How to Fill Out Form I-942 for a Naturalization Fee Reduction

Is the fee to file for naturalization (U.S. citizenship) too expensive for you? It might even be forcing you to delay your application despite being already eligible for citizenship. Fortunately, it's possible to qualify for a discount.

No question, filing for citizenship is expensive. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) charges hundreds of dollars just to file the N-400 application, and that's before you shell out for other related costs, such as transportation and hotel if you must travel far for your USCIS citizenship interview, and lawyer fees, if you hire one.

Although it's possible to ask the U.S. government to completely "waive" (overlook) this and other fees in some circumstances (by filling out Form I-912 and submitting it with the application), not everyone's income is low enough to qualify for a complete waiver. '

But there's another possibility that might help you: If your income is a certain percentage below the Federal Poverty Guidelines (but still higher than the amount qualifying you for a total fee waiver), you can request a fee reduction. Starting April 1, 2024, if your income is at or below 400% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, the reduced fee will be $380 (with no separate biometrics services fee).

Which Form Do I Use to Request a Naturalization Fee Reduction?

In order to request a fee reduction, you must file a Form I-942 Request for Reduced Fee, within the same package as your N-400 Application for Naturalization, supporting evidence, and check, money order, or other form of payment of the reduced fee itself.

If you are applying with other family members, you may all use the same I-942 Form, as long as you list your entire household there.

Line-by-Line Instructions for Form I-942

Here are some pointers for filling out the form (referring to the version issued on 12/20/23):

Part 1. Information About You The first part of Form I-942 asks for your name, marital status, alien registration number (A#), and date of birth. As a permanent resident, you have an A-number, and can find it on your permanent resident card ("green card").

Part 2. Information About Family Members Filing This Request With You. In Part 2, you must name all family members who will be requesting the reduced fee. You do not need to add family members unless they are also filing for naturalization and also requesting the fee reduction. If no other family members are applying with you, leave this part blank.

Part 3. Household Income Here, you explain whether or not you are working, how much income you earn, how much other people in your household earn, and why the U.S. government should grant you a reduced application fee.

First, you're asked about Employment Status. If you are both a student and employed, put "other" and explain in the box.

Next, the form asks for Information About Your Spouse. You will need to state whether you are married and whether your spouse provides income to your household.

You are then asked about Your Household Size. This requires listing the members of your household and describing their relationship to you. This includes you and anyone dependent upon your income. If you are not the head of your household (its main source of financial support), it includes the head of your household and anyone dependent upon that person's income. It is useful to have your most recent IRS tax return handy, so that you know how much income you made and whom you have claimed as a dependent on your tax return.

Next, you must detail Your Annual Household Income. USCIS expects you to enter the adjusted gross income as claimed on your most recent U.S. tax return (IRS Form 1040). If you have not filed a tax return, estimate your annual income counting back 12 months. You are asked to list any additional income coming from family members, as well. If your spouse or another person in your household works, enter that person's income here. But don't include someone who just lives with you and doesn't provide financial support.

You must also record how much you receive from any other source. Provide documentation for each form of income. For example, if you receive alimony, you'll need to submit a copy of the court order or divorce decree showing the amount.

Add up the dollar amounts and enter the total in Question 7.

In Question 8, you must explain whether anything has changed since your last tax return. This includes positive or negative changes. Often people will use this space to explain, for example, that they lost their job or other income source. Provide as much detail as possible in this space; and also provide supporting evidence to accompany the form.

Part 4. Requestor's Statement, Contact Information, Certification, and Signature The main requestor of the fee reduction must sign Form I-942 here, indicating that you understand what you're signing and are willing to attend a biometrics appointment. Any family members must also sign here, agreeing to the same things..

Part 5: Interpreter's Contact Information, Certification, and Signature. This needs to be completed only if you used an interpreter in filling out this form.

Part 6. Contact Information, Declaration, and Signature of Person Preparing This Request, If Other Than the Requestor You must complete this part if someone prepared the form for you. Usually the preparer would complete this for you and sign.

Part 7. Additional Information If you ran out of room while filling out the form, use Part 7 to provide additional information. List the Page Number, Part Number, and Item Number, so that the USCIS officer who reviews it can find the original question that you are continuing to answer.

How to Submit Form I-942 to USCIS

File the I-942 Request for Reduced Fee along with your N-400 Application for Naturalization. This means preparing both applications and providing supporting evidence for both.

You will then mail the applications to the appropriate mailing address found on USCIS's N-400 page along with the reduced filing fee and all supporting documents. You cannot file Form N-400 online if requesting a reduced fee.

You can find more about qualifying and applying for citizenship in Who Can Apply for U.S. Citizenship?

Once USCIS accepts your application, and if it approves the fee waiver request, you will receive by mail a receipt notice acknowledging your application and payment.