If you’re struggling to pay your green card or naturalization application fees, you may be eligible for a fee waiver or reduction from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This guide will explain how you can qualify for a USCIS fee reduction or waiver, and how to apply.
What If I Can’t Afford the Filing Fees?
USCIS understands that not everyone can afford the high costs associated with immigration applications. If you’re unable to pay the fees for your green card or naturalization application, there may be options for you to reduce or waive those costs.
Law and Visas offers expert guidance on immigration procedures, helping you understand how to qualify for fee reductions and waivers, so you can get the legal support you need without the heavy costs.
How Do I Qualify for a USCIS Fee Reduction?
If you are applying for naturalization using Form N-400, you may qualify for a fee reduction. However, there is no option to reduce the filing fee for a family-based or marriage-based green card (Form I-485), though you may qualify for a fee waiver (we’ll explain that below).
To qualify for a fee reduction, your household income must fall between 150% and 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
How to Apply for a Fee Reduction:
- Form to File: Submit Form I-942 (Request for Reduced Fee) along with your Form N-400.
- Required Fee: With the fee reduction, you will pay only $380 (down from $760 for the application).
- Documentation: You must provide all necessary supporting documentation to show that you qualify.
Note that the reduced fee only applies to the application filing fee. Other fees may still apply.
USCIS Fee Waivers: How to Get Your Filing Fees Waived
If you are facing financial hardship, you may be eligible for a fee waiver. The fee waiver allows you to apply without paying any fees, depending on your financial situation.
To qualify for a fee waiver, you must meet one of the following conditions:
- Your total household income is at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
- You are experiencing financial hardship, such as large medical bills or unemployment.
You can apply for a fee waiver for specific forms, such as:
- Form N-400 (Application for Naturalization)
- Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status)
How to Apply for a Fee Waiver:
- Form to File: Submit Form I-912 (Request for Fee Waiver) along with Form N-400.
- No Fees Required: If you qualify, you do not need to pay the fees associated with Form N-400.
How to Calculate Your Household Size for Fee Waivers or Reductions
To determine if you qualify for a fee reduction or waiver, you need to calculate your household size. This is important because household size directly impacts eligibility based on the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
Here’s who you should count as part of your household:
- Yourself and the head of your household (if it’s not you)
- Your spouse (if you’re married and living together)
- Your unmarried children under age 21 who live with you
- Your unmarried children between 21 and 24 who are full-time students and live with you during school breaks
- Any other dependents you claim on your tax return, such as your parents or disabled children.
What Happens if My Fee Waiver Is Denied?
If your fee waiver application is denied, don’t panic. You have several options:
- Review the Denial Notice: Check the denial letter carefully. It should explain why your request was not approved.
- Reapply: If you believe you qualify, gather additional documents to support your case and reapply for the waiver.
- Pay the Fee: If reapplying is not an option or you need to move forward quickly, you may need to pay the full filing fee. Look for ways to arrange the necessary funds.
- Seek Legal Help: If you’re unsure about why your fee waiver was denied or need assistance, contact an immigration attorney or a trusted legal aid organization. They can help you navigate the process.
If you can’t afford your immigration application fees, USCIS offers options to reduce or waive the fees, helping you access the services you need without the financial strain. By following the steps and understanding the eligibility criteria for fee reductions and waivers, you can reduce the costs of your immigration process. For further assistance, Law and Visas offers expert guidance to help you with all the details.
