How much does it cost to become a citizen of the United States? The fees involved are the application fee for naturalization and the biometrics fee. You can also apply for a fee waiver if you cannot afford the fee. To apply for a fee waiver, you must fill out the form I-912. If you are below 150% of the poverty line, you can qualify for this free service.
Cost to become a US citizen – Application fee for naturalization
The application fee for naturalization to become a US citizen must be paid in full before the process can begin. The fee can be paid online or in person through myUSCIS. Payments should be made in U.S. currency and drawn from an American bank. The payment must also be in exact amounts. For foreign applicants, payment instructions are available online or at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
Filing a citizenship application is not cheap. The current filing fee is $725. However, some applicants qualify for fee waivers. The fee is waived for applicants under 75 years old and for people with low incomes. There are two types of fee waivers: the full fee waiver and the partial fee waiver. If you’re not sure whether you qualify, check out the fee waiver information sheets and online tools.
Applicants who have been in the armed forces for the last five years or who are 75 years old or older do not have to pay the filing fee. Those who are outside the United States may qualify for fee waivers if they can demonstrate financial stability.
Cost to become a US citizen – Fee for biometrics
Fees for biometrics to become a US citizenship applicant can vary. A waiver is available for those on Medicaid. This fee is only $320 for an individual and $85 for a family of four. Applicants can request fee waivers based on household size and income. A household size is the number of people in the household (head of household, spouse, children under 21 years of age, and any other legal wards of either spouse). A household’s income is the total income of all the members of the household in a year.
Fees for biometrics to become a US citizenship applicant can be eliminated based on your household income. If your household income is below 150% of the federal poverty level, you may qualify for a fee waiver. Applicants must file Form I-942 Request For Reduced Fee to be eligible for this option.
Applicants should also note that USCIS does not accept credit cards. They should use a check or money order to pay for the fee. It is important to note that the fees are not refundable if your application is denied. However, applicants can apply for fee waivers to avoid paying fees for biometrics if they are unable to pay the fee.
Fee waivers available
If you can’t afford to pay the required fees to apply to become a US citizen, you may be eligible for fee waivers. However, you need to make sure your application is complete before requesting a fee waiver. Incomplete forms may result in denial of your request. You may also need to provide additional documentation to show that you’re unable to pay the required fees. You can get more information about fee waivers by visiting your local USCIS office.
A fee waiver can be granted if your family’s income falls below 150% of the federal poverty guidelines. If you’re eligible for a fee waiver, you need to provide proof of your financial hardship and how you’re managing your finances. This may include lost income or medical expenses.
To qualify for fee waiver, you need to prove that your household income is less than 150% of the federal poverty level (about $38,000 for a family of four). You can check the income guidelines here. If you receive public benefits, you should apply under Option A and attach the award letter from the agency that provided the benefit. You can request this award letter at the office where you applied for the benefit.
Financial hardships that can prevent payment of fee
If you live below the federal poverty line or are receiving a means-tested benefit, you may qualify for a hardship waiver and avoid paying the cost to become a US citizen. You can also apply for a hardship waiver if you have unexpected medical expenses or lost your job. If you qualify, you can submit a Form I-612, along with the designated fee, to the USCIS.
There are several government-funded organizations that can help you with the process of becoming a US citizen. Some even help with the fee. You can check the USCIS website for a list of these organizations. Another option is to ask your employer if they are willing to pay your fee. However, keep in mind that hiring a new employee will cost you more money than your immigration fee. You may also qualify for a ZERO-interest loan from nonprofit MAF.
If you qualify for a fee waiver, your income must be below 150% of the federal poverty level (about $38,000 for a family of four). For more information, visit the USCIS website. You must also have an award letter from the agency that provides the benefit.
