Applying for U.S. citizenship through Form N-400 can be costly, especially for individuals or families with limited income. Fortunately, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) offers a fee waiver option through Form I-912, helping many immigrants avoid the financial barrier to naturalization. But while this waiver provides critical support, it’s important to understand the eligibility criteria—and the potential consequences a request may have on your application.

This guide explains who qualifies for a fee waiver, how to apply, and how it might affect your naturalization eligibility, especially in terms of the “good moral character” requirement.

What Is a Citizenship Fee Waiver?

USCIS allows applicants to request a waiver of filing fees and biometric services fees for Form N-400 if they cannot afford to pay. As of now, the application fee for Form N-400 is several hundred dollars, so the waiver can offer substantial relief.

To request a fee waiver:

• Submit Form I-912 (Request for Fee Waiver) along with your Form N-400
• Include documentation proving financial hardship or eligibility based on income or public benefits

Who Is Eligible for a Fee Waiver?

You may qualify for a fee waiver if any one of the following applies:

1. Receiving Means-Tested Benefits

If you, your spouse, or the head of your household receives a means-tested public benefit, such as:

• Medicaid
• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP/Food Stamps)
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
• Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

You must provide official documentation showing active receipt of the benefit.

2. Low Household Income (150% of Federal Poverty Guidelines or Less)

If your household income is at or below 150% of the federal poverty guidelines, you’re eligible.

📊 Example:
For a household of 4 people, the poverty guideline is approx. $31,200 (2024). Multiply that by 1.5 = $46,800. If your household earns less than that, you may qualify.

Household members include:

• Yourself
• Spouse
• Unmarried children under 21
• Full-time student children temporarily living away
• Other dependents on tax returns

3. Facing a Financial Hardship

You may also qualify if you’re dealing with unexpected financial hardship, such as:

• Medical emergencies
• Eviction or homelessness
• Job loss
• Natural disasters
• Unexpected caregiving expenses

Be ready to show documentation like eviction notices, medical bills, or layoff letters.

Potential Risks of Requesting a Fee Waiver

While the fee waiver helps many applicants, it’s important to know that it could negatively impact your naturalization application in certain cases—particularly regarding the “good moral character” requirement.

🚨 Key Concerns:

• Public Benefit Fraud: If USCIS suspects you are unlawfully receiving government assistance, this could result in a finding of fraud, which may disqualify you.
• Debt and Bankruptcy: USCIS may view unpaid debts, judgments, or bankruptcy filings as signs of irresponsibility, potentially affecting your moral character assessment.
• Unpaid Child Support: Failing to meet child support obligations can lead to a denial based on moral character concerns—even if caused by financial hardship.

⚠️ Tip: If you’ve faced financial issues but always acted in good faith—making efforts to repay debts or resolve child support—you may still qualify. Be honest and provide context.

Delays in Processing Your Application

Even if your waiver is granted, it may cause processing delays. USCIS must first review your Form I-912. If denied:

• Your N-400 will be rejected
• It won’t be entered into the USCIS system
• You must resubmit with the full fee, wasting valuable time

📌 If you need urgent naturalization (e.g., to vote, avoid deportation, or sponsor a family member), consider paying the fee if possible to avoid delay.

Should You Request a Fee Waiver?

A fee waiver can be life-changing if you genuinely can’t afford the application cost—but it’s important to apply only if you fully meet the eligibility criteria and can document your situation.

✅ Consider applying if:

• You’re lawfully receiving public benefits
• You live at or below 150% of the poverty line
• You have clear, documented financial hardship

❌ Avoid applying if:

• You may have received benefits you weren’t entitled to
• You have unresolved child support issues
• You want to avoid delays and can raise the fee another way