What is a USCIS fee waiver?

A USCIS fee waiver (Form I-912) allows eligible applicants to file certain immigration forms without paying the filing fee. To qualify, your household income must be at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, or you must be receiving a means-tested public benefit such as Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, or TANF.

Which forms can be fee-waived?

Many USCIS forms are eligible for fee waivers, including I-90, I-131, I-751, I-765, N-400, and N-600. However, I-485 is generally not eligible (except certain humanitarian categories), and forms like I-129 (H1B) and I-140 are not eligible for a fee waiver.

How do I apply for a USCIS fee waiver?

File Form I-912 (Request for Fee Waiver) along with your immigration application. Include evidence of income (tax returns, pay stubs) or proof of public benefit enrollment. Do not pay the filing fee — submit I-912 instead.

What income qualifies for an immigration fee waiver in 2026?

Your household income must be at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. For 2026, that is $22,590 for a 1-person household, $30,630 for 2 people, $38,670 for 3 people, and $46,710 for a family of 4.

Immigration Fee Waiver Calculator 2026

Quick Answer

You qualify for a full USCIS fee waiver (Form I-912) in 2026 if your household income is at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines — $22,590 for a 1-person household, $30,630 for 2 people, $38,670 for 3, or $46,710 for a family of 4 — or if you receive a means-tested public benefit such as Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, or TANF. Financial hardship can also qualify you on a case-by-case basis. If your income is above 150% but at or below 400% FPG, you may instead qualify for the reduced N-400 naturalization fee of $380 (Form I-942, paper filing only) instead of $760. Fee waivers cover forms like I-90, I-131, I-751, I-765, N-400, and N-600, but not I-485, I-129, or I-140.

$22,590

150% FPG limit, 1-person household

$46,710

150% FPG limit, family of 4

$380

Reduced N-400 fee (I-942), vs $760

Filing fee with approved I-912 waiver

Fee Waiver Eligibility Checker

Answer the 3 questions below. The calculator uses the official 2026 Federal Poverty Guidelines.

1 Are you currently receiving any of these benefits?

Yes

Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, TANF, or similar

I do not receive these benefits

2 Household Size (total people in your household)

3 Annual Household Gross Income ($)

Include all income sources: wages, Social Security, unemployment, rental income, etc.

USCIS Fee Waiver Guide 2026

USCIS fee waivers allow low-income applicants to file immigration forms without paying the government filing fee — an approved I-912 means you pay $0. Understanding the three ways to qualify can save you hundreds or thousands of dollars.

3 Ways to Qualify for a Fee Waiver

1. Income Below 150% FPG

Your household income is at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for your household size. This is the most common basis for a fee waiver.

2. Public Benefit Recipient

You currently receive Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, TANF, or another means-tested federal or state public benefit. Proof of enrollment is required.

3. Financial Hardship

You can demonstrate that you cannot pay the fee due to financial hardship even if you don't meet the income threshold. Evaluated case-by-case.

Forms Eligible for Fee Waiver

Form	Description	Waivable?
I-90	Green Card Renewal	✓ Yes
I-131	Travel Document / Advance Parole	✓ Yes
I-485	Adjustment of Status (Green Card)	✗ No
I-751	Remove Conditions on Residence	✓ Yes
I-765	Work Permit (EAD)	✓ Yes
N-400	Naturalization	✓ Yes
N-600	Certificate of Citizenship	✓ Yes
I-129 / I-140	H1B / Employment Petitions	✗ No

How to File a Fee Waiver

Download Form I-912 from USCIS.gov/i-912.
Complete all sections — household size, income, benefit enrollment.
Gather evidence — tax returns (IRS Form 1040), W-2s, benefit enrollment letters, pay stubs.
Attach I-912 to your main application — do not include a check or money order.
Mail or file online — note that fee waiver requests cannot be submitted online for all form types. Check USCIS.gov for current instructions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if my fee waiver is denied?

USCIS will reject your application and return it. You can refile with the full fee or with additional evidence to support the waiver. There is no appeal process for a fee waiver denial; you simply refile.

Can I get a fee waiver for a green card (I-485)?

No. Form I-485 is not eligible for a fee waiver. However, you can request waivers for concurrent forms like I-765 (EAD) and I-131 (Advance Parole). Always verify current eligibility at USCIS.gov.

Does receiving SNAP or Medicaid affect my immigration status?

USCIS may consider certain public benefit use in the public charge determination for green card applicants. Medicaid and SNAP are generally considered in public charge assessments. Consult an attorney before using benefits if you have a pending or upcoming green card application.

Is there a fee waiver for naturalization?

Yes. You can request a full fee waiver (Form I-912) for N-400 if you meet the income or benefit criteria. If your income is between 150% and 400% FPG, you may qualify for the reduced $380 fee using Form I-942 instead.

Immigration Fee Waiver Eligibility Calculator