I-912: Find Out if You Qualify for a Fee Waiver

The cost of applying for a visa or Green Card can be a significant financial burden, especially if you’re already facing economic challenges. Form I-912 provides a way to request a waiver for these application fees if you meet certain income guidelines or participate in public assistance programs. Whether you’re applying for a Green Card, visa, or adjusting your status, Form I-912 can help ease the financial strain—provided you meet the specific eligibility criteria.

In this blog post, we’ll walk you through who qualifies for the immigration fee waiver, how to complete and submit the form, and what steps to take if your request is denied.

What is Form I-912?

Form I-912 is a form that allows you to request to have your application fee waived when applying for immigration services. Approved fee waiver requests can make it easier for eligible applicants to pursue benefits that may eventually lead to lawful permanent resident status, such as adjustment of status or naturalization.

USCIS usually charges fees for various applications, such as adjusting your immigration status or applying for a visa or Green Card. However, if your financial situation meets specific low-income thresholds or if you’re receiving public assistance, you may qualify for a fee waiver. 

Form I-912, officially titled the Request for Fee Waiver, is an immigration form issued by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) through USCIS. It’s used to help low-income applicants access key immigration benefits like work authorization, naturalization, or permanent residency without financial hardship.

To qualify, you’ll need to share additional information about your household income, household members, and current financial support, so USCIS can determine whether you meet the threshold for approval.

Who is eligible for the USCIS Form I-912?

Eligibility to submit the I-912 is primarily based on your income level or participation in certain government programs.

Eligibility isn’t limited to individuals who currently receive public assistance. You may also qualify if your household income falls below 150 percent of the federal poverty line or if you can prove financial hardship, such as relying on unemployment benefits or other temporary financial support from family members.

The eligibility requirements for I-912 include:

• Income at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines
• Proof of full-time enrollment in certain federal or state support programs
• Demonstrated household income below 150 percent of the poverty threshold

Participation in public assistance programs such as:

• Medicaid
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
• Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

Not every USCIS application is fee exempt, so it’s important to confirm that the form you’re filing actually allows a fee waiver before submitting Form I-912.

How to Qualify for an I-912 Fee Waiver

​​When preparing your completed Form I-912, USCIS officers will evaluate your household members, income statements, and any required documents demonstrating your need for a fee waiver.

The most common way to qualify for an I-912 fee waiver is through your income level. Specifically, you need to demonstrate that your income is at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. These guidelines vary based on your family size and where you live, so it’s important to refer to the most current poverty guidelines to check if your income meets the threshold. USCIS reviews fee waiver eligibility based on income level, participation in public assistance programs, or documented financial hardship.

Another way to qualify for the I-912 fee waiver is by proving that you’re currently receiving benefits from public assistance programs. USCIS recognizes certain government assistance programs that can make you eligible for the I-912 fee waiver. These include:

• Medicaid
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
• Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
• Housing assistance programs
  

If you don’t meet the income requirements or qualify for public assistance programs, you may still be able to get a I-912 fee waiver if paying the visa application fees would create a major financial strain. 

USCIS will look at factors like your income, debts, and overall financial situation to decide if you qualify for the waiver.

Always include an alien registration number (A-Number) if you have one—it helps USCIS quickly connect your immigration forms and case records.

Most importantly, please be sure to discuss your circumstances with an attorney to determine any potential impacts to your case based on a filing for the I-912 fee waiver. Should you need specific advice for your matter, please do not hesitate to reach out to us and schedule a consultation. 

I-912 Poverty Guidelines

Each year, the U.S. government publishes updated poverty guidelines that outline the income thresholds for different household sizes. USCIS uses these guidelines to assess whether you meet the income requirement for the fee waiver.

Check the USCIS website here for the latest I-912 poverty guidelines.

I-912 Instructions

Step 1: Gather the required information

Before you start filling out the I-912, you’ll need to collect documents that include information about your income, any government assistance you’re receiving, and proof of your financial situation.

Collect supporting evidence such as proof of unemployment benefits, your citizenship document or lawful status, federal tax returns showing household income, and identification for all family members listed.

Other supporting documents include:

• Recent pay stubs, tax returns, or income statements
• Evidence of participation in public assistance programs like Medicaid or SSI
• Family size and other information that may affect your eligibility

Step 2: Complete the I-912

The first section of Form I-912 asks for your personal details, such as your full name, date of birth, address, and USCIS online account number (if you have one). In the following section, you’ll need to provide details about your income and household size, and whether you’re participating in any government assistance programs.

Double-check that your contact information, marital status, and any alien registration number are accurate before submission.

Step 3: Attach proof of your eligibility

One of the most important parts of the I-912 is providing supporting evidence to back up your request for a fee waiver. USCIS requires you to submit documents that show:

• Your income level meets the federal poverty guidelines
• You receive public assistance like Medicaid or SSI
• Your financial hardship prevents you from paying the immigration fees

Be sure to include photocopies of these documents with your I-912 application. Missing required documents or inconsistent details can lead USCIS to reject your completed Form I-912—so review every page carefully.

Where to Send the I-912 

Since the I-912 form is a request to waive your immigration application fees, you will submit it with the application you’re filing. USCIS reviews the fee waiver together with the underlying benefit request, so both forms must be filed at the same time and sent to the correct address.

This means that you need to send your I-912 form to the USCIS lockbox or service center for the specific immigration application you’re applying for. Be sure to review the most current instructions for your visa application to ensure you’re sending your forms to the correct location.

I-912 FAQs 

Can I file the I-912 form online?

Unfortunately, you can’t file the I-912 form online at this time. You will need to print the form, complete it, and submit it along with your immigration application by mail to the appropriate USCIS service center.

What forms can I submit Form I-912 alongside?

You can submit Form I-912 with many USCIS forms that require a filing fee, including those for immigration benefits such as green card applications, citizenship documents, and work authorization requests. Common examples include Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status), Form N-400 (Application for Naturalization), and Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization). Always review the latest U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services instructions to confirm that your specific application is eligible for a request for fee waiver before you file Form I-912.

Is Form I-912 available for all immigration benefit requests?

No. Form I-912 can only be used for certain immigration benefit requests. USCIS publishes a list of forms that accept fee waivers, and not every application is eligible. Always confirm eligibility before filing to avoid rejection.

Can you file Form I-912 if you are requesting consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)?

No. Form I-912 cannot be used to waive the filing fee or biometric services fee for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) requests. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) does not allow fee waivers for DACA-related applications, including Form I-821D. However, if you are facing financial hardship, you may submit a written request for a fee exemption under very limited circumstances—such as if you are under 18, homeless, in foster care, or otherwise lacking parental financial support.

Can I submit Form I-912 separately?

I-912 should not be submitted separately. The form needs to be filed together with your immigration application to the appropriate USCIS address, so USCIS can review your fee waiver request as part of your overall application process.

How long does it take USCIS to process the I-912 form?

The processing time for the I-912 form typically aligns with the processing time of the main application you’re submitting it with, as USCIS reviews both forms together. 

Can I include my spouse or children when I file Form I-912?

Yes. You can include your family members or household members who are applying for the same immigration benefits in one request for fee waiver, as long as you provide evidence of their household income and relationship to you.

What if I’m unemployed or working part-time?

You can still qualify for a fee waiver if you currently receive unemployment benefits, work less than full time, or depend on financial support from others. USCIS will evaluate your overall ability to pay, not just your job status.

Do I need to provide tax returns or pay stubs with Form I-912?

Yes. Tax documents help USCIS verify your household income. If you didn’t file taxes due to low income or unemployment, explain why and include other required documents such as bank statements or benefit letters.

What happens after I submit Form I-912?

Once USCIS reviews your completed form I-912 and supporting documents, they’ll decide whether your filing fee can be waived. If approved, your immigration forms will move forward without payment. If denied, you’ll need to pay the fee to continue processing.

What happens if my fee waiver request is denied?

If your fee waiver request is denied, USCIS will send you a notice explaining the reasons for the denial. You will then need to pay the required application fees for your immigration process, or your application may be delayed or denied.

Does submitting Form I-912 affect my immigration case?

Submitting Form I-912 does not negatively affect your application by itself. USCIS reviews the fee waiver separately from the merits of your underlying immigration case, but incomplete documentation can delay processing.