Fee Reductions

• If you meet certain income requirements, you may only need to pay a reduced fee. You can request a fee reduction if your annual household income falls between 150%-200% of the current Federal Poverty Guidelines
• If you meet the income requirements, fill out the I-942 form and send in proof of your income (see instructions on what you need to submit (PDF)) in the same envelope as your N-400 (citizenship application). You must include a check, money order, or credit card payment in the amount of $405 ($320 as a reduced fee and $85 for biometrics). (Note: If you are 75 or older, you only have to pay $320 and do not pay for biometrics.)
• If USCIS approves your request, you will get a receipt notice that says the "filing amount" is $405 (already paid). Your citizenship application will be processed in the normal way.
• If USCIS does not approve your request, they will send your citizenship application and payment back to you. It will come with a note that explains why they did not reduce the fee. You can try applying for the fee reduction again, or you can send the citizenship application back with the full fee.

For more information on Fee Reductions, please visit the USCIS website: https://www.uscis.gov/i-942

Fee Waivers

• If you have no income, or very low income, you may not have to pay the citizenship application fee. You can ask for a full fee waiver if:
  • You are receiving government benefits like Medicaid, Food Stamps, TANF, or SSI
  • Your income is below 150% of the current Federal Poverty Guidelines (PDF)
  • You can show a financial hardship (for example you have very large medical bills or some other difficult circumstances)
• To apply for a fee waiver, read the instructions and fill out the I-912 form. Send the form with proof of your income (see instructions on what you need to submit for I-912 form (PDF)) in the same envelope with your N-400 (citizenship application).
• If USCIS approves your request, you will get a receipt notice that says the "filing amount" is $0. Your citizenship application will be processed in the normal way.
• If USCIS does not approve your request, they will send your citizenship application back to you with a letter explaining why they did not accept your fee waiver request. You can try applying for the fee waiver again, or you can send the citizenship application back with the fee.

For more information on Fee Waivers, please visit the USCIS website: https://www.uscis.gov/i-912

Please keep in mind that immigration procedures are complex and can change from time to time. We have tried to provide general information in simple terms, however, we are not immigration law experts. Check with USCIS, immigrant advocacy groups, an immigration lawyer, or your congressional office for help concerning existing naturalization procedures, as well as concerns about future changes in the process.