How to Pay USCIS Fees: Forms, Methods, and What to Expect

Published on October 29, 20268 minute read

What USCIS Form I-942 Does and When You Need It

Form I-942, Application for Reduction or Waiver of Fees, is the document you submit to USCIS when you cannot afford the standard filing fee for an immigration form. It is not a separate application — it is a request attached to your main form (like an I-485 for permanent residence or an I-539 for extension of stay) that asks USCIS to reduce or waive your fee based on your household income.

You do not need Form I-942 if you are filing a form that has no fee, or if you can pay the full amount. USCIS publishes a fee schedule on its website that lists which forms cost money and how much. If your form has a fee and your household income is at or below 200% of the federal poverty line, you may be able to request a waiver. If your income is between 200% and 400% of the poverty line, you may request a reduction.

The poverty line changes each year and varies by household size. You will need to show proof of your current income — usually recent tax returns, pay stubs, or a letter from your employer — so USCIS can verify your claim. Submitting I-942 does not delay your main application; USCIS reviews both at the same time.

Key Takeaways

Form I-942 is a fee waiver or reduction request that you attach to your main USCIS form, not a standalone application.
You must include proof of household income, such as recent tax returns or pay stubs, for USCIS to consider your request.
USCIS accepts payment by check, money order, credit card, or debit card, depending on how you file (by mail or online).
If you file by mail, send your fee payment and Form I-942 together with your main application to the address listed in the form instructions.
USCIS will notify you in writing whether your fee waiver or reduction was approved, denied, or if they need more information from you.

How to Calculate Your Household Income and Poverty Line

USCIS defines household income as the total income of you, your spouse (if married and living with you), and any children or stepchildren under 21 who live with you. Include wages, self-employment income, Social Security, unemployment benefits, and any other regular income. Do not include child support you receive or money from other household members who are not your spouse or dependent children.

The federal poverty line is set by the Department of Health and Human Services and published each January. For example, in 2024, the poverty line for a single person is one amount, for a family of two is higher, and so on. USCIS instructions for Form I-942 include a poverty line chart so you can see whether your household income falls within the waiver or reduction range. If you are unsure whether you may have access to, you can still submit I-942 and let USCIS make the information.

Keep in mind that USCIS may ask for updated income information if several months pass between when you file and when they review your case. If your circumstances change significantly — you lose a job, for example — you can submit a new I-942 or a letter explaining the change.

Payment Methods and Where to Send Your Fee

If you are paying the full fee (not requesting a waiver), USCIS accepts payment by personal check, cashier's check, money order, or credit/debit card. Do not send cash. If you file by mail, write your name and your USCIS receipt number (if you have one) on the back of the check or money order, and mail it with your application to the address listed in the form instructions — this varies by form type and your location.

If you file online through USCIS's online portal (available for some forms), you can pay by credit card or debit card at the time of submission. The portal will show you the exact fee for your form and confirm payment immediately. Online filing is faster and reduces the risk of your payment getting lost in the mail.

Some USCIS forms can be filed at a local USCIS office in person, and a few offices accept cash payment at the counter. Call your local office or check the USCIS website to see whether in-person filing is an option for your form and whether they accept cash.

What Happens After You Submit Form I-942

USCIS will review your I-942 along with your main application. If your request is approved, you will not owe the fee, and USCIS will process your main form without delay. If your request is denied, USCIS will send you a notice telling you that you must pay the full fee within a set number of days (usually 30 days) or your application will be rejected. You can then decide whether to pay or withdraw your application.

If USCIS needs more information to make a decision — for example, if your income documentation is unclear — they will send you a Request for Evidence (RFE). You will have 30 days to respond. During this time, your main application is on hold, but you are not charged a fee for the delay.

USCIS does not approve or deny I-942 separately from your main form. The two are reviewed together, and you will receive one decision letter that addresses both. Keep a copy of your I-942 and your income documents for your records.

Reduced Fees and Other Fee Waivers

If your household income is between 200% and 400% of the poverty line, you may request a fee reduction rather than a full waiver. A reduced fee is typically 50% of the standard fee. You still submit Form I-942 and provide the same income documentation. USCIS will calculate the reduced amount and notify you of the new fee you owe.

Some forms have no fee at all — for example, Form I-131 (Advance Parole) and Form I-765 (Work Permit) have no filing fee when submitted together with an I-485. Check the USCIS fee schedule to confirm whether your specific form is free or has a cost.

If you are a victim of human trafficking, domestic violence, or certain crimes, you may be able to request a fee waiver for forms related to your case (such as an I-360 or I-485). These waivers are handled differently and may not require Form I-942. Consult the instructions for your specific form or contact a legal aid organization for guidance.

Common Mistakes When Filing Form I-942

The most common error is submitting I-942 without income documentation. USCIS will not make a decision on your waiver request without proof of your household income. Tax returns are the strongest evidence, but if you do not have recent returns, pay stubs from the last 30 days, a letter from your employer on company letterhead, or a bank statement showing regular deposits can work. If you are self-employed, bring profit-and-loss statements or business tax returns.

Another mistake is including income that should not be counted — for example, money from a roommate who is not your spouse or dependent child, or child support you pay to someone else. USCIS has specific rules about what counts as household income, and including the wrong amounts can result in a denial.

Do not assume that being denied a fee waiver means your application will be denied. A waiver denial only means you must pay the fee. Many people are denied waivers but approved for their underlying immigration benefit. If you cannot pay the fee after a denial, you can ask USCIS for an extension of time to pay, though this is not may provide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I submit Form I-942 after I have already paid the fee?

You can submit I-942 at any time before USCIS makes a final decision on your case, but if you have already paid, USCIS will not refund the fee. If you paid by mistake or your circumstances changed after payment, contact USCIS in writing and explain. Refunds are rare but possible in certain situations.

What if my household income is just above the waiver limit?

If you are above 200% of the poverty line but below 400%, you can request a fee reduction. If you are above 400%, you do not may have access to for either a waiver or reduction under the standard rules. However, you can still submit a letter explaining extraordinary expenses (such as medical bills or disability costs) and ask USCIS to consider a waiver based on hardship. USCIS has discretion to grant waivers in cases of severe financial hardship, even if income is above the threshold.

Do I need to include my spouse's income if we are married but file separately?

If you are married and living together, USCIS counts your spouse's income as part of your household income, regardless of whether you file taxes jointly or separately. If you are married but living apart, contact USCIS or a legal aid organization for guidance, as the rules can vary depending on your situation.

How long does it take USCIS to decide on my Form I-942?

USCIS does not have a set timeline for I-942 decisions. They review it along with your main application, so the decision comes when your case is ready for adjudication. This can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on the form type and your local USCIS office's workload.

Can I pay my USCIS fee in installments?

USCIS does not offer a formal installment payment plan. If you cannot pay the full fee at the time of filing, submit Form I-942 to request a waiver or reduction. If your waiver is denied and you cannot pay immediately, you can request an extension of time to pay in writing, though approval is not may provide. Some legal aid organizations may be able to help you pay fees if you meet their income requirements.