“Financial relief”: US confirms fee waivers for citizenship applicants

This story has significance for readers across Kenya and beyond.

- The US government confirmed that foreigners applying for citizenship through Form N-400 can request a reduced fee or a full waiver

- USCIS has specified that applicants seeking financial relief cannot file their application online and must submit a paper form by mail

- The standard Form N-400 filing fee ranges from KSh 92,000 to KSh 98,000, making the waiver option significant for many applicants

Foreigners pursuing United States citizenship have a financial relief option available to them, with the US government confirming that applicants can request either a reduced fee or a full waiver when filing Form N-400, the official Application for Naturalisation.

The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) confirmed the provision, noting that it exists specifically for those who cannot afford the standard filing cost.

The standard fee for Form N-400 ranges from approximately KSh 92,000 to KSh 98,000, a sum that can present a serious obstacle for many eligible applicants.

How the Fee Waiver Process Works

There is one condition that applicants must understand before proceeding: anyone who requests a reduced fee or a complete fee waiver is not permitted to submit their Form N-400 online.

The paperless filing route, which the US government makes available for standard applications, is closed to those seeking financial assistance with the fee.

Instead, applicants must send a paper application by post, accompanied by the relevant waiver request form and any supporting documents that USCIS requires as evidence of financial hardship.

This requirement applies whether the applicant is seeking a partial reduction or a full exemption from the filing fee.

What African Applicants Need to Know

For Africans and other foreigners navigating the US naturalisation process, this waiver pathway offers a meaningful route forward for those experiencing genuine financial difficulty.

The provision recognises that not every eligible candidate can cover the cost of the application upfront, and it provides a structured way to seek relief without abandoning the process altogether.

Applicants are advised to gather all required supporting documents before submitting their waiver request, as incomplete submissions may delay or affect the outcome of their application.

US Issues New Rule for Foreigners Applying for Citizenship

Earlier, TUKO.co.ke reported that US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) had clarified what happens when applicants miss scheduled appointments during the citizenship process.

Applicants who fail to attend without a valid reason may have their applications treated as abandoned.

The guidance also explains different rules for people applying from outside the US and provides an exemption for military personnel serving abroad.

Source: Legit.ng

Reporting originally appeared via TUKO. Read the full source for additional context.