Form I-912 Fee Waiver: How to Reduce USCIS Filing Costs
Filing fees for immigration applications can add up quickly, and for many families facing financial hardships, the costs can feel overwhelming. Fortunately, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) offers relief through Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver. If approved, this waiver allows eligible applicants to avoid paying certain immigration form filing fees, making the process more accessible.
At Green Card Link, its immigration attorneys guide clients through the fee waiver process and ensure that every detail is properly addressed. With the right support, you can focus on reuniting with your loved ones and building your future in the United States without unnecessary financial stress.
What Is Form I-912 Fee Waiver?
Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver, is the official USCIS form used to request exemption from immigration filing fees. Instead of paying the standard fee, you may submit this form to demonstrate financial eligibility.
In some cases, USCIS may accept a detailed letter explaining your situation, supported by proper documentation. If your waiver request is approved, you will not need to pay the filing fee for that specific application. If denied, USCIS will notify you, and your case will only move forward once the required payment is submitted.
Who Qualifies for a Fee Waiver?
To be eligible for a fee waiver under Form I-912, you must show one or more of the following:
- Receiving a means-tested benefit: You, your spouse, or head of household currently receives government assistance such as Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or housing benefits.
- Household income at or below 150% of Federal Poverty Guidelines: Applicants must provide proof of income to confirm eligibility.
- Documented financial hardship: Unexpected medical expenses or other serious financial challenges may qualify.
- Covered application types: The waiver must apply to the form you are filing.
At Green Card Link, its immigration attorneys carefully review each case to ensure applicants meet the specific USCIS criteria before filing.
I-912 Processing Time
Processing times for Form I-912 typically range from 1 to 4 weeks. However, delays can occur depending on USCIS workload and backlogs, such as those caused by COVID-19.
Once reviewed, USCIS will send a decision:
- If approved, no further action is required, and your application will move forward without a filing fee.
- If denied, USCIS will provide instructions on paying the fee to continue your application.
Correctly preparing your application with the right supporting documents can help reduce unnecessary delays.
Understanding Means-Tested Benefit Programs
Means-tested benefits are government programs provided to individuals based on financial need. USCIS considers the following programs when evaluating fee waiver eligibility:
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Housing assistance programs
- Other local or state-funded aid programs
Applicants must submit official documentation showing they are actively receiving benefits. This may include notices or letters that contain:
- Applicant’s name
- Agency name
- Type of benefit
- Confirmation of current benefit status
Simply submitting a benefits card is not enough unless it clearly displays this information.
If you are filing on behalf of your child, you must also provide proof of parental relationship, such as a birth certificate. Importantly, while your spouse’s benefits can be used to qualify, your child’s benefits generally cannot be applied to your case—unless the household income is listed on the benefits documentation.
Instructions for Completing Form I-912
Form I-912 contains several sections that must be completed carefully. These include:
- Basis for Your Request
- Information About the Requestor
- Applications and Petitions Covered by the Waiver
- Means-Tested Benefits
- Income at or Below 150% of Federal Poverty Guidelines
- Financial Hardship
- Requestor and Family Member Statements, Contact Information, and Signatures
- Interpreter’s Information, Certification, and Signature
- Preparer’s Information (if applicable)
Filing with complete and accurate information is essential. At Green Card Link, immigration attorneys ensure that each waiver request is properly documented to maximize approval chances.
Why Choose Green Card Link?
Immigration processes, especially marriage-based and family-based green card applications, can be complicated and stressful. A single mistake in your application may cause delays or denials. The immigration attorneys at Green Card Link simplify the process, reduce errors, and guide families toward the fastest and most reliable path to success.
Start your application today and take the first step toward reuniting with your family in the United States.
Complete Guide to Filing Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver
Part 1: Basis for Your Request
In this section, you will identify the category that best matches your financial circumstances in order to qualify for a fee waiver. While you are only required to select one category, you may check multiple options if they apply to your situation and if you can provide supporting documentation for each. USCIS requires at least one category to be clearly selected and supported to approve your waiver.
Important Reminder: If you submit any documents in a language other than English, you must include a certified English translation. The translator must sign a certification affirming the translation is complete and accurate.
Part 2: Information About You (the Requestor)
This section collects details about the person requesting the fee waiver. If you are filing for yourself, you must provide your full name, Alien Registration Number, date of birth, Social Security Number, marital status, and USCIS online account number (if applicable). If you have filed applications online before, USCIS will assign you an account number; if you have not, you may leave this blank.
If you are a parent or legal guardian filing on behalf of a child, you must provide the child’s personal details in this section.
Part 3: Applications and Petitions for Which You Request a Fee Waiver
Here, you will list the form numbers of the petitions or applications for which you are requesting a fee waiver. The form number is located in the upper right-hand and bottom left-hand corners of each USCIS form. A complete list of eligible fee waiver applications and petitions is included later in this guide.
Part 4: Means-Tested Benefits
If you, your spouse, or the head of your household is receiving any means-tested benefits (such as Medicaid, SNAP, or TANF), you must document them here. Include the name of the awarding agency, the type of benefit, the date granted, and the individual receiving the benefit. If you are filing on behalf of a child or a dependent with a disability, list their means-tested benefits in this section.
Part 5: Income at or Below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines
In this section, you will provide details about your household income:
- Employment status – Indicate whether you are employed, unemployed, retired, or other.
- Unemployment history – If unemployed, list the date you became unemployed and whether you are receiving unemployment benefits.
- Household details – Provide information about your spouse, total household size, and annual household income.
If your spouse lives abroad but contributes to your household income, you must include their financial support in the total. If your spouse does not contribute or is supported by you, you must clearly explain the situation in your application.
Part 6: Financial Hardship
If you checked the financial hardship option in Part 1, you must explain your circumstances here. This may include details about significant debts, eviction, homelessness, job loss, or medical expenses.
If you are unable to provide written evidence, include an explanation of why supporting documentation cannot be provided. It is strongly recommended to submit an affidavit from a respected community member who can verify your situation.
You must also list any liquid assets you own, such as bank accounts, stocks, or bonds. Do not include retirement accounts. Additionally, provide a breakdown of your total monthly expenses and liabilities.
Part 7 & 8: Statements, Certification, and Signature
Each applicant requesting a fee waiver must complete, sign, and date these sections, certifying that the information and documents provided are true and exact copies of originals.
If you used an interpreter, their details must be listed in Part 9, along with their certification that the information was accurately interpreted.
Part 9: Interpreter’s Information, Certification, and Signature
If an interpreter assisted with completing the fee waiver form, this section requires their full name, business or organization name, mailing address, and contact information. They must certify that they are fluent in English and fully understood the questions and answers provided.
Part 10: Preparer’s Information (if not the Requestor)
If someone other than the requestor or interpreter completed the form, their information should be entered here. The preparer must sign and certify the form as accurate.
Submitting Form I-912
Form I-912 must be submitted together with your immigration application or petition. You only need to complete one fee waiver request, even if you are applying for multiple USCIS forms at the same time.
Do not send Form I-912 by itself or after you have already filed your petition or application, as this can lead to denial. Always attach a fully completed Form I-912 and all supporting evidence to your application package.
USCIS Forms Eligible for Fee Waiver
The following applications and petitions are eligible for a USCIS fee waiver:
- Form I-90 – Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card
- Form I-129 – Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker (E-2 CNMI investor status only)
- Form I-485 – Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status (specific categories such as Cuban Adjustment Act, Haitian Refugee Immigration Fairness Act, asylum, or SIJ status)
- Form I-131 – Application for Travel Document (humanitarian parole only)
- Form I-191, I-192, I-193 – Advance Permission or Waiver Applications (specific categories exempt from public charge grounds)
- Form I-539 – Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status (certain categories only)
- Form I-601 – Application for Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility (specific exemptions)
- Form I-751 – Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence
- Form I-765 – Application for Employment Authorization (most categories, except DACA (c)(33))
- Form I-821 – Application for Temporary Protected Status
- Form N-400 – Application for Naturalization
- Form N-600/N-600K – Applications for Citizenship Certification
…and many more listed in USCIS regulations. Some humanitarian and VAWA-based applications are also eligible.
⚠️ Note: Fee waivers are not available for DACA requests. In rare cases, you may qualify for a fee exemption instead.
Frequently Asked Questions About Form I-912
Can a fee waiver impact my immigration status?
No. A fee waiver request is considered separately from your immigration application. USCIS clarifies that requesting a waiver does not automatically affect your eligibility for other benefits, though relying heavily on public cash assistance may affect future applications depending on the circumstances.
Where should I file Form I-912?
Mail your entire application or petition package, including Form I-912, to the address specified in the instructions for the immigration form you are filing.
Can I file Form I-912 online?
No. Fee waiver requests must be submitted with a paper application.
How much does Form I-912 cost?
There is no filing fee for the fee waiver itself.
What if I don’t qualify for a fee waiver?
If you are filing Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, you may be eligible for a reduced fee using Form I-942, Request for Reduced Fee. However, you will still need to pay the full biometrics fee.
Get Trusted Help With Your Immigration Journey
At Green Card Link, our experienced immigration attorneys are here to guide you through every step of the fee waiver process. From preparing documentation to ensuring your application package is submitted correctly, we work to maximize your chances of success.
Contact an immigration attorney at Green Card Link today to discuss your case and get the professional support you deserve.