N-400 Visa Total Cost 2026
See the total cost of a N-400 visa in 2026 — every mandatory fee, attorney cost and hidden expense, all in one calculator.
What's the full cost of a N-400 visa in 2026 — not just the government filing fee, but attorney costs, premium processing and every add-on too? Here's every number added up, plus what you can skip to spend less.
Total cost, everything included
$2,510 – $5,510
Mandatory USCIS fees, an attorney, premium processing, and dependents — the full price if you want every option covered. Filing without an attorney or premium processing costs less; see the scenario breakdown below.
Mandatory USCIS fees for the N-400
These are the fees you cannot avoid when filing a N-400 application in 2026.
| Fee | Amount | Notes | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| N-400 Application for Naturalization | $710 | Online filing fee, includes biometrics. Paper filing is $760. | Official ↗ |
Source: USCIS Fee Schedule. Fees change — verify before filing. Last full data review: August 2026. See our methodology.
Optional costs
Attorney fees
$1,500 – $4,000 in Average (US). Typical cities: New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston.
Premium processing
Not available for this route.
Medical exam
$200 – $500 — Civil surgeon exam (I-693) varies by physician and city.
Translation services
$50 – $250 — Certified translations of birth/marriage certificates.
How to apply for the N-400
- 1
Confirm eligibility and file Form N-400
Requires 5 years as a lawful permanent resident (3 if married to and living with a U.S. citizen) and continuous residence; can file up to 90 days before the anniversary.
- 2
Biometrics appointment
If required, for fingerprinting and background checks.
- 3
Interview
Held at the local USCIS field office, typically 4–10 months after filing; includes English and civics tests.
- 4
Oath ceremony
Held within a few weeks of approval.
Typical processing time: Average N-400 processing is roughly 5.5 months, though it varies by local field office volume.
Documents you'll need
- Green card (permanent resident card) copy
- Tax transcripts or returns for the statutory period
- Evidence of continuous residence and physical presence
- Marriage certificate and spouse's proof of citizenship (for the 3-year route)
- Court/police records for any arrests or charges, even if dismissed
Common mistakes to avoid
- Confusing continuous residence with physical presence, or a single absence over 6 months breaking continuous residence
- Good moral character issues from unfiled taxes or undisclosed criminal history
- Incomplete or inconsistent answers relative to prior immigration filings
- Failing to accurately disclose all foreign travel or address history
Sources: USCIS — N-400
Cost breakdown by scenario
| Scenario | Includes | Total estimated cost |
|---|---|---|
| A — Solo, no attorney | Mandatory government fees only | $710 |
| B — With attorney | Government fees + attorney, no premium | $2,210 – $4,710 |
| C — Attorney + premium + dependents | Everything included | $2,510 – $5,510 |
How to save money on your N-400
- File without an attorney if your case is straightforward — you can cut $1,500–$4,000.
- Skip premium processing unless you genuinely need a fast decision.
- Prepare documents yourself to avoid translation and document-prep fees.
- Double-check every fee on the USCIS website so you never overpay a third party.
N-400 cost FAQ (2026)
How much does a N-400 visa cost in 2026?
The total estimated cost of a N-400 visa in 2026 ranges from about $2,210 to $5,510, depending on whether you use an attorney, pay for premium processing, and include dependents.
What is the N-400 application fee?
The government application fee varies by visa and year. USCIS publishes the current schedule, and this calculator itemises every mandatory fee with a link to the official source.
How much do immigration lawyers charge for a N-400 visa?
Attorney fees typically add $2,000–$5,000 depending on the city and case complexity. The calculator lets you toggle attorney costs on or off to compare.
Can I apply for a N-400 visa without a lawyer?
Yes. Many applicants file without a lawyer and only pay the mandatory government fees. An attorney is optional but can reduce the risk of costly mistakes.
What hidden costs should I budget for?
Beyond the filing fee, budget for biometrics, medical examinations, certified translations, and premium processing if you need a faster decision.
Is premium processing available for a N-400 visa?
Premium or priority processing is available for many routes for an extra fee, but not all. Check the calculator's options and the USCIS website for eligibility.
Do I have to pay extra for dependents?
Yes — each dependent usually requires an additional application fee and, in some countries, a health surcharge. Toggle the dependents option to include them.
Are visa fees refundable if my application is refused?
In most cases government application fees are not refunded if the application is refused. Always verify current policy with USCIS before paying.
How often do USCIS fees change?
Fee schedules are reviewed periodically and can change each year. This calculator is updated from official sources, but confirm the current fee before you file.
What is the cheapest way to apply for a N-400 visa?
Applying without an attorney, without premium processing, and without dependents keeps you at the low end of the cost range — usually just the mandatory government fees.
Use the calculator above for your specific case
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