Form I-942P Request for Reduced Passport Fee: Understanding Eligibility and Process

To obtain a fee reduction using Form I-942P, an applicant must meet specific income-based criteria. The criteria consider the individual’s annual household earnings and the number of people in the household.

The primary financial requirement is that the individual’s documented annual household income must fall between specific percentages of the Federal Poverty Guidelines (FPG). To be eligible:

• Income must be greater than 150% of the FPG
• Income must not exceed 200% of the FPG

These percentages serve as the income thresholds for eligibility.

Household size plays a crucial role in establishing eligibility as it directly affects the income thresholds:

• For a single-person household, the income must be between 150% and 200% of the FPG for one person.
• As household size increases, the income thresholds adjust accordingly.

Here is how the income threshold adjusts per household size (example given for the 150% lower limit only):

(Note: The table above uses “X,” “Y,” “Z,” etc., as placeholders for actual income amounts, which are determined annually by the Department of Health and Human Services.)

The criteria require applicants to align with these income ranges for their specific household size when applying for the reduced fee.

Form I-942P serves as a critical tool for individuals seeking a reduction in filing fees based on their income levels. This form is supplemental and relates closely to the filing of Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification.

The primary goal of Form I-942P is to assist eligible individuals in obtaining a reduced filing fee when submitting Form I-9. It allows applicants to demonstrate financial constraints that justify the need for a fee reduction.

Applicants must accurately disclose several types of information in Form I-942P, including:

• Employment Status: Indicating whether they are employed, unemployed, retired, or have another employment status.
• Household Income: Detailing the total annual income of the household to establish eligibility based on the Federal Poverty Guidelines (FPG).

While Form I-942P is a supplement, Form I-942 is the main request form for a reduced fee. Form I-942P cannot be used standalone; it ties directly to Form I-942 by supporting and validating the financial information that impacts fee reduction eligibility.

The Application Process for Form I-942P is methodical and requires attention to detailed instructions and accurate documentation to establish eligibility for reduced fees.

1. Obtain the Form: Applicants must start by downloading the most recent version of Form I-942P.
2. Complete the Form: Information must be typed or printed in black ink. All questions should be answered thoroughly.
3. Review: Before submitting, applicants should double-check their entries and corrections to ensure all information is correct and complete.

• Proof of Income: Applicants must provide evidence that their household income is greater than 150 percent but not more than 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
• Financial Records: This might include tax returns, pay stubs, or W-2 forms that substantiate the reported income level.

Documentation must be current and provide an accurate representation of the applicant’s financial situation. Failure to provide necessary documents may result in delays or rejection of the reduced fee request.

The USCIS offers a reduced fee for certain forms, including Form N-400, for applicants with income between 150% and 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Calculating the fee reduction amount involves determining eligibility and adjusting gross income accordingly.

To determine the fee reduction amount, an applicant must first confirm that their household income is between 150% and 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. If eligibility criteria are met, the standard USCIS fee for Form N-400 is reduced from the full amount to a reduced fee of $320, with a separate biometrics fee of $85.

• Full Fee: $725 (Application + Biometrics)
• Reduced Fee: $320 (Application) + $85 (Biometrics)
• Total with Reduction: $405

Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) is a key figure used by the USCIS to determine an individual’s income level. AGI includes all taxable income, minus allowable deductions such as:

• Standard or Itemized Deductions
• Education Expenses
• Health Savings Account Contributions

Applicants must calculate their AGI from the latest tax return to prove that their income falls within the required range for a fee reduction. An applicant’s AGI should align with the current year’s Federal Poverty Guidelines to be considered valid for assessing eligibility for a fee reduction.

When submitting Form I-942P, applicants must adhere to specified protocols to ensure their request for a reduced fee is properly processed.

Applicants should file Form I-942P to the same address as their primary application. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) provides up-to-date filing addresses on its official website that correspond to the specific form for which the applicant is requesting a fee reduction.

USCIS accepts Form I-942P submissions via:

• Mail: Paper submissions are to be sent with the associated application packet to the indicated address.
• Online: If the primary application can be filed online, then Form I-942P should be included as part of the electronic submission process when available.

Form I-942P cannot be filed independently; it must accompany the associated form.

The time it takes for USCIS to process Form I-942P is contingent on the overall processing time of the primary application. Applicants can check typical processing times for their specific form on the USCIS website or receive updates through their USCIS online account, if applicable.

After submitting Form I-942P, the applicant’s focus shifts to two main areas of concern: tracking the application to understand its status and adequately responding to any requests for evidence, which USCIS may issue if further information is needed to process the request.

Once Form I-942P is submitted, an applicant can track the status of their application online through the USCIS website. They will need their application receipt number, which is a unique 13-character identifier provided by USCIS. The receipt number usually begins with three letters such as EAC, WAC, LIN, or SRC, followed by numbers. Applicants can enter this number on the USCIS ‘Check Status’ tool to receive real-time updates about their application.

If USCIS needs additional information to make a determination on the reduced fee request, they may send a Request for Evidence (RFE) to the applicant. It is crucial for the applicant to respond by the deadline indicated in the RFE. They should provide all the information requested, following the instructions outlined by USCIS to avoid delays or a denial of their reduced fee request. The evidence should be sent back to the USCIS office that sent the RFE, along with a copy of the RFE for reference.

When an individual applies for a reduced fee using Form I-942P, the USCIS will evaluate their application and respond with one of several possible outcomes, each outlined in the subsequent subsections below.

If the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) approves the Form I-942P, the applicant receives a notice informing them of the reduced fee amount they are required to pay. This fee is less than the standard rate and is tailored to the applicant’s documented financial situation in alignment with the Federal Poverty Guidelines.

In cases where Form I-942P is denied, the applicant will be notified by USCIS with an explanation of the reasons for the denial. The applicant will then need to pay the regular application fee to proceed with their immigration form processing.

An applicant has the option to reapply for a fee reduction after a denial. They should ensure to provide any additional information or clarification that addresses the reasons for the previous denial. The success of a subsequent application hinges on the presentation of corrected or updated information that supports the eligibility for a fee reduction.

When applying for a reduced fee using Form I-942P, applicants must be cognizant of how the application may interact with their immigration status and the importance of seeking proper legal guidance throughout the process.

Applying for a reduced filing fee through Form I-942P does not directly affect an individual’s immigration status. However, the accuracy and completeness of the application are critical, as any discrepancies or misrepresentations can lead to delays or a denial, which might indirectly influence other immigration proceedings.

It is strongly recommended that applicants seek legal assistance to ensure that Form I-942P is filed correctly. Legal professionals can help by:

• Ensuring eligibility criteria are met and properly documented.
• Assisting with the accurate presentation of household income which must be between 150% and 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.

Applicants seeking a reduced fee for USCIS form filings can utilize various resources and assistance for a smoother application process.

Individuals may seek assistance through legal aid organizations or immigration assistance nonprofits which often provide services for form guidance. The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) can provide references to immigration lawyers who may offer reduced or pro bono services. Additionally, community organizations and religious groups sometimes hold workshops or provide one-on-one assistance for immigration form preparation.

For direct inquiries, applicants can contact the USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283. Information is also available on the USCIS website, including a live chat feature called “Emma,” a virtual assistant designed to help navigate questions. Customers can also check their case status online or schedule an in-person appointment through the USCIS website using the InfoPass system for more complex issues or detailed questions.