Form I-912

What is the I-912 Form For?

The I-912 form is used to request a waiver of the filing fees for certain USCIS forms. It helps individuals who cannot afford to pay these fees due to financial hardship. 

The fee waiver can be requested for a variety of immigration applications, including those for green cards, citizenship, and other immigration benefits.

What is the Cost of Filing I-912?

Form I-912 is free to file. It is designed to help those who cannot afford the standard filing fees for other forms. If approved, the fee waiver will cover the fees for the associated immigration application.

How Long Does it Take to Get I-912 Approval?

The processing time for Form I-912 can vary, but it generally takes several weeks to a few months. The exact duration depends on the workload of the immigration office handling the request and the completeness of the submitted documentation.

Who Qualifies for Citizenship Fee Waiver?

To qualify for a citizenship fee waiver, an applicant must demonstrate an inability to pay due to financial hardship. This can be shown through:

• Receiving a means-tested benefit (such as Medicaid or food stamps).

• Having a household income at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.

• Experiencing a financial hardship situation, such as high medical bills or unemployment.

What is the Minimum Income to Sponsor an Immigrant in 2024?

To sponsor an immigrant in 2024, the minimum income required is typically 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for the sponsor's household size. For a household of two, this would be approximately $22,887 per year. This amount increases with each additional household member.

Who Qualifies for a Waiver of Inadmissibility?

A waiver of inadmissibility can be granted to individuals who are otherwise ineligible for admission to the U.S. due to specific grounds, such as health issues or past immigration violations. To qualify, applicants must demonstrate:

• Extreme hardship to a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse or parent if the waiver is not granted.

• Rehabilitation and positive contributions to society if the inadmissibility is due to criminal activity.

• A valid humanitarian reason for entering or remaining in the U.S.

Forms Eligible for Fee Waiver

For a complete list of applications and petitions eligible for a fee waiver, please refer to the USCIS Instructions for Form I-912. This document provides detailed information about which forms and filings qualify for a fee waiver and the specific conditions that must be met.

General Filing Instructions

Filing with Applications and Petitions: 

• File Form I-912 with each application or petition for which you are requesting a fee waiver.

• If filing multiple forms together (e.g., Form I-485 and Form I-765), you only need one Form I-912.

• For family-related applications or petitions filed simultaneously (e.g., multiple Form I-765s for family members), only one Form I-912 is required. Ensure all forms are submitted together.

Accessing and Completing Forms: 

• USCIS forms are available for free on their website. To view, print, or complete the forms, you need the latest version of Adobe Reader.

• If you lack internet access, request a form by calling 1 (800) 375-5283.

Signature Requirements: 

• A proper signature is mandatory. Immigration Services don't accept stamped or typewritten names in place of a handwritten signature.

• Parents or legal guardians may sign on behalf of children under 14 or mentally incompetent individuals.

• Photocopied, faxed, or scanned copies of the original handwritten signature are valid.

Submitting Evidence: 

• Include all required evidence and supporting documents as specified in the instructions.

• Provide legible photocopies of documents unless originals are specifically requested.

• For documents in foreign languages, include a complete English translation along with a certification from the translator.
  

How Long Does it Take to Get a Replacement Naturalization Certificate?

The processing time to get a replacement naturalization certificate can vary but generally takes around 5 to 8 months. This time frame can be affected by the current workload and whether the application is complete and includes all necessary documentation.