Fee waivers for U.S. Citizenship application: Save on government fees

Applying for U.S. citizenship can be an exciting step, but the associated fees can sometimes feel overwhelming. Fortunately, there are options to reduce or even waive these costs for eligible applicants. This page will guide you through the basics of fee waivers, eligibility criteria, and how our Lawyer Review Service can assist in applying for a waiver, ensuring your application is reviewed by an experienced immigration lawyer.

What is a fee waiver?

A Fee Waiver allows eligible applicants to request relief from the government fees required to apply for U.S. citizenship. For those who qualify, this waiver can eliminate the full government fee, currently $760 for Form N-400 (Application for Naturalization).

There may also be a partial fee waiver for applicants whose income level qualifies them for a reduced fee but not for the full waiver

Who qualifies for a fee waiver?

To qualify for a fee waiver, applicants typically need to meet certain income-based criteria or receive specific government benefits. Here’s a quick look at the eligibility requirements:

Eligibility basics

Income Level:
- Your household income must be at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Here’s what that means with some real examples based on household size:
  - Household of 1: Income must be $21,870 or below per year.
  - Household of 2: Income must be $29,580 or below per year.
  - Household of 3: Income must be $37,290 or below per year.
  - Household of 4: Income must be $45,000 or below per year.
If your income meets or falls below the threshold for your household size, you may qualify for a fee waiver and save the entire $760 government fee. If your income is above these amounts, it’s unlikely you’ll be eligible for a fee waiver, so further steps may not be necessary.
Government Assistance:
- You currently receive a qualifying means-tested public benefit, such as Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), or Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
Financial Hardship:
- If you’re experiencing a financial hardship, such as high medical expenses or recent loss of employment, you may also qualify.

Full vs. Partial fee waiver

Full Fee Waiver: If you meet any of the eligibility criteria listed above, you may be eligible to waive the entire government fee of $760.

Partial Fee Waiver: If your income is between 150% and 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, you may still qualify for a partial fee reduction. While this option provides some savings, it does not cover the entire fee. Our Lawyer Review Service can confirm if a partial fee waiver is available and whether you qualify.

How to apply for a fee waiver

Applying for a fee waiver requires careful preparation and documentation. Here’s a step-by-step overview of the process:

Confirm Eligibility:
- Review your income, government benefits, and financial situation to confirm eligibility. Use our brief eligibility checklist below for a quick overview of your chances.
Prepare Documentation:
- Gather documentation that proves your eligibility, including income tax returns, pay stubs, benefit statements, or documentation of financial hardship.
Complete Form I-912:
- Submit Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver, along with your Form N-400.
Use Our Lawyer Review Service:
- Our Lawyer Review Service is designed to ensure your fee waiver request is submitted correctly with the right supporting evidence. Our lawyers will confirm if you qualify and ensure your paperwork is complete, giving you the best chance of a successful application.

Quick eligibility checklist

Here’s a brief checklist to see if you may qualify for a fee waiver:

Income: Is your household income at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines? (See examples above for real numbers by household size)
Government Assistance: Are you receiving Medicaid, SSI, SNAP, or another qualifying means-tested benefit?
Financial Hardship: Are you experiencing a financial hardship that makes paying the fee challenging?

If you answered “yes” to any of these, you may qualify for a fee waiver and could potentially save the entire $760 government fee. Use our Lawyer Review Service for guidance through the waiver process.

Additional payment options

If you’re not eligible for a fee waiver, we offer a Payment Plan to help make the government fees more manageable. Our payment plan can help break down the cost into smaller, more affordable payments, making the citizenship process accessible for everyone. Learn more about our Payment Plan.

Get started today

Applying for a fee waiver can save you hundreds of dollars, but making sure your request is completed accurately is crucial. Our Lawyer Review Service will help you through every step of the process, from confirming eligibility to filing the necessary forms with the right documentation.

Save on your path to citizenship with the help of experienced immigration lawyers – sign up for our Lawyer Review Service today!

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