US Proposes 75% Citizenship Fee Increase: Impact On Indian Applicants Explained
Proposed fee hike could increase citizenship costs for Indians.
The cost of applying for United States citizenship through naturalisation could increase sharply under a proposal by the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS), potentially making the process significantly more expensive for thousands of eligible immigrants, including Indians. The department has proposed raising the filing fee for Form N-400—the application used to obtain US citizenship through naturalisation—from the current $760 to $1,330, representing an increase of nearly 75 per cent. The proposal also seeks to eliminate reduced-fee options and fee waivers currently available to many lower-income applicants.
If implemented, the changes would mark one of the largest increases in naturalisation application fees in recent years. Alongside the proposed fee hike, the DHS has suggested removing provisions that allow eligible applicants with limited financial resources to pay a reduced fee or receive a complete waiver. Immigration advocates have expressed concern that the higher costs could discourage lawful permanent residents from pursuing US citizenship, particularly those from low- and middle-income households.
The proposed increase is expected to affect a large number of Indian immigrants who become eligible for US citizenship each year after meeting the residency and other legal requirements. Many Indian nationals spend years obtaining permanent resident status, commonly known as a Green Card, before becoming eligible to apply for naturalisation. A substantial rise in application costs could add another financial hurdle for families already navigating legal and administrative expenses associated with immigration.
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Naturalisation offers several benefits beyond permanent residency, including the right to vote in federal elections, eligibility for certain government jobs, access to a US passport and protection from deportation in most circumstances. Applicants must generally satisfy residency requirements, demonstrate proficiency in English, pass a civics test and establish good moral character before citizenship is granted. The proposed fee increase would not alter these eligibility criteria but would significantly increase the financial commitment required to complete the process.
The DHS proposal is part of the federal rule-making process and is not yet in effect. Before any changes are finalised, the proposal is expected to undergo a public consultation period during which individuals, advocacy groups and other stakeholders can submit comments. The department will review the feedback before deciding whether to adopt, modify or withdraw the proposed fee revisions.
If approved, the revised fee structure would apply to future naturalisation applications submitted after the new rules take effect. Until then, applicants can continue filing Form N-400 under the existing fee schedule and eligibility provisions. Immigration experts advise prospective applicants, including eligible Indian permanent residents, to monitor official announcements from US immigration authorities for updates on the proposal and any implementation timeline.
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