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“Case Rejected Because I Sent An Incorrect Fee”on your N-400 · Become a U.S. citizen

USCIS returned your N-400 because the payment was wrong, so your application is not pending.
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WHICH STEP ARE YOU ON?
Receipt notice · here
Biometrics
Interview and civics test
Decision
Oath ceremony
Naturalization certificate

What to do, in 4 steps

Read the rejection notice to see what was wrong with the fee.
Check the current fee on the USCIS fee page for your form.
Refile the full package with the correct payment.
Check deadlines, since your filing date is lost.
letter
Your deadlineThe one on your letter. Do not miss it.
In this statusThe rejected case stays closed; refile as soon as you can.

What it means for your N-400

USCIS returned your N-400 because the payment was wrong, so your application is not pending. Check the current N-400 fee on uscis.gov, including whether you filed online or on paper and whether you qualify for a reduced fee, then send a new complete application. Your filing date will be the date of the new one.

In general, on any form:

USCIS rejected your filing because the fee was wrong, missing or the payment failed. A rejected case is not reviewed and gets no filing date. USCIS usually returns the package with a notice. You can file again with the correct fee.

Avoid these mistakes

Using an old fee amount from an outdated form or website.
Paying with a card that has a low limit or a check without funds.
Waiting too long to refile when status deadlines apply.

Quick questions

What does "Case Rejected Because I Sent An Incorrect Fee" mean on an N-400?

USCIS returned your N-400 because the payment was wrong, so your application is not pending. Check the current N-400 fee on uscis.gov, including whether you filed online or on paper and whether you qualify for a reduced fee, then send a new complete application. Your filing date will be the date of the new one.

Can I just send the missing fee?

No. You usually must refile the whole package with the correct fee.

Is a rejection the same as a denial?

No. A rejection means the case was never accepted for review.

Where do I find the correct fee?

On the USCIS website fee page or the form's own page.

How long does an N-400 take?

The typical range published by USCIS is 13 to 14 months. It depends on the office and your case; it is not an exact date.

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Other statuses of your N-400

Case Was ReceivedIntakeCase Was Received and A Receipt Notice Was SentIntakeCase Was Received and A Receipt Notice Was EmailedIntakeCase Accepted By The USCIS LockboxIntakeFees Were WaivedIntakeCase Was Rejected Because It Was Improperly FiledIntakeFingerprint Fee Was ReceivedBiometricsFingerprint Review Was CompletedBiometricsBiometrics Appointment Was ScheduledBiometrics

Every status of an N-400 →

This same status on other forms

I-485Green card from inside the U.S.Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust StatusI-130Petition for a family memberPetition for Alien RelativeI-765Work permit (EAD)Application for Employment AuthorizationI-131Travel permit or reentry permitApplication for Travel Documents, Parole Documents, and Arrival/Departure RecordsI-751Remove conditions on 2-year green cardPetition to Remove Conditions on ResidenceI-90Renew or replace green cardApplication to Replace Permanent Resident CardI-129FK-1 fiancé(e) visa petitionPetition for Alien Fiancé(e)I-140Employment-based green card petitionImmigrant Petition for Alien WorkersI-821DDACA request or renewalConsideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals

AI-assisted explanation based on the official USCIS status, reviewed by CaseAlerta. Not legal advice. Times are typical ranges, never an exact date.