In 2021, the King County Council approved a first-in-the-nation program to help immigrants apply for documented status and citizenship. The investment of more than $16 million will help King County immigrants overcome barriers to legal status and assist those who have not been able to access federal benefits associated with COVID-19 pandemic relief.
The Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS) is proud to announce the launch of two new programs providing financial support to immigrants in King County:
King County Immigration Fee Support Program
The King County Immigration Fee Support Program can help King County immigrants pay eligible fees associated with applying for legal status, including filing fees with U.S Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and Executive Office for Immigration Review. Immigration application costs vary from a couple hundred dollars to thousands of dollars per applicant. When multiple family members apply for relief together, the cost burden can be insurmountable for low-income families. Applicants must be living, working, going to school in King County or currently detained in ICE facilities but previously living, working or going to school in King County in order to be eligible for support.
Approved applicants can receive up to $3,000 per individual and up to $6,000 per household, depending on fees incurred or expected for the year 2022.
Learn more about eligibility criteria and how to apply at kcfeesupport.org
Call for support: 1-844-724-3737 (Monday to Friday from 9am – 6pm)
King County Relief Fund
The King County Relief Fund can provide financial assistance to help King County immigrants who have been disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic but are ineligible for federal stimulus money and unemployment benefits. Approved applicants can receive $1,000.
Learn more about eligibility criteria and how to apply at kingcountyrelief.org
Call for support: 1-844-724-3737 (Monday to Friday from 9am – 6pm)
Two separate applications
There are separate application forms for the King County Immigration Fee Support Program and the King County Relief Fund. Even though some members of the community may be eligible for both programs, separate applications must be completed for each program.
Application assistance is available in multiple languages through our partner Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network (WAISN), through their hotline 1-844-724-3737 (Monday to Friday from 9am – 6pm).
Thank you to our partners Scholar Fund, Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network (WAISN), and Colectiva Legal del Pueblo for their support in administering these programs and supporting King County’s immigrants.
