The United States government has clarified which applicants can submit Form N-400 for naturalisation without paying the standard application fee. The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) said active-duty military personnel, qualifying veterans, and some civilians facing financial hardship may be eligible for a full or partial fee waiver. This move aims to make it easier for eligible individuals to apply for US citizenship.
Active-duty service members applying under Sections 328 or 329 of the Immigration and Nationality Act do not pay the Form N-400 fee. The exemption is granted automatically under US immigration law, and applicants in this category do not need to submit Form I-912, which is the general request for a fee waiver. This exemption applies to those serving in the military.
Qualifying military veterans may also submit their citizenship applications without paying the fee. However, they must have served honourably during peacetime or a designated period of hostilities and submit Form N-426 to certify their military or naval service. This allows veterans to apply for citizenship without incurring the standard fee.
Some military applicants may also be exempt from certain standard naturalisation requirements. Those who served honourably during a designated period of hostilities, for example, may not need to meet the usual residency or physical presence conditions before applying. The agency advised applicants to meet all relevant requirements under either Section 328 or Section 329 before filing.
Civilians who do not qualify through military service may request assistance because of financial hardship by submitting Form I-912. A full fee waiver may be available to people whose household income is at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. This provides relief to those struggling financially.
A reduced fee of $380 is available for paper applications from households earning between 150% and 400% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. USCIS has published further information on naturalisation requirements for current and former military members on its official website. This provides clarity on the application process.
The guidance highlights the different routes available to applicants, particularly military personnel and civilians struggling to meet the cost of applying for US citizenship. This move aims to make US citizenship more accessible to eligible individuals.
Key points
- Active-duty service members and qualifying veterans can apply for US citizenship without paying the $760 application fee.
- Civilians facing financial hardship may receive a full waiver or reduced $380 naturalisation application fee.
- USCIS provides exemptions and waivers to make US citizenship more accessible to eligible individuals.
