Form I-912 Guide

USCIS evaluates your financial hardship, documentation of means-tested benefits, and household income when reviewing Form I-912. A common mismatch occurs when applicants fail to provide sufficient evidence of their financial situation, leading to potential denial of the fee waiver request.

• Provide documentation of any means-tested benefits received.
• Include tax returns or proof of income to support your financial claims.
• Attach letters or statements from organizations verifying your financial situation.
• Document any significant financial hardships affecting your ability to pay fees.
• Use affidavits from community organizations if available.

• Missing or invalid signature.
• Insufficient evidence of financial hardship.
• Incomplete information in required fields.
• Failure to provide documentation of means-tested benefits.
• Not submitting the correct photocopies of required documents.

• Demonstrate inability to pay the fees.
• Submit evidence of financial hardship.
• Provide documentation of means-tested benefits.
• Include a valid signature from the requestor.
• Attach legible photocopies of all supporting documents.
• Complete the form accurately and fully.

• General Instructions

  Follow the guidelines for completing the form and submitting evidence.

• Specific Instructions

  Detail the specific evidence required to support your fee waiver request.

• Your Employment Status

  List your work history, including dates and employer details.

• Your Annual Adjusted Household Income

  Provide documentation of your household's income and size.

• Financial Hardship

  Describe your financial hardship in detail, including any relevant circumstances.

• Processing Information

  Include any necessary information regarding the processing of your request.

• Part 1. Basis for Your Request
• Part 2. Information About You (Requestor)
  • Full Name
  • Other Names Used (if any)
  • Alien Registration Number (A-Number) (if any)
  • USCIS Online Account Number
  • Date of Birth (mm/dd/yyyy)
  • U.S. Social Security Number (if any)
  • Marital Status
• Part 3. Applications and Petitions for Which You are Requesting a Fee Waiver
• Part 4. Means-Tested Benefits
  • Documentation of Financial Hardship
  • What Is the Purpose of Form I-912?
  • Forms Eligible for Fee Waiver
  • Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card (Form I-90);
  • Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence (Form I-751);
  • Application for Family Unity Benefits (Form I-817);
  • Application to File Declaration of Intention (Form N-300);
  • Application for Naturalization (Form N-400);
  • Application to Preserve Residence for Naturalization Purposes (N-470);
  • Application for Replacement Naturalization/Citizenship Document (N-565);
  • Application for Certificate of Citizenship (N-600); and
  • extension of stay;
  • request humanitarian parole;

• Evidence of identity (passport, government ID, or USCIS-issued document).
• Evidence of current immigration status or admission/parole.
• Evidence that supports the eligibility category selected.
• Evidence of any required family relationship or sponsorship.
• Evidence supporting the waiver ground and hardship criteria.

• Submitting original documents when only photocopies are required.
• Failing to sign the form, leading to rejection.
• Not providing sufficient evidence of financial hardship.
• Omitting required fields or providing incomplete information.
• Using a stamped or typewritten name instead of a handwritten signature.
• Not including translations for documents in a foreign language.

• Situation: An applicant is preparing I-912 and must include all required evidence. Task: They submit a complete packet within a 30-day preparation window. Action: They compile identity records, eligibility evidence, and the filing fee before submitting. Result: The petition is accepted without a request for missing items.
• Situation: A filer is close to a deadline for I-912. Task: They submit within the required 90-day timeline. Action: They finalize the packet and file within the stated window. Result: The case proceeds without a late-filing issue.
• Situation: A petitioner must reference a receipt number. Task: They match the receipt number to the underlying petition. Action: They include the exact receipt number on I-912 and attach the notice copy. Result: USCIS can verify the underlying filing quickly.

• You must submit a separate Form I-912 for each application; you can file one for multiple applications.
• All documents must be originals; photocopies are acceptable unless specified otherwise.
• A typed name can replace a signature; USCIS requires a handwritten signature.
• You cannot apply for a fee waiver if you are requesting DACA; there are no fee waivers for DACA applications.
• You must provide evidence of financial hardship only for yourself; you can include your family's financial situation as well.

This guide is built from the official instructions for Form I-912, ensuring that you have the most current and accurate information. It is designed to help you navigate the fee waiver process effectively, providing non-legal advice based on the latest guidelines.

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