I-912 Fee Waiver in Barstow: Reduce Immigration Costs for Low-Income Families
Learn how to request a fee waiver for USCIS applications if you qualify based on income or hardship
Quick Answer
For low-income families in Barstow and the High Desert region, USCIS filing fees can be a significant barrier to immigration benefits. The I-912 fee waiver allows eligible individuals to have application fees waived entirely. SoCal Immigration Services helps families throughout the High Desert qualify for and submit fee waivers.
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SoCal Immigration Services
General information only. Not legal advice.
For low-income families in Barstow and the High Desert region, USCIS filing fees can be a significant barrier to immigration benefits. The I-912 fee waiver allows eligible individuals to have application fees waived entirely. SoCal Immigration Services helps families throughout the High Desert qualify for and submit fee waivers.
What is Form I-912 Fee Waiver?
Key Facts:
• Completely free if approved - no fees at all
• Based on income, means-tested benefits, or hardship
• Available for many (but not all) USCIS applications
• Must submit with your application or before
• Decisions are case-by-case
Who Qualifies for Fee Waiver?
- •Currently receive means-tested government benefits (Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, TANF)
- •Income at or below 150% of Federal Poverty Guidelines
- •Financial hardship that prevents you from paying fees
- •Your household cannot pay for basic necessities if you pay the filing fee
2026 Federal Poverty Guidelines (150%)
| Household Size | Annual Income Limit | Monthly Income Limit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $22,590 | $1,883 |
| 2 people | $30,660 | $2,555 |
| 3 people | $38,730 | $3,228 |
| 4 people | $46,800 | $3,900 |
| 5 people | $54,870 | $4,573 |
| 6 people | $62,940 | $5,245 |
| 7 people | $71,010 | $5,918 |
| 8 people | $79,080 | $6,590 |
| Each additional | +$8,070 | +$673 |
Applications Eligible for Fee Waiver
- •N-400 Citizenship Application ($760 normally)
- •I-90 Green Card Renewal ($465 normally)
- •I-765 Work Permit (when not filed with another form)
- •I-131 Travel Document (when not filed with another form)
- •I-821D DACA Renewal ($495 normally)
- •I-290B Motion to Reopen/Appeal ($785 normally)
- •I-751 Remove Conditions ($770 normally)
- •N-600 Certificate of Citizenship ($1,385 normally)
Applications NOT Eligible for Fee Waiver
- •I-485 Adjustment of Status (green card application)
- •I-140 Immigrant Worker Petition
- •I-129 Nonimmigrant Worker Petition
- •I-130 Family Petition
- •Most employment-based petitions
- •USCIS immigrant fee for new immigrants
Fee Waiver Based on Benefits
Federal Benefits:
• Medicaid (Medi-Cal in California)
• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP/CalFresh)
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
• Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF/CalWORKs)
Provide your benefits award letter or statement as evidence.
Fee Waiver Based on Income
Required Evidence:
• Most recent tax return (or tax transcript)
• Recent pay stubs (last 30 days)
• Letter from employer stating income
• Statement explaining if you don't file taxes
• List of all household members and their income
Income from all household members counts.
Fee Waiver Based on Hardship
Hardship Factors:
• Unexpected medical bills
• Recent job loss
• Natural disaster affecting finances
• Large debt obligations
• Supporting elderly or disabled family members
• Any circumstance making fee payment impossible
You must provide a written explanation AND documentation.
How to Submit I-912
- •Download Form I-912 from USCIS.gov
- •Complete all applicable sections
- •Gather supporting evidence (benefits letter, tax returns, pay stubs)
- •Submit I-912 WITH your main application
- •Mail to the same address as your application
- •Keep copies of everything you send
What If Fee Waiver is Denied?
• You will receive a denial notice
• You may resubmit with additional evidence
• You can still file the application with the full fee
• Denial does NOT affect your immigration case
• Consider filing with the fee if your deadline is near
Processing Times
| Stage | Typical Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Initial review | Same as application | Reviewed together |
| Approval | With receipt notice | Included in receipt |
| Denial | 2-4 weeks | Separate denial notice |
| Resubmission | 2-4 weeks | If denied, can try again |
Barstow Fee Waiver Services
- •Arabic and English speaking staff
- •Eligibility assessment
- •Help gathering required evidence
- •Form I-912 preparation
- •Application submission with fee waiver
- •Appeal if initially denied
FAQFrequently Asked Questions
Q:Can I apply for citizenship for free with a fee waiver?
A: Yes! Form N-400 citizenship application is eligible for fee waiver. If approved, you pay nothing for the $760 filing fee. You still need to meet all citizenship requirements.
Q:What benefits qualify me for a fee waiver?
A: Means-tested benefits like Medicaid (Medi-Cal), SNAP (CalFresh food stamps), SSI, and TANF (CalWORKs) qualify. Having these benefits is the easiest way to get approved.
Q:Can I get a fee waiver for a green card application?
A: Unfortunately, Form I-485 Adjustment of Status is NOT eligible for fee waiver. However, you can get fee waivers for green card renewal (I-90), work permit, and travel document in some cases.
Q:What if I don't have recent pay stubs?
A: You can provide other income evidence: tax returns, employer letter, bank statements, or a signed statement explaining your income situation. Self-employed applicants can provide business records.
Q:Will asking for a fee waiver hurt my immigration case?
A: No. Fee waiver requests are decided separately from your underlying application. A fee waiver does NOT trigger public charge concerns for most applications.
Q:Can I apply for a fee waiver if I work but still struggle financially?
A: Yes. If your income is at or below 150% of poverty guidelines, or if you can demonstrate financial hardship, you may qualify even with employment income.
Need Fee Waiver Help in Barstow?
Don't let filing fees stop you from pursuing immigration benefits. Our Arabic-speaking team helps Barstow families qualify for fee waivers and submit complete applications.
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