What eligible green card holders should know before naturalization fees may increase

For many lawful permanent residents, becoming a U.S. citizen is more than a legal milestone. It can bring stability, security, voting rights, a U.S. passport, stronger protection for the future, and the ability to participate more fully in the country they already call home.

But timing matters.

The Department of Homeland Security has proposed a significant increase to naturalization filing fees. If the proposal becomes final, the cost to apply for citizenship could become much higher, and the current options for a reduced fee or fee waiver could be eliminated.

For people who are already eligible and ready to apply, this may be an important time to act.

At BLMT Immigration Law (Previously Bean, Lloyd, Mukherji, & Taylor, LLP), we help individuals and families understand whether they are ready for naturalization, what risks should be reviewed before filing, and whether applying sooner may make sense.

The most important guidance is simple:

If you are eligible for citizenship now, do not wait without a reason.
If there are concerns in your history, do not file without legal review.

This is not about rushing. It is about making an informed decision before costs and rules may change.

What is changing?

DHS has proposed raising the filing fee for Form N-400, the Application for Naturalization.

If finalized, the proposal would substantially increase the cost of applying for citizenship. It would also eliminate the reduced-fee option for many lower-income applicants and remove fee waivers for naturalization applications.

That means people who may currently qualify for a lower filing cost could lose that option if the proposal becomes final.

The rule is not final yet. But for eligible applicants, it is a signal to review whether now is the right time to apply.

Why this matters for eligible applicants

Naturalization is already a meaningful decision. A higher filing fee could make it more difficult for many families to apply, especially households with multiple eligible green card holders.

For example, if two or three family members are eligible to apply, a large fee increase could create a real financial barrier.

For those who qualify for a fee waiver or reduced fee now, waiting could mean losing access to a more affordable path to citizenship.

That is why eligible lawful permanent residents should consider reviewing their options sooner rather than later.

Who may want to consider applying now?

You may want to speak with an immigration attorney about applying for citizenship now if:

• You have had your green card for at least five years

• You have had your green card for at least three years and are married to a U.S. citizen

• You meet the physical presence and continuous residence requirements

• You have paid taxes and can document your filing history

• You have no major travel concerns

• You have no unresolved criminal history

• You are ready to prepare for the English and civics requirements

• You may currently qualify for a reduced fee or fee waiver

• You want the long-term stability that citizenship can provide

For many people, citizenship can bring greater peace of mind. But eligibility should still be reviewed carefully before filing.

Who should be careful before applying?

Not everyone should file immediately.

Before applying for naturalization, you should speak with an immigration attorney if you have any concerns about:

• Criminal charges, arrests, or convictions

• Long trips outside the United States

• Gaps in tax filing

• Unpaid taxes

• Child support issues

• Prior immigration denials

• Past misrepresentations on immigration applications

• Problems with how you received your green card

• A prior marriage-based immigration case

• Selective Service registration issues

• Any past issue you are unsure how to explain

This does not mean you cannot become a citizen. It means your application should be reviewed before it is filed.

Naturalization is not just a form. It is a full review of your immigration history, your travel history, your background, and your eligibility.

Why legal review matters before filing

Many people think naturalization is simple if they have had a green card for the required number of years.

Sometimes it is. But sometimes important issues appear during the application process.

USCIS may review:

• How you obtained your green card

• Whether you meet the residence and physical presence requirements

• Whether you have good moral character

• Your tax history

• Your criminal history, including old or dismissed cases

• Your travel history

• Your family and marital history

• Whether you answered prior immigration applications correctly

If your case is straightforward, legal review can give you confidence to move forward. If there are risks, legal review can help you understand them before you submit the application.

The goal is not to create fear. The goal is to avoid surprises.

What you can do now

If you are thinking about applying for citizenship, now is a good time to get organized.

Start by gathering:

• Your green card

• Your passport or travel history

• Tax returns or IRS transcripts

• Marriage and divorce records, if applicable

• Court records for any arrest, citation, or criminal case

• Proof of child support payments, if applicable

• Records of long trips outside the United States

• Prior immigration applications or notices

• Any documents related to name changes

Then ask the most important question:

Am I ready to apply now, or should I fix or review something first?

That question is especially important while filing fees may increase.

Have questions about naturalization?

If you are eligible for citizenship, unsure whether you qualify, or concerned about something in your history, a consultation can help you understand your options before you file.

Book a Consult with BLMT Immigration Law:
https://cal.com/blmt-immigration-law/30min

Se habla español.

Why citizenship can be worth considering

For many lawful permanent residents, citizenship can provide meaningful long-term benefits.

U.S. citizenship may allow you to:

• Vote in federal elections

• Apply for a U.S. passport

• Petition for certain family members

• Avoid green card renewals

• Travel with greater confidence

• Access certain jobs and benefits

• Build long-term security for yourself and your family

Citizenship is a personal decision. But if you are eligible and your case is ready, waiting may become more costly.

How BLMT Immigration Law can help

At BLMT Immigration Law (Previously Bean, Lloyd, Mukherji, & Taylor, LLP), we help lawful permanent residents understand whether they are ready to apply for citizenship and what should be reviewed before filing.

Our role is to look carefully at the full picture: your immigration history, travel history, tax history, family history, criminal history if any, and your long-term goals.

We help clients identify concerns before filing, prepare stronger applications, and move forward with clarity and care.

If you are eligible for naturalization now, or if you are unsure whether you should apply before fees may increase, we encourage you to speak with an experienced immigration attorney.

Book a Consult:
https://cal.com/blmt-immigration-law/30min

Se habla español.

En español: lo más importante

Si usted tiene residencia permanente y ya es elegible para aplicar para la ciudadanía, este puede ser un buen momento para revisar sus opciones.

El gobierno ha propuesto aumentar significativamente las tarifas para la solicitud de naturalización y eliminar opciones de tarifa reducida o perdón de tarifa. La regla todavía no es final, pero si usted ya califica, esperar podría hacer que el proceso sea más costoso.

No todas las personas deben aplicar sin revisión. Si usted tiene antecedentes criminales, viajes largos fuera de Estados Unidos, problemas con impuestos, una solicitud anterior negada, o cualquier duda sobre su historial migratorio, hable con un abogado de inmigración antes de presentar la solicitud.

En BLMT Immigration Law (Previously Bean, Lloyd, Mukherji, & Taylor, LLP), ayudamos a residentes permanentes a entender si están listos para aplicar para la ciudadanía y qué deben revisar antes de hacerlo.

Reserve una consulta:
https://cal.com/blmt-immigration-law/30min