One of the primary ways to gain U.S. citizenship is through the process of naturalization. In order to apply, you must meet a certain set of requirements—one of which includes filling out and submitting application for naturalization N-400. The immigration lawyers at Scott D. Pollock & Associates are here to support, guide, and answer questions about the process and costs of applying for citizenship.
If you or someone you know is looking to apply for U.S. Citizenship, we highly advise reaching out to our trusted immigration lawyers in Chicago and experienced Deportation Defense Lawyers
What is the 2021 Citizenship Application Fee?
As of the most recent immigration policy in 2021, the citizenship application fee is $725. This cost includes the application processing and biometrics service fees. Your fees may be reduced depending on the following criteria:
For the typical naturalization process, the fees are:
- N-400, Application for Naturalization: $640
- Biometrics service fee: $85
- Total: $725
For applicants who are 75 years old or above, the fees are:
- N-400, Application for Naturalization: $640
- Biometrics service fee: $0
- Total: $640
If you are unable to afford the application fees for citizenship through naturalization, you may qualify for either a citizenship application fee waiver or a fee reduction.
For applicants who qualify for the fee waiver, the fees are:
- N-400, Application for Naturalization: $0
- Biometrics service fee: $0
- Total: $0
For applicants who qualify for the reduced form price, the fees are:
- N-400, Application for Naturalization: $320
- Biometrics service fee: $85
- Total: $405
Is there a Citizenship Application Fee Waiver?
You may be able to request a fee waiver for your Form N-400 if you are eligible. In order to do you, you need to fill out a citizenship application fee waiver with Form I-912 through the USCIS. This is done during the process of applying for citizenship through Naturalization. You will submit your Form I-912 with your Form N-400.
Since the USCIS is funded by application and petition fees, the USCIS may be hesitant to accept. However, under certain circumstances, they recognize that applicants may not be able to meet the costs of citizenship. The immigration and naturalization lawyers at Scott. D. Pollock & Associates P.C. can help walk you through the process of naturalization and help determine if you are eligible for a citizenship application fee waiver.
Citizenship Fee Waiver - Who is Eligible?
How much does it cost to become a U.S. citizen if you have a fee waiver? The answer is nothing if you qualify for the citizenship fee waiver. There are four main ways you may qualify for the citizenship fee waiver. For how to get your citizenship for free, you must qualify for one of the following three requirements:
- You or a family member living in your household are given means-tested benefits. A means-tested benefit recipient is given government benefits due to lack of income or assets. Your income determines your benefit amount, thus means-tested. Examples of mean-tested benefits include Medicaid and food stamps.
- Your household income is below 150% of the Federal Poverty Level. Your eligibility is determined by your income at the time of the current poverty level. To determine eligibility, your immigration attorney will help you look at both your income amount and the number of people in your household. Anyone who depends on your income can be included in your household.
- An unexpected and serious financial hardship prevents you from being able to pay for the citizenship application fee. Examples of a financial hardship and/or emergency includes a medical emergency, eviction, or loss of income.
- You are an active military service member or a veteran. The process of applying for citizenship through naturalization is different for service members. You are not required to pay a fee if you are filing under INA sections 328 or 329.
If you believe you qualify for one of the four options to waive the cost to apply for citizenship, speak with your immigration attorney to discuss further steps. You may be able to obtain your citizenship at no cost to you.
What is the Citizenship Reduced Fee?
If you do not meet the requirements for the N-400 fee waiver yet still cannot afford the cost to apply for citizenship, you may be able to apply for Form I-942 to request a reduced fee. In order to be eligible for a reduced fee, you must present evidence that your annual household income is between the range of 150% to 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
The cost to become a U.S. citizen through the reduced fee is $320 for your Form N-400. You will still need to pay the $85 biometrics fee. Although there is no filing fee for this particular form, you still have to pay for your naturalization process since there is a reduced fee instead of a citizenship fee waiver. Your naturalization attorney can help you understand and file the reduced fee form to become a U.S. citizen.
How Do I Pay for Citizenship?
Now that we’ve discussed the question how much it costs to become a U.S. citizen, let’s review how you can pay for your citizenship processing fees.
You may file either online or through a hard copy by mail. If you have access to the internet, you can create an online account and pay your fee online. You also have access to other capabilities online, such as being able to check your case status, receive updates, and respond to any evidence requests if there are any.
If you send in your paperwork by mail, you will be able to send in your application fees along with your Form N-400. You can do so using:
- Form G-1450 to use a credit card
- Money order
- Personal check
- Cashier’s check
You are not allowed to mail cash in to pay for your form fees. Your immigration attorney will make sure that your forms are sent to the correct location. The designated mailing address depends on your current state of residency.
Contact an Experienced Attorney Today
The experienced naturalization lawyers at Scott D. Pollock & Associates are here to help you on your path to citizenship through naturalization. Any questions you may have about how to apply for citizenship, we are here to answer them. We have over 70 years of combined experience helping people gain U.S. citizenship. Contact us at 312.444.1940 or visit us at our website. We look forward to talking with you.
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