When applying for US citizenship, you must also pay the application fees. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will not start processing your case until you submit proof of payment. But what happens if you can’t afford the full cost? Is there a way to get a reduced fee for the N-400 Form?
The USCIS offers reduced N-400 fees so more people have the chance to apply for citizenship. They recognize that paying the full fee can be a significant financial burden for many permanent residents.
Of course, the reduced fee isn’t automatic; you must meet specific requirements to qualify. Read on for everything you need to know about the reduced fee N-400.
How much is the reduced fee for Form N-400?
First, let’s start with: What is the fee for Form N-400? The standard cost to file Form N-400 with USCIS is currently $760. This amount covers the processing of your application and your biometrics appointment.
However, if you qualify for the reduced fee, the cost drops to $380—half the regular price. Like the full price, the reduced fee covers the entire process, including application processing and biometric services.
Who qualifies for the reduced fee N-400 ?
You may qualify for the reduced N-400 fee if your household income is at or below 400% of the federal poverty level. USCIS uses the guidelines published each year by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to set these limits. The guidelines consider your yearly and monthly income as well as your household size.
For example, in 2025, the 400% level for a household of two people is approximately $84,600 per year in all states except Alaska and Hawaii. In Alaska, the same level for two people is $105,720; in Hawaii, it’s $97,280. If your income falls within these ranges, you may be eligible for the reduced fee.
In addition to income, special situations may make it easier to get approved. These include students with limited personal income and unemployed individuals who receive help from family or government programs. Large families with only one main source of income often have a better chance of qualifying.
When filling out your application, you must include your spouse’s income, even if they live outside the United States. If your spouse supports their own family, you must still count their contributions to your total income. If they don’t support your household, include a written statement explaining your situation. However, if you are applying for citizenship as an abused spouse of a US citizen and still live with that spouse, you do not need to include their income.
Here’s an important tip: If your income is at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, don’t apply for the reduced fee. You can apply for a full fee waiver, which means you won’t have to pay anything.
How to apply for the reduced fee
Until last year, if you wanted to apply for the reduced fee N-400, you had to submit Form I-942, “Request for Reduced Fee.” However, with the recent update to Form N-400, this form is no longer necessary. Now, you only need to complete Part 10 of Form N-400, Application for Naturalization.
That said, you still need to include all the supporting documents with your application. You may include copies of your most recent tax returns, recent pay stubs, or proof of income from the past few months.
You should also add letters from your employer confirming your salary, statements for any public benefits you receive, and proof of any other financial assistance. If your income changes or comes from different sources, you must provide evidence for each source.
It is crucial to send every required document. Missing even one can delay your case or cause USCIS to deny your request. Before sending your application, double-check the instructions and the list of required documents.
Remember, if any of your documents are not in English, you must provide a translation. The translator must sign a certification stating that the translation is complete and accurate and that they are competent to translate from the original language into English.
What happens if your reduced fee request is denied?
If USCIS denies your request, the first thing you should do is understand why. Read the explanation on Form I-797, Notice of Action, carefully. Some of the most common reasons for denial are:
- You did not provide enough evidence to show that your household income meets the 400% guideline.
- You submitted supporting evidence that was not translated into English.
- You submitted a translation into English that was not certified.
If your request is denied, you have two options: pay the full N-400 fee or resubmit your application with a reduced-fee request. If you choose to apply again, make sure you include stronger evidence that supports your case.
Summing up…
The reduced fee N-400 application is an excellent option for those who want to apply for citizenship without worrying about the cost. With this option, you pay only half the regular fee and still receive all the same services.
However, USCIS will only approve your request if you meet all the requirements and provide all the necessary documentation.
Failing to submit all the required documents can result in your application being denied. So pay close attention and ensure that your application is complete before submitting it.