Becoming a citizen of the United States is a dream for many immigrants. However, the path to citizenship can be a lengthy and expensive one. In addition to meeting the eligibility requirements, applicants must also pay various fees throughout the process. Here’s what you need to know about the cost of filing for American citizenship in 2023.
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Filing fees
The first fee that you will encounter is the filing fee for the citizenship application itself. As of 2023, the current fee is $745 for most applicants, which includes a $640 application fee and an $85 biometric services fee.
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Biometrics fee
As part of the application process, you will need to submit biometric information, such as fingerprints and photographs. This requires an additional fee of $85, which is included in the overall filing fee.
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English language and civics testing fees
Once you’ve filed your application, you’ll need to take an English language proficiency test and a civics test. These tests are mandatory and require a fee of $170, which covers both tests.
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Legal fees
If you choose to hire an immigration attorney to help with your citizenship application, you’ll also need to pay legal fees. These can vary widely depending on the attorney’s experience and location, but can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.
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Travel expenses
If you need to travel to attend interviews or testing, you will need to cover your own travel expenses, which can include airfare, hotel accommodations, and meals.
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Other expenses
There may be other expenses associated with your citizenship application, such as document translation fees or fees for obtaining copies of your birth certificate or other documents.
In conclusion, becoming a citizen of the United States requires not only meeting eligibility requirements but also paying various fees throughout the process. By understanding these costs and planning accordingly, you can take the necessary steps to achieve your goal of becoming an American citizen in 2023.
