The United States government has announced that two broad groups of people can apply for citizenship without paying the standard naturalisation fee, which currently sits at $760. The guidance, published by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), details who qualifies for a complete exemption and how the process works depending on an applicant's circumstances. This move aims to simplify the naturalisation process for eligible applicants.
Active-duty military members filing under Sections 328 or 329 of the Immigration and Nationality Act qualify for an automatic fee exemption. This exemption is built into the law itself, meaning no separate waiver form is needed. Honourably discharged veterans who served during peacetime or a designated period of hostilities are also eligible, provided they file Form N-426 to certify their service record.
Military applicants may additionally be exempted from some standard naturalisation requirements. Those who served during a designated period of hostilities, for example, may not need to satisfy the usual US residency or physical presence conditions before filing. The agency stressed that military applicants should not submit Form I-912, the standard fee waiver request, since their exemption is granted automatically by statute.
Civilians who do not qualify through military service have a separate route. By filing Form I-912, applicants in genuine financial need can request relief under two options. A full fee waiver, bringing the cost to zero, is available to those whose household income falls at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
Those who already receive a means-tested government benefit or those facing severe financial hardship can also apply for a full fee waiver. A reduced fee of $380 applies to paper applications where household income falls between 150% and 400% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. This aims to make citizenship more accessible to those who may be struggling financially.
USCIS clarified that applicants must meet all relevant requirements under either INA Section 328 or 329 before they can file under those provisions. Full details on naturalisation requirements for current and former military members are available on the USCIS official website. Eligible applicants can take advantage of these exemptions to streamline their citizenship application process.
The US government's decision to waive the fee for certain applicants aims to promote inclusivity and accessibility in the naturalisation process. By providing exemptions for military members and those facing financial hardship, the USCIS hopes to encourage more eligible individuals to apply for citizenship. The guidance is available on the USCIS website for those interested in learning more about the fee waiver process.
Key points
- Active-duty military members and civilians facing financial hardship can apply for US citizenship without paying the standard $760 fee.
- Military members qualify for an automatic fee exemption under Sections 328 or 329 of the Immigration and Nationality Act.
- Civilians can request a full or reduced-fee waiver by filing Form I-912 and meeting specific financial requirements.
