Immigrants & Immigration
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Note: On July 4, 2025, a new law raised some immigration fees and limited when fee waivers can be used. The Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) has published a policy memo with its updated fees. As of July 14, 2025, USCIS has not yet updated its website, but some of the new fees may already be in effect. Be sure to check the latest fee information on the USCIS and EOIR websites before you file.
Print and complete the immigration fee waiver form (USCIS Form I-912). Read the instructions for filling out the form.
Already in removal proceedings? Submit your fee waiver request to the immigration judge.
Requesting consideration via Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)? There are no fee waivers for DACA and you may not file Form I-912. See the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals Fee exemption for more details.
Already on appeal? Submit your fee waiver request to the Board of Immigration Appeals (form EOIR-26A).
You must attach documents with your fee waiver form that proves your household size and income. These could include:
- A copy of your most recent Federal tax return,
- Copies of check stubs showing income for at least the past month,
- Recent Form W-2,
- Form SSA-1099, and
- A statement from your employer on business stationery showing your income.
If you receive certain public benefits like SNAP (food stamps) or Supplemental Security Income, your fee waiver will usually be approved. You will need to include documentation that proves that you receive the benefits. This is usually an official letter from the agency giving you the benefit.
If your household income is at or under 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines your fee waiver will usually be approved. You will need to send proof of your income. A copy of your most recent Federal tax return is best.
If you have no income, or you cannot prove your income, then you must explain your situation in Part 5, Item 9 of the waiver form.
If you are recently unemployed, have high medical costs, or have other large expenses, you may qualify. You will need to provide evidence if you want a waiver based on this reason. This includes things like bills or receipts.
First, you must determine where you need to send the form for which you are trying to have your fee waived. Go to uscis.gov/forms and select the form number for your application to see where to file the form. You cannot file online if you are requesting a fee waiver.
You will need to file paper versions of the fee waiver request and the form for which you are requesting a fee waiver. You must send your immigration fee waiver form to that office. For example, if you are trying to get a fee waiver for Form A then you must first determine where Form A needs to be sent. Then you will send your fee waiver form to that location. So if Form A must be sent to New York, then your fee waiver form for Form A must also be sent to New York.
If your fee waiver is denied, you will likely have to pay the fee for the form. In some cases, you may be asked to resubmit your fee waiver request with more supporting information to prove that you qualify for the fee waiver.
Form I-912 is used to request a fee waiver. USCIS will notify you of the decision in writing. If USCIS denies your fee waiver request, the notice will include information on resubmitting your application or petition. For certain immigration benefits, you may have only a limited period of time to resubmit your application or petition with the filing fee. Please review the instructions to determine when to refile.
