While one can’t obtain U.S. citizenship for free, there are certain programs such as fee waiver or fee reduction to reduce the cost. In this article, we’ll provide you with detailed information regarding fee waiver or fee reduction programs and the ways to meet the eligibility criteria.
Nothing can be owned without spending a single penny. Everything has a price. That said, the USCIS provides a fee waiver program and a reduced fee option to those applicants who meet certain specific requirements. Beginning on April 1, 2024, the application fee is $710 for the ones who’re filing online and $760 for the ones who’re filing on paper by mail.
Waivers of Filing Fees or Biometric Services Fees for Those Unable to Pay
One can request a fee waiver for the U.S. citizenship application Form N-400. The fee waiver application consists of Form I-912 which must be submitted to the USCIS along with the application and documents that support your claim of fee waiver. It’s quite natural that the foreign national may not be in a position (financially) to pay a handsome amount to get U.S. citizenship, hence they may seek a fee waiver. However, one must remember that s/he must meet eligibility criteria to ask for a waiver.
Eligibility for a Fee Waiver
There are two types of fee waivers- a full fee waiver and a partial fee waiver. Both of these types include different application forms. The eligibility criteria for a fee waiver rely on a particular situation or organization.
The eligibility for a full fee waiver can be attained if you belong to any one of the following criteria:
- You or your spouse, or the head of your household receive public benefits (like food stamps/EBT, Medicaid, SSI (Supplemental Security Income), TANF, Section 8 housing)
To apply for the full fee waiver if you belong to this group, you must do the following:
- Fill up Form I-912.
- Get the award letter from the agency that grants you the benefit, for instance, DSHS or the Department of Health and Social Services.
- The award letter must contain the agency logo and must be current enough (within six months) to validate your claim for fee waiver.
- Submit all forms- I-912, N-400, and the award letter together.
- Get the receipt of a confirmation letter from USCIS within one to two months of the approval of your fee waiver.
- Get the receipt of the denial letter from USCIS within one to two months of the denial of your fee waiver.
- Fix the issue and resubmit.
Note: Remember that your children’s reception of public benefits doesn’t qualify you or your spouse as eligible for the waiver. Only Medicaid (for low-income people) qualifies as a benefit for the fee waiver, not Medicare (for anyone over the age of 65). Only SSI (Supplemental Security Income for the elderly, blind, or disabled) qualifies as a benefit for the fee waiver not Social Security income for retired people.
- Your household income is at or below 150% of the federal poverty level (about $38,000 for a family of 4)
To apply for the full fee waiver if you belong to this group, you must do the following:
- Ensure that your household income aligns with the given range.
- Fill up Form I-912.
- Submit last year’s tax return, paycheck stubs, or letter from the present employer demonstrating current income.
- Submit all forms- I-912, N-400, and other necessary documents together.
- Get the receipt of a confirmation letter from USCIS within one to two months of the approval of your fee waiver.
- Get the receipt of the denial letter from USCIS within one to two months of the denial of your fee waiver.
- Fix the issue and resubmit.
Note: Remember, you must be careful in filling up the forms and submitting all essential proofs that validate your household income. A non-profit organization can help you in case your application is returned. Be open to applying for public benefits and food stamps (SNAP or EBT) if you’re approved for one.
The eligibility for a partial fee waiver can be attained:
- If your household income is between 150 percent to 200 percent of the federal poverty level (about $38,000-$52,000 for a family of 4). You can pay a discounted filing fee of $405 or $320 if you’re above 75 years of age.
To apply for the partial fee waiver if you belong to this group, you must do the following:
- Ensure that your household income aligns with the given range.
- Fill up Form I-942.
- Submit last year’s tax return or paycheck stubs or letter from the present employer demonstrating current income.
- Submit all forms- I-942, N-400, and other necessary documents (including a check for $405 or $320 if you’re below or above 75 years of age) together.
- Get the receipt of a confirmation letter from USCIS within one to two months of the approval of your fee waiver.
- Get the receipt of the denial letter from USCIS within one to two months of the denial of your fee waiver.
- Fix the issue and resubmit with the full filing fee.
Note: Be careful in filling up the forms and submitting all essential proofs that validate your household income to gain eligibility for a partial fee waiver. A non-profit organization can help you in case your application is returned.
There is one more eligibility requirement i.e. having/showing a ‘good moral character’ which is applicable in all three cases mentioned above. Be careful with that information which will be unveiled after you ask for a fee waiver and that will adversely affect your application for citizenship and ‘good moral character’ determination. If the USCIS discovers that you’re receiving public benefits unlawfully, or you’ve filed for bankruptcy or have credit judgments against you, they’ll deduce the fact that you lack good moral character and that you’re exploiting the U.S. economic system. Moreover, if you fail to pay child support irrespective of any cause, then your moral character is questionable for the USCIS.
Conclusion
You can be eligible for a fee waiver on the application and biometrics fees only when your annual income is lower than 150% of the federal poverty level or you experience any financial adversity. To apply for a fee waiver, you will need to provide documentation of your household income, such as tax returns or a letter from an employer along with the citizenship application.
We, at h1bvisajobs.com, provide free citizenship assistance through workshops to enlighten you with the process of application so that you make no errors that could delay your application.