Apply for a USCIS Fee Waiver with Form I-912: Immigration Benefits at Zero Cost

Understanding the USCIS Fee Waiver: Relief from Costly Immigration Fees

Filing immigration forms can be stressful—and the cost of USCIS filing fees often makes it even harder. For many, these fees pose a serious financial barrier, creating pressure when you just want to move forward with your immigration journey.

Fortunately, USCIS offers a solution called the Fee Waiver program through Form I-912. If you qualify, this program can waive those fees completely, removing a significant obstacle. That means more peace of mind for you and your family.

In this guide, we’ll help you check your eligibility, gather the necessary documents, and file your request confidently.

Ready to save on your USCIS filing fees? Don’t let the cost hold you back—see if you qualify for a fee waiver today and take the next step toward your future.

What is the USCIS Fee Waiver (Form I-912)?

The USCIS Fee Waiver (Form I-912) is the official form used by eligible individuals to request a waiver of USCIS filing fees. This waiver applies to a wide range of immigration applications, such as status adjustments, naturalization, work permits, and others essential to your immigration process.

It is intended for applicants who cannot afford standard USCIS fees due to low income, receipt of public benefits, or financial hardship. By submitting Form I-912 alongside your main application, you ask USCIS to exempt you from paying the usual fees.

This fee waiver program plays an important role in breaking down financial barriers, making immigration benefits more accessible. Understanding who qualifies and how to properly complete and submit Form I-912 is crucial—and we will guide you through that process in the next sections.

Who is Eligible for a USCIS Fee Waiver?

USCIS offers fee waivers for applicants who genuinely cannot afford filing fees. You may qualify if you meet one of these key criteria:

• Receipt of Means-Tested Benefits: You or your family members currently receive government assistance programs such as Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), or Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
• Low Household Income: Your total household income is at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, adjusted for your family size. USCIS uses recent tax forms or pay stubs to verify this.
• Extreme Financial Hardship: Even if your income is above the poverty threshold, you might still qualify if paying the fees would cause a severe financial burden. Examples include unexpected medical bills, unemployment, eviction, or other emergencies that make it impossible to cover the filing costs.

Important: Not all USCIS forms are eligible for a fee waiver. The form you are filing must be eligible, and you must meet the applicable conditions for that form. In the next section, we will list the USCIS forms that currently qualify for a fee waiver.

To support your fee waiver request, you must provide documents proving your eligibility, such as benefit award letters, tax returns, pay stubs, or evidence of financial hardship. USCIS carefully reviews this information to determine if you qualify for fee relief.

Fee Waiver vs. Fee Exemption: What You Need to Know

Understanding the key differences between a USCIS fee waiver and a fee exemption can help you determine the best option to reduce or eliminate your immigration filing fees.

If you want to learn more about USCIS reduced fee options and see if you qualify, check out our comprehensive guide on USCIS reduced fee requests for helpful details and eligibility criteria.

Forms and Applications Eligible for USCIS Fee Waiver

USCIS allows fee waivers only for specific forms and certain types of requests under these forms. You can file Form I-912 to request a fee waiver for the following eligible benefit requests or services:

Additionally, fee waivers may be granted for applications or petitions associated with benefit requests such as:

• Battered spouse of certain nonimmigrants (A, G, E-3, or H categories)
• Battered spouse/child of lawful permanent residents or U.S. citizens
• T nonimmigrant (victims of trafficking)
• Temporary Protected Status recipients
• U nonimmigrant (victims of certain crimes)
• VAWA self-petitioners

You must submit Form I-912 along with your immigration benefit request to apply for a fee waiver. Keep in mind that Form I-912 cannot be mailed by itself and is not eligible for electronic filing at this time.

Fee Waiver for Form I-765 (Work Permit Application)

Some applicants filing Form I-765 do not need to pay a fee—for example, those applying for an initial work permit while their asylum case (Form I-589) is pending. Check the USCIS Fee Schedule to see if a fee applies to your category.

If a fee is required, you may request a waiver by filing Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver, along with your Form I-765. You can submit both forms either:

• Online (by uploading PDFs through your USCIS account, if your category allows), or
• By mailing paper forms to the correct filing address.

Note: The filing address depends on your eligibility category (listed in Question 27 of Form I-765). Always confirm the correct location on the USCIS Direct Filing Address before sending your application.

How to Apply for the Fee Waiver Using Form I-912

Applying for a fee waiver through Form I-912 is straightforward when you follow these key steps carefully:

1. Download the Form

Get the latest official version of Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver from the USCIS website. It is a free, fillable PDF that you can print and complete by hand or fill out electronically before printing.

2. Complete Your Personal Information

Fill out the form accurately with your personal details such as your full name, address, and any USCIS receipt number if applicable. Make sure the information is precise to avoid processing delays.

3. Explain Your Basis for the Fee Waiver Request

Select the appropriate reason for your request:

• Receiving means-tested benefits (like Medicaid or SNAP), or
• Household income at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, or
• Experiencing financial hardship due to unexpected expenses or emergencies.

You will need to indicate which basis applies to you and provide details as requested.

4. Provide Supporting Documents

Include documentation that proves your eligibility:

• Benefit award letters for means-tested programs,
• Recent tax returns or pay stubs showing income level, or
• Evidence of financial hardship such as medical bills, eviction notices, or unemployment benefits.

5. Sign and Date the Form

Before submitting, ensure you sign and date the form. Unsigned forms will not be accepted.

6. Submit Form I-912 with Your Immigration Application

Mail the completed Form I-912 along with the main application or petition for which you’re requesting the fee waiver. USCIS does not accept Form I-912 separately. Be sure to use the correct mailing address for the immigration form you’re filing, as listed on the USCIS instructions.

By carefully following these steps and including thorough documentation, you improve your chances of approval and reduce delays. If your fee waiver is approved, USCIS will waive both the filing and biometric fees associated with your application.

Receipt of Means-Tested Benefit

A means-tested benefit is a public benefit program where eligibility is based on income and resources. These can be funded at the federal, state, local, or tribal level.

Benefits That Qualify

Examples of benefits USCIS considers means-tested include:

• Healthcare & Nutrition: Medicaid, CHIP/SCHIP, SNAP (Food Stamps), WIC.
• Cash & Assistance Programs: TANF, SSI, VA cash benefits.
• Housing & Energy Support: Section 8 Housing Assistance, McKinney-Vento housing programs, LIHEAP.
• Other: Stafford Act disaster relief and similar income-based assistance.

If you receive a local or less common program, provide details such as brochures, website, or agency contact.

Benefits That Do Not Qualify

• Medicare
• Unemployment benefits
• Social Security (including SSDI/RSDI)
• Student loans, grants, or financial aid

Using Family Member Benefits

You may qualify for a fee waiver using a family member’s benefit if:

• Spouse: Must live together and not be legally separated.
• Child under 21: Must live in the same household as parent.
• Disabled adult child (21+): May use parent’s benefit if parent is legal guardian/surrogate.
• Parent: May use child’s benefit if living together.
• Siblings (under 21): May use each other’s benefit if living in the same household with a common parent.

College students age 21+ cannot use a parent’s benefit but may qualify on their own through income or financial hardship.

Required Documentation

Provide an official letter, notice, or document showing:

1. Recipient’s name
2. Name of the granting agency
3. Type of benefit
4. Proof it is currently received (date issued, renewal, or expiration date)
   • Documents must be dated within 12 months of filing Form I-912.
   • If no expiration date is listed, provide proof the benefit is still active.
   • Benefit cards alone are not accepted unless they clearly show name, agency, type, and active dates.

Household Income at or Below 150% of Federal Poverty Guidelines

You may qualify for a fee waiver if your household income is at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines at the time you file. Check the current year’s guidelines at Poverty Guidelines.

When calculating income, you must include the head of household’s income (the person earning the most or designated as head of household for IRS purposes).

Special Cases

• Overseas Spouse: If your spouse lives abroad and supports your household, include their contributions. If unemployed or providing no support, explain the situation in your application.
• Lack of Stable Address: If you are homeless, submit a letter from a shelter (on official letterhead, signed, and dated) confirming your situation. If not in a shelter, provide an affidavit from a community member attesting to your homelessness and inability to pay.

Note: If your annual income is more than 150% but less than 400% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, you are not eligible to apply for a fee waiver. Instead, you may apply for a reduced fee, which is applicable only for Form N-400.

Who Counts Toward Your Household Size and Income?

Your household includes:

• You and the head of household (if not you).
• Your spouse, if living with you (not if separated).
• Unmarried children/legal wards:
  • Under 21;
  • Ages 21–23, full-time students living with you when not at school;
  • Any unmarried dependents with disabilities who cannot live independently.
• Your parents.
• Other dependents listed on your or your spouse’s/head of household’s tax return.

You must count the annual income of all household members.

Counting Household Income: Relatives, Roommates, and Child Support

Understanding whose income counts toward your household total is essential for accurately determining your eligibility for a fee waiver.

• Income of relatives or roommates who live with you but are not considered household members should not be included in your household income.
• Only financial contributions they provide directly to support your household (e.g., paying mortgage or bills) should be included as part of your household income. Example: An uncle paying $1,500 toward your mortgage counts as household income, but a roommate paying their own expenses does not.
• For child support, include only the actual amount you receive, not the full court-ordered amount.
• Provide explanations and documentation (e.g., bank statements, checks, court orders) if actual support differs from the court order.

This helps ensure your reported household income reflects true financial support relevant to your household.

How to Prove Your Eligibility for Fee Waiver

To qualify for a fee waiver, you need to provide evidence that your documented annual household income is below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines at the time of filing. This verification helps USCIS determine your eligibility for the fee waiver.

The official income amounts effective from 2025 differ by household size and region (48 contiguous states, Alaska, Hawaii).

Source: HHS Poverty Guidelines for 2025

Extreme Financial Hardship

You may qualify for a fee waiver if you cannot pay due to serious financial hardship, such as unemployment, medical expenses, eviction, homelessness, natural disaster, military deployment, loss of income, or other unexpected life events.

How to Show Hardship

On your application, provide a detailed explanation of your situation along with evidence, such as:

• Bank statements, pay stubs, or proof of unemployment
• Utility bills, rent/mortgage agreements, or proof of unstable housing
• Medical bills or other documentation of major expenses
• Statements showing assets, debts, and liabilities

If you cannot provide documents, explain why and include an affidavit from a trusted community member. If documents were lost (e.g., fire, disaster, theft), submit an explanation and, if possible, a police or insurance report.

How Marital Separation and an Affidavit of Support Affect Your Fee Waiver Eligibility

Marital Separation: If you are applying for a fee waiver and exclude your spouse’s income due to separation, you must provide a signed statement or other documentation verifying that your spouse does not live with you and provides no financial support.

Acceptable proof includes a court order confirming legal separation, a notarized property settlement or financial support agreement, or separate mortgage, lease, or utility bills showing separate residences. Please note, any monthly support payments you receive from your spouse must still be included in your total household income.

Affidavit of Support: If someone filed Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support) for you, they remain legally responsible for your support. USCIS will only count their income or assets toward your fee waiver eligibility if they currently live in your household. This will come under Section 213A of the Act.

How a Fee Waiver Affects Your Immigration Status

1. Public benefits and status: USCIS may review whether you have received public cash assistance or long-term government care when considering if someone could become a “public charge.” However, receiving benefits alone does not automatically mean you are a public charge.
2. Fee waiver review: Getting public benefits does not hurt your chances of being approved for a fee waiver.
3. Fraud warning: If USCIS finds false documents, misrepresentation, or fraud in your fee waiver or main application, your case will be denied.

See the [USCIS Policy Manual, Volume 8, Part G] and the [Public Charge Resources].

Common Reasons Fee Waiver Requests Are Denied

USCIS often rejects fee waiver requests for small but important mistakes.

• The form is not eligible for a fee waiver, or you don’t meet eligibility rules.
• Missing signature on Form I-912 (or by parent/guardian if under 14).
• No box checked in Part 1 of Form I-912 to show the basis of request.
• No proof provided that you:
  • Receive a means-tested benefit,
  • Have household income at/below 150% of Federal Poverty Guidelines, or
  • Face extreme financial hardship.
• Supporting evidence not in English without a certified translation.
• Fee waiver submitted without the required petition/application form.
• Missing complete English translation for all foreign-language documents.

Tip: If denied, review your denial notice (Form I-797). If still unclear, email lockboxsupport@uscis.dhs.gov for help.

FAQs on Fee Waiver Request

Take the Next Step with Confidence: We’re Here to Help

Navigating immigration paperwork and fee waiver requests can be overwhelming, especially when financial concerns add extra stress. You don’t have to face these challenges alone. Our experienced immigration lawyers will guide you through the entire process, ensuring your forms are accurate and your case is strong.

With ImmigrationDirect support, you can overcome financial barriers and focus on what matters most—building your future. Don’t let fees or paperwork stand in your way. Reach out to us today for personalized, expert assistance and take control of your immigration journey with confidence.

Your path to success starts now—contact us and get the help you deserve.