Becoming a US citizen is an important milestone and a dream many immigrants cherish. However, it’s crucial to be well-informed about the various costs involved in the process. The US Citizenship Application fee in new york is a very critical aspect of your citizenship journey and you should pay much attention to it. And understanding the fee structure and payment options is essential to confidently embark on the naturalization journey.
In this comprehensive blog post, we will provide you with all the details you need to know about the US Citizenship Application fee in new york. We’ve covered you, from eligibility for fee waivers and reductions to the different payment methods available. Let’s dive in and equip you with the knowledge you need to confidently pursue your dream of becoming a US citizen.
How Much is the US Citizenship Application Fee in new york ?
The current US citizenship application fee in new york is $725, covering both the $640 processing fee and the $85 biometric services fee. These fees are non-refundable, regardless of the application’s approval or rejection. Aspiring citizens must have the necessary funds to cover these expenses before applying for citizenship.
US citizenship application fee in new york is mandatory, but some may qualify for reductions or waivers based on finances. USCIS offers fee waivers for certain individuals who can demonstrate financial inability to afford the full cost. Moreover, exemptions are available for specific military personnel and qualifying family members. But to determine eligibility for a reduced fee or exemption, you should thoroughly explore the fee waiver options before initiating your US citizenship journey.
Fees Breakdown: How Much to Pay
The US citizenship application fee in new york is different for everyone. There are exemptions for specific individuals based on their circumstances. For instance, applicants applying for citizenship through military service are exempt from application filing and biometrics fees.
If you are 75 years old or older, you are exempt from the biometrics fee but not the application filing fee. But for others, both fees are mandatory unless you qualify for an income-based fee waiver or reduction.
Knowing these exemptions and waivers is essential to understand your situation and what fees you may need to pay when applying for US citizenship. Also, the fee requirements help you plan and prepare for the naturalization process.
Here’s a summary of the fees and who’s required to pay them:
Naturalization Fees
Standard applicants without special circumstances are charged $725.
Those eligible for a fee reduction pay $405.
Applicants who qualify for a fee waiver do not pay anything ($0).
Individuals aged 75 or older without special circumstances have a fee of $640.
Those eligible for a fee reduction pay $320.
Active-duty military personnel or veterans are exempt from fees ($0).
Payment Options for US Citizenship Application Fee in new york
For Those Living Within the US
If you are living in the United States and submitting your naturalization application (Form N-400) online through myUSCIS, you can conveniently pay the required fee(s) online.
But if you opt to submit a paper Form N-400 through the mail, there are several payment methods available (please avoid sending cash):
- Money Order
- Personal Check
- Cashier’s Check
- Credit Card (using Form G-1450, officially called the “Authorization for Credit Card Transactions”)
Important Reminders:
- You must choose a single payment method; for instance, you cannot use a money order for the application filing fee and a personal check for the biometrics fee.
- If you are submitting multiple US citizenship applications, all for different family members, it is essential to use the same payment method for each application.
- All payments must be exact to avoid rejection by US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). However, in case of an incorrect payment, USCIS will return your application, and you must resubmit it with the correct amount.
- Spell “US Department of Homeland Security” as the payee for money orders, personal checks, or cashier’s checks. Do not abbreviate the Department’s name.
- For credit card payments, fill out all three sections of Form G-1450, sign the form, and place it on top of Form N-400. This will help you have a smooth payment process for your US citizenship application.
For Those Living Outside the US
Contact the local US embassy/consulate for payment instructions for money order, personal check, or cashier’s check. Different locations may have varying requirements or procedures for processing payments, and contacting the embassy or consulate will ensure that you follow the correct guidelines.
You can contact the office for payment details, acceptable formats, and required documentation. This proactive approach will help avoid any delays or issues with your US citizenship application and ensure a smooth and efficient payment process.
How long is the citizenship process?
Average naturalization processing time is around ten months, as updated by Citizenship Selfie through government data analysis. Therefore, throughout this period, applicants must complete several essential steps before obtaining citizenship.
- Step 1: Submit the Application for Naturalization, Form N-400.
- Step 2: Attend a biometrics appointment to collect fingerprinting and other biometric data.
- Step 3: Attend a citizenship interview and exam to evaluate knowledge of English, civics, and eligibility requirements.
- Step 4: Receive a decision on the application, determining approval or denial.
- Step 5: Take the Oath of Allegiance during a ceremony and receive the Certificate of Citizenship, officially becoming a US citizen. These steps mark the essential journey toward achieving US citizenship.
Final Recap
Comprehending the US Citizenship Application fee in new york is vital to becoming a US citizen. The fee stands at $725, encompassing both application processing and biometric services. While certain applicants may qualify for fee reductions or waivers, it is imperative to ensure you possess adequate funds to cover the expenses.
Payment options include online payment through myUSCIS if you live in the United States and various methods like money orders, personal checks, cashier’s checks, or credit cards if you submit a paper application. If you live outside the US, contact your local US embassy or consulate to obtain specific payment instructions.
The naturalization process takes around ten months, involving essential steps from filing to the Oath of Allegiance. So, you can confidently obtain US citizenship by being informed about the requirements and fees.
To learn more about US naturalization, you can check out our detailed guide on US citizenship. And check your eligibility to confirm if you qualify for citizenship.
