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I-912 Checklist: Fee Waiver Request Requirements

Immigration Attorney and Fee Waiver Resource

Request a USCIS fee waiver with our Form I-912 checklist. Form I-912 (Request for Fee Waiver) asks USCIS to waive filing fees for certain immigration benefits when the applicant cannot pay—commonly based on means-tested benefits, household income at or below a percentage of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, or financial hardship. This checklist helps immigration attorneys, legal aid, and applicants gather proof of income, household size, public benefits, and hardship evidence so the waiver package matches the benefit form it accompanies (for example I-485, N-400, or I-90). Not every form is eligible. Confirm current fee-waiver rules and poverty guidelines on USCIS.gov. Not legal advice.

I-912 Checklist: Fee Waiver Request Requirements form template preview

Key Benefits

Confirm the underlying form is fee-waiver eligible
Choose the correct basis: benefits, income, or hardship
Document household size and income consistently
Attach means-tested benefit letters when claiming that basis
Reduce RFEs on incomplete financial evidence
Professional fee-waiver filing workflow

Common Use Cases

Adjustment of status applicants who cannot pay the I-485 feeNaturalization applicants filing N-400 with a fee waiverGreen card renewals (I-90) when the applicant qualifiesImmigration attorneys preparing I-912 with the benefit packageLegal aid and nonprofits screening fee-waiver eligibilityParalegals assembling tax returns and benefit award letters

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Form I-912 used for?
I-912 asks USCIS to waive the filing fee (and sometimes the biometric fee) for an eligible immigration benefit. You file it with the underlying application or petition. USCIS decides based on the basis you claim and the evidence you attach. A denied fee waiver usually means the benefit package is rejected for nonpayment.
What are the common bases for a fee waiver?
The form and instructions describe the current bases—typically receipt of a means-tested benefit, household income at or below a stated percentage of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, or financial hardship. Pick the basis that fits and attach the matching evidence. Do not mix inconsistent stories across the form and exhibits.
Can every USCIS form be filed with I-912?
No. Only forms USCIS lists as fee-waiver eligible can use I-912. Some filings require full payment or have a different reduced-fee process. Check the fee and fee-waiver pages for the specific form before filing.
What happens if USCIS denies the I-912?
USCIS typically rejects the underlying application for lack of fee and returns or discards the package under current practice. You usually must refile with the fee or a stronger waiver package. Keep copies of everything you submitted.

Checklist

USCIS Forms

Complete Form I-912 (Request for Fee Waiver)
Required

Use the current edition. List each form whose fee you want waived. Sign where required for each applicant.

Select one primary fee-waiver basis and complete that section fully
Required

Means-tested benefit, income, or hardship. Follow the instructions for which sections to leave blank.

USCIS Process

Confirm the underlying USCIS form is fee-waiver eligible
Required

Check the current USCIS fee schedule and fee-waiver page for that form before assembling the package.

File I-912 with the underlying benefit application in one package
Required

Do not send the fee if you are requesting a waiver for that fee. Follow the form's mailing or online rules.

Supporting Documents

List household members and document household size as the instructions define it
Required

Income and poverty-guideline comparisons depend on household size. Keep names consistent with tax returns.

Means-tested benefit award letter or proof of current receipt (if claiming that basis)

Letter should show the recipient, benefit type, and that benefits are current. Include translations if needed.

Financial Requirements

Income evidence: tax returns, W-2s, pay stubs, or unemployment records (if claiming income basis)

Compare household income to the Federal Poverty Guidelines percentage in the current instructions.

Financial hardship evidence if claiming hardship (bills, medical debt, unemployment, affidavits)

Explain why the household cannot pay the fee even if income is above the guideline threshold.

Identity Documents

Identity document for each person listed on the I-912
Required

Government photo ID or other identity evidence named in the instructions.

Documentation

Certified English translations for foreign-language financial or benefit documents

Required when exhibits are not in English.