City of Bowling Green, Kentucky

NaturalizeBG

What is NaturalizeBG?

NaturalizeBG is a pilot scholarship program sponsored by the City of Bowling Green that aims at increasing opportunities for Legal Permanent Residents living in the City of Bowling Green who face economic obstacles to becoming naturalized U.S. citizens. The NaturalizeBG scholarship has awarded over 60 total scholarship since 2018 totaling over $24,300 in funds.

Who Can Apply?

Any United States Legal Permanent Resident (LPR) “green card holder” who is eligible for U.S. Citizenship, is a resident of the City of Bowling Green and/or employed within the City limits and meets certain income requirements. Applicant must have completed the Form N-400, Application for Naturalization or the N-600 Application for Certificate of Citizenship, on the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services website at www.uscis.gov, or complete either form within 90 days of receipt of award.

NaturalizeBG (Application & Information Packet)

What will the NaturalizeBG program cover?

This program is reimbursement based, meaning you must pay for the application and biometric services fee, and then receive reimbursement for approved expenses from the City of Bowling Green.

• The scholarship will only cover a half of the cost of the N-400 application fee depending on the filing method: $760 (paper filing), $710 (online filing), or the full $380 if applicant qualified for the reduced fee).
• The scholarship will only cover half of the cost of the N-600 application fee depending on the filing method: $1,385 (paper filing), $1,335 (online filing).
• The scholarship WILL NOT pay for legal or attorney fees incurred in the preparation of the citizenship application.

How many scholarships will be awarded?

This year the City of Bowling Green will award (28) twenty-seven scholarships by June 30, 2025. Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Scholarships will be awarded until funds are exhausted.

What are the Conditions?

• Funds will not be made available unless a copy of the Certificate of Naturalization is provided.
• Applicant must provide documentation of fee payment (Notice of Action, copy of check, bank statement, etc). The City will do a partial reimbursement of the N-400 or N-600 if applicant has to pay full application fee or it will provide a full reimbursement if applicant qualifies for the reduced fee waiver. The City will not reimburse for attorney and/or preparer fees.
• The City of Bowling Green reserves the right to decline any application and change any requirements/guidelines. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
• By accepting funds from the City of Bowling Green, you authorize the City to take and use photos in promotional materials and publications.

NaturalizeBG (Application Information Packet)

For more information please contact Leyda Becker, International Communities Liaison, by phone 270-393-3766 or email leyda.becker@bgky.org