Your Path to Affordable U.S. Citizenship Begins Here
Embarking on the journey toward U.S. citizenship is a defining moment in anyone’s life. It’s not just about crossing an important legal milestone—it’s about opening doors to new opportunities, protecting your family, and fulfilling the dreams that brought you here. Yet, for many, the cost of the application can feel overwhelming, putting your future on hold. Learn more about citizenship costs and how to manage them.
The good news? USCIS offers a reduced naturalization filing fee for eligible applicants, so financial challenges don’t have to delay your dream. Today, this process is simpler than ever: you can request the reduced fee directly through Part 10 of the N-400 application. Our expert team is here to guide you step-by-step, ensuring your application is accurate and complete.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
- Who qualifies for the reduced fee under the latest rules
- How to apply correctly and avoid common mistakes
- Which documents prove your eligibility most effectively
- What has changed from the old I-942 form process
You’ve already taken the crucial first step by seeking information. Now, let’s make sure cost never stands between you and the oath of citizenship.
Reach out today—let us help you put your American dream within reach.
What is USCIS Reduced Fee (Form I-942)?
USCIS reduced fee is a discounted filing fee option available to certain applicants applying for U.S. citizenship through naturalization. Specifically, it allows individuals with a household income greater than 150% but less than 400% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines to pay a reduced naturalization fee of $380 instead of the higher full fee. Previously, Form I-942 was used to request the reduced fee, but this option is now included in Part 10 of the N-400 form.
Difference Between Reduced Fee and Fee Waiver
To help you understand the financial options available when applying for U.S. citizenship, the table below compares the USCIS Reduced Fee (Form I-942) and Fee Waiver (Form I-912) programs side by side. This will clarify who qualifies for each and what fees you may be required to pay.
| Aspect | Reduced Fee (Form I-942) | Fee Waiver (Form I-912) |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Request a reduction in the total naturalization filing fee (includes biometrics) | Request a complete waiver of the total naturalization filing fee (includes biometrics) |
| Eligibility Income Range | Household income is greater than 150% and less than 400% of Federal Poverty Guidelines | Household income ≤150% of Federal Poverty Guidelines or financial hardship |
| Fee Payment | Pay half the full filing fee (around $380) for N-400 (includes biometrics) | Pay $0 if fee waiver is approved (no application or biometrics fee) |
| Application Form | Completed and filed as Part 10 on the paper Form N-400 | Submit Form I-912 with Form N-400 |
| Supporting Documents Needed | Proof of household income within specified income range | Proof of income below threshold or evidence of financial hardship/means-tested benefits |
| Family Application | Multiple applicants can apply together on one Form I-942 if filing simultaneously | Each applicant must submit their own Form I-912 |
| Purpose of Use | Helps reduce application cost for moderate income applicants | Assists applicants who cannot afford any filing fees |
| Biometrics Fee | Included in the reduced filing fee | Included in the fee waiver (no separate payment) |
Note: Previously, applicants seeking a reduced naturalization fee were required to submit a separate Form I-942. Recently, USCIS streamlined this process by incorporating the reduced fee request directly into Part 10 of Form N-400. As a result, there is no longer a separate form or fee payment required to request a reduced filing fee.
Standard USCIS Naturalization Fees
If you do not qualify for the reduced fee or fee waiver, here are the current naturalization fees:
- $760 is the standard fee for paper filing of Form N-400 (includes the biometric services fee).
- $710 is the fee for online filing of Form N-400 (includes the biometric services fee).
Understanding which option applies to you can save you significant money during your naturalization process. If your income is too low for the reduced fee, you may want to explore the fee waiver option instead.
Eligibility for Reduced Fee (Formerly Form I-942)
You can request a reduced fee if:
- Your documented annual household income is greater than 150% and up to 400% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines at the time of filing.
USCIS carefully considers each reduced fee request and approves it only when you clearly demonstrate that your household income falls within this threshold.
It is important to note that:
- A reduced fee is not the same as a fee waiver.
- If your income is at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, do not file for a reduced fee; instead, you may be eligible for a fee waiver by submitting Form I-912.
- Your household income should include the income of all members who live with you and financially contribute to or receive support within the household.
- When requesting a reduced fee, you must file a paper application and include all supporting evidence as required by USCIS to avoid delays or rejection.
Important Deadlines and Timing Considerations
When filing for a reduced fee using Form I-942, timing is critical.
- You must file Form I-942 at the same time as submitting your paper Form N-400, Application for Naturalization.
- Form I-942 cannot be filed online or separately after your N-400 is submitted.
- If you miss including the reduced fee request with your initial application, USCIS will expect the full fee, and you may lose the opportunity for a reduction.
Using Form I-942 appropriately can save you hundreds of dollars during your naturalization process while ensuring your application is processed smoothly.
How to Request a Reduced Fee
To request a reduced fee, you must complete Part 10 of Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, providing all required information and supporting documentation as outlined in the form instructions.
It is crucial to submit complete and accurate information. If you fail to provide enough details or necessary documents, your request may take longer to process or be denied.
If any supporting documents are in a language other than English, you must include a full English translation. The translator must certify that the translation is complete and accurate and affirm their competence in both languages.
Following these guidelines carefully will help ensure your reduced fee request is accepted and processed efficiently.
Note: No separate reduced form is required, added in Part 10 of Form N-400 form.
Fee and Payment Method
For applicants requesting the N-400 reduced fee, the total payment required is $380, including the biometric services fee.
Accepted payment methods include:
- Personal check
- Cashier’s check
- Money order
- Credit or debit card (U.S.-issued only, using Form G-1450 Authorization for Credit Card Transactions)
Payments must be made payable to the “U.S. Department of Homeland Security.” Fees paid are generally nonrefundable regardless of application outcome.
How to Prove Your Eligibility for Reduced Fee
To qualify for a reduced fee, you need to provide evidence that your documented annual household income is below 400% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines at the time of filing. This verification helps USCIS determine your eligibility for the reduced filing fee.
For instance, if your spouse lives outside the United States but contributes financially to your household, you should include their support in your total household income. If your spouse does not provide support, include a statement explaining the situation. However, if you are applying as a battered or abused spouse of a U.S. citizen and continue to live with them, do not include that spouse’s income.
The official income amounts effective from Jan. 15, 2025 differ by household size and region (48 contiguous states, Alaska, Hawaii).
| Household Size | 400% of Federal Poverty Guidelines |
|---|---|
| 48 states and D.C. | |
| 1 | $62,600 |
| 2 | $84,600 |
| 3 | $106,600 |
| Add $22,000 for each additional person | |
| For Alaska | |
| 1 | $78,200 |
| 2 | $105,720 |
| Add $27,520 for each additional person | |
| For Hawaii | |
| 1 | $71,960 |
| 2 | $97,280 |
| Add $25,320 for each additional person | |
Who Counts Toward Your Household Size and Income?
When applying for a reduced fee, it’s important to know exactly who to include in your household size and income calculations. Understanding this helps ensure your eligibility is evaluated accurately.
You should count as part of your household:
- Yourself
- The head of your household if that person is someone other than you (for children under 21 applying on their own, provide details of the primary custodial parent)
- Your spouse, but only if they live with you. If you’re separated or your spouse lives elsewhere, do not include them
- Family members who live with you, including:
- Your unmarried children or legal wards under 21 years of age
- Your unmarried children or legal wards aged 21 to 23 who are full-time students and live with you when not at school
- Your unmarried children or legal wards for whom you are the legal guardian due to physical, developmental, or mental disabilities
- Your parents living with you
- Any other dependents listed on your federal tax return—or on your spouse’s (if living together)—or the head of household’s tax return
Remember, the total household income includes all income earned or received by these members. Accurately including all household members and their income ensures the most precise assessment of your eligibility for a fee reduction.
Counting Household Income: Relatives, Roommates, and Child Support
Understanding whose income counts toward your household total is essential for accurately determining your eligibility for a reduced fee.
- Income of relatives or roommates who live with you but are not considered household members should not be included in your household income.
- Only financial contributions they provide directly to support your household (e.g., paying mortgage or bills) should be included as part of your household income.
- Example: An uncle paying $1,000 toward your mortgage counts as household income, but a roommate paying their own expenses does not.
- For child support, include only the actual amount you receive, not the full court-ordered amount.
- Provide explanations and documentation (e.g., bank statements, checks, court orders) if actual support differs from the court order.
This helps ensure your reported household income reflects true financial support relevant to your household.
How Marital Separation and an Affidavit of Support Affect Reduced Fee Eligibility
Marital Separation
If you are applying for a reduced fee and exclude your spouse’s income due to separation, you must provide a signed statement or other documentation verifying that your spouse does not live with you and provides no financial support.
Acceptable proof includes a court order confirming legal separation, a notarized property settlement or financial support agreement, or separate mortgage, lease, or utility bills showing separate residences. Please note, any monthly support payments you receive from your spouse must still be included in your total household income.
Affidavit of Support
Regarding an Affidavit of Support (Forms I-134 or I-864) filed on your behalf, USCIS will only consider the sponsor’s income or assets in evaluating your eligibility for a reduced fee if the sponsor currently lives in your household. If the sponsor does not live with you, their income will generally not affect your reduced fee eligibility.
Common Rejected Reasons of Reduced Fee Request
- Household Income: To qualify, your documented annual household income must be greater than 150% but not more than 400% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines at the time of filing.
- Household Size: Eligibility depends on your household size, which determines the income thresholds.
- Proof Required: You must provide documentation such as recent tax returns, pay stubs, or other evidence of income for yourself and household members.
- Filing Method: Reduced fee requests must be filed on paper using the revised Form N-400; no online filing is allowed for reduced fee or fee waiver requests.
- Marital Separation: If separated, you may exclude your spouse’s income but must provide proof you live apart and receive no support. Any received support still counts as income.
- Affidavit of Support: Not including the sponsor’s income, you might think it only counts if they live in your household and provide financial support.
- No Simultaneous Requests: You cannot apply for both a reduced fee and a fee waiver on the same application.
- Documents: Evidence submitted with your reduced fee request is not in English and lacks a certified English translation.
- Other Factors: Receipt of means-tested benefits or extreme financial hardship may qualify for a full fee waiver instead of a reduced fee.
This framework ensures USCIS fairly determines who is eligible for the reduced naturalization fee of $380 versus the full fee. Review other common reasons for N-400 form rejection in our detailed guide.
Reduced Fee FAQs
1. How do I request a reduced fee for my naturalization application?
Earlier, Form I-942 was used to request a reduced fee. Now, this request is included in Part 10 of Form N-400.
Moving Forward Together on Your Path to Citizenship
Your journey to U.S. citizenship is a significant milestone—both exciting and sometimes challenging. We understand that the cost of filing fees can be a burden, which is why we are committed to helping you navigate the reduced fee process with clarity and confidence. By providing you with the right information and support, we empower you to take this important step without unnecessary financial stress.
Trust us to guide you every step of the way with expert immigration lawyer consultation. Because your dreams of becoming a U.S. citizen matter, we’re here to make that path more affordable and accessible. Start your application today with confidence—check your eligibility for the reduced fee and take the first step toward affordable U.S. citizenship. Need help? Contact us now for personalized guidance and support.
