Requesting a Reduction of the Application Fee

If you meet certain income requirements, you may only need to pay part of the citizenship application fee. You can ask for a fee reduction if your annual household income falls between 150 and 200% of the current Federal Poverty Guidelines (PDF).

Applying for a Fee Reduction

To apply for a fee reduction, read the instructions and fill out the I-942 form. Send it with proof of your income (the instructions tell you what you need) in the same envelope with your citizenship application. You must include a check, money order, or credit card payment in the amount of $405. (Note: If you are 75 or older, you only have to pay $320)

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.

Waiving the Entire Fee

If you have no income, or very low income, you may not have to pay the citizenship application fee at all. 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
• You can show a financial hardship (for example you have very large medical bills or some other difficult circumstances)

Applying for a Waiver

If you want to apply for a fee waiver, read the instructions and fill out the I-912 form. Send it with proof of your income (the instructions tell you what you need) in the same envelope with your 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. It will come with a note that explains why they did not waive the fee. You can try applying for the fee waiver again, or you can send the citizenship application back with the fee.