US plans steep citizenship fee hike; Indians among hardest hit
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has put forward a proposal that would substantially increase the cost for permanent residents to become American citizens. This move could impact thousands of Indian nationals who are eligible to apply for naturalization each year.
Under the proposed changes, the fee for Form N-400, the primary application for naturalization, would see a significant rise. For paper filings, the cost would jump from $760 to $1,330, an increase of 75%. Online applications would face a steeper hike, rising by approximately 80% from $710 to $1,280.
Furthermore, the proposal aims to eliminate the current reduced-fee option for lower-income applicants and will also remove fee waivers entirely for naturalization applications. Currently, individuals with limited financial means can apply for either a fee reduction or a complete waiver.
Also Read | US proposes 75% hike in citizenship application fee, ends fee waivers for naturalisation seekers
Under the proposed changes, the fee for Form N-400, the primary application for naturalization, would see a significant rise. For paper filings, the cost would jump from $760 to $1,330, an increase of 75%. Online applications would face a steeper hike, rising by approximately 80% from $710 to $1,280.
Furthermore, the proposal aims to eliminate the current reduced-fee option for lower-income applicants and will also remove fee waivers entirely for naturalization applications. Currently, individuals with limited financial means can apply for either a fee reduction or a complete waiver.
Also Read | US proposes 75% hike in citizenship application fee, ends fee waivers for naturalisation seekers
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