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USCIS Fee Waiver
USCIS is funded largely by application and petition fees. Waiving a fee transfers the cost of processing the application and petition to others through higher fees; however, the USCIS recognizes that some individuals may not be able to pay the filing fee. Generally, the USCIS has discretion to waive the filing fees for an application, petition, motion, or request if the applicant established that he or she is unable to pay the fee.
Eligibility for a Fee Waiver
The following individuals may be eligible for the USCIS fee waiver:
- Individuals receiving means-tested benefits, such as Medi-Cal, CalFresh, CalWORKs, SSI, among others, or
- Individuals with household income at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines at the time of filling, or
- Individuals who have some financial hardship situation such as recent unemployment, high medical expenses, and/or other unexpected large expenses.
Reminder: Granting of a fee waiver is at the sole discretion of USCIS.
Requesting a Fee Waiver
Most clients are unable to pay the filling fees associated with submitting an application, petition, motion or request to USCIS. Social Services Agency staff must assist the clients in requesting a fee waiver by providing information about the USCIS process.
Although USCIS will continue to consider applicant-generated fee waiver requests that comply with 8 CFR 103.7(c), the USCIS developed the following forms to facilitate the fee waiver request process:
- Request for Fee Waiver (Form I-912)
- Instructions for Request for Fee Waiver (Form I-912 Instructions)
Note: These forms are available through the USCIS website, www.uscis.gov. From the USCIS homepage, type “I-912” in the Search box and select “I-912, Request for Fee Waiver” under Search Results.
Clients who are requesting for the USCIS fee waiver must attach the completed Form I-912 and all supporting documents to the application(s) or petition(s) that they are submitting to USCIS.
The completed USCIS application(s) or petition(s), Form I-912, and all supporting documentation must be mailed to the USCIS office according to the “Where to File” directions identified in the application or petition form instructions to which the Form I-912 relates. Form I-912 cannot be submitted after USCIS has received the underlying application(s) or petition(s).
Clients may visit the USCIS website, www.uscis.gov, for more information.
Applications and Petitions Considered for Fee Waiver
An individual may request a fee waiver from USCIS based on an inability to pay for the following, but not limited to, benefit request or services:
- Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card
- Form I-131, Application for Travel Document can be waived for those applying for humanitarian parole
- Form I-290B, Notice of Appeal or Motion
- Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status
- Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence
- Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization
- Form I-821, Application for Temporary Protected Status
- Form I-881, Application for Suspension of Deportation or Special Rule Cancellation of Removal (Pursuant to Section 203 Pub. L. 105-100 (NACARA))
- Form N-400, Application for Naturalization
- Form N-470, Application to Preserve Residence for Naturalization Purpose
- Form N-565, Application for Replacement Naturalization/Citizenship Document
- Form N-600, Application for Certificate of Citizenship
- Biometric services fees in connection with any application or petition
Related Topics
Non-numbered Immigration Forms