Navigating USCIS I-912: A Comprehensive Guide to Fee Waivers

The USCIS Form I-912 is known as Request for Fee Waiver. This official form permits eligible persons to obtain a fee waiver when submitting an application or petition to USCIS. In this blog article, we will look at who is qualified to apply, what types of applications and petitions the fee waiver can be used for, and how to fill out and submit the form. We'll also go over what evidence is needed and what happens if your fee waiver request is denied. By the end of this tutorial, you should have a firm grasp of the fee waiver process and how to use Form I-912 to acquire the immigration benefits you require.

What is Form I 912?

Form I-912, also known as the "Request for Fee Waiver", is an official form used by individuals who are unable to pay the requisite fees for some immigration benefits or services provided by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The form is used to request a fee waiver while submitting an application, petition, or other immigration-related request to the USCIS.

Who is eligible to apply for a fee waiver using Form I-912?

Individuals who are unable to pay the filing fees connected with certain USCIS applications or petitions due to financial hardship can use USCIS Form I-912. To be qualified for a fee waiver, the applicant must show that paying the fees would place a considerable financial burden on them, such as a family income at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines or significant debt that exceeds their annual income. The candidate must also be able to offer supporting paperwork to demonstrate financial need. It is crucial to remember that fee waivers are not available for all USCIS applications and petitions, and some expenses, such as biometric service fees, cannot be waived. Many frequent forms, such as those for citizenship, green cards, and work permission, are exempt from fees. Reading carefully the USCIS instructions and eligibility criteria for each form and fee waiver request is very important, as they can differ based on the exact application or petition being submitted.

What types of USCIS applications or petitions can the fee waiver be used for?

USCIS Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver, can be used for a variety of USCIS applications and petitions. The following forms are examples of those that may be eligible for a fee waiver:

- Application for Naturalization (Form N-400)

- Application for Temporary Protected Status (Form I-821)

- Application for Adjustment of Status (Form I-485)

- Application for Employment Authorization (Form I-765)

- Application for a Travel Document (Form I-131)

- Petition for Alien Relative (Form I-130)

- Application for Certification of Citizenship (Form N-600)

Again, it's crucial to remember that not all USCIS forms are eligible for cost waivers, and some payments, such as biometric service fees, aren't. Furthermore, the eligibility requirements and associated evidence may differ based on the form being filed. As a result, it's critical to thoroughly read the USCIS instructions and eligibility criteria for each form and fee waiver request. To learn more about forms that may be eligible for a fee waiver, you should check out the USCIS website or consult an immigration attorney.

What documents do I need to submit with i 912?

When submitting Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver, to the USCIS, make sure to include all needed documentation and evidence to support your fee waiver request. The particular documents and proof required will vary based on the type of application or petition being filed, but in general, you must present the following:

Proof of income: You must provide proof of your income, such as tax returns, pay stubs, or a letter from your employer. If you are unemployed, you can show proof of your unemployment benefits or other sources of income.

Proof of assets: You will be required to supply information about any assets you own, such as real estate or investments, as well as proof supporting their value.

Proof of expenses: You will be required to produce proof of your monthly expenses, such as rent, utilities, and medical bills.

Explanation of extenuating circumstances: If you have any mitigating circumstances, such as a significant illness or recent unemployment, you should produce documents to support your claim.

It's critical to carefully read the instructions and eligibility requirements for each USCIS form, as the documentation and evidence needed may vary depending on the form being filed. Furthermore, USCIS may request extra information or evidence to support your fee waiver request, so be prepared to give any required documentation.

Overall, producing the relevant data and evidence is critical to substantiating your fee waiver request and enhancing your chances of success. If you have any questions or concerns about the required papers, you should consult with an immigration attorney or certified legal representative.

How to file form i-912?

To file Form I-912 with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), you will need to follow these steps:

Step 1: Download the form

The most recent version of Form I-912 is available on the USCIS website. Make sure you download the correct form for the application or petition you are filing.

Step 2: Complete the form

Fill out the form completely and accurately, including all necessary information and proof to support your fee waiver request. Make sure to carefully read the instructions and give all required information, as incomplete or erroneous paperwork may result in delays or denials.

Step 3: Gather supporting documentation

As previously stated, you will be required to produce supporting paperwork demonstrating your income, assets, expenses, and any extenuating circumstances that may affect your capacity to pay the filing fee. Before submitting your request, gather all necessary documents and documentation.

Step 4: Submit the form and documentation

Mail your completed Form I-912 and supporting documentation. If you have any questions you can call the Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283.

Step 5: Wait for a decision

After submitting your fee waiver request, you must wait for USCIS to make a decision. The processing period varies based on the exact application or petition being filed, but in general, a decision can take several weeks to several months.

It is crucial to remember that USCIS may request additional information or evidence to support your fee waiver request, and may deny your request if they deem that you are financially capable of paying the filing cost. If your fee waiver request is denied, you may be able to file an appeal or have the decision reviewed.

Overall, filing Form I-912 can be a complicated process, so if you have any questions or concerns, you should speak with an immigration attorney or skilled legal representative.

Therefore, it's important to carefully review the USCIS instructions and eligibility criteria for each form and fee waiver request.

How to translate required documents for I-912

1- Determine which documents must be translated: Examine the USCIS I-912 form to see which documents must be translated. Make a list of the documents you have.

2- Work with professional translation providers: If you're working with a professional translation service for your required documents, be sure that it provides certified translation. As you know, USCIS does not accept documents in other languages. That is, you should also submit certified translations of your documents. To learn more about certified translation for USCIS, you can check out our article and service page.

3- Provide clear instructions: Give the translator explicit information on what has to be translated, including any required formatting or terminology.

4- Include the translated documents with your application: Include the translated documents with your USCIS I-912 application. If you are submitting both original documents and translations, make it clear which is which.

5- Keep copies of everything: For your records, keep copies of both the original documents and the translations. These may come in handy in the future if you need to supply the documents again or refer to them for any reason.

Where do I send my i-912 form

On the USCIS website, under the "Where to File" section for the individual application or petition you are filing, you can discover the exact mailing address for your Form I-912. Alternatively, the address could be mentioned in the Form I-912 instructions. It is critical that you send your fee waiver request to the correct address, as doing so may result in delays or possibly the rejection of your application or petition.

Furthermore, it is strongly advised that you send your fee waiver request by certified mail with return receipt requested, so that you have confirmation of delivery and can follow your request. This can help guarantee that USCIS receives and processes your fee waiver request.

How long does it take to get a decision on a fee waiver request?

A fee waiver request's processing time can vary depending on the exact USCIS application or petition being submitted, as well as the volume of requests being handled at the time.

If additional information or evidence is required to process the request, USCIS may request it from the applicant, which may cause the processing time to be delayed. Furthermore, if the request is denied, the applicant may appeal the decision, which may result in additional processing time. It should be noted that USCIS does not provide expedited processing for fee waiver requests. If the applicant is submitting a form for which expedited processing is allowed, they may request accelerated processing for the form but not for the fee waiver request.

If an applicant has not received a decision on their fee waiver request within a reasonable period of time, they may contact USCIS to enquire about the status of their application.

While the processing period for a fee waiver request varies, applicants should anticipate to receive a decision within 30 days of submitting their request, assuming no additional requests for information or documentation.

What happens if my fee waiver request is denied?

If your fee waiver request is denied, you will be forced to pay the USCIS application or petition filing fee. USCIS will offer a written explanation for the denial, as well as advice on how to pay the needed fee.

If you disagree with the decision to refuse your fee waiver request, you have 33 days from the date of the decision to file a request for reconsideration with USCIS. Any extra information or documents that may support your request for reconsideration should be provided.

If your request for reconsideration is denied, you can appeal. The AAO will review the decision.

It is crucial to remember that if your fee waiver request is denied, it does not automatically follow that your USCIS application or petition will be dismissed as well. You can still submit your application or petition if you pay the requisite filing cost.

While a fee waiver request refusal can be discouraging, there are avenues for appeal and reconsideration, and applicants should carefully follow the procedures and qualifying criteria for the fee waiver request to guarantee the best possible possibility of approval.

Can I appeal a decision on my fee waiver request?

If your fee waiver request is denied, you have 33 days from the date of the decision to file a request for reconsideration with USCIS. Any extra information or documents that may support your request for reconsideration should be provided.

If your request for reconsideration is denied, you have 30 days from the date of the rejection to submit an appeal with the Administrative Appeals Office (AAO). The AAO will review the decision and may uphold, overturn, or remand it for further consideration.

It is crucial to remember that if you decide to appeal a fee waiver decision, you should carefully study the reasons for the refusal and present any additional evidence or paperwork that may support your request. It's also worth noting that appeals might take many months to process, so plan accordingly.

Furthermore, if your USCIS application or petition is denied because you did not pay the required filing fee, you may be eligible to file a motion to reopen or reconsider the decision with the USCIS office that made the decision. This alternative, however, is only accessible if you have a legitimate cause for not paying the fee at the time of submission and can offer proof to back up your claim.

Overall, while the fee waiver appeals procedure can be time-consuming, it is a vital alternative for applicants who believe their request was wrongfully denied.

Can I submit a fee waiver request after I have already submitted my application or petition?

If you have previously submitted your USCIS application or petition and paid the requisite cost, a fee waiver request may still be feasible. You must, however, provide a sufficient justification for your inability to submit the fee waiver request at the time of submission.

To request a fee waiver after the fact, file Form I-912 and attach a copy of the USCIS receipt notification or other proof of payment with your request. You should also explain in detail why you were unable to submit the fee waiver request at the time of submission. It is important to remember that submitting a fee waiver request after the fact might cause considerable delays in the processing of your application or petition since USCIS will need to analyze your request and make a decision on both the fee waiver and the underlying application or petition. Overall, while fee waiver requests can be submitted after the fact, applicants should make every effort to submit the fee waiver request at the time of application or petition filing to prevent processing delays.

How do I know if I qualify for a fee waiver?

You must meet at least one of the following criteria to be eligible for a fee waiver utilizing Form I-912:

You presently receive a means-tested benefit such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), or Medicaid.

At the time of filing, your household income is at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.

You are currently facing financial difficulties as a result of unplanned medical expenditures, natural calamities, or recent unemployment, which precludes you from paying the filing fee.

You are currently facing expenses that will prevent you from paying the filing fee, such as expensive educational or childcare costs. It is crucial to remember that satisfying one of these requirements does not guarantee that the fee waiver request will be approved. Other considerations considered by USCIS include the complexity of the application or petition, the number of dependents in the household, and any other relevant factors. To learn more about it you can visit USCIS I912 Instructions.

To see if you are eligible for a fee waiver, carefully read the instructions and eligibility criteria on Form I-912 and provide any supporting paperwork or evidence. It's also a good idea to get the assistance of an immigration attorney or skilled legal advisor to help you prepare your fee waiver request and give you the best chance of acceptance.

Is there a limit to the number of fee waivers I can request?

An individual may request an unlimited number of fee exemptions as long as each request fits the qualifying conditions provided in Form I-912. It's crucial to remember, however, that USCIS may deny a fee waiver request if they suspect an applicant is submitting multiple requests in an attempt to avoid paying filing fees. Individuals should only submit fee waiver requests for applications or petitions that they truly cannot afford to pay for. Furthermore, keep in mind that USCIS will review each fee waiver request on an individual basis, taking into account the specific circumstances of the individual's financial position. A fee waiver granted for one application or petition does not guarantee that it will be granted for another. Overall, while there is no limit to the number of fee waivers that an individual can obtain, it is critical that fee waivers be requested only for applications or petitions that fit the eligibility criteria and that the applicant actually cannot afford to pay for.

Can a fee waiver request be filed electronically?

Yes, most fee waiver requests can be submitted electronically via USCIS's online filing system. However, not all USCIS forms are accessible for electronic filing, and the eligibility conditions and documents necessary for an electronic fee waiver request may differ from those required for paper submissions.

To file an electronic fee waiver request, you must first create an account on USCIS's online filing system, then complete the necessary form and select the option to request a fee waiver. You must also offer any necessary documentation or evidence to back up your request.

If you are filing an application or petition that is not accessible for electronic filing, you may still be able to make an electronic fee waiver request by submitting Form I-912 separately and providing a copy of the USCIS receipt notification or other evidence of payment with your request. However, the particular conditions for fee waiver requests may differ based on the sort of application or petition you are filing. Before submitting your application, carefully read the instructions for your individual form and fee waiver request.

h2 class="mb-0">Can I File I-912 Online?

If you need a fee waiver, you cannot submit Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver, online. You must submit paper copies of Form I-912 together with the form for which you are requesting a fee waiver if you want to request one. For this particular use, online filing is not an option, so mail-in submission of physical documents is necessary.

Finally, Form I-912 can be a useful tool for people who are unable to pay the required filing fee for USCIS applications or petitions. Eligible applicants can receive a fee waiver and reduce the financial burden of filling certain immigration documents by demonstrating financial hardship. To avoid delays or refusal of your fee waiver request, thoroughly understand the qualifying requirements and provide appropriate supporting proof. Additionally, it is recommended that you obtain the counsel of an immigration attorney or experienced legal representation to ensure that your fee waiver request is properly filed and that your prospects of success are maximized. Overall, the fee waiver process can be difficult, but with careful planning and help, qualified applicants can acquire the relief they require to achieve their immigration aspirations.

“We collected and distilled information on immigration for our site visitors from USCIS and other sources as a basic guide. MotaWord is a translation platform providing certified translations for immigration applicants and not a law firm. The information provided should not be construed as legal advice and might not be current. For current information please refer to the USCIS website or speak to your licensed immigration attorney.”