Request for Fee Waiver

Wizard gating question for whether the user is filing for themselves or as a parent / legal guardian on behalf of a child or disabled person.

• Filer toggles this for a parent filing on behalf of a minor child without realizing it changes the form's signature flow. The minor is the requestor; the parent fills as the parent guardian per Part 7.
• Filer toggles when a sponsor is paying fees. Sponsor-paid fees use Form G-1145 or direct payment, not I-912; I-912 is for the requestor's own inability to pay.

Basis A. Available when the requestor, spouse, or head of household receives a means-tested benefit. Triggers Part 4 completion and a benefit notice attachment. Means-tested benefits include Medicaid, SNAP, TANF, SSI, Section 8 housing, CHIP, and WIC. SSDI and unemployment do NOT count as means-tested.

• Filers check Basis A based on receiving SSDI or unemployment. Those are not means-tested. USCIS denies if the only evidence is an SSDI award letter.
• Filers attach a benefit notice older than 12 months. USCIS requires the notice be dated within the past year.

Basis B. Available when total household income is at or below 150% of the HHS Federal Poverty Guidelines for the household size. Threshold updates each spring on the I-912P chart; check uscis.gov/i-912p before filing.

• Filers count gross income above the threshold but use net or after-tax income. USCIS uses gross.
• Filers undercount household size. USCIS counts you, your spouse, your dependent children under 21, and any other dependent listed on your tax return.

Basis C. Available when the requestor has a financial hardship that makes paying the fee impossible. Common triggers: medical debt, eviction, recent job loss, federally declared natural disaster, domestic violence. Requires a hardship narrative and supporting documents.

• Filers write a vague hardship narrative ('I am poor'). USCIS denies; the narrative must include specific dollar amounts and concrete consequences.
• Filers do not attach evidence. The hardship narrative without a single document attachment is almost always denied.

The requestor's current immigration or nonimmigrant status. USCIS uses this to verify eligibility for the underlying application.

• Filer lists 'pending' or 'in process' instead of the actual current status. USCIS expects the actual status as of filing (e.g., 'F-1 student', 'TPS El Salvador', 'CPR (conditional permanent resident)').
• Filer lists their requested status (e.g., 'naturalization applicant') instead of their current status. Use the current status; the requested status is on the underlying application.

Requestor's family name (last name). Must match the underlying application.

• Filer uses a transliterated spelling that differs from the underlying application. Match the underlying I-485, N-400, etc., character-for-character.
• Filer puts the given name first because their cultural convention places family name last. Item asks specifically for family name (last name).

Requestor's given name. Must match the underlying application.

• Filer lists a nickname.
• Filer translates their given name (e.g., 'Juan' to 'John'). Match the legal name on the underlying application.

Requestor's A-Number, if any. Required for filers who have a green card, prior EAD, or any prior USCIS contact.

• Filer lists an old A-Number from a previous proceeding when a new one was issued. Use the current A-Number from the most recent USCIS notice.
• Filer formats with letters and dashes inconsistently. The A-Number is 'A' followed by 7-9 digits.

Requestor's date of birth.

• Filer uses DD/MM/YYYY (international format).
• Filer types only year.

Requestor's U.S. Social Security Number, if any. Optional; many fee-waiver filers do not have an SSN yet.

• Filer lists an ITIN or ATIN. SSN is the U.S. Social Security Number only; ITIN is different.
• Filer leaves blank when they have an SSN. Optional but providing helps USCIS cross-reference benefits records.

Requestor's marital status. The form has 7 options including 'Other (explain)'. Used by USCIS to size the household and to verify the spouse-on-benefits claim under Basis A.

• Filer selects 'Single' for legally separated. Use the form's specific options: Single, Married, Divorced, Widowed, Marriage Annulled, Legally Separated, or Other.
• Filer selects 'Other' for situations the form covers (separated). Use the specific category; 'Other' is for civil unions, registered DPs, and similar.

Row 1 of Part 3: the form numbers being filed by the primary requestor (yourself). Type the USCIS form numbers separated by commas.

• Filers leave this blank because the form numbers are written elsewhere. USCIS uses Part 3 to assemble the full fee-waiver package.
• Filers list a form that is not eligible for a fee waiver (e.g., I-130). USCIS denies fee-waiver requests for ineligible underlying forms; check 8 CFR 106.3 for the eligible list.

Total count of forms across all rows. Used by USCIS to verify the fee-waiver scope.

• Filer counts each form once when filing for multiple family members. Each family member's forms count separately; if requestor and spouse each file I-485, that is 2 forms in total_forms.
• Filer omits ancillary forms (I-765, I-131) bundled with the primary application. Count each form separately.

Person receiving the means-tested benefit. Required when basis_means_tested = true.

• Filer lists the case worker's name instead of the recipient. The recipient is the person whose name is on the benefit award letter.
• Filer lists the head of household when the recipient is a different family member.

Recipient's relationship to the requestor. Eligible relationships: Self, Spouse, Head of Household (parent if requestor is under 21).

• Filer uses informal language.
• Filer leaves blank when recipient is requestor (use 'Self').

Type of benefit. Acceptable types: Medicaid, SNAP, TANF, SSI, Section 8 housing, CHIP, WIC, similar federal-assistance programs. SSDI and unemployment are NOT acceptable.

• Filer lists a non-qualifying benefit (Medicare, Social Security retirement, unemployment). Only means-tested benefits qualify; check the I-912 instructions for the eligible list.
• Filer lists 'food stamps' when the program is SNAP. Use the official program name.

Awarding agency name. Typically the state's HHS or social services department.

• Filer lists USCIS or the federal government. The agency is the state or local agency that issued the award.
• Filer lists a vague 'social services' without the state.

Date the benefit was awarded. Must support the dated-within-12-months rule for the benefit notice.

• Filer uses today's date.
• Filer uses the date they applied for the benefit, not the award date.

Date the benefit expires or must be renewed. USCIS expects the benefit to be active at the time of I-912 filing.

• Filer leaves blank for ongoing benefits. List the renewal/recertification date even if recurring.
• Filer lists a date in the past. The benefit must be active at I-912 filing.

Required when basis_low_income = true. Drives the income picture USCIS reviews against the I-912P 150% FPG threshold.

• Filer lists 'employed' when partially employed (gig work, part-time). Use the form's specific options to capture the actual status.
• Self-employed filer picks 'employed' instead of 'self-employed'. The form distinguishes for income verification purposes.

Total household size. Drives which row of the I-912P chart applies to your case. Count yourself + spouse + dependent children under 21 + other dependents on your tax return.

• Filer counts only people earning income. Household size is everyone in the household receiving support, not just earners.
• Filer omits children. Include all dependents living in the household.

Your annual income (gross). USCIS compares total household income against the I-912P 150% FPG threshold for your household size.

• Filer lists net income instead of gross. USCIS uses gross income for the 150% FPG comparison.
• Filer uses last year's W-2 number when income has changed materially. Use current annual income (most recent + projected).

Combined annual income of all OTHER household earners. Add to your_annual_income to get total_household_income.

• Filer lists only the spouse and skips other earning household members.
• Filer double-counts requestor's income here.

Sum of your income and all other earners' income. Must be at or below 150% FPG for your household size to qualify under Basis B.

• Filer's arithmetic does not match your_annual_income + household_other_income. USCIS recalculates and rejects on mismatch.
• Filer lists a number that exceeds 150% FPG and still files Basis B. Run the I-912P chart for household_size before filing Basis B.

Whether any household, income, or dependent change has happened since last tax filing. If yes, USCIS expects an explanation and supporting documentation.

• Filer marks 'no' when income, household size, or dependents have changed materially.
• Filer leaves blank. Boolean must be answered.

Required free-text narrative for Basis C. Must include specific dollar amounts and dates. USCIS denies hardship requests with vague narratives.

• Filer writes a generic 'I am poor' without specific dollar amounts and dates. Basis C requires concrete documentation.
• Filer cites future hardship (anticipated job loss). Basis C requires current hardship; anticipated future events do not qualify.

Total liquid assets (cash, bank accounts, stocks, bonds; excludes retirement accounts). USCIS compares against monthly expenses to assess hardship.

• Filer omits brokerage and savings accounts.
• Filer includes retirement accounts. USCIS excludes retirement accounts (401k, IRA) from total_assets.

Total monthly expenses and liabilities. USCIS uses this with assets to assess whether paying the underlying fee is feasible.

• Filer lists annual expenses here.
• Filer omits categories. Sum all monthly expense rows.

Item 1.A vs 1.B in Part 7. Pick exactly one. If interpreter, the interpreter must complete and sign Part 8 (the wizard does not collect interpreter contact info).

• Non-English-fluent filer marks 1.A (read in English) when they actually used an interpreter.
• Filer marks 1.B (interpreter) without filling interpreter fields in Part 5.

Item 2 in Part 7. Pick true only if a preparer (attorney, paralegal, family member typing on the requestor's behalf) prepared this form for the requestor.

• Filer marks true for software-based help (myUSCIS, Ezel). Software is not a preparer; mark false unless a human preparer was paid or unpaid.
• Filer marks false when family member helped fill the form. Family member preparation counts; mark true.

Requestor's daytime phone. Required for USCIS follow-up contact.

• Filer lists work number where they cannot speak privately.
• Filer leaves blank.

Wet-ink signature in Part 7 item 6. The wizard prints the typed name; the requestor must sign over it in ink before mailing.

• Each person listed in Part 3 (rows 2-4) must also sign at the end of Part 7 on the printed form. USCIS rejects I-912s where any 14+ requestor's signature is missing.

Date of signature.

• Filer post-dates the signature.
• Filer signs before completing the form.

Requestor's middle name (Part 1). Leave blank if no middle name.

• Filer puts 'NMN' for no middle name. Some USCIS systems read 'NMN' literally; leave blank instead.
• Filer lists a middle name they never used officially. Use the middle name on the birth certificate or passport.

First other-name family name (maiden, prior married name, alias, transliteration). Required when the requestor has been known by another name.

• Filer leaves blank when they have a maiden name or prior married name. Disclose all prior names; gaps create RFE risk.
• Filer lists only nicknames. List legal prior names (maiden, prior married, name change).

First other-name given name.

• Filer leaves blank when other_name1_family is filled.
• Filer lists a nickname.

First other-name middle name.

• Filer leaves blank when other_name1_family/given are filled and middle exists.
• Filer types 'NMN'.

Second other-name family name. Used when the requestor has had more than one prior name.

• Filer leaves blank when 2+ prior names exist.
• Filer crams two names into one row.

Second other-name given name.

• Filer leaves blank when other_name2_family filled.
• Filer crams names into one row.

Second other-name middle name.

• Filer leaves blank when middle name exists.
• Filer types 'NMN'.

USCIS online account number (12-digit), if the requestor has a myUSCIS account. Optional; helps USCIS link this filing to existing online records.

• Filer lists their A-Number here. The USCIS online account number is the 12-digit number from the myUSCIS account, not the A-Number.
• Filer leaves blank when they have an account. Optional but speeds processing.

Free-text explanation when marital_status is 'Other' (e.g., civil union, registered domestic partnership). Required when marital_status is Other.

• Filer leaves blank when 'Other' was selected.
• Filer types a status the form covers (e.g., 'Divorced').

Family member row 2 (Part 3): full name of the second person being filed for under the same I-912. USCIS treats each row as a co-requestor; rejection of one row's evidence rejects the whole I-912.

• Filer leaves blank when row2_used is marked.
• Filer abbreviates the family member's name.

Date of birth for family member row 2.

• Filer uses DD/MM/YYYY format.
• Filer types only year.

A-Number for family member row 2 (if any).

• Filer leaves blank when family member has an A-Number.
• Filer reuses requestor's A-Number.

Relationship of row 2 family member to the requestor (e.g., spouse, child).

• Filer uses informal language ('my wife') instead of formal relationship.
• Filer fills with their own relationship to the family member from the family member's perspective.

Form numbers row 2 is filing under this fee waiver (e.g., I-485, N-400). Each form must be one of the I-912-eligible forms; ineligible forms get the I-912 rejected.

• Filer lists fewer forms than the family member is actually filing.
• Filer lists 'I-485' when the family member is filing 'I-485 + I-765 + I-131' bundle. List all separately.

Family member row 3: full name. Same coverage rules as row 2.

• Filer leaves blank when row3_used.
• Filer abbreviates.

Family member row 3: date of birth.

• Filer uses DD/MM/YYYY format.
• Filer types only year.

Family member row 3: A-Number if any.

• Filer leaves blank when family member has an A-Number.
• Filer reuses requestor's A-Number.

Family member row 3: relationship to requestor.

• Filer uses informal language.
• Filer reverses perspective.

Family member row 3: forms covered by this fee waiver.

• Filer lists fewer forms.
• Filer omits ancillary forms.

Family member row 4: full name.

• Filer leaves blank when row4_used.
• Filer abbreviates.

Family member row 4: date of birth.

• Filer uses DD/MM/YYYY format.
• Filer types only year.

Family member row 4: A-Number if any.

• Filer leaves blank when A-Number exists.
• Filer reuses requestor's A-Number.

Family member row 4: relationship to requestor.

• Filer uses informal language.
• Filer reverses perspective.

Family member row 4: forms covered by this fee waiver.

• Filer lists fewer forms.
• Filer omits ancillary forms.

Second means-tested benefit row (Part 4 Basis A): name of the recipient (the requestor or family member receiving the benefit). Used when more than one benefit is on record.

• Filer lists case worker.
• Filer lists head of household.

Second benefit row: relationship of the recipient to the requestor.

• Filer uses informal language.
• Filer leaves blank for self.

Second benefit row: type of benefit (e.g., SNAP, TANF, Medicaid, SSI). Must be a federal, state, or local means-tested benefit per the I-912 instructions.

• Filer lists non-qualifying benefit.
• Filer uses informal program name.

Second benefit row: name of the agency that issued the benefit award letter.

• Filer lists USCIS.
• Filer omits state name.

Second benefit row: date the benefit was awarded. Award letter must be attached.

• Filer types renewal date instead of original award date.
• Filer leaves blank when second benefit is listed.

Second benefit row: date the benefit expires or renews. USCIS rejects expired-benefit evidence.

• Filer types past expiration date; USCIS will reject expired evidence.
• Filer leaves blank when second benefit is listed.

Free-text explanation when employment_status is 'Other'.

• Filer leaves blank when 'Other' selected.
• Filer types a status the form covers.

Date the requestor became unemployed. Required when employment_status is unemployed; helps USCIS evaluate the income-snapshot consistency.

• Filer types last day of work; USCIS expects start of unemployment.
• Filer leaves blank when unemployed.

Number of household members earning income, including the requestor. Used to interpret the household income figure against the 150% FPG threshold.

• Filer lists self only when a spouse also earns.
• Filer counts non-household earners (e.g., out-of-household relative who sends money).

Name of the head of household when not the requestor. Optional; some adjudicators use this to match income evidence.

• Filer lists self when spouse files taxes as head of household.
• Filer leaves blank when household has a different head.

Free-text explanation of any change in income or household since the most recent tax return (Part 5). Required when anything_changed_since_taxes is true.

• Filer marks 'yes' but leaves explanation blank.
• Filer is vague ('things changed').

First asset row (Part 5): type of asset (cash, bank account, stocks, bonds). Do NOT list retirement accounts; USCIS excludes them under the I-912 instructions.

• Filer leaves blank when assets exist.
• Filer lumps multiple types into one cell.

First asset row: value in USD.

• Filer estimates without checking statements.
• Filer omits cents.

Second asset row: type.

• Filer leaves blank when 2+ assets.
• Filer combines types.

Second asset row: value in USD.

• Filer estimates.
• Filer omits cents.

Third asset row: type.

• Filer leaves blank when 3+ assets.
• Filer combines types.

Third asset row: value in USD.

• Filer estimates.
• Filer omits cents.

Monthly expense category checkbox (Part 5): rent or mortgage. The requestor lists every applicable category and provides a household monthly total.

• Filer lists annual.
• Filer lists $0 when actually paying rent indirectly via family.

Monthly expense checkbox: food.

• Filer estimates a round number.
• Filer omits SNAP-paid food (count out-of-pocket only).

Monthly expense checkbox: utilities (electricity, gas, water, internet, phone).

• Filer omits gas/electric.
• Filer lumps phone/internet.

Monthly expense checkbox: car payment.

• Filer omits insurance.
• Filer omits fuel.

Monthly expense checkbox: loans or credit cards (minimum monthly payments).

• Filer omits student loans on $0 IBR plan.
• Filer omits credit-card minimum payments.

Monthly expense checkbox: child care or elder care.

• Filer lists $0 when childcare is paid.
• Filer omits aftercare.

Monthly expense checkbox: insurance (health, auto, renters, life).

• Filer omits health insurance premium.
• Filer double-counts auto insurance from expense_car.

Monthly expense checkbox: commuting (transit, gas).

• Filer omits public transit fare.
• Filer double-counts fuel from expense_car.

Monthly expense checkbox: medical (out-of-pocket).

• Filer omits prescription co-pays.
• Filer omits dental.

Monthly expense checkbox: school (tuition, books).

• Filer omits books/supplies.
• Filer lists tuition as one-time.

Monthly expense checkbox: other categories.

• Filer leaves blank for actual expenses.
• Filer double-counts items already in other categories.

Free-text explanation of 'Other' expenses. Required when expense_other is true.

• Filer leaves blank when expense_other > 0.
• Filer is vague ('miscellaneous').

Language the interpreter used (e.g., Spanish, Mandarin). Required when language_path is interpreter.

• Filer leaves blank when language_path is 1.B.
• Filer lists 'Spanish' when the dialect matters (e.g., Mexican Spanish vs European Spanish for translation services).

Preparer's name as it should appear on Part 7's inline reference. Pulled from preparer info if collected; left blank when preparer_used is false.

• Filer leaves blank when preparer_used is true.
• Filer lists the software name.

Requestor's mobile phone (Part 6). Optional; provided so USCIS can call about RFEs.

• Filer leaves blank.
• Filer reuses daytime_phone.

Requestor's email (Part 6). Optional.

• Filer paste an email rarely checked.
• Filer uses a parent's or family member's email without telling them.

Wizard branch toggle (Part 1). True when the requestor is also asking the fee waiver to cover a family member filing on the same submission. Each family member 14 or older signs a separate I-912 (per the form instructions); the row 2-4 entries are how a single I-912 lists multiple covered filings on one form.

• Filer marks used without filling row2 fields.
• Filer leaves blank when filing for 2+ family members.

Wizard branch toggle. True when a third I-912 row is needed (e.g., parent + 2 children all filing N-400 / I-90 fee-waiver-eligible forms together).

• Filer marks used without filling row3 fields.
• Filer leaves blank when filing for 3+ family members.

Wizard branch toggle for the fourth I-912 row. The blank form has 4 rows printed; larger families use a separate I-912 for the 5th person and beyond.

• Filer marks used without filling row4 fields.
• Filer leaves blank when filing for 4+ family members.

Wizard branch toggle (Part 2 Basis A). True when the requestor or a household member receives a second qualifying means-tested benefit. Listing additional benefits is not required (one is enough to qualify) but strengthens the application; USCIS sometimes requests evidence on the lead benefit and a second listed benefit can serve as backup.

• Filer marks without filling benefit2 fields.
• Filer leaves blank when 2+ benefits qualify.

Part 5 item 2 yes/no. Required to answer when item 1 (employment status) is 'unemployed'. 'Yes' adds unemployment benefit amount to monthly income; 'No' is consistent with truly no income. Leaving both blank when unemployed reads as an incomplete declaration and risks RFE.

• Filer leaves blank.
• Filer marks 'no' to avoid disclosure.