When you finally meet all of the qualifications for U.S. citizenship, you may want to apply right away, however, many people fail to apply because of concerns over the cost of the process. While it is true that there is a fee to file the citizenship application, there might be other options for certain individuals, and you should always speak with an experienced citizenship lawyer in Orange County about your options.
General Fees
Most people must pay an application fee and a fee for biometrics services (fingerprinting). Some special circumstances may reduce or waive fees, and general fees include:
- Individuals with no special circumstances – $640 for the application + $85 for biometrics = $725 total
- Individuals over the age of 75 – $640 for the application with the biometrics fee waived
- Individuals who are veterans or active-duty military members – Both the application fee and biometrics costs are waived
The above fees may be paid online or through the mail by check, money order, or credit card authorization form.
If you have no special circumstances, there is still a chance that your skilled immigration attorney can obtain a fee reduction or waiver. If you can show that your income is between 150 and 200 percent of the poverty level for your household size based on federal guidelines, you may receive a 50 percent reduction of the application fee. That means that applicants under 75 will pay $405 (including biometrics) and applicants over 75 will owe $320.
If your income is below 150 percent of the poverty level or you can demonstrate another financial hardship, you may be able to obtain a complete waiver of the application and biometrics fees.
Contact a Citizenship Lawyer in Orange County to Learn More
Brudner Law helps clients from all different backgrounds navigate the path to United States citizenship. Call 714.794.9366 or contact us online to set up an appointment with an Orange Country immigration attorney.
