Yes, you can get a reduced fee if your household income falls between 150% and 400% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. USCIS allows applicants in this income band to file Form N-400 (Application for Naturalization) with a $380 fee instead of the full $760 filing fee for paper applications. However, the reduced-fee option may not survive much longer. In June 2026, DHS proposed eliminating the reduced fee entirely and raising the full N-400 fee significantly; if finalized, this change would remove the reduced-fee path for middle-income applicants.
Table of Contents
- Who Qualifies—Income Thresholds by Household Size
- How to Apply and What Documents You Need
- Reduced Fee vs. Fee Waiver—Which Applies to You
- Military Members and Veterans Are Fully Exempt
- A Proposed Rule Could Eliminate the Reduced Fee
- Frequently Asked Questions
Who Qualifies—Income Thresholds by Household Size
The reduced fee applies only if your household income lands in a specific band—above the level that qualifies for a fee waiver but below the full-fee threshold. uscis sets these thresholds using Federal Poverty Guidelines, which vary by household size.
For example, a household of two earning between roughly $35,500 and $94,600 per year qualifies for the $380 reduced rate. A single person's thresholds differ, as do those for families of three, four, or more. USCIS provides income charts for Form I-942 (Request for Reduced Fee) that show exact cutoffs by household size.
How to Apply and What Documents You Need
Applicants requesting a reduced fee cannot use the online N-400 filing option. You must file a paper Form N-400 and include your reduced-fee request in Part 10 of the form. Submit recent tax returns, W-2s, pay stubs, or other proof of household income along with your application.
USCIS requires documentation that shows your family's annual earnings. Self-employed applicants should provide tax returns or profit-and-loss statements. USCIS will review your documents and approve or deny the reduced-fee request along with your naturalization application.
Reduced Fee vs. Fee Waiver—Which Applies to You
The reduced fee and fee waiver are two separate benefit programs, and your income determines which one applies. If your household income falls *below* 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, you qualify for a fee waiver and can request to file Form N-400 with no fee at all.
If your income is between 150% and 400% of poverty guidelines, you qualify for the reduced fee ($380). The two programs do not overlap; you cannot get both. Form I-912 (Request for Fee Waiver) is the separate application for a complete fee waiver.
Military Members and Veterans Are Fully Exempt
U.S. military members and veterans do not pay any naturalization fee, whether full, reduced, or otherwise. According to DHS, armed forces members are exempt from N-400 filing fees entirely. This exemption stands regardless of income and applies to active duty, reserve, and veteran applicants.
A Proposed Rule Could Eliminate the Reduced Fee
The reduced-fee option may disappear. In June 2026, DHS proposed a rule to eliminate the reduced fee and raise the full N-400 fee to $1,330 for paper filing or $1,280 for online filing. The comment deadline for this proposal was August 24, 2026. If the rule is finalized, applicants between 150% and 400% of the poverty guidelines would lose the reduced-fee option and face either the full fee or the need to qualify for a fee waiver (available only below 150% of poverty guidelines). Monitor USCIS's official website for updates on this proposal's status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I file Form N-400 online and request the reduced fee?
No. The reduced fee is only available for paper filings. Online applicants pay the full fee or must qualify for a fee waiver.
What if my income is close to the cutoff?
Provide documentation showing your household income for the most recent 12 months. USCIS will review your exact earnings against the current poverty guidelines for your household size.
Do I need to file a separate form to request the reduced fee?
No. You request the reduced fee by completing Part 10 of the paper Form N-400 and submitting proof of income with your application.