Why didn USCIS increase the naturalization application fee?
A. USCIS has determined that the act of requesting and obtaining U.S. citizenship deserves special consideration given the unique nature of this benefit to the individual applicant, the significant public benefit to the nation and the nation’s proud tradition of welcoming new citizens. USCIS believes that holding the naturalization fee at the current level will reinforce these principles, allow more immigrants to fully participate in civic life, and complement other USCIS efforts to promote immigrant integration. Q. What has changed in the final rule from the proposed rule published in June? A. USCIS received and considered 225 public comments on the proposed fee rule. The final rule acknowledges the comments received from the public and includes the following changes from the proposed rule: – Expands fee-waiver eligibility to certain applicants and petitioners, including individuals seeking to appeal the denial of underlying applications or petitions that required no fee; individuals
