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Is the cost of applying for US citizenship going up 80%?

Friday, September 4, 2020
By Samuel Henning
YES

In October, the application fee for those seeking U.S. citizenship will increase to $1,190, the first increase since a boost in late 2016 to $640. A required related fee for "biometric services," to cover the cost of fingerprinting and identity checks, is being cut to $30 from $85, bringing the total cost of applying to $1,220, up 80%.

The agency, U.S. Immigrant and Citizenship Services, relies on filing fees for 97% of its funding, and says adjustments to these and other fees for its services are "overdue." Low income applicants can apply for fee waivers.

This fact brief is responsive to conversations such as this one.
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