What is Form I-912 and how do I qualify for a USCIS fee waiver?

Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver, is used to ask USCIS to waive the filing fees for certain immigration applications and petitions. USCIS does not provide fee waivers for all forms, so it is essential to check the specific instructions for the form you are filing. Generally, fee waivers are reserved for individuals who can prove they are unable to pay the required fee due to financial hardship.

To qualify, you must demonstrate at least one of the following criteria:

• Receipt of Means-Tested Benefit: You or a household member currently receives a benefit based on income (e.g., Medicaid, SNAP, TANF) that is tested for financial need.
• Household Income: Your total annual household income is at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines at the time of filing.
• Financial Hardship: You are experiencing significant financial distress, such as unexpected medical expenses, unemployment, or other factors that prevent you from paying the fee.

When submitting Form I-912, you must include supporting documentation, such as tax returns, pay stubs, or benefit letters. If the request is denied, USCIS will typically notify you, and you will be required to resubmit your application with the correct fee. Note that fees for certain categories, such as those related to family-based green card petitions (Form I-130), are rarely waived.