Is it true foreigners widower of a U.S don't have to pay naturalization fee?

Question

Is it true foreigners widower of a U.S don't have to pay naturalization fee?

Anonymous Jan 17, 2011 3 views 2 answers

My friend is 65 years old, she was married to a US citizen but he died. She wants to apply for citizenship but doesn't have the funds and does not receive any means-tested benefits. She has been told that she wouldn't have to pay for the N-400 if she can prove she is the widower of a US citizen. Is this true? And if so, what application would she have to fill out? Thank you for your advise.

Carl Michael ShustermanImmigration AttorneyLos Angeles, CA · Answer 1 · 2026-06-15T10:33:41+00:00

Carl Michael ShustermanImmigration AttorneyLos Angeles, CA

Carl Michael ShustermanImmigration AttorneyLos Angeles, CA · Jun 15, 2026

This is untrue. However, since she doesn't have the money to pay the fees, she can request a "fee waiver" using form I-912.

0 upvotes

Jeffrey Devore · Answer 2 · 2026-06-15T10:33:41+00:00

Unfortunately your friend was provided with incorrect information. The application fee is not waived for widows of U.S. Citizens. If the filing fee will cause her a financial hardship, she can request USCIS waive the filing fee by filing a fee waiver application along with her application for naturalization.

Is it true foreigners widower of a U.S don't have to pay naturalization fee?

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