A USCIS fee waiver can save hundreds to over a thousand dollars on your immigration application. The key is knowing whether you qualify and which forms are eligible. This guide covers the complete 2026 eligibility criteria, income thresholds, and application process.
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Enter your household size and income to see if you qualify for a full waiver or reduced fee.
Open Fee Waiver Eligibility Checker →3 Ways to Qualify for a Fee Waiver in 2026
Income at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines
Your total household gross income (all sources) is at or below the 2026 income limits listed below. This is the most common basis for a fee waiver. You must include all household members' income — not just the applicant's.
Receipt of a means-tested public benefit
You currently receive Medicaid, SNAP (food stamps), SSI (Supplemental Security Income), TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families), or another means-tested federal or state public benefit. You do not need to meet the income threshold separately if you qualify under this basis.
Financial hardship (case-by-case)
USCIS may approve a fee waiver based on documented financial hardship even if you do not meet the income or benefit criteria. You must provide a detailed explanation and supporting documentation of the hardship. These cases are evaluated individually and are less predictable.
2026 Income Limits for Fee Waiver Eligibility
These are the 150% Federal Poverty Guideline thresholds for 2026. If your household gross income is at or below the limit for your household size, you may qualify for a full fee waiver.
| Household Size | Annual Income Limit (150% FPG) | Monthly Income Limit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $22,590 | $1,883 |
| 2 people | $30,630 | $2,553 |
| 3 people | $38,670 | $3,223 |
| 4 people | $46,710 | $3,893 |
| 5 people | $54,750 | $4,563 |
| 6 people | $62,790 | $5,233 |
| 7 people | $70,830 | $5,903 |
| 8 people | $78,870 | $6,573 |
| Each additional person | +$8,040 | +$670 |
Source: 2026 Federal Poverty Guidelines at 150%. Alaska and Hawaii have higher thresholds — verify at aspe.hhs.gov.
Which Forms Can Be Fee-Waived?
| Form | Description | Fee | Waivable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| I-90 | Green Card Renewal / Replacement | $415 | ✓ Yes |
| I-131 | Travel Document / Advance Parole | $630 | ✓ Yes |
| I-485 | Adjustment of Status (Green Card) | $1,440 | ✗ No |
| I-751 | Remove Conditions on Residence | $750 | ✓ Yes |
| I-765 | Work Permit (EAD) | $820 | ✓ Yes |
| I-821D | DACA | $0 | N/A |
| N-400 | Naturalization | $760 | ✓ Yes |
| N-600 | Certificate of Citizenship | $1,205 | ✓ Yes |
| I-129 / I-140 | Employment-Based Petitions | Varies | ✗ No |
This is a general guide only. USCIS maintains the complete list of fee-waivable forms on the I-912 instructions. Always verify at USCIS.gov/i-912.
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How to Apply for a Fee Waiver — Step by Step
- Check eligibility — Use our fee waiver eligibility checker or compare your income to the 150% FPG table above.
- Download Form I-912 — Available at USCIS.gov/i-912. Read the current instructions carefully.
- Gather evidence — For income basis: most recent federal tax return (IRS 1040 with all schedules), W-2s, pay stubs, and any other income documentation. For benefit basis: a current benefits enrollment letter from the issuing agency.
- Complete Form I-912 — List all household members, all income sources, and check the correct eligibility basis.
- Attach to your main application — Include I-912 as a cover sheet before your main application. Do NOT include a check or money order for the fee you are requesting to waive.
- Mail the complete package — Send to the USCIS Lockbox address for your main form. Not all forms support online fee waiver submissions.
- Await receipt — If USCIS accepts the fee waiver, they will send a receipt notice. If denied, they will return the application; you can refile with the full fee or additional evidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a fee waiver for my green card (I-485)?
No. Form I-485 is not eligible for a fee waiver. However, you may request waivers for concurrent forms filed with the I-485, such as I-765 (work permit) and I-131 (advance parole), if you meet the eligibility criteria.
Will using SNAP or Medicaid hurt my green card application?
Potentially. USCIS may consider the use of certain public benefits in the public charge determination for green card applicants. Consult an immigration attorney before using public benefits if you have a pending or upcoming I-485 application.
What if my fee waiver is denied?
If USCIS denies the fee waiver, they will return your application package. You can refile with the full fee or include additional evidence supporting your waiver request. There is no appeal process for a fee waiver denial.
How long does a fee waiver decision take?
USCIS typically processes fee waivers together with the main application. The fee waiver decision is usually made quickly — within days to a few weeks of receipt — but the overall application processing time depends on the form type.