Should I renew my Green Card or apply for Naturalization?
The cost difference is only $295, and could actually be $85 less to file for naturalization rather than renew. What is the right decision for you?
IMPORTANT UPDATE: Proposed Citizenship Fee Changes
On June 23, 2026, the Department of Homeland Security issued a proposed rule to drastically increase the cost of U.S. citizenship. In addition to raising standard fees, this proposal would completely eliminate both the $380 reduced fee option and all low-income fee waivers for the N-400 application.
Current Status: The public comment period closed on August 24, 2026, and the government is currently reviewing the feedback.
When does it take effect? There is no active effective date yet. Once the finalized rule is published, it will likely take 30 to 60 days to go into effect.
What this means for you: The current, lower fees and fee-reduction programs are still fully available today. If you are eligible for citizenship, I strongly recommend filing your application immediately to secure the lower rates before these changes become law.
Which option is better?
One of the most common questions that I receive is whether a person should renew their green card or file for citizenship. Unless there are unfavorable facts in the individual’s past (for example: they have criminal convictions or have previously used fraudulent documents to receive their green card, or have been outside of the country too long), I almost always recommend that the individual file a naturalization application for citizenship. Why? Cost and certainty. So many people end up needing immigration attorneys because they make an unfortunate choice after many years of residency and find themselves in removal proceedings. And the hardest part as a practitioner is knowing that they could have avoided the situation if they had only filed for naturalization years before - usually when their parents or siblings filed.
What are the requirements for naturalization?
Have permanent residency for five (5) years, or three (3) years if you are married to a United States citizen.
Lived in the United States for at least half of the residency period above.
Be 18 years or older.
Be able to read, write, and speak basic English.
Be a person of good moral character.
Many people are scared to file their naturalization applications. Some of these fears stem from fear of the current administration. Some of the fears stem from the idea that they do not want to abandon where they come from. Some stem from the cost of naturalization. What I always ask my clients is: do you want to stay here? And if the answer is yes, then I encourage them to file for naturalization.
Filing Fees:
I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card is $465
N-400, Application for Naturalization is $760 ($380.00 is your cost if your household income is less than 400% of the poverty guidelines).
The difference between the two traditional methods is $295.
If your income is less than 400% of the poverty guidelines,it may be less expensive to file for naturalization than to renew your green card!!
For $295 you get the following:
Citizenship from the United States.
The right to have a voice and vote in federal and state elections(or run for office)!
The right to never pay USCIS another filing fee.
Certainty. The right to never be scared that if you commit a crime, you may be deported. Many people do not realize that this can include simple things like traffic violations, driving without a license, or driving under the influence.
The right to petition for your family members as a United States citizen and reduce their wait times for their visas.