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 for certain USCIS applications or petitions due to financial hardship can apply for a fee waiver using Form I-912. To qualify, the applicant must demonstrate financial need, which can be done by meeting one of the following criteria: receiving a means-tested benefit (such as Medicaid, SNAP, or SSI), having a household income at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, or experiencing financial hardship such as large medical debts, unemployment, or homelessness. The applicant must provide supporting documentation to prove their financial situation.

It is important to note that not all USCIS forms are eligible for a fee waiver, and certain costs, such as biometric service fees, cannot be waived. However, many commonly used forms, including those for citizenship, green card applications, and work authorization, are eligible for a fee waiver.

Carefully reviewing the USCIS instructions and eligibility criteria for each specific form and fee waiver request is essential, as requirements may vary depending on the 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, but not all forms are eligible. 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) (for first-time applicants)

- Application for Employment Authorization (Form I-765) (except for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) applicants)

- Application for a Travel Document (Form I-131) (when requesting humanitarian parole)

- Application for Replacement of Permanent Resident Card (Form I-90) - Application for Certificate of Citizenship (Form N-600)

- Application for Replacement Naturalization/Citizenship Document (Form N-565) 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 USCIS, make sure to include all necessary documentation and evidence to support your fee waiver request. The specific documents required will depend on the type of application or petition being filed, but in general, you must provide the following:

Proof of income: You must provide documentation of your income, such as recent federal tax returns, pay stubs, or a letter from your employer. If you are unemployed, you should submit proof of your unemployment benefits or other sources of income, such as Social Security benefits.

Proof of assets: You may need to provide information about any assets you own, such as bank accounts, stocks, or real estate. You should include statements or other documents showing the value of these assets.

Proof of expenses: You will need to provide proof of your monthly living expenses, such as rent or mortgage payments, utility bills, and medical expenses.

Explanation of extenuating circumstances: If you are experiencing financial hardship due to circumstances like significant medical debt or recent unemployment, you should provide supporting documents, such as medical bills, termination letters, or other evidence of your situation.

It's important to carefully review the instructions and eligibility requirements for each USCIS form, as the documentation needed may vary depending on the form being filed. Additionally, USCIS may request extra information or documentation to support your fee waiver request, so be prepared to provide any required documents.

Overall, providing the necessary documentation is crucial to support your fee waiver request and improve your chances of approval. If you have any questions or concerns about the required documents, consider consulting with an immigration attorney or 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 to download the correct version of the form for the application or petition you are filing.

Step 2: Complete the form

Fill out Form I-912 completely and accurately. Provide all the required information, including the basis for your fee waiver request (such as a means-tested benefit, low income, or financial hardship). Ensure that you carefully read the instructions to avoid errors or missing information, as this can cause delays or denials.

Step 3: Gather supporting documentation

You will need to submit supporting documentation for your fee waiver request. This includes proof of income, assets, and expenses, as well as any documents related to extenuating circumstances, such as medical bills or proof of unemployment. Collect all necessary documents before submitting your request.

Step 4: Submit the form and documentation

Mail your completed Form I-912 along with the supporting documentation and the application or petition you are requesting a fee waiver for. Do not submit Form I-912 separately. If you have any questions, you can contact the USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283.

Step 5: Wait for a decision

Once you submit your fee waiver request, you will need to wait for USCIS to process it. Processing times vary depending on the type of application, but a decision can take several weeks or months. USCIS may request additional information if necessary. If your request is denied, you may be asked to pay the filing fee or explore other options, depending on the circumstances.

It's important to follow all USCIS instructions carefully to avoid delays or complications. If you have any concerns, consider consulting with an immigration attorney or legal representative.

How to translate required documents for I-912

1- Determine which documents must be translated: Review the USCIS I-912 form instructions to identify any non-English documents that need to be translated. Make a list of the documents that require translation.

2- Work with professional translation providers: Ensure that the translation service you choose provides certified translations, as USCIS requires certified translations for all non-English documents. Certified translations must include a signed statement confirming the accuracy of the translation.

3- Provide clear instructions: Communicate clearly with the translator about the documents to be translated, including any special formatting or terminology that must be followed for USCIS submissions.

4- Include the translated documents with your application: Submit both the original documents and their certified translations with your I-912 application. Make sure to clearly label each document to differentiate between originals and translations.

5- Keep copies of everything: Retain copies of all original documents and translations for your records. This will be helpful if you need to reference them again in the future or for any further submissions.

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. It should be noted that USCIS does not provide expedited processing for fee waiver requests.

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

What happens if my fee waiver request is denied?

If your fee waiver request is denied, you will need to pay the USCIS application or petition filing fee. USCIS will provide a written explanation for the denial, along with instructions on how to pay the required fee. If you disagree with the denial, you have 33 days from the date of the decision to file a request for reconsideration with USCIS, along with any supporting documentation that may strengthen your case.

It is important to note that if your fee waiver request is denied, it does not mean your USCIS application or petition is automatically rejected. You can still submit your application or petition by paying the required filing fee.

Can I appeal a decision on my fee waiver request?