Filing applications with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) can be expensive. From green card applications to work permits, the cost of filing fees often creates barriers for many low-income immigrants and families. Recognizing this, USCIS offers a way for qualified applicants to request relief from these fees: the Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver.
This guide is your comprehensive walkthrough on everything you need to know about the I-912 form. Whether you’re an immigrant applying for naturalization, a green card holder requesting travel documentation, or a refugee trying to adjust status, understanding how to file Form I-912 could save you hundreds of dollars in filing fees—and more importantly, ensure your immigration journey stays on track even in tough financial times.
Let’s dive deep into who qualifies, what documents you need, how to fill out the form correctly, and common mistakes to avoid when requesting a fee waiver from USCIS.
What Is Form I-912?
Form I-912 is the Request for Fee Waiver, a USCIS form that allows eligible applicants to ask that their filing fees for certain immigration benefits be waived due to financial hardship. If approved, the applicant does not need to pay the filing fee or biometric services fee for eligible applications.
This is not a standalone benefit application. It must accompany another immigration form that you are filing with USCIS and for which you’re seeking a fee exemption.
Who Can File Form I-912?
USCIS allows a fee waiver request only for certain forms and only under specific eligibility criteria. You can apply for a fee waiver if:
1. Your Form Is Eligible for a Fee Waiver
USCIS only allows fee waivers for a select number of forms, including:
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Form N-400 (Naturalization)
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Form I-90 (Green Card replacement)
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Form I-765 (Work permit under certain categories)
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Form I-131 (Travel documents under certain categories)
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Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status) under specific qualifications (e.g., asylees)
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Form I-751 (Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence) for specific individuals
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Certain forms for victims of crimes, trafficking, or domestic violence
Before filing, always confirm that your form is eligible for a waiver.
2. You Meet One of These Criteria:
To be granted a fee waiver, you must meet at least one of these conditions:
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You or a qualified household member receives a means-tested benefit.
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Your household income is at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
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You are experiencing financial hardship that makes it impossible to pay the fee.
Let’s break these down further.
Eligibility Based on Means-Tested Benefits
A means-tested benefit is a government benefit program for which eligibility depends on an individual’s income and resources. Examples include:
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Medicaid
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Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP or food stamps)
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Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
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Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
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State-based general assistance programs
If you, your spouse, or your parents (if you’re under 21 and unmarried) receive any of these benefits, you are eligible to request a fee waiver based on public benefits.
You must include proof of receiving the benefit, such as a benefits approval letter dated within the past 12 months.
Eligibility Based on Income Level
If you don’t receive a means-tested benefit but your total household income is at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, you can still request a fee waiver.
For example, if you are a single-person household, and your income is below a certain threshold (as set annually), you’re eligible. For a household of four, that threshold would be higher.
You’ll need to submit evidence of income, which may include:
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Recent federal tax returns
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Pay stubs
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Employer letters
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Bank statements
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Proof of unemployment
Eligibility Based on Financial Hardship
Even if you don’t meet the previous two criteria, you can still qualify if you can prove extraordinary financial hardship, such as:
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Medical expenses
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Job loss or layoff
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Unexpected family emergencies
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Homelessness
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Natural disasters
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Death or illness of a household earner
Documentation is critical. You should include hospital bills, eviction notices, insurance letters, or any supporting evidence that shows why you cannot pay the USCIS fee.
Step-by-Step Guide to Filling Out Form I-912
Now that you know whether you qualify, let’s walk through the actual process of completing Form I-912.
Step 1: Download and Use the Most Recent Version
Always use the most current version of Form I-912. USCIS regularly updates forms, and outdated versions may be rejected.
Step 2: Fill Out Basic Information
In Part 1, provide information about the person requesting the fee waiver:
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Full name
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Date of birth
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USCIS A-Number (if applicable)
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Mailing address
If you are a parent or legal guardian filing for a child or dependent, fill in their information accordingly.
Step 3: Indicate the Forms for Which You’re Requesting a Waiver
In Part 2, list all the immigration forms you’re submitting with the I-912 and wish to have the fee waived.
For example:
You may list multiple forms if filing them together and eligible for fee waivers.
Step 4: Select the Basis for Your Request
In Part 3, indicate how you qualify for the fee waiver by selecting one or more options:
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Means-tested benefits
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Income below 150% of poverty guidelines
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Financial hardship
Be sure to check the appropriate boxes and provide documentation for each one.
Step 5: Household Income and Size
In Part 4, provide a full breakdown of your household income, members, and sources. Include:
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Employment income
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Government benefits
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Child support or alimony
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Pensions or retirement income
Accuracy is crucial here. You should also list all household members and their income status.
Step 6: Financial Hardship Explanation (if applicable)
In Part 5, if you’re requesting a waiver based on financial hardship, explain your situation clearly. Use plain language and include:
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The nature of your hardship
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How it impacts your ability to pay
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Dates, context, and any future risks
Attach supporting evidence.
Step 7: Sign the Form
In Part 6, the requestor must sign the form. USCIS does not accept unsigned forms.
If someone helped you complete the form, they must fill out Part 7 (Interpreter) and Part 8 (Preparer).
What Supporting Documents Should You Include?
Documentation is just as important as the form itself. Here are examples based on the basis of eligibility:
For Means-Tested Benefits:
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Government-issued letter stating your name, benefit type, and date of approval
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Benefits statements (within last 12 months)
For Low Income:
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Tax returns (most recent year)
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Pay stubs (last 30–60 days)
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Employer letters
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Letter from social service agency
For Financial Hardship:
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Medical bills
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Unemployment documents
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Eviction or foreclosure notices
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Death certificates
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Insurance denials
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Personal statement
Organize your documents clearly and label them appropriately.
Where and How to File Form I-912
Form I-912 should be submitted together with the application form for which you’re requesting the waiver. Do not send it separately.
For example, if you are filing Form I-765 and want the fee waived, submit:
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Form I-765
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Form I-912
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Supporting documents
Mail everything to the same USCIS lockbox or service center address designated for your application.
Tips for a Successful Fee Waiver Request
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Double-Check Eligibility: Make sure the form you’re applying for is on USCIS’s list of eligible forms.
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Be Thorough: Incomplete I-912 forms may be rejected or cause delays.
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Include Evidence: USCIS rarely approves fee waivers without documentation.
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Stay Consistent: Ensure all information matches across forms (I-912, main application, income documents).
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Make Copies: Keep copies of your entire submission for your records.
What Happens After You File Form I-912?
After submission:
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If USCIS approves the fee waiver, they will process your immigration form without the fee.
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If denied, USCIS will reject your main application unless you resubmit with the correct fee.
In some cases, they may send a Request for Evidence (RFE) if clarification or additional documentation is needed. Respond promptly and fully.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Submitting I-912 without a benefit form
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Leaving required sections blank
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Failing to sign the form
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Submitting expired benefit letters
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Claiming income-based eligibility without proof
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Assuming all USCIS forms are eligible for a waiver
Taking the time to double-check your paperwork prevents unnecessary delays.
Conclusion
Form I-912 can be a lifeline for immigrants and their families who are working through financial challenges while navigating the U.S. immigration system. It is a powerful tool that ensures your journey doesn’t come to a halt simply because you can’t afford a fee.
By carefully assessing your eligibility, providing the right documentation, and submitting the form correctly alongside your immigration application, you can increase your chances of having the fee waived and continuing forward without the financial burden.
If you’re unsure about any part of the process or have a complex case, consider consulting with an immigration attorney or accredited legal service provider. But for many, the I-912 is a straightforward solution—and with attention to detail, it can be a highly effective one.
