USCIS Publishes First-Ever Proposed Fee Waiver Form
Agency Actively Seeks Public Comment
Fact Sheet

Introduction

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has proposed for the first time a standardized fee waiver form in an effort to provide relief for financially disadvantaged individuals seeking immigration benefits.  USCIS has published a notice in the Federal Register seeking public comment on the proposed form – Form I-912, Request for Individual Fee Waiver.

Background

The proposed fee waiver form is the product of extensive collaboration with the public.  In meetings with stakeholders, USCIS heard concerns that the absence of a standardized fee waiver form led to confusion about the criteria that had to be met as well as the adjudication standards.  USCIS worked with stakeholders in developing the fee waiver form that is now posted for comment.

Form Highlights

• The form will standardize the way applicants and petitioners submit a fee waiver request to USCIS by providing clear criteria to the applicant and bringing consistency to the application process.
• The form proposes clear evidentiary requirements. For example if an applicant can show that he/she has received a means-tested benefit in the last 6 months and has evidence to document this claim, he/she does not need to submit further evidence.
• The form instructions provide guidance on the application types for which a fee waiver can be requested.
• One Form I-912 may be filed for both the underlying application fee as well as the biometrics fee associated with that application.
• USCIS officers will be trained on how to adjudicate the form after the Office of Management and Budget approves its use.

The Form I-912 will be available for public comment at www.regulations.gov until September 13, 2010. For more information on USCIS and its programs please visit us online at www.uscis.gov.