| Option | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Simple / straightforward | $800–$1,000 |
| Standard complexity | $1,334–$2,167 |
| Complex / contested | $1,866–$3,033 |
| High-stakes litigation | $3,000+ |
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| Expense | Cost |
|---|---|
| N-400 application fee | $710 |
| Biometrics fee | $85 |
| Immigration attorney (optional) | $1,000–$3,000 |
| English/civics prep course | $0–$500 |
| Passport (after naturalization) | $165 |
Total cost: $795 self-filed, $1,800–$3,800 with an attorney. Fee waivers are available for applicants with income below 150% of the federal poverty level (Form I-912). Processing time: 8–18 months depending on your local USCIS office. The civics test covers 100 questions about U.S. history and government — free study materials are available at uscis.gov. Most straightforward cases don't require an attorney, but hire one if you have any criminal history, extended absences from the U.S., or complex immigration history. Military members and their families may qualify for expedited naturalization with reduced or waived fees through special provisions in the Immigration and Nationality Act.
Citizenship costs are driven primarily by complexity and whether the matter is contested. Simple, uncontested matters with clear documentation can often be handled at flat-fee rates. Once disputes arise, costs shift to hourly billing and become much harder to predict.
Geography matters more than most people realize. Attorney rates in New York or San Francisco can be 2–3 times higher than in smaller markets for the same type of work. If your matter does not require a local attorney, hiring outside a major metro can save substantially without sacrificing quality.