The United States government has confirmed that foreigners applying for citizenship through Form N-400, the official Application for Naturalisation, have one fee waiver pathway available to them. According to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), applicants who cannot afford the standard filing fee can request either a reduced fee or a complete fee waiver when submitting their naturalisation application.
How the US Fee Waiver Process Works
USCIS has made clear that this option comes with a key condition: anyone requesting a reduced fee or fee waiver is not permitted to file their Form N-400 online. Instead, they must submit a paper application by mail, accompanied by the appropriate waiver request form and any required supporting evidence. This means the paperless route, which the United States government also offers for standard applications, is closed to those seeking financial relief on the filing fee. The paper filing requirement applies regardless of whether the applicant is asking for a partial reduction or a full waiver of the fee.
US Citizenship: What Foreigners Need to Know
For foreigners navigating the naturalisation process in the United States, the fee waiver option provides a meaningful route for those facing financial hardship. The standard filing fee for Form N-400 ranges from $710 to $760, which can be a significant barrier. This provision acknowledges that not all eligible applicants are in a position to cover that cost upfront.
The official USCIS guidance specifies the exact documents applicants must submit alongside the waiver request. While the source does not list these documents in detail, it emphasizes that supporting evidence is required to accompany the waiver form.
UK Announces Citizenship Fee Waiver for Foreigners
Meanwhile, Legit.ng reported that the UK Home Office allows children under 18 who are eligible for British citizenship to apply for a fee waiver on their citizenship application. Four financial circumstances qualify a child or their guardian for the waiver, all centred on the family's inability to meet basic living costs.
The US fee waiver process, as outlined by USCIS, requires paper filing and adherence to specific procedures, ensuring that applicants who need financial assistance can still pursue citizenship, albeit through a more traditional application route.
