1. What is Form I-912 and when should it be used?
Form I-912 is the Request for Fee Waiver for the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This form is used to request a waiver of the fees associated with certain immigration applications and petitions for individuals who are unable to pay due to financial hardship. The Form I-912 should be used when an individual is seeking an immigration benefit but is unable to afford the filing fees required by the USCIS.
1. The form should be completed accurately and submitted along with the related immigration application or petition for consideration of the fee waiver request. It is important to provide all necessary documentation and information to support the claim of financial hardship in order to increase the likelihood of the fee waiver being granted.
2. Who is eligible to request a fee waiver using Form I-912?
Individuals who are unable to pay the filing fee for immigration benefits can request a fee waiver using Form I-912. To be eligible for a fee waiver, the applicant must demonstrate that they are experiencing a financial hardship that prevents them from paying the required fees. This hardship may be due to various factors such as unemployment, homelessness, medical expenses, or other financial constraints.
To request a fee waiver using Form I-912, individuals must provide documentation to support their financial hardship, such as proof of income, assets, expenses, and any other relevant information that substantiates their inability to pay the fees. It is important for applicants to thoroughly review the fee waiver guidelines provided by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to ensure that they meet the eligibility criteria before submitting their request.
It’s also worth noting that certain categories of applicants, such as those applying for naturalization based on their military service, may be exempt from paying fees altogether and would not need to request a fee waiver using Form I-912 in such cases.
3. What types of applications or petitions can a fee waiver be requested for using Form I-912?
A fee waiver using Form I-912 can be requested for various types of applications or petitions filed with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). These include, but are not limited to:
1. Naturalization applications (Form N-400)
2. Green card applications (Form I-485)
3. Employment authorization applications (Form I-765)
4. Temporary Protected Status applications (Form I-821)
5. Refugee and Asylee relative petitions (Form I-730)
It’s important to note that not all USCIS forms are eligible for a fee waiver using Form I-912. Each form will have specific instructions on whether a fee waiver can be requested and the criteria that need to be met for approval.
4. How much does it cost to file Form I-912?
The cost to file Form I-912 for requesting a fee waiver is free of charge. There is no fee associated with submitting this form. This makes it accessible to individuals who may be experiencing financial hardship and are unable to pay the fees for certain immigration benefits. By completing and filing Form I-912, applicants can request that the application fees for the specific immigration benefit they are applying for be waived. It is important to follow the instructions provided on the form and submit all required documentation to support the request for a fee waiver.
5. What evidence or documentation is required to support a fee waiver request on Form I-912?
When submitting a fee waiver request on Form I-912, it is crucial to include supporting evidence or documentation to demonstrate your inability to pay the required fees. The following are examples of the types of evidence that can be included to support your fee waiver request:
1. Proof of Income: Submit documents such as pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from an employer that verify your income level and show that you are unable to afford the fees.
2. Government Assistance: Include documents that show you are receiving benefits such as Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, TANF, or public housing assistance, as this can indicate your financial need.
3. Unemployment Documentation: If you are currently unemployed, provide documentation such as an official letter of termination, proof of unemployment benefits, or job search records to support your fee waiver request.
4. Medical Expenses: Include medical bills, insurance statements, or any other relevant documentation that demonstrates significant medical expenses that impact your ability to pay the required fees.
5. Other Financial Hardships: If you have other extenuating circumstances that affect your financial situation, such as a recent natural disaster, unexpected expenses, or debt obligations, be sure to provide documentation to support these hardships.
By including thorough and accurate documentation that supports your financial hardship, you increase your chances of having your fee waiver request approved by USCIS. Be sure to review the specific requirements outlined in the Form I-912 instructions and provide all necessary supporting evidence to strengthen your case.
6. Can a fee waiver request be submitted online or does it have to be mailed in?
A fee waiver request on Form I-912 can be submitted either online or by mail. When submitting online, applicants can complete the form electronically on the USCIS website and upload any required supporting documentation. Alternatively, applicants can also choose to submit their fee waiver request by mail by sending the completed Form I-912 along with the supporting documents to the appropriate USCIS address. It is important to carefully follow the instructions provided by USCIS when submitting a fee waiver request, whether online or by mail, to ensure that the request is processed efficiently and accurately.
7. How long does it typically take for a fee waiver request on Form I-912 to be processed?
The processing time for a fee waiver request on Form I-912 can vary depending on various factors such as the volume of requests received by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) at the time of submission, the complexity of the case, and USCIS workload. However, typically, USCIS aims to process fee waiver requests within 90 days of receiving the Form I-912 application. It is important to submit a complete and accurate application with all required supporting documents to expedite the processing time. In some cases, USCIS may request additional information or evidence to support the fee waiver request, which may prolong the processing time. Applicants can check the status of their fee waiver request online through the USCIS Case Status website or by contacting the USCIS National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283.
8. Are there any circumstances where a fee waiver request on Form I-912 may be denied?
Yes, there are circumstances where a fee waiver request on Form I-912 may be denied. Here are some common reasons why a fee waiver request could be denied:
1. Incomplete or Incorrect Information: If the form is not filled out completely or accurately, it may result in a denial of the fee waiver request.
2. Ineligible Applicant: The applicant may not meet the specific eligibility requirements outlined by USCIS for a fee waiver, such as demonstrating financial hardship or providing adequate supporting documentation.
3. Failure to Provide Supporting Documents: Failure to submit the required supporting documents to prove the financial hardship claimed by the applicant can lead to a denial of the fee waiver request.
4. Inconsistent or Insufficient Information: Discrepancies or lack of sufficient evidence to support the claimed financial hardship can result in the denial of the fee waiver request.
5. Previous Fee Waiver Denial: If the applicant has previously had a fee waiver request denied, it may impact future requests and lead to another denial.
It is important for applicants to carefully review the eligibility requirements and guidelines provided by USCIS when submitting a fee waiver request to ensure the best chance of approval.
9. Can a fee waiver request on Form I-912 be appealed if it is denied?
Yes, a fee waiver request on Form I-912 can be appealed if it is denied. When USCIS denies the fee waiver request, they will provide a written explanation for the denial which will include information on how to appeal the decision. The applicant can appeal the decision by submitting a Form I-290B, Notice of Appeal or Motion, along with any supporting documentation to the address provided in the denial notice. It is important to carefully review the reasons for the denial and provide strong evidence and arguments to support the appeal. The appeal will be reviewed by a different USCIS officer, and a decision will be provided in writing.
10. Can Form I-912 be used for applications filed with USCIS as well as other government agencies?
Yes, Form I-912 can be used for applications filed with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) as well as other government agencies. The primary purpose of Form I-912 is to request a fee waiver for certain immigration forms and services provided by USCIS. However, some other government agencies may also accept Form I-912 for fee waiver requests, but this may vary depending on the specific agency and its policies. It is important to carefully review the instructions for each form or service to determine if Form I-912 can be used for fee waiver requests with that particular agency.
1. When submitting Form I-912 to USCIS, it is essential to ensure that all required documentation and information are accurately provided to support the fee waiver request.
2. For applications with other government agencies, it is advisable to check their specific guidelines and requirements for requesting fee waivers using Form I-912.
3. Keep in mind that the approval of a fee waiver request is not guaranteed and is subject to the discretion of the agency reviewing the application.
11. Is there a limit to the number of fee waiver requests that can be submitted using Form I-912?
1. There is no specific limit stated by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) regarding the number of fee waiver requests that can be submitted using Form I-912. Individuals who qualify for a fee waiver based on their financial situation or other eligibility criteria can submit multiple requests for different immigration applications or petitions.
2. However, it is important to note that each fee waiver request must meet the requirements outlined by USCIS, and simply submitting multiple requests without proper justification may lead to the applications being denied. It is recommended that individuals carefully review the eligibility criteria for fee waivers and provide all necessary supporting documentation for each request to increase the likelihood of approval.
3. Additionally, USCIS may deny fee waiver requests if they determine that the applicant does not meet the necessary criteria or provide sufficient evidence to support their request. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that each fee waiver request is accurately completed and supported with appropriate documentation to avoid delays or denials in the immigration process.
12. Are there any income requirements to be eligible for a fee waiver using Form I-912?
No, there are no specific income requirements to be eligible for a fee waiver using Form I-912. However, in order to qualify for a fee waiver, individuals must demonstrate that they are experiencing financial hardship that prevents them from paying the required fees for immigration services. This financial hardship can be due to a variety of reasons, such as unemployment, medical expenses, or recent natural disasters. Applicants must provide information about their household income, expenses, and assets in order to demonstrate their inability to pay the fees. Ultimately, USCIS will review the information provided on Form I-912 to determine if the applicant qualifies for a fee waiver based on their financial circumstances.
13. How should supporting documents for a fee waiver request on Form I-912 be provided?
Supporting documents for a fee waiver request on Form I-912 should be provided in a clear and organized manner to effectively demonstrate the applicant’s inability to pay the required fees. Some guidelines for submitting supporting documents are:
1. Clear Copies: Ensure that all documents submitted are clear and legible copies. Illegible or unclear documents can delay the processing of the fee waiver request.
2. Relevance: Include documents that directly support the information provided on Form I-912. This can include proof of income, expenses, assets, or any other relevant financial information.
3. Explanation: It is helpful to include a brief explanation or cover letter outlining the financial situation that necessitates the fee waiver request. This can provide context for the supporting documents.
4. Verification: Include any official documents or letters that can verify the financial information provided. This can include pay stubs, tax returns, bank statements, or letters from employers.
5. Organization: Organize the supporting documents in a logical order, with tabs or labels if necessary. This can help the adjudicator easily review the information provided.
By following these guidelines and submitting relevant and organized supporting documents, applicants can strengthen their fee waiver request and increase the likelihood of a successful outcome.
14. Can a fee waiver request on Form I-912 be submitted in multiple languages?
Yes, a fee waiver request on Form I-912 can be submitted in multiple languages other than English. The form instructions provided by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) state that applicants can submit a fee waiver request in any language as long as they provide an English translation along with the original document. This ensures that the USCIS can review and process the request accurately. It is important to note that the English translation must be certified by the translator as complete and accurate, and the translator must also certify their competence in both languages. Additionally, any supporting documents submitted along with the fee waiver request should also be translated into English to facilitate the review process.
15. What is the difference between a fee waiver and a fee reduction?
A fee waiver and a fee reduction are two different processes that individuals can use to alleviate the financial burden of applying for certain benefits or services, such as immigration applications. Here are the main differences between a fee waiver and a fee reduction:
1. Fee Waiver: A fee waiver completely exempts an individual from having to pay the required fee for a specific application or service. It is typically granted to individuals who can demonstrate that they are unable to afford the fee based on financial hardship. The Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver, is commonly used for immigration applications to request a fee waiver.
2. Fee Reduction: A fee reduction, on the other hand, reduces the amount of the fee that an individual is required to pay. This means that the individual still needs to make a payment, but the reduced fee amount is more manageable for them based on their financial situation. Fee reductions are less common than fee waivers but may be available for certain services or applications.
In summary, while both fee waivers and fee reductions aim to assist individuals with financial constraints, a fee waiver eliminates the fee amount altogether, while a fee reduction simply reduces the fee amount that needs to be paid. It is important for individuals to carefully review the specific eligibility criteria and requirements for requesting a fee waiver or fee reduction for their particular application or service.
16. What should an applicant do if they are unable to pay the fee but do not qualify for a fee waiver using Form I-912?
If an applicant is unable to pay the fee but does not qualify for a fee waiver using Form I-912, there are a few options they can consider:
1. Request a payment plan: Applicants who are unable to pay the fee upfront may request a payment plan from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This allows the applicant to pay the fee in installments over a specified period of time.
2. Seek assistance from a reputable organization: There are organizations and non-profit agencies that may provide assistance or resources to individuals who are unable to pay immigration fees. These organizations may have programs in place to help cover the costs or provide guidance on alternative options.
3. Explore other avenues for financial assistance: In some cases, applicants may be able to secure loans from financial institutions or borrow money from friends or family members to cover the application fees.
It’s essential for applicants to consider and exhaust all possible options before proceeding with their application to ensure they meet all necessary requirements and fulfill their financial obligations.
17. Can a fee waiver request on Form I-912 be expedited under certain circumstances?
1. Yes, a fee waiver request on Form I-912 can be expedited in certain circumstances. USCIS may consider expediting a fee waiver request if the applicant can demonstrate that they are facing urgent financial hardship or if there are significant humanitarian reasons for urgency.
2. To request an expedited review of a fee waiver request, the applicant should clearly explain the reasons for the urgency and provide any supporting documentation that can help establish the need for expedited processing. This may include proof of imminent eviction or utility shut-off, medical emergency, or other compelling circumstances.
3. USCIS has the discretion to grant or deny requests for expedited processing based on the individual circumstances presented. It is important for applicants to be thorough in their explanation and provide all necessary evidence to support their request for expedited consideration of their fee waiver application on Form I-912.
18. Are there any specific eligibility criteria for requesting a fee waiver using Form I-912 for humanitarian reasons?
Yes, there are specific eligibility criteria for requesting a fee waiver using Form I-912 for humanitarian reasons. In order to qualify for a fee waiver based on humanitarian reasons, applicants must demonstrate that they are experiencing financial hardship and are unable to pay the required filing fees. Additionally, applicants must show that they are unable to obtain a fee waiver under the regular criteria due to their specific humanitarian circumstances. These circumstances may include being a victim of domestic violence, human trafficking, or other forms of violence or abuse.
Moreover, applicants must also provide supporting documentation to substantiate their claim of financial hardship and demonstrate their humanitarian circumstances. This documentation may include but is not limited to proof of income, expenses, assets, and liabilities, as well as any relevant court orders, police reports, or medical records related to their humanitarian situation.
It is important for applicants to carefully review the instructions provided on Form I-912 and submit a well-documented request that clearly outlines their humanitarian reasons for seeking a fee waiver. Failure to meet the specific eligibility criteria and provide sufficient supporting documentation may result in the denial of the fee waiver request.
19. Can a fee waiver request on Form I-912 be submitted for any type of immigration benefit application?
No, a fee waiver request on Form I-912 cannot be submitted for any type of immigration benefit application. The Form I-912 is specifically designed to request a fee waiver for certain USCIS applications and petitions. These include naturalization applications, adjustment of status applications, DACA renewal requests, and others as specified by USCIS. It is important to carefully review the eligibility requirements and guidelines provided by USCIS to determine if a fee waiver request using Form I-912 is appropriate for a particular immigration benefit application. Applying for a fee waiver when not eligible could result in delays or denials of the application.
20. Are there any special considerations for military members or veterans when requesting a fee waiver using Form I-912?
Yes, there are special considerations for military members or veterans when requesting a fee waiver using Form I-912:
1. Military members serving on active duty are not required to pay the biometric services fee for the Form I-912 fee waiver request.
2. Veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces are also eligible for fee waivers as long as they can provide proper documentation of their veteran status.
3. In addition to waiving the biometric services fee for active-duty military members, USCIS may also consider the financial hardship faced by military families when evaluating fee waiver requests.
4. It is important for military members and veterans to clearly explain their circumstances and provide supporting documentation when submitting Form I-912 to request a fee waiver.
Overall, special considerations are in place to accommodate the unique circumstances and financial challenges faced by military members and veterans when requesting fee waivers using Form I-912.