For many immigrants, applying for immigration benefits can be stressful — not just because of the paperwork, but also because of the costs. The good news is that USCIS offers fee waivers for certain applications, making it possible for individuals and families with financial hardship to continue their immigration journey without worrying about the filing fees.

What Is a Fee Waiver?

A fee waiver allows eligible applicants to submit specific USCIS forms without paying the standard filing fee. Instead, applicants must show they cannot afford the cost due to their current financial situation. This ensures that everyone — regardless of income — has fair access to immigration benefits.

Who Qualifies for a Fee Waiver?

You may be eligible for a fee waiver if you meet one or more of the following conditions:

  • You or a household member currently receive a means-tested benefit such as SNAP, Medicaid, or SSI.
  • Your household income is at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
  • You can demonstrate financial hardship, such as recent unemployment, unexpected medical expenses, or other serious financial challenges.

Which Applications Are Eligible?

Not all forms qualify for a fee waiver. However, common ones that do include:

  • Form N-400: Application for Naturalization
  • Form I-912: Request for Fee Waiver
  • Form I-485: Application to Register Permanent Residence (certain cases)
  • Form I-765: Application for Employment Authorization (in specific categories)

You can find the full list of eligible forms on the USCIS Fee Waiver Guidelines page.

How to Apply

To apply for a fee waiver, you must submit Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver, along with your main application. Include evidence of your eligibility, such as:

  • Recent benefit approval letters
  • Pay stubs or tax returns showing low income
  • Medical bills or other documents showing financial hardship

Make sure to sign both forms and include all supporting documents before sending them to USCIS.

Why It Matters

With the cost of many immigration forms increasing over time, applying for a fee waiver can save hundreds of dollars — allowing families to stay on track toward residency or citizenship.

At Flora Legal Group, we believe financial hardship should never stand in the way of a better future. Our team can help determine if you qualify and guide you through the process of submitting your application correctly.

📲 Contact Flora Legal Group today to schedule a consultation.
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