Form I-912
Request for Fee Waiver
Request a USCIS fee waiver based on household income at or below 150% of the federal poverty guidelines, receipt of means-tested benefits, or financial hardship.
Filing fee
No fee
Processing time
<1–2 months
Varies by service center
Online filing
Paper only
Mail to USCIS lockbox
Form edition
2024
Only the current edition is accepted
Who files Form I-912?
Applicants for N-400, I-765 (asylum), I-485 (humanitarian categories), and several other eligible forms.
Where to file
Filed together with the form being waived.
Always verify the current address or online filing option on the official USCIS Form I-912 page before sending — lockbox assignments change.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Requesting a fee waiver for a form that is not eligible (most family-based I-485s cannot waive fees)
- Missing supporting documents — tax transcripts, benefit letters, or hardship proof
Filing tips
- Check the USCIS form instructions carefully before filing — ineligible forms are rejected outright
- A denied I-912 does not prevent you from paying the fee and refiling
Frequently asked questions
What is Form I-912?
Request a USCIS fee waiver based on household income at or below 150% of the federal poverty guidelines, receipt of means-tested benefits, or financial hardship.
Who files Form I-912?
Applicants for N-400, I-765 (asylum), I-485 (humanitarian categories), and several other eligible forms.
How much is the Form I-912 filing fee?
The current filing fee is No fee. Confirm the current amount on USCIS.gov before filing — fees changed most recently in the 2024 USCIS fee rule.
How long does Form I-912 take to process?
USCIS currently reports under 1 month to 2 months for most cases. Processing times vary by service center and workload. Check the USCIS Case Processing Times tool for the latest estimates.
Can I file Form I-912 online?
No. Form I-912 must be filed on paper and mailed to the designated USCIS lockbox or service center. Check the form's official USCIS page for the correct mailing address.
Related forms
Cost deep dive
Looking for a full cost breakdown including biometric fees, fee waivers, and payment methods? See the Form I-912 cost page.
Sources & Citations
All claims in this guide link to primary government sources.
- 1
- 2USCIS Case Processing Times— USCIS
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Not legal advice. This page is a plain-English summary for educational use. Current fees, processing times, and filing locations are controlled by USCIS and may change without notice. For case-specific guidance, consult a licensed immigration attorney.