July 16 -- For the first time ever, the USCIS has proposed a specific form to be used when requesting a fee waiver.  Currently, if paying the filing fee to apply for an immigration benefit would create hardship, an applicant can request a fee waiver by providing a written statement explaining their financial circumstances.   The new form will provide clarity as to the criteria considered, as well as even alerting applicants that a fee waiver is an option. 

A draft of the new form (Form I-912)  is published in the Federal Register, and is still open for comments.