The changes are a fraction of the fee increases sought by the Trump administration before a federal judge scrapped them. Still, immigration attorneys say immigration costs almost always trend higher, so those who want to naturalize for less should consider applying before April 1, 2024.

On April 1, the cost of the application to naturalize will increase to about 19 percent. The price hike is significant. According to the Office of Homeland Security Statistics, more than 9 million legal permanent residents in the United States are eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship but haven’t done so yet.

The price of getting a 'green card' — the first step to citizenship — will jump, too.

In summary, that 'green card' packet requires at least four different forms for most applicants, and certain fees are waived when submitted together under the current guidelines. After April 1, the price of pursuing legal permanent residency will jump from $1,760 to $3,005.

U.S. Citizenship Cost

The costs vary. The naturalization application form, called N-400, currently costs $640 when filing a paper application or $725, including the fingerprint fee, called 'biometrics.' On April 1, the cost of both jumps to $760.

See the Department of Homeland Security Services — U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Fee Schedule and Changes. And other Immigration Benefit Request Requirements.

The cost increase may be less than USCIS' previous attempt to boost fees, but it can still be a burden for families when more than one family member wants to naturalize and each individual has to pay a separate application fee.

Monday, February 19, 2024, at 5:13 AM Est. EDT - Source: yahoo /news