Form 942

What is Form 942? 

Form 942 is also known as Form I-942 “Request for Reduced Fee” of the Department of Homeland Security U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The main purpose of Form I-942 is to request a reduced filing fee for Form N-400 or Application for Naturalization. 

However, not everyone can use this form if they want a reduced filing fee. The documented annual household income should range from 150% but not more than 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines (FPG) at the time of filing. 

Also, those who qualify for a reduced filing fee are still required to pay the biometric services fee in full. Finally, a reduced fee does not mean a full fee waiver. There is a different form to request for a fee waiver (Form I-912).

Where can I get a Form I-942? 

Form I-942 is available on the USCIS website. It is best viewed, filled out, and printed with the latest version of Adobe Reader. If you do not have access to the Internet, you can call the USCIS National Customer Service Center and request for Form I-942 to be mailed to you. The number to call is 1-800-375-5283.

How much does it cost to file Form I-942? 

Filing Form I-942 is free of charge. 

What if more than one member of a family wants to request a reduced filing fee? 

In case multiple members of the same family are applying for a reduced filing fee in the same package at the same time, they can use only one Form I-942. They can complete Form I-942 and submit it on top of their completed N-400 forms (Application for Naturalization). 

What pieces of information should you prepare to complete Form I-942? 

• Personal information (full name, date of birth, Alien Registration Number, marital status)
• Information about family members who are filing this request with you
• Household income (employment status, spouse’s information, household size, your annual income, income of other household members, additional income, or financial support)
• Contact information
• Signature

What if my documents for Form I-942 are not in the English language? 

All information on documents that are not in the English language require submission of their counterpart in full English translation. The translator needs to sign a certification that states that all English language translations are complete and accurate and that they are competent to translate the document. The certification must have the date, the translator’s signature, printed name, and the translator’s contact information. 

Do I have to submit the original copy of the requested documents? 

You only have to submit legible photocopies of requested documents. The only time that you must submit an original copy is if the instructions specifically indicate that the original document is required. Do not worry, if the USCIS requests for an original document to be submitted, it will be returned to you. Otherwise, clear photocopies will do. Keep in mind that if you submit original documents when they are not required by the USCIS, your documents will not be returned to you.