USCIS Offers Fee-Free Citizenship for Military Members

The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has confirmed that certain categories of individuals can apply for American citizenship without the standard Form N-400 naturalization fee of $760. Active-duty service members filing under INA Sections 328 or 329 are exempt from this fee, with the waiver applied automatically by law.

Qualifying military veterans who served honorably during peacetime or designated periods of hostilities are also eligible for a fee exemption, provided they submit Form N-426 to certify their service record. USCIS clarified that military applicants should not submit Form I-912, as the exemption is granted automatically.

Civilians not qualifying through military service may seek a fee waiver due to financial hardship by filing Form I-912, with options for a full fee waiver or a reduced fee of $380 based on household income relative to Federal Poverty Guidelines. Applicants must meet all relevant requirements under INA Section 328 or 329 before filing.