You may not have to pay fees for immigration forms

Application fees are often a barrier to applying for citizenship and filing other immigration forms.  For example, the current fee for an N400 Application for Citizenship is $480.  That can be very difficult to pay, particularly when multiple members of a family are applying.

However, you may not have to pay the fees if you are unable to pay.. This is called a “fee waiver.” According to USCIS, fee waivers are available if:

• You or qualified members of your household are receiving a means- tested benefit. A means-tested benefit is one for which the individuals’ income/resources determine eligibility and/or the benefit amount (for example, food stamps, or SNAP)
• Your household is at or below the 150% poverty level at the time you file. See USCIS poverty level guidelines
• You are experiencing a financial hardship that prevents you from paying the filing fee, including unexpected medical bills or emergencies

Anyone seeking more information on fee waivers, or to apply to have the fee waived for any immigration document, should contact a legal service provider, such as Catholic Social Services of Fall River Citizenship Services Program .

See also USCIS Fee Waiver Guidance.

300 Clients!

We registered our 300th client today! That's 300 clients we've helped on their journeys to citizenship since October 1, 2011. We our proud of our program, and of out clients!

Citizenship Program: Fifth Quarter Results

In our 5th quarter of operation (ending 12/31/2012--Happy New Year!):

• 26 clients became US Citizens (total: 70)
• 33 clients attended Citizenship Interviews (total: 90)
• 21 Applications for Naturalization were submitted on behalf of  clients (total: 126)
• 29 people from 12 countries on 5 continents became new clients (total: 295 clients / 37 countries)
• 18 students enrolled in Citizenship Preparation Classes (total: 110)

Congratulations to all our clients on their journey to citizenship!