Is it possible to request a fee waiver based on low income?

For the EB-2 NIW, the answer is: it depends on the stage of the process. U.S. immigration provides a fee waiver mechanism based on inability to pay, but it does not apply to every fee or every phase of the process.

Some stages simply do not offer a waiver option, while others may allow a waiver request when the applicant demonstrates financial hardship, in accordance with criteria set by the authorities. For this reason, it is not safe to assume that every fee will (or will not) be waived: this is evaluated on a case-by-case basis and may change over time.

To avoid mistakes on this point, it is worth:

• Checking, for each stage, whether a waiver option exists and what the current requirements are.
• Gathering documentation that demonstrates your financial situation, if you plan to request a waiver.
• Confirming amounts and rules directly from the official source, where they are kept up to date.

Since this topic changes and every case is unique, the safest approach is to review updated information from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or consult a specialist before making a decision.

About the author

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

As a journalist and lead editor at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps ensure that immigration topics are covered in a clear, trustworthy, and easy-to-understand way. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.