Immigration & Language · Surprise rank #48
Immigration Filing Fee Too High? USCIS Can Waive the Filing Fee for Certain Forms
USCIS allows qualifying applicants to request a fee waiver for certain immigration forms when both the form and the applicant qualify under current fee-waiver rules.
Who
People filing an immigration benefit request that USCIS currently designates as fee-waiver eligible and who satisfy the applicable inability-to-pay criteria.
What to do
Start here: Check the current USCIS Fee Schedule for the exact form, then submit Form I-912 or a permitted written request with the paper filing when required.
Eligibility: Eligibility depends on both the applicant's financial circumstances and whether the specific form/category is currently fee-waiver eligible. Use the current Form G-1055 and I-912 instructions.
What you get
Form I-912 or an accepted written request can waive the USCIS-set filing fee for eligible benefit requests.
Benefit: The USCIS filing fee for the eligible form can be reduced to $0 if the waiver is approved.
Possible value: Varies by the filing fee for the specific eligible form.
Good to know
Important: Not every USCIS fee is waivable. USCIS says most fee-waiver requests cannot be filed online, and certain additional statutory fees under Public Law 119-21 cannot be waived even when the USCIS-set filing fee can be.
Availability: Active; form eligibility and fee rules can change
Why people miss it: Applicants often see a large filing fee and assume it is mandatory without checking whether that exact filing category permits Form I-912.
Sources reviewed: Aug 10, 2026