Form I-912, Explained
A guide to the timeline, cost, and requirements to file the “Request for Fee Waiver” form
What Is Form I-912?
Form I-912 (officially called the “Request for Fee Waiver”) is the official application for a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) fee waiver. Filing this form allows eligible applicants to request an exemption from fees for various immigration applications, which can be beneficial for individuals who cannot afford standard application costs. By submitting Form I-912, you can potentially avoid paying fees for forms related to status adjustments, naturalization, work permits, and other essential immigration processes.
Form I-912 should be submitted together with the main application for which you’re requesting a fee waiver. This means you need to attach Form I-912 to your primary application (such as Form I-485 for adjustment of status or Form N-400 for naturalization) in the same submission package.
How Long Does Form I-912 Take to Process?
The processing time for Form I-912 will generally match the processing time for the main application it’s submitted with, as USCIS reviews both together. If your fee waiver request is approved, the processing of your primary application continues as usual. However, if the fee waiver is denied, USCIS will notify you and provide instructions on paying the required fees to avoid delays in your main application.
Be sure to submit all required documents and complete Form I-912 accurately to help prevent any additional processing delays. For updates, you can track your main application’s processing time on the USCIS website.
Form I-912 Cost
There is no cost to file Form I-912. This form itself is free, as it is intended to relieve eligible applicants from additional financial burdens.
Not sure what costs to expect? Boundless’ USCIS fee calculator can help determine the exact government fees for your application. We also help you pay your costs in installments, so you can get started now and pay later. Create a free account to use our fee calculator and explore your payment options.
Eligibility
To qualify for a fee waiver through Form I-912, applicants generally must meet one of the following criteria:
- Means-Tested Benefits: If you receive a government benefit that’s based on income, like Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Medicaid, or SNAP, you’re typically eligible.
- Household Income: If your household income is at or below 150% of the federal poverty level, you may qualify.
- Financial Hardship: If facing a financial hardship, like medical bills or a recent job loss, you might still be eligible even if your income doesn’t fall below 150% of the poverty guidelines.
For more info, Boundless has put together a detailed guide on who qualifies for a USCIS fee waiver.
Supporting Documents
You’ll need to include supporting documents with your Form I-912 to prove your eligibility. Common documents include:
- Proof of Government Benefits: Recent notices or letters from agencies showing you receive means-tested benefits.
- Proof of Income: Tax returns, pay stubs, or other income documentation.
- Proof of Financial Hardship: Medical bills, eviction notices, or layoff letters to show financial challenges impacting your ability to pay fees.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Filing Form I-912 can be straightforward, but avoid these common errors to improve your chances of approval:
- Incomplete Form: Ensure every question on the form is completed. Leaving blank sections can lead to rejection.
- Insufficient Proof: Include clear, official copies of your supporting documents. USCIS may reject applications that lack sufficient documentation.
- Incorrect Form Submission: Attach Form I-912 to your main immigration form; filing it separately can delay processing.
- Outdated Form: Always download the latest Form I-912 version from the USCIS website to ensure it’s the correct version.
Important:
If Form I-912 is submitted separately, USCIS may not process it and could delay or reject your application due to unpaid fees. Be sure to include all supporting documents as well, so that USCIS has everything they need to evaluate your fee waiver request along with your main application.
Form I-912 FAQs
No, fee waivers are only available for certain forms. For example, fee waivers are not available for Form I-129 (Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker) and several other forms. Check USCIS guidelines to see if the waiver applies to your specific form.
Find a full list here of forms that qualify for a fee waiver.
Yes, submit Form I-912 at the same time as your primary application (e.g., I-485, N-400) to avoid delays.
Yes, but you’ll need to demonstrate that your current financial hardship justifies the need for a fee waiver. Provide evidence of your income status and any additional financial hardship.
You can track your application status through the USCIS online account if you filed online or wait for mail updates if you filed on paper.
If USCIS denies your fee waiver, they will notify you of the decision and provide instructions on how to proceed. You’ll usually need to pay the required fees for your application to move forward.