Fee Waiver Guidance

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is funded largely by application and petition fees.  Recognizing that some applicants cannot pay the filing fees, USCIS established a fee waiver process for certain forms and benefit types. Demonstrated inability to pay is the only reason USCIS will approve a fee waiver.

Waiving a fee for one applicant transfers the cost of processing their application to other applicants through higher fees.  Therefore, USCIS carefully considers the merits of each fee waiver request before making a decision.

How do I request a waiver?

• Read the instructions for Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver, to see if a fee waiver is available for the form you are filing.
• Use Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver if possible.  We will also accept a written request. 
• File your fee waiver request with the form for which you are requesting the fee waiver.  Do not send a fee waiver request by itself.

Note: You cannot use our e-Filing system to file a form for which you are requesting a fee waiver.  Please file a paper application.

How does USCIS make a decision on a fee waiver request?  To be eligible for a fee waiver, one of the following must be met:

• You or qualified members of your household are receiving a means- tested benefit. A means-tested benefit is one for which the individuals’ income/resources determine eligibility and/or the benefit amount. 
• Your household is at or below the 150% poverty level at the time you file.  Check the 2012 poverty levels at this link:  Form I-912P, HHS Poverty Guidelines for Fee Waiver Requests.
• You are experiencing a financial hardship that prevents you from paying the filing fee, including unexpected medical bills or emergencies. 

Where can I get more information?  You can find more information at these links: 

• Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver
• Form I-912P, HHS Poverty Guidelines for Fee Waiver Requests.
• USCIS Fee Waiver Policy

This page can be found at http://www.uscis.gov/feewaiver