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Immigrating to the US is often expensive. There are many fees along the way foreign nationals and their sponsors should expect to cover. However, when the costs are too high, legal options may be available.
Form I-942 request for a reduced fee may be a viable option depending on the details of your case. A dedicated immigration attorney at New Frontier Immigration Law can help determine whether you qualify for a discount.
What Is Form I-912?
United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) requires a fee for every application it processes. Each fee can vary depending on the type of application being processed, but money can be hundreds of dollars or more.
Form I-912 may allow you to waive the fees associated with your application depending on the specific details of your case. However, before you fill out Form I-912, you must ensure your income qualifies. Individuals who don’t qualify May find it challenging to pay the necessary fees to process their application.
How to Qualify for a Fee Reduction
Your income must be below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines but higher than the amount that qualifies you for a fee waiver to be eligible for a fee reduction. USCIS can approve your request and accept a naturalization fee of as low as $320 plus a biometrics fee.
Form I-942 Request for Reduced Fee should be filed when you submit your N-400 Application for Naturalization. Your other family members can be included on the same Form I-942 if everyone in your household is included.
How to Fill Out Form I-942
Filling out Form I-942 can seem intimidating. Here are some of the most important details you should keep in mind as you make your way through this critical application:
Parts 1 and 2
In part one of Form I-942, you should be prepared to provide your alien registration number, date of birth, name, marital status, and other identifying information. Part two will include information regarding your family members filing the request with you. Every family member of your household who is requesting the reduced fee should be included if they are also filing for naturalization and need a fee reduction.
Part 3
Part three goes over your income. You will explain whether you are working, how much you earn, how many other people in your household are making a living, your employment status, your marital status, and your adjusted gross income as listed on your most recent United States tax return.
In section 5 of part three, you should be prepared to describe any additional income your family members are providing. If anyone in your household works, those individuals’ pay should be listed in section 5.
However, it is essential that you do not include anyone who lives with you but does not provide any financial support. When you move on to section 6, you can have the income you receive from other sources. This might consist of alimony or child support. Be ready to provide additional documentation to prove the source of income. This might include a divorce decree or a child support court order copy. Then, the total dollar amounts from each box in sections four, five, and six should be entered as the total in section 7.
Section 8 is one of the more detailed sections of part three, as you will need to explain any changes since you last filed your tax return. This might include positive and negative chant changes that could impact your ability to obtain a fee reduction. You may explain why you lost your job or need to rely on someone else’s finances for income support. Be sure to go into detail in the section so USCIS can clearly understand your financial situation.
Parts 4-7
In parts four through seven, you will include various contact information, statements, certifications, and signatures of various parties, including the requester, the necessary family members, interpreters, and the person preparing your Form I-942. All signatures must be handwritten to be accepted.
Part 8
In section 8 of Form I-942, you can list additional information that could not be included in the provided areas of the previous sections. Be sure to list the page number, part number, and section number so USCIS officials can continue your answer with the appropriate question.
Submitting Form I-942
If you are interested in submitting Form I-942 to UCIS, you can include it with your N-400 Application for Naturalization. Be sure to include any other necessary applications and supporting evidence at this time or risk the processing of your application.
These applications will be mailed to the appropriate agency on USCIS’s N-400 page with your reduced filing fee and other necessary forms.
After USCIS accepts and processes your application, if your fee waiver request is approved, you will receive a receipt and notice by mail acknowledging your payment and processing of your application.
Get Help From an Immigration Attorney Today
If you want to ensure your Form I-942 to USCIS is accurately filled out with the appropriate supporting documentation. Still, if you do not know where to turn for help, reach out to an experienced immigration lawyer at New Frontier Immigration Law. Start working on your application today when you fill out our convenient contact form or call our office.