Brian D. Lerner Immigration Attorney & Deportation Lawyer Blog

USCIS has published a new version of Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver. The new version has removed the use of means-tested public benefits as a factor. According to USCIS, the change was warranted because eligibility requirements for public benefits vary so much state-to-state. Under the new criteria, individuals can request a fee waiver if their annual household income is at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines or if they demonstrate financial hardship. In effect, the new criteria narrow who is eligible for a fee waiver.