be specific, explain how the proposed changes would affect you personally or your community, and be submitted before the 60-day comment deadline closes. Contact Tez Law P.C. if you need guidance on how to make your voice heard effectively.
The proposed USCIS naturalization fee hike is one of the most consequential immigration policy changes of 2026 for green card holders across the country. Whether you are just becoming eligible for citizenship or have been waiting for the right moment to apply, now is the time to act. At Tez Law P.C., we are ready to guide you through every step of the naturalization process — efficiently, accurately, and with your best interests at heart. Do not wait for fees to go up or waivers to disappear. Reach out today for your free consultation and let us help you achieve the citizenship you have worked so hard to earn.
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.