If you are a green card holder and you are eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship, now is the time to act.

The Trump administration has proposed a major increase in the cost of applying for U.S. citizenship. Under the proposal, the filing fee for Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, would increase from the current $760 paper filing fee to $1,330. For online filings, the fee would increase from $710 to $1,280.

That is a huge jump for many immigrant families.

Even more concerning, the proposal would also eliminate most fee waivers and reduced fees for naturalization applicants. Right now, many low-income green card holders can apply for a reduced fee or a full fee waiver if they qualify. If the new rule becomes final, many people who cannot afford the full filing fee may no longer have that option.

This means that citizenship could become much harder to afford for working families, elderly immigrants, disabled immigrants, single parents, and others who have been waiting to naturalize.

Is This New Citizenship Fee Already in Effect?

No. As of now, this is still a proposed rule. It is not final yet.

That means eligible green card holders may still have time to apply under the current fee structure before any new rule takes effect.

But waiting can be risky. Government fee changes can happen quickly once a final rule is published. If you are already eligible for citizenship, it may be smart to speak with an immigration lawyer now and see if you can file before fees go up.

What Could Change?

The proposed changes include:

The N-400 citizenship application fee could increase to $1,330 for paper filings.
The N-400 online filing fee could increase to $1,280.
The reduced N-400 fee could be eliminated.
Most N-400 fee waivers could be eliminated.
The N-336 fee, used to appeal a denied naturalization case, could also increase significantly.
Military naturalization applicants may still have fee exemptions, but most other green card holders would likely be affected.

Why This Matters for Green Card Holders

Many immigrants delay applying for citizenship because they are busy, afraid of the test, worried about English, unsure about old immigration history, or concerned about criminal issues.

But delaying can cost you.

If the new fee rule becomes final, many people may have to pay hundreds of dollars more for the same application. Families with several green card holders applying together could face thousands of dollars in extra costs.

For example, if a husband and wife both apply for citizenship, the filing fees alone could become much more expensive. If adult children or elderly parents are also applying, the total cost could become a serious financial burden.

Why Apply for U.S. Citizenship Now?

Becoming a U.S. citizen gives green card holders important protections and benefits.

U.S. citizens can vote in federal elections.
U.S. citizens can apply for a U.S. passport.
U.S. citizens cannot be deported in the same way green card holders can.
U.S. citizens can petition for more family members.
U.S. citizens may have easier travel and reentry to the United States.
U.S. citizens can apply for certain government jobs and benefits.
U.S. citizens do not need to renew a green card every 10 years.

For many immigrants, citizenship is the final step in their American immigration journey. It gives peace of mind, stability, and stronger protection for the future.

Who Can Apply for Citizenship?

Many green card holders can apply for citizenship after 5 years as lawful permanent residents.

Some people can apply after 3 years if they are married to and living with a U.S. citizen spouse and meet all requirements.

To qualify, you usually must show:

You are at least 18 years old.
You have had a green card for the required time.
You lived continuously in the United States.
You were physically present in the United States for the required amount of time.
You lived in your state or USCIS district for at least 3 months before filing.
You have good moral character.
You can pass the English and civics test, unless you qualify for an exception.
You are willing to take the Oath of Allegiance.
Not everyone should file without legal review. Some citizenship cases are simple, but others can be risky.

Talk to an Immigration Lawyer Before Filing If You Have Any Red Flags

Before applying for citizenship, speak with an immigration lawyer if you have:

Any arrest or criminal case, even if dismissed.
Old immigration fraud or misrepresentation issue.
Long trips outside the United States.
A trip outside the United States longer than 6 months.
Unpaid taxes or failure to file taxes.
Child support problems.
Selective Service registration issue.
Prior deportation or removal order.
Green card obtained through asylum, marriage, VAWA, U visa, or other sensitive case.
Divorce after getting a marriage-based green card.
Prior denied immigration application.
Mistakes on old immigration forms.

USCIS can review your entire immigration history when you apply for citizenship. If there are serious problems, applying without legal advice can put your green card at risk.

Do Not Wait Until Fees Increase

Many immigrants tell themselves they will apply for citizenship later. But later may become much more expensive.

If you are eligible now, this may be the best time to file before the government increases the filing fees and removes fee waiver options.

The proposed rule is especially serious for low-income green card holders. If fee waivers and reduced fees are eliminated, many people may no longer be able to afford citizenship.

Shepelsky Law Group Can Help You Apply for Citizenship

At Shepelsky Law Group, our immigration lawyers help green card holders apply for U.S. citizenship and prepare strong N-400 naturalization applications.

We can help you:

Check if you qualify for citizenship.
Review your green card history.
Review criminal, tax, travel, and immigration issues.
Prepare and file Form N-400.
Prepare you for the citizenship interview.
Help with English and civics test concerns.
Respond to USCIS requests.
Handle complicated naturalization cases.
Review whether you should apply now before fees increase.

We work with immigrants from all over the United States and speak English, Russian, Ukrainian, Spanish, and other languages.

Contact Shepelsky Law Group Today by calling Tel: (718)769-6352.

If you have a green card and want to become a U.S. citizen, do not wait until the filing fee becomes much more expensive. Call Shepelsky Law Group today to schedule a consultation with an experienced immigration lawyer.

Your citizenship may be closer than you think — but the cost of applying may soon become much higher.