Sometimes, you meet every requirement for citizenship: continuous residence, physical presence, and good moral character. You have everything lined up for your application to be approved. However, there’s a barrier that doesn’t get talked about enough: the cost of the application. According to the latest USCIS information, the N-400 form costs between $710 and $760, depending on how you submit it. While this amount may not seem insurmountable, it’s a significant expense for many permanent residents. In fact, for some, it’s the main reason they don’t pursue naturalization.
The good news is that this doesn’t always have to stop you. There’s an option that can help: the citizenship fee waiver. If you qualify, you can request that USCIS process your citizenship application free of charge.
Sounds good, right? Read on, and I’ll explain exactly how it works.
What is the citizenship fee waiver, and what are its benefits?
The government understands that the cost of the application can be difficult for many people. That’s why they created the fee waiver option. The purpose is to ensure that your right to become a US citizen isn’t dependent on your financial situation. If you qualify, you won’t have to pay the $710 or $760 fee for Form N-400.
This can be a huge relief for applicants with low incomes, large families with many expenses, seniors who rely on public benefits, and anyone experiencing financial hardship.
Additionally, there’s something called a fee reduction. In that case, you’d pay less than the full price, but still pay something. For now, though, let’s focus on the full fee waiver, since it’s the option that truly lifts the financial weight off your shoulders.
Who is eligible for a citizenship fee waiver?
Of course, not everyone qualifies. USCIS has particular rules about who can apply. You may be eligible to request a fee waiver if you fit into one of these categories:
- You (or your spouse, child, or parent, if you are under 21 or disabled) currently receive a means-tested public benefit. This could be SSI, SNAP (food stamps), Medicaid, TANF, or similar programs.
- Your household income is at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. These numbers change every year. For 2025, 150% of the poverty line is $23,475 per year for one person and $48,225 for four people. (Note: Hawaii and Alaska have different income levels.)
- You are facing extreme financial hardship. This could mean unexpected medical bills, family emergencies, unemployment, or any other serious economic situation that makes it impossible to pay the fee. In these cases, your income level is not the issue—it’s the reality of your financial struggles.
How to get a full fee waiver?
If you want to request a fee waiver, the first step is to fill out Form I-912, “Request for Fee Waiver.” Send this form with your citizenship application (Form N-400) and the documents that USCIS usually requires for naturalization. Additionally, you must include proof of why you qualify for the waiver. Further down, I’ll explain which documents count as proof. Another option is to send a signed letter instead of Form I-912. Keep in mind that the letter must include the same information as the form.
One significant detail: everything must be mailed in the same package. You cannot send the I-912 separately or at a later time. USCIS will not accept it.
Now, how do you send it? You have two options:
- File online through your myUSCIS account or
- Mail your application to the correct address based on where you live. Check the “Where to File” section for Form N-400 on the USCIS website to find the correct address.
One more thing: If you’re applying for a fee waiver, do not include any payment. If you send a check or payment information, USCIS will not treat your case as a waiver request.
What documents should you send with Form I-912?
To get your fee waiver approved by USCIS, you need to provide solid evidence of your situation. If something is missing or it’s unclear whether you qualify, your request will likely be denied.
The documents you need depend on your reason for asking for the fee waiver.
1. If you are requesting the fee waiver because you receive public benefits
Attach proof such as:
- An official letter from the agency that provides the benefit with your name on it.
- Notices or other documents showing that you are currently receiving the benefit.
2. If your household income is at or below 150% of the federal poverty guidelines
In this case, you should send the following:
- A copy of your most recent federal tax return (if available).
- Pay stubs for at least one month
- Recent W-2 forms
- SSA-1099 forms
- Letters from your employer confirming your income
- If you are an independent student, include proof of your income and documentation showing that you are enrolled full-time. Do not include your parents’ income if you are not their dependent.
- Include affidavits from churches, nonprofits, or community organizations confirming that you receive support.
3. If you’re applying due to extreme financial hardship
Be as clear as possible. Send documents such as:
- Medical bills for yourself or your family;
- Unemployment letters or job termination notices
- Eviction letters or letters from homeless shelters.
- Pay statements showing a drop in income
- Military deployment orders.
- Proof of natural disasters, divorce, death in the family, or any other event that caused major financial loss.
- Victimization – provide receipt notice for filing under VAWA, T, or U category.
For more details, check the official instructions for Form I-912.
Summing Up:
The fee waiver is an option for people with limited resources who still want to move forward with their citizenship application. If approved, you won’t have to pay the N-400 fee, which can provide significant budget relief. However, you must ensure that you meet the USCIS requirements and submit the correct form.
You must sign the form yourself. If you don’t, USCIS won’t accept it. Also, send all the required evidence to justify your request for the fee waiver.
If USCIS denies your waiver because you didn’t prove eligibility, your N-400 will be rejected at intake. USCIS will send back your entire application package. This means your application won’t be considered filed, and you won’t keep your original receipt date. In other words, you’ll have to start over and delay the whole process. Make sure everything is complete and ready before you send it.