The Trump administration has proposed a significant rise in the cost of applying for US citizenship, with fees set to increase by around 75% if a new rule is enacted.

The rule, published in the Federal Register, would come into effect at least 60 days after posting, following a public comment period.

Proposed Fee Increases

Under the proposal, the general paper filing fee for citizenship applications would rise from $760 to $1,330—an increase of $570, or 75%.

The fee for requesting reconsideration before an appeals board would also increase from $830 to $1,475, a rise of $645 or 77.7%, according to the draft rule.

End of Fee Waivers for Most Applicants

The proposed rule would eliminate most fee waivers for citizenship applications. However, current and former members of the US armed forces would continue to be exempt.

Government Justification and Immigration Policy Context

The rule states that existing fees do not fully cover the cost of adjudicating naturalisation applications, including screening and vetting processes, which US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is continually expanding in line with executive orders.

USCIS is primarily funded through application fees rather than taxpayer money.

Broader Immigration Enforcement Measures

The Trump administration has already increased vetting for green card and citizenship applicants, including expanded background checks and social media screening.

Becoming a US citizen is a lengthy process requiring a green card or marriage to a US citizen, followed by background checks, interviews and a civics test, according to the Department of Homeland Security.

(with input from agencies)