USCIS Fee Waiver Request
Form I-912 Request for Fee Waiver Based on Financial Hardship in Columbus, Ohio
What is Form I-912?
Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver, allows certain applicants to request that USCIS waive the filing fee for their immigration application based on financial hardship. Many immigration forms require substantial filing fees that can be a burden for low-income families. The fee waiver provides a path for eligible individuals to access immigration benefits without the financial barrier. At Asal Multi Services in Columbus, Ohio, we help clients determine eligibility and prepare their fee waiver requests.
Three Bases for Fee Waiver Eligibility
USCIS considers fee waiver requests based on three criteria. You only need to qualify under one:
1. Means-Tested Benefits
You are currently receiving a means-tested public benefit, such as:
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP/food stamps)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
- National School Lunch Program (free lunch)
Evidence needed: Benefit award letters, approval notices, or program cards showing your name and current enrollment.
2. Income Below 150% FPG
Your household income is at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. For 2026, approximate thresholds are:
- 1 person: ~$22,590
- 2 people: ~$30,660
- 4 people: ~$46,800
- 6 people: ~$62,940
Evidence needed: Tax returns, W-2s, pay stubs, employer letters, or self-employment records.
3. Financial Hardship
Even if your income is above 150% FPG, you may qualify if you can demonstrate that paying the fee would cause financial hardship due to extraordinary expenses such as:
- Significant medical expenses or bills
- Recent job loss or unemployment
- Homelessness or risk of eviction
- Natural disaster or emergency
- Disability preventing work
How to File Form I-912
- Determine your eligibility basis (benefits, income, or hardship)
- Complete Form I-912 with accurate household and financial information
- Gather supporting documentation based on your eligibility basis
- Submit I-912 with your immigration application (the fee waiver must be filed together with the underlying application)
- USCIS reviews and either approves the waiver and processes your application, or denies the waiver and returns your application
Frequently Asked Questions
Who qualifies for a USCIS fee waiver?
You may qualify if you receive means-tested benefits (Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, TANF), if your household income is at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, or if you can demonstrate financial hardship due to extraordinary expenses or circumstances.
What forms can I use a fee waiver for?
Fee waivers are available for certain USCIS forms including I-90, N-400, I-751, I-765, I-131, and others. Not all forms accept fee waivers. Check the USCIS fee waiver guidance for a complete list of eligible forms.
What documentation do I need for a fee waiver?
Depending on your basis: proof of means-tested benefits (award letters), income documentation (tax returns, pay stubs, W-2s), bank statements, and evidence of extraordinary expenses (medical bills, eviction notices, etc.).
What happens if my fee waiver is denied?
If USCIS denies your fee waiver, they will send you a notice explaining the reason. You can resubmit with additional evidence, pay the full fee with your application, or request a reduced fee if eligible.
Important Notice
Asal Multi Services is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice, legal representation, or interpretation of immigration law. Services are limited to administrative assistance, document preparation, and guidance in accordance with publicly available government instructions.
Need Help With a Fee Waiver?
Asal Multi Services in Columbus, Ohio helps clients prepare Form I-912 fee waiver requests. We speak English, Somali, and Arabic. Visit us at 3185 Morse Rd, Ste 15, Columbus, OH 43231.