International International Version
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- Արժանահավատության դիմում - Անիրական ակնկալիքներ
Instructions for Application for
Provisional Unlawful Presence Waiver
USCIS
Form I-601A
OMB No. 1615-0123
Expires 10/31/2026
Department of Homeland Security
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
What Is the Purpose of Form I-601A?
Certain immigrant visa applicants who are relatives of U.S. citizens or Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs) may use this
application to request a provisional waiver of the unlawful presence grounds of inadmissibility under Immigration and
Nationality Act (INA) section 212(a)(9)(B), before they depart the United States to appear at a U.S. Embassy or U.S.
Consulate for an immigrant visa interview.
Who May File Form I-601A?
You may file this application to seek a provisional unlawful presence waiver if you:
1. Are physically present in the United States;
2. Are at least 17 years of age at the time of filing;
3. Have an immigrant visa case pending with Department of State (DOS) because you:
A. Are the principal beneficiary of an approved Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, an approved Form I-140,
Petition for Alien Worker, or an approved Form I-360, Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant,
and have paid the immigrant visa processing fee to DOS, and you are currently in the process of obtaining your
immigrant visa;
B. Have been selected by DOS to participate in the Diversity Visa (DV) Program (that is, you are a DV Program
selectee) and are currently in the process of obtaining your immigrant visa; or
C. Are the spouse or child of a principal beneficiary of an approved immigrant visa petition and have paid the
immigrant visa processing fee to DOS, or you are the spouse or child of a DV Program selectee (that is, you are a
DV Program derivative), and you are currently in the process of obtaining your immigrant visa; and
NOTE: The Child Status Protection Act (CSPA) permits certain beneficiaries of immigrant visa petitions to retain
classification as a child even if they have reached 21 years of age. Visit the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration
Services (USCIS) website at www.uscis.gov/green-card/green-card-processes-and-procedures/child-status-
protection-act-cspa for more information.
NOTE TO DV PROGRAM SELECTEES AND DERIVATIVES: Because a DV Program selectee or derivative
can only be issued a diversity immigrant visa during the fiscal year for which the DV Program selectee registered,
you can only obtain a provisional unlawful presence waiver while you are in the process of obtaining the immigrant
visa with DOS. You are in the process of obtaining an immigrant visa if the DOS Kentucky Consular Center
(KCC) has assigned you a DV case number, and you are awaiting an immigrant visa interview while in the United
States.
4. Believe you are or will be inadmissible only for a period of unlawful presence in the United States that was:
A. More than 180 days, but less than 1 year, during a single stay (INA section 212(a)(9)(B)(i)(I)); or
B. One year or more during a single stay (INA section 212(a)(9)(B)(i)(II)).
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Who is NOT Eligible to Receive a Provisional Unlawful Presence Waiver?
You are not eligible for a provisional unlawful presence waiver and USCIS will deny your application if any of the
following apply to you:
1. You do not meet all of the requirements listed in the Who May File Form I-601A section of these Instructions;
2. You have Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, pending with USCIS;
3. You are in removal proceedings, unless your removal proceedings are administratively closed and have not been
placed back on the Department of Justice (DOJ), Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) calendar to
continue your removal proceedings at the time you file your Form I-601A;
NOTE: Even if your removal proceedings are administratively closed, you are still “in removal proceedings” until
EOIR terminates or dismisses your case. You are, however, eligible to apply for a provisional unlawful presence
waiver if EOIR has not placed your removal proceedings back on its calendar to continue your removal proceedings.
4. You are subject to an administratively final order of removal, exclusion, or deportation that has been entered or issued
against you (including an in absentia order under INA section 240(b)(5)) unless, you applied for, and USCIS has
already granted, an application for permission to reapply for admission under section 212(a)(9)(A)(iii) of the Act and
8 CFR 212;
NOTE: Permission to reapply for admission is also called “consent to reapply.” The application is filed on Form
I-212, Application for Permission to Reapply for Admission into the United States After Deportation or Removal. For
5. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has entered a final decision reinstating a prior deportation, exclusion,
or removal order against you under INA 241(a)(5) by serving you with a Form I-871, Notice of Intent/Decision to
Reinstate Prior Order, before you filed the provisional unlawful presence waiver application or while the provisional
unlawful presence waiver application is pending;
NOTE: You are not yet ineligible for the provisional unlawful presence waiver if DHS has only served you with
a notice that DHS intends to reinstate a prior deportation, exclusion, or removal order, but only if DHS enters a
final order reinstating the prior deportation, exclusion, or removal order. You must still let USCIS know, if DHS
has served you with the notice that DHS intends to reinstate the order, since that fact may be material to the
adjudication of your application.
6. You are currently subject to an unexpired grant of voluntary departure from the immigration judge or the BIA; or
7. You fail to establish that your U.S. citizen or LPR spouse or parent would experience extreme hardship if you are
refused admission to the United States or that USCIS should approve your application as a matter of discretion. You
must establish that refusal to admit you would result in extreme hardship to your U.S. citizen or LPR spouse or parent.
You must also establish that your case warrants a favorable exercise of discretion by showing that favorable factors in
your case should be given more weight than the unfavorable factors.
Can I File Other Forms with Form I-601A?
Form I-601A is a standalone application. You cannot file Form I-601A with any other applications, petitions, or requests
for immigration benefits. You also should not file any other applications, petitions, or requests for immigration benefits
with Form I-601A or request that these applications, petitions, or requests for immigration benefits be considered with
Form I-601A.
If you submit your Form I-601A with any of the following forms, your application will be REJECTED and returned to
you with the filing fee and biometric services fee:
1. Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status (Form I-485);
2. Petition for Alien Relative (Form I-130);
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3. Application for Permission to Reapply for Admission Into the United States After Deportation or Removal (Form I-212);
4. Application for Travel Document (Form I-131); or
5. Application for Employment Authorization (Form I-765).
NOTE: You may file Form G-1145, E-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance, with Form I-601A to request that
USCIS electronically notify you when USCIS accepts your Form I-601A application.
NOTE: Applicants for provisional unlawful presence waivers cannot seek adjustment of status in the United States
based on Form I-601A. A provisional unlawful presence waiver is only effective if the applicant departs the United
States, attends the immigrant visa interview scheduled by DOS at a U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate abroad, and the
consular officer finds that the applicant is eligible for the immigrant visa. For more information about the immigrant visa
What Should I Do After I File Form I-601A?
After you file your Form I-601A, it is important that you provide all required paperwork for your immigrant visa to the
Department of State, National Visa Center (NVC). The NVC cannot schedule your immigrant visa interview until it
receives all of your immigrant visa paperwork. Failure to submit the required paperwork will delay your case.
What Should I Do Once USCIS Approves My Provisional Unlawful Presence Waiver?
1. If you are in removal proceedings, resolve your removal proceedings. If you are in removal proceedings and
USCIS approves your Form I-601A, it is important that you resolve your removal proceedings before you leave
the United States. Leaving the United States before your removal proceedings are resolved may delay processing
of your immigrant visa based on another ground of inadmissibility. Leaving the United States before your removal
proceedings are resolved may also result in the automatic revocation of your approved provisional unlawful presence
waiver. Visit the USCIS website at www.uscis.gov/provisionalwaiver for information about how to resolve your
removal proceedings before you depart the United States.
2. Depart the United States to attend your immigrant visa interview. You must depart the United States to attend
your immigrant visa interview for the provisional unlawful presence waiver to become fully effective. If you fail to
do this, your provisional unlawful presence waiver will not take effect and the approval may no longer be valid.
How Long Is My Approved Provisional Unlawful Presence Waiver Valid and When Can USCIS
Revoke It?
1. Validity of an approved waiver. An approved provisional unlawful presence waiver takes effect once you depart
the United States, you appear for your immigrant visa interview, and the DOS consular officer determines you are
otherwise admissible to the United States and eligible for an immigrant visa. Once your waiver takes effect, it is valid
indefinitely for the period of unlawful presence that was waived.
2. Revocation of an approved waiver. An approved provisional unlawful presence waiver is automatically revoked
and no longer valid if:
A. You enter or attempt to reenter the United States without inspection and admission or parole:
(1) While your application for a provisional unlawful presence waiver is pending with USCIS;
(2) After your provisional unlawful presence waiver is approved; or
(3) Before your immigrant visa is issued;
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B. The DOS consular officer determines at the immigrant visa interview that you are ineligible to receive the
immigrant visa because you are inadmissible on grounds other than the 3-year or 10-year unlawful presence bars;
C. The immigrant visa petition that was the basis for the provisional unlawful presence waiver is at any time
revoked, withdrawn, or rendered invalid, but not otherwise reinstated for humanitarian reasons or converted to a
widow or widower petition (Form I-360);
D. DOS terminates your immigrant visa registration in accordance with INA section 203(g), and it has not been
reinstated; or
E. The DOS consular officer determines that you are ineligible for the immigrant visa.
What Happens If My Provisional Unlawful Presence Waiver is Denied or Revoked or If I Withdraw My
Pending Application?
If your provisional unlawful presence waiver is denied or is approved, but subsequently revoked, or you withdraw your
pending application:
1. You may depart the United States to attend your immigrant visa interview and apply for a waiver abroad.
At your immigrant visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate abroad, DOS will make an admissibility
determination. If DOS determines you are inadmissible, based on unlawful presence or other grounds, you may file
Form I-601, Application for Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility, with USCIS from abroad, if a waiver is available to
you.
2. You may file a new Form I-601A along with the required filing fee and biometric services fee. You must still
meet all the eligibility requirements for the provisional unlawful presence waiver at the time of filing, including
requirements to be physically present in the United States and to appear for your biometric services appointment at a
USCIS Application Support Center (ASC).
3. USCIS may initiate removal proceedings. Denial of your provisional unlawful presence application does
not automatically trigger initiation of removal proceedings. USCIS will follow its current guidelines for
initiation of removal proceedings. For more information on USCIS guidance for referral of cases and issuance
of Notices to Appear (NTAs) in cases involving inadmissible and removable aliens, visit the USCIS website at
How Does a Pending or Approved Provisional Unlawful Presence Waiver Affect My Immigration
Status?
The filing or approval of an application for a provisional unlawful presence waiver does not affect your current
immigration status in the United States. A pending or approved provisional unlawful presence waiver:
1. Does NOT provide interim benefits. Filing this application does not give you interim benefits such as employment
authorization or eligibility to apply for advance parole to return to the United States. A pending or approved waiver
also does not give you any interim benefits while your immigrant visa application is pending with DOS;
2. Does NOT provide lawful status. If you are not otherwise maintaining lawful status in the United States, the filing
or approval of this waiver application alone does not give you lawful immigration status in the United States;
3. Does NOT stop the accrual of unlawful presence or provide protection from removal. A pending or approved
waiver will not prevent the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from initiating removal proceedings against
you or actually removing you from the United States. A pending or approved waiver also does not protect you from
accruing additional unlawful presence while still in the United States;
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4. Does NOT remove the requirement to depart the United States and seek an immigrant visa. If your provisional
unlawful presence waiver is approved, you must still depart the United States to process your immigrant visa at a
U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate abroad. The approval of a provisional unlawful presence waiver does not make you
eligible for adjustment of status in the United States. For more information on adjustment of status, visit the USCIS
5. Does NOT guarantee immigrant visa issuance. A DOS consular officer will determine if you are eligible for an
immigrant visa. There are many reasons why individuals are ineligible for an immigrant visa, and this provisional
unlawful presence waiver only provisionally covers one ground of inadmissibility resulting from unlawful presence
in the United States. For more information about immigrant visa requirements, consult the DOS website at
http://nvc.state.gov; and
6. Does NOT guarantee admission to the United States. Having an approved waiver or immigrant visa does not
guarantee your admission to the United States. A U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer will make a
determination when you apply for admission at a U.S. Port-of-Entry.
What Happens If I Depart the United States While My Form I-601A Is Pending or If I Enter or Attempt
to Reenter Without Inspection and Admission or Parole?
All applicants for a provisional unlawful presence waiver must be in the United States at the time of filing Form I-601A
and appear for biometrics capture at a USCIS ASC.
USCIS may consider your case abandoned and deny it pursuant to 8 CFR 103.2(b)(13) if you do not appear for biometrics
capture, if you do not respond to a request for evidence (RFE), or if you do not appear for an interview when requested by
USCIS.
If you depart the United States, and at any time before or after filing Form I-601A, enter or attempt to reenter the
United States without inspection and admission or parole, you may be placed in removal proceedings, may be subject to
additional grounds of inadmissibility that would render you ineligible for a provisional unlawful presence waiver, and any
approval of Form I-601A would be automatically revoked.
General Instructions
USCIS provides forms free of charge through the USCIS website. In order to view, print, or fill out our forms, you should
use the latest version of Adobe Reader, which you can download for free at http://get.adobe.com/reader/. If you do not
have Internet access, you may call the USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283 and ask that we mail a form to you. For
TTY (deaf or hard of hearing) call: 1-800-767-1833.
Signature. Each application must be properly signed and filed. For all signatures on this application, USCIS will not
accept a stamped or typewritten name in place of a signature. If you are under 14 years of age, your parent or legal
guardian may sign the application on your behalf. A legal guardian may also sign for a mentally incompetent person.
Filing Fee. Each application must be accompanied by the appropriate filing fee and biometric services fee (if applicable).
(See the What Is the Filing Fee section of these Instructions.)
Evidence. At the time of filing, you must submit all evidence and supporting documentation listed in the Specific
Instructions and/or What Evidence Must I Submit With Form I-601A sections of these Instructions.
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Biometric Services Appointment. USCIS may require that you appear for an interview or provide fingerprints,
photograph, and/or signature at any time to verify your identity, obtain additional information, and conduct background
and security checks, including a check of criminal history records maintained by the Federal Bureau of Investigation
(FBI), before making a decision on your application, petition, or request. After USCIS receives your application and
ensures it is complete, we will inform you in writing, if you need to attend a biometric services appointment. If an
appointment is necessary, the notice will provide you the location of your local or designated USCIS Application Support
Center (ASC) and the date and time of your appointment.
If you are required to provide biometrics, at your appointment you must sign an oath reaffirming that:
1. You provided or authorized all information in the application;
2. You reviewed and understood all of the information contained in, and submitted with, your application; and
3. All of this information was complete, true, and correct at the time of filing.
If you fail to attend your biometric services appointment, USCIS may deny your application.
Copies. You may submit legible photocopies of documents requested, unless the Instructions specifically state that you
must submit an original document. USCIS may request an original document at the time of filing or at any time during
processing of an application, petition, or request. If you submit original documents when not required, the documents
may remain a part of the record, and USCIS will not automatically return them to you.
Translations. If you submit a document with information in a foreign language, you must also submit a full English
translation. The translator must sign a certification that the English language translation is complete and accurate, and that
he or she is competent to translate from the foreign language into English. The certification should also include the date,
the translator’s signature and printed name, and may contain the translator’s contact information.
How To Fill Out Form I-601A
1. Type or print legibly in black ink.
2. If you need extra space to complete any item within this application, use the space provided in Part 9. Additional
Information or attach a separate sheet of paper; type or print your name and Alien Registration Number (A-Number)
(if any) at the top of each sheet; indicate the Page Number, Part Number, and Item Number to which your answer
refers; and sign and date each sheet.
3. Answer all questions fully and accurately. If a question does not apply to you (for example, if you have never been
married and the question asks “Provide the name of your current spouse”), type or print “N/A,” unless otherwise
directed. If your answer to a question which requires a numeric response is zero or none (for example, “How many
children do you have” or “How many times have you departed the United States”), type or print “None,” unless
otherwise directed.
Specific Instructions
Approved Immigrant Visa Case or DV Program Selectee or Derivative
To apply for a provisional unlawful presence waiver, you must have an immigrant visa case pending with DOS based on:
1. An approved immigrant visa petition and payment of the immigrant visa processing fee to DOS; or
2. Selection by DOS to participate in the DV Program for the fiscal year for which you registered.
Immigrant Visa Processing
DOS processes immigrant visas for foreign nationals who wish to immigrate permanently to the United States from
abroad, including foreign nationals who are ineligible to adjust their status to that of an LPR in the United States.
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Based on a USCIS-Approved Immigrant Visa Petition
USCIS sends the approved immigrant visa petition to the DOS NVC for consular processing of the immigrant visa if
Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker, or Form I-360, Petition for
Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant, indicates that the beneficiary will seek an immigrant visa through the
consular process abroad or if the beneficiary is not eligible to adjust status in the United States. Once the NVC receives
this approved immigrant visa petition, the NVC sends the beneficiary instructions on how to initiate the immigrant visa
process and pay the immigrant visa processing fee.
You must have already paid the DOS immigrant visa processing fee and must provide USCIS with a copy of your DOS-
issued immigrant visa processing fee receipt or other evidence of fee payment when you submit your provisional unlawful
presence waiver application. You must submit the DOS immigrant visa processing fee receipt or other evidence of fee
payment for the NVC case associated with the approved immigrant visa petition. Contact the NVC if you need another
copy of your DOS-issued immigrant visa processing fee receipt.
Based on the Diversity Visa Program
DOS administers the DV Program. To participate in the program, a foreign national must register with DOS during the
designated registration period. If DOS selects the foreign national from the pool of registrants to continue the DV process,
DOS instructs the DV Program selectee and any derivatives on how to obtain an immigrant visa.
If you are a DV Program selectee or derivative, you can submit a provisional unlawful presence waiver request to USCIS
as soon as you are selected. You must submit a print out from the DV Entrant Status Check page of the DOS Electronic
Diversity Visa system website at www.dvlottery.state.gov/, confirming that you are a DV Program selectee or derivative.
NOTE: DV Program selectees and derivatives DO NOT need to show that they have already paid the DOS immigrant
visa processing fee and they DO NOT have to submit a copy of the DOS-issued immigrant visa processing fee receipt.
Extreme Hardship to a Qualifying Relative
You must show that you have a U.S. citizen or LPR spouse or parent (qualifying relative) who would experience extreme
hardship if you are refused admission to the United States. The qualifying relative does not need to be the relative who
filed the immigrant visa petition, but he or she must be your U.S. citizen or LPR spouse or parent. For information about
how you can show extreme hardship to your qualifying relative, see Extreme Hardship in the What Evidence Must I
Submit With Form I-601A section of these Instructions.
NOTE to parents of a U.S. citizen or LPR child: A U.S. citizen or LPR child is not a qualifying relative for the purpose
of showing extreme hardship in this application. USCIS will not consider extreme hardship experienced by your U.S.
citizen or LPR children except to the extent that it affects the extreme hardship your U.S. citizen or LPR spouse or parent
would experience.
NOTE to surviving relatives: If your U.S. citizen or LPR spouse or parent filed your immigrant visa petition, but died
after filing the immigrant visa petition on your behalf, USCIS will consider the U.S. citizen or LPR spouse’s or parent’s
death the functional equivalent of extreme hardship to the U.S. citizen or LPR spouse or parent, if you resided in the
United States at the time of the death and you continue to reside in the United States.
You must still complete Part 3. Information About Your Immigrant Visa Case and Part 4. Information About Your
Qualifying Relative with information about the Form I-130 petitioner. In Part 5. Statement From Applicant, you must
explain why you believe USCIS should approve your application for a provisional unlawful presence waiver as a matter
of discretion. You must also provide a copy of the U.S. citizen or LPR spouse’s or parent’s death certificate with your
application.
This application is divided into nine parts. See below for greater detail.
Part 1. Information About You
In this section, provide the requested information about yourself.
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Item Number 1. Alien Registration Number (A-Number) (if any). Provide your A-Number. Your A-Number is the
number used to identify your immigration records. You can find this number on documents you received from USCIS,
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), or DOJ Executive Office of Immigration Review (EOIR) during
immigration proceedings in court.
Item Number 2. U.S. Social Security Number (if any). Provide your U.S. Social Security Number, if you have one.
Item Number 3. USCIS Online Account Number (if any). If you have previously filed an application, petition, or
request using the USCIS online filing system (previously called USCIS Electronic Immigration System (USCIS ELIS)),
provide the USCIS Online Account Number you were issued by the system. You can find your USCIS Online Account
Number by logging in to your account and going to the profile page. If you previously filed certain applications, petitions,
or requests on a paper form via a USCIS Lockbox facility, you may have received a USCIS Online Account Access Notice
issuing you a USCIS Online Account Number. If you received such a notice, your USCIS Online Account Number can be
found at the top of the notice. If you were issued a USCIS Online Account Number, enter it in the space provided. The
USCIS Online Account Number is not the same as an A-Number.
Item Numbers 4.a. - 4.c. Your Full Name. Provide your full legal name in the spaces provided.
Item Numbers 5.a. - 6.c. Other Names Used (if any). Provide all the names you have used, including maiden name,
married names, and nicknames in the space provided.
Item Numbers 7.a. - 7.f. Your U.S. Mailing Address. Provide the address where you would like to receive written
correspondence regarding your application.
Item Numbers 8. - 9.e. Your U.S Physical Address. If your current mailing address is not the same as your physical
address, provide your physical street address. You must include a street number and name or a rural route number. Do not
provide a post office box (PO Box) number here.
Item Number 10. Gender. Indicate whether you are male or female. Date of Birth (mm/dd/yyyy). Provide your date of
birth in mm/dd/yyyy format.
Item Number 11. Date of Birth (mm/dd/yyyy). Provide your date of birth in mm/dd/yyyy format.
Item Numbers 12. - 13. Place of Birth. Provide the city or town and country where you were born in the spaces
provided.
Item Number 14. Country of Citizenship or Nationality. Provide the name of the country of which you are a citizen
or your country of nationality. This is not necessarily the country where you were born. If you do not have citizenship in
any country, type or print “stateless” and provide an explanation in Part 9. Additional Information.
Item Numbers 15.a. - 16.b. Your Mother’s and Father’s Full Legal Name. Provide the full legal name for your
parents in the spaces provided.
Item Numbers 17. - 19. Your Last Entry Into the United States. In the appropriate fields, provide the actual or
approximate date and place where you last entered the United States and your immigration status, if any, at the time of
entry.
If you were inspected at a port-of-entry as an applicant for admission, and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer
then admitted or paroled you, provide the place of the port-of-entry and your immigration status at the time of entry (for
example, immigrant, any nonimmigrant classification, or parolee).
If you came into the United States without inspection by U.S. Customs and Border Protection at a port-of-entry, type or
print “PWI” as your immigration status.
Item Numbers 20.a. - 26. Your Previous Entries Into the United States (if applicable). In the appropriate fields,
provide the date when (on or about) you previously entered the United States and the place (actual or approximate) for
each prior entry into the United States. Also provide your immigration status at the time of each prior entry.
If you were inspected at a port-of-entry as an applicant for admission, and then the U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Officer admitted or paroled you, provide the place of the port-of-entry and your immigration status at the time of entry
(for example, immigrant, any nonimmigrant classification, or parolee).
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If you came into the United States without inspection by U.S. Customs and Border Protection at a port-of-entry, type or
print “PWI” as your immigration status.
If you need extra space to complete this section, use the space provided in Part 9. Additional Information.
Item Numbers 27. - 45. Your Immigration or Criminal History. Provide information about any and all immigration or
criminal history.
1. Immigration Proceedings (Item Numbers 27. - 30.)
Item Number 27. You Are In Removal Proceedings But There Is No Final Order Yet. Indicate whether you are
currently in removal, exclusion, or deportation proceedings because the immigration judge, the Board of Immigration
Appeals, or a Federal court has not issued an order in your case yet. You are generally not eligible for a provisional
unlawful presence waiver unless your case is administratively closed and has not been put back on the court’s docket
at the time you file your Form I-601A.
If you answer “Yes” to Item Number 27., you should proceed to Item Numbers 28.a - 28.b. Based on the scenario
that applies to you in Item Numbers 28.a. - 28.b., you may be eligible for a provisional unlawful presence waiver.
If your removal proceedings were terminated, you must submit a copy of all documents relating to the removal,
deportation, or exclusion proceedings, including the order terminating the removal proceedings. If removal
proceedings were terminated, you are not in removal proceedings.
Item Numbers 28.a. - 28.b. Removal Proceedings Administratively Closed or Removal Proceedings Put Back
on EOIR’s Calendar to Continue The Case. Indicate which statement applies to you if you are currently in removal,
deportation, or exclusion proceedings. Provide the evidence requested in the scenario that applies to you.
If your case is administratively closed and has not been put back on EOIR’s calendar to continue your case, you may be
eligible for a provisional unlawful presence waiver. If your case was administratively closed but has been put back on
EOIR’s calendar to continue your case, you are ineligible for a provisional unlawful presence waiver.
Item Numbers 29.a. - 29.b. Being Subject to Final Order of Removal, Exclusion, or Deportation. Indicate whether
you are currently subject to a final order of removal, exclusion, or deportation.
NOTE: If you answer “Yes” to Item Number 29.a., you are ineligible for a provisional unlawful presence waiver
unless you applied for and USCIS has already approved an application for permission to reapply for admission under
INA section 212(a)(9)(A)(iii) and 8 CFR 212.2 on Form I-212, Application for Permission to Reapply for Admission into
the United States after Deportation or Removal. If you have already applied for, and USCIS has already granted, you
permission to reapply for admission, provide the relevant information about the approved Form I-212 in Item Number
29.b. You may also provide a copy of the approval notice that USCIS sent to you when it approved your Form I-212.
Item Number 30.a. Reinstated Removal. Indicate in Item Number 30.a. whether DHS has served you with a Form
I-871, Notice of Intent/Decision to Reinstate Prior Order, indicating that DHS intends to reinstate a prior deportation,
exclusion, or removal order against you under INA section 241(a)(5).
Item Number 30.b. If you answered “Yes” to Item Number 30.a., indicate whether DHS has entered a final order
reinstating a prior deportation, exclusion, or removal proceeding.
Item Number 31. Being Subject To An Unexpired Grant Of Voluntary Departure. Indicate whether you are
currently subject to an unexpired grant of voluntary departure that was granted to you by an immigration judge or the
Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) during your removal proceedings.
If you are currently subject to an unexpired grant of voluntary departure from the immigration judge or the BIA, you are
not eligible for a provisional unlawful presence waiver. If you were granted voluntary departure in the past, but then you
withdrew your voluntary departure request or otherwise terminated voluntary departure you should not select “Yes” to
Item Number 31. In this case, you may be in removal proceedings or you may be the subject of a final order of removal,
deportation or exclusion. You should select the statements that apply to you in Item Numbers 27. - 28.b. or Item
Number 29.a.
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If you withdrew your request for voluntary departure or otherwise terminated the voluntary departure, please provide a
copy of all the relevant court documents.
If you did not depart during the voluntary departure period, you now have an outstanding final order of removal,
deportation, or exclusion. You should not select “Yes” to Item Number 31., but “Yes” to Item Number 29.a.
2. Criminal History (Item Numbers 32. - 45.)
A. If you answer “Yes” to any question in Item Numbers 32. - 38., provide the location, date, and a brief description
of the event in Part 9. Additional Information. If you answer “Yes” to any question in Item Numbers
39.a. - 45., provide a complete explanation in Part 9. Additional Information. The provisional unlawful
presence waiver only addresses the inadmissibility grounds associated with unlawful presence under INA section
212(a)(9)(B)(i). USCIS may deny your application as a matter of discretion due to unfavorable factors related to
your criminal and/or immigration history unless you are able to establish that you warrant a favorable exercise of
discretion.
B. If you were arrested or detained, but not charged with any crime or offense, you must provide information about
the event regardless of the country where the event occurred.
C. If you were charged with a crime, you must provide certified court dispositions showing the court proceedings’
outcome. You must also provide copies of arrest reports, statements of charges, indictment information, or any
other charging document issued against you. You MUST provide this information even if:
(1) Your records were expunged;
(2) You were placed in an alternative sentencing or rehabilitation program (for example, diversion, deferred
prosecution, withheld adjudication, deferred adjudication);
(3) Your records were sealed or otherwise cleared; or
(4) Anyone, including a judge, law enforcement officer, or attorney, told you that you no longer have a criminal
record.
D. If you were arrested but not charged with a crime or offense, you must provide the arrest report as well as
documentation from the arresting authority, prosecutor’s office, or court, if available, showing that you were not
charged with a crime or offense.
E. If you have ever engaged in, ordered, incited, assisted, or otherwise participated in any human rights violations
(for example, acts involving torture, genocide, or human trafficking; murder; severely injuring someone; engaging
in sexual activity with anyone made to participate by force or threat), you must provide information about the
events, place, date, and description regardless of the country where the events occurred.
Part 2. Biographic Information
Provide the biographic information requested in Part 2., Item Numbers 1. - 6. Providing this information as part of
your application may reduce the time you spend at your USCIS ASC appointment as described in the Biometric Services
Appointment section of these Instructions.
Item Numbers 1. - 2. Ethnicity and Race. Select the boxes that best describe your ethnicity and race.
Categories and Definitions for Ethnicity and Race
1. Hispanic or Latino. A person of Cuban, Mexican, Puerto Rican, South or Central American, or other Spanish culture
or origin, regardless of race. (NOTE: This category is only included under Ethnicity in Part 2., Item Number 1.)
2. White. A person having origins in any of the original peoples of Europe, the Middle East, or North Africa.
3. Asian. A person having origins in any of the original peoples of the Far East, Southeast Asia, or the Indian
subcontinent including, for example, Cambodia, China, India, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Pakistan, the Philippine
Islands, Thailand, and Vietnam.
4. Black or African American. A person having origins in any of the black racial groups of Africa.
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5. American Indian or Alaska Native. A person having origins in any of the original peoples of North and South
America (including Central America), and who maintains tribal affiliation or community attachment.
6. Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander. A person having origins in any of the original peoples of Hawaii,
Guam, Samoa, or other Pacific Islands.
Item Number 3. Height. Select the values that best match your height in feet and inches. For example, if you are five
feet and nine inches, select “5” for feet and “09” for inches. Do not enter your height in meters or centimeters.
Item Number 4. Weight. Enter your weight in pounds. If you do not know your weight, or need to enter a weight under
30 pounds or over 699 pounds, enter “000.” Do not enter your weight in kilograms.
Item Number 5. Eye Color. Select the box that best describes the color of your eyes.
Item Number 6. Hair Color. Select the box that best describes the color of your hair.
Part 3. Information About Your Immigrant Visa Case
In this section, provide information about the approved immigrant visa petition (either Form I-130, Form I-140, or I-360),
and the status of your immigrant visa application at the NVC.
Item Numbers 1.a. - 1.e. Provide the basis on which you are immigrating to the United States (Select only one box).
NOTE: If you are a Diversity Visa (DV) program selectee or derivative, provide the information requested in Item
Numbers 2.a. - 2.d. If you are not filing this application as a Diversity Visa Selectee, skip to Item Number 3.
Item Number 2.a. DOS DV Program Case Number. Provide the DV Case number that was assigned to you (or your
spouse or parent) by the KCC when you (or your spouse or parent) became a DV Program selectee. You can find the
number on your print out from the DV Entrant Status Check page of the DOS Electronic Diversity Visa system website at
Item Numbers 2.b. - 2.d. DV Program Selectee’s Full Name. (If you are not filing this application as a Diversity Visa
Selectee, skip to Item Number 3.) If you are filing as the derivative of a DV program selectee, provide the name of the
principal DV Program selectee (your spouse or your parent).
Item Number 3. If you are (or your spouse or parent) is the beneficiary of an immigrant visa petition filed by a family
member or an employer, provide the information requested in Item Number 3.
Item Number 3.a. USCIS Receipt Number. Provide the receipt number for the approved immigrant visa petition that
was filed on your (or your spouse’s or parent’s) behalf or that you used to self-petition on your behalf. Submit a copy
(if available) of the petition approval notice (Form I-797, Notice of Action). This will assist USCIS in processing your
application for a provisional unlawful presence waiver. Failure to provide a copy of the immigrant visa petition approval
notice may result in processing delays or in the rejection of your application.
NOTE: Failure to provide a copy of the petition approval notice will not, by itself, result in the denial of your application.
Item Number 3.b. DOS Consular Case Number (NVC Case Number). Provide your consular case number (also
called the NVC case number). It is located on your receipt for the DOS immigrant visa processing fee. The NVC case
number must correspond to the approved immigrant visa petition you listed in Part 3., Item Number 3.a.
Item Numbers 3.c. - 3.f. Petitioner’s Full Name and Company or Organization Name. Provide the full name of
the family member or company who filed Form I-130, Form I-140, or Form I-360 on your (or your spouse’s or parent’s)
behalf. If you self-petitioned using Form I-140 or Form I-360, type or print “Self.”
Part 4. Information About Your Qualifying Relative
In this section, provide information about the U.S. citizen or LPR spouse or parent you believe would experience extreme
hardship if you were refused admission to the United States.
Item Numbers l.a. - 2.d. Your Qualifying Relative’s Full Name and Relationship to You. Provide the full name of
your qualifying relative and indicate whether the qualifying relative is your U.S. citizen or LPR spouse or parent.
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Item Number 3. Your Other Qualifying Relative. Indicate whether you have another qualifying relative (U.S. citizen
or LPR spouse or parent) who would experience extreme hardship if you were refused admission to the United States. If
you answer “Yes,” provide the name, relationship, and evidence of U.S. citizenship or LPR status in the United States of
the additional qualifying relative in the space provided.
Item Numbers 4.a. - 5.d. Additional Qualifying Relative’s Full Name and Relationship to You. Provide the full
name of your additional qualifying relative and indicate whether the additional qualifying relative is your U.S. citizen or
LPR spouse or parent.
Part 5. Statement from Applicant
In the space provided, describe all the reasons that you believe support your application for a provisional unlawful
presence waiver. If you need extra space to complete your statement, use the space provided in Part 9. Additional
Information.
Your statement must explain why you believe your qualifying relative would experience extreme hardship if you are
refused admission to the United States. For information about how you can show extreme hardship, see Extreme
Hardship in the What Evidence Must I Submit With Form I-601A section of these Instructions.
Your statement must also explain why you believe USCIS should approve your waiver application as a matter of
discretion. Approval of a provisional unlawful presence waiver is discretionary, and the USCIS officer will weigh
favorable and unfavorable factors presented in your case to determine whether he or she should approve your request.
You should explain why you believe USCIS should approve your application for a provisional unlawful presence waiver
because of the favorable factors, and why the unfavorable factors should not carry as much weight as the favorable ones.
Part 6. Applicant’s Statement, Contact Information, Declaration, Certification, and Signature
Item Numbers 1.a. - 6.b. Select the appropriate box to indicate whether you read this application yourself or whether
you had an interpreter assist you. If someone assisted you in completing the application, select the box indicating that you
used a preparer. Further, you must sign and date your application and provide your daytime telephone number, mobile
telephone number (if any), and email address (if any). Every application MUST contain the signature of the applicant (or
parent or legal guardian, if applicable). A stamped or typewritten name in place of a signature is not acceptable.
Part 7. Interpreter’s Contact Information, Certification, and Signature
Item Numbers 1.a. - 7.b. If you used anyone as an interpreter to read the Instructions and questions on this application to
you in a language in which you are fluent, the interpreter must fill out this section; provide his or her name, the name and
address of his or her business or organization (if any), his or her daytime telephone number, his or her mobile telephone
number (if any), and his or her email address (if any). The interpreter must sign and date the application.
Part 8. Contact Information, Declaration, and Signature of the Person Preparing this Application, if Other Than
the Applicant
Item Numbers 1.a. - 8.b. This section must contain the signature of the person who completed your application, if other
than you, the applicant. If the same individual acted as your interpreter and your preparer, that person should complete
both Part 7. and Part 8. If the person who completed this application is associated with a business or organization,
that person should complete the business or organization name and address information. Anyone who helped you
complete this application MUST sign and date the application. A stamped or typewritten name in place of a signature
is not acceptable. If the person who helped you prepare your application is an attorney or accredited representative, he
or she may be obliged to also submit a completed Form G-28, Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney or Accredited
Representative, along with your application.
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Part 9. Additional Information
Item Numbers 1.a. - 7.d. If you need extra space to provide any additional information within this application, use the
space provided in Part 9. Additional Information. If you need more space than what is provided in Part 9., you may
make copies of Part 9. to complete and file with your application, or attach a separate sheet of paper. Type or print your
name and A-Number (if any) at the top of each sheet; indicate the Page Number, Part Number, and Item Number to
which your answer refers; and sign and date each sheet.
We recommend that you print or save a copy of your completed application to review in the future and for
your records. We recommend that you review your copy of your completed application before you come to
your biometric services appointment at a USCIS ASC. At your appointment, USCIS will permit you to complete
the application process only if you are able to confirm, under penalty of perjury, that all of the information in your
application is complete, true, and correct. If you are not able to make that attestation in good faith at that time,
USCIS will require you to return for another appointment.
What Evidence Must I Submit With Form I-601A?
You must submit all evidence requested in these Instructions with your application. If you fail to submit required
evidence, USCIS may reject or deny your application for failure to submit requested evidence or supporting documents
in accordance with 8 CFR 103.2(b)(1) and these Instructions.
If you are unable to submit the required primary evidence (for example, a birth certificate or marriage certificate), you
may provide secondary evidence (for example, court orders, church or school records) instead if you can explain why the
primary evidence is unavailable. If you are unable to submit secondary evidence, you may submit two or more affidavits,
sworn to or affirmed by individuals who are not parties to the immigration benefit sought and who have direct personal
knowledge of the event and circumstances. You must also explain why primary and secondary evidence are unavailable.
Immigrant Visa Petition Approval Notice or DOS Electronic Diversity Visa Entrant Status Check Print Out
You must submit a copy (if available) of the USCIS approval notice (Form I-797, Notice of Action) for the immigrant visa
petition (Form I-130, Form I-140, or Form I-360) that was filed on your (or your spouse’s or parent’s) behalf or that you
used to self-petition on your behalf. If the immigrant visa petition was filed on your spouse’s or parent’s behalf, you must
submit evidence establishing your relationship to your spouse or parent. See the Relationship to Qualifying Relative
section in these Instructions for a list of evidence that can be submitted. If you are a DV Program selectee or derivative,
you must submit a printout from the DV Entrant Status Check page of the DOS Electronic Diversity Visa system, that
confirms you (or your spouse or parent) are a DV Program selectee. If you are a DV program derivative spouse or child,
you must also submit evidence establishing your relationship to the DV program selectee. See the Relationship to
Qualifying Relative section in these Instructions for a list of evidence that can be submitted.
Having a copy of the immigrant visa petition approval notice or printout from the DV Entrant Status Check page of the
DOS Electronic Diversity Visa system showing you are a DV Program selectee will assist USCIS in processing your
application for a provisional unlawful presence waiver.
Failure to provide a copy of the petition approval notice or printout from the DV Entrant Status Check page of the DOS
Electronic Diversity Visa system will not, by itself, result in a denial of your application. However, failure to provide
a copy of these documents may result in processing delays or in the rejection of your application. See the Specific
Instructions section of these Instructions for more information.
DOJ EOIR Administrative Closure Order
You must submit a copy (required where applicable) of the administrative closure order issued by EOIR.
Approval Notice (Form I-797, Notice of Action) for Form I-212, Application for Permission to Reapply for
Admission into the United States After Deportation or Removal
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If you are subject to an administratively final order of removal, exclusion, or deportation that has been entered or issued
against you (including an in absentia order under INA section 240(b)(5) of the Act) and you applied for, and USCIS
has already approved, an application for permission to reapply for admission into the United States after deportation or
removal under INA section 212(a)(9)(A)(iii) of the Act and 8 CFR 212.2, you may submit a copy of the approval notice
that USCIS sent to you.
DOS Immigrant Visa Processing Fee Receipt (for immediate relatives, family-sponsored, and employment-based
immigrant visa applicants only)
If you are seeking your immigrant visa based on an approved immigrant visa petition (Form I-130, Form I-140, or Form
I-360), you must submit a copy of your fee receipt for your DOS immigrant visa processing fee. Place this fee receipt on
top of your Form I-601A when you submit your application. See the Specific Instructions section of these Instructions
for more information.
NOTE: If you are applying for a provisional unlawful presence waiver based on your selection as a DV Program selectee
or derivative, you do not need to provide a copy of the DOS immigrant visa processing fee receipt with your provisional
unlawful presence waiver application.
Relationship to Qualifying Relative
If you are seeking your immigrant visa based on an approved family-sponsored immigrant visa petition and claim extreme
hardship to a U.S. citizen or LPR spouse or parent who is the immigrant visa petitioner, you do not need to present
evidence of your relationship to the petitioner. The immigrant visa petitioner will have already presented this evidence
when he or she filed the immigrant visa petition (Form I-130 or Form I-360).
You must submit evidence that shows the qualifying relationship if:
1. You are seeking your immigrant visa based on an approved employment-based immigrant visa petition;
2. You are a DV Program selectee or derivative; or
3. You are seeking your immigrant visa based on an approved family-sponsored immigrant visa petition and you claim
extreme hardship to a qualifying relative who is not the immigrant visa petitioner.
You must submit the following evidence to establish the relationship.
1. To your spouse:
A. A copy of your marriage certificate; and
B. If either you or your spouse were previously married, copies of documents showing that all prior marriages were
legally terminated.
2. To your mother:
A. A copy of your birth certificate that shows your name and the name of your mother; and
B. If your mother’s name has changed since your birth and is different from what is shown on your birth certificate, a
copy of the legal document that authorized the name change.
3. To your father:
A. A copy of your birth certificate that shows both parents’ names;
B. A copy of your parents’ marriage certificate or other evidence that shows you were legitimated before reaching 18
years of age;
C. Evidence of legal termination of your parents’ prior marriages, if any; or
D. If you were born out of wedlock and were not legitimated before reaching 18 years of age, you must include any
evidence establishing that a bona fide parent-child relationship existed between you and your father while you
were unmarried and under 21 years of age. You may include evidence that your father lived with you, supported
you, or otherwise showed continuing parental interest in your welfare.
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4. To your step-parent:
A. A copy of your birth certificate that shows your parents’ names;
B. A copy of the marriage certificate between your natural parent and step-parent that established the relationship
before you reached 18 years of age; and
C. Evidence of legal termination of any prior marriages for your natural parent and step-parent, if applicable.
5. To your adoptive parent:
A. A copy of the final adoption decree listing the individual as your adoptive parent; and
B. Evidence that your adoptive parent adopted you before you reached 16 years of age (or reached 18 years of age if
your adoptive parent also adopted your natural sibling) and that your adoptive parent had legal custody of you and
resided with you for at least two years.
Citizenship or LPR Status of a Qualifying Relative
If you are seeking your immigrant visa based on an approved family-sponsored immigrant visa petition and claim extreme
hardship to a U.S. citizen or LPR spouse or parent who is the immigrant visa petitioner, you do not need to present
evidence of the immigrant visa petitioner’s U.S. citizenship or LPR status. The immigrant visa petitioner will have
already presented this evidence when he or she filed the immigrant visa petition (Form I-130 or Form I-360).
You must submit evidence that shows the qualifying relative is a U.S. citizen or LPR if:
1. You are seeking your immigrant visa based on an approved employment-based immigrant visa petition;
2. You are a DV Program selectee or derivative; or
3. You are seeking your immigrant visa based on an approved family-sponsored immigrant visa petition and you claim
extreme hardship to a qualifying relative who is not the immigrant visa petitioner.
Evidence of U.S. citizenship includes, but is not limited to, any of the following:
1. If your relative was born in the United States, a copy of his or her birth certificate, issued by a civil registrar, vital
statistics office, or other civil authority of a U.S. state, county, municipal authority, or territory;
2. A copy of your relative’s naturalization certificate or certificate of citizenship issued by USCIS or the former
Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS);
3. A copy of your relative’s unexpired U.S. passport; or
4. A copy of your relative’s DOS-issued Form FS-240, Report of Birth Abroad of a Citizen of the United States.
Evidence of LPR status is established by submitting a copy of your qualifying relative’s permanent resident card. You
must submit a copy of the front and back of your qualifying relative’s permanent resident card. If your qualifying relative
has not yet received his or her permanent resident card, submit copies of the biographic pages of your qualifying relative’s
passport, and copies of the pages in your qualifying relative’s passport, or any other USCIS or former INS issued evidence
that shows your qualifying relative’s LPR status.
Admission or Parole at a Port-of-Entry
If you claim in Part 1., Item Numbers 17. - 19., of the application that, on your last arrival in the United States, you were
inspected by U.S. Customs and Border Protection at a port-of-entry, and then admitted or paroled, please submit your
Form I-94, a copy of your passport with an admission or parole stamp or other DHS-issued evidence of your admission or
parole.
If you cannot produce this evidence, and DHS has no record of the admission or parole, USCIS will presume that you
came into the United States without inspection and admission or parole.
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You may, however, provide secondary evidence (records maintained in the ordinary course of business by any individual
or organization other than DHS) to support your claim that you were admitted or paroled.
If no secondary evidence is available, you may submit written statements, signed under penalty of perjury under United
States law, from yourself and from any other individuals who have personal knowledge of the circumstances of your
claimed admission or parole.
Extreme Hardship
You may submit any evidence to support your claim that your qualifying relative would experience extreme hardship if
you are refused admission to the United States and your U.S. citizen or LPR spouse or parent must remain in the United
States without you or relocate abroad to reside with you outside of the United States. Factors USCIS considers when
determining extreme hardship include, but are not limited to:
1. Health. Examples include: Ongoing or specialized treatment required for a physical or mental condition, availability
or quality of such treatment in the foreign country, anticipated treatment duration, whether the condition is long term,
and whether it is chronic or acute;
2. Financial considerations. Examples include: Future employability, loss due to sale of home or business or
termination of a professional practice, a decline in standard of living, ability to recoup short-term losses, cost of
extraordinary needs (such as special education or training for children with special needs), or the cost of care for
family members such as elderly or sick parents;
3. Education. Examples include: Loss of opportunity for higher education, lower quality or limited scope of education
options, disruption of a current program, requirement to be educated in a foreign language or culture with ensuing loss
of time or grade, and availability of special requirements, such as training programs or internships in specific fields;
4. Personal considerations. Examples include: Close relatives in the United States and country of birth or citizenship,
separation from spouse or children, ages of involved parties, and length of residence and community ties in the United
States; and
5. Special factors. Examples include: Cultural, language-related, religious, and ethnic obstacles; valid fears of
persecution, physical harm, or injury; social ostracism or stigma; and lack of access to social institutions or structures
(official or unofficial) that provide support, guidance, or protection.
Evidence of extreme hardship includes, but is not limited to:
1. Expert opinions;
2. Evidence of employment or business ties (for example, payroll records or tax statements);
3. Evidence of monthly expenditures (for example, receipts from mortgage, rental or bill payments);
4. Other financial records that support any claimed financial hardships;
5. Medical documentation or evaluations by medical professionals that support any claimed medical hardships;
6. Records of membership in community organizations or confirmation of volunteer service, and evidence of cultural
affiliations;
7. Certificates of birth, marriage, or adoption that support any claimed family ties;
8. Affidavits or statements signed under the penalty of perjury (as permitted by 28 USC 1746), or letters from the
qualifying relative or other individuals with personal knowledge of the claimed hardships.
9. Country condition reports; and
10. Any other evidence you believe supports the claimed extreme hardships.
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NOTE: USCIS will consider extreme hardship only to a qualifying relative. If you describe extreme hardship to yourself
or anyone other than a qualifying U.S. citizen or LPR spouse or parent, you must show how this extreme hardship affects
the extreme hardship your qualifying U.S. citizen or LPR spouse or parent would experience if you are refused admission
to the United States.
Establishing That Your Case Warrants A Favorable Exercise of Discretion
Approval of Form I-601A is discretionary. To determine if your case warrants a favorable exercise of discretion, USCIS
will review the evidence in the records and weigh all favorable and unfavorable factors when deciding whether to approve
your application as a matter of discretion. You should describe the favorable and unfavorable factors in your case and
explain why you think the favorable factors should be given more weight.
Some favorable factors may include, but are not limited to:
1. Close family ties in the United States;
2. Hardship to your relatives who are U.S. citizens or LPRs, or to yourself, or your employer in the United States;
3. Evidence of reformation and rehabilitation;
4. Length of lawful presence in the United States and your immigration status while you were lawfully present;
5. Evidence of respect for law and order, good moral character, and family responsibilities or intent to hold family
responsibilities;
6. Absence of significant undesirable or negative factors; and
7. Likelihood that you will become an LPR in the near future.
Some unfavorable factors may include, but are not limited to:
1. Evidence of bad moral character, including criminal tendencies reflected by past convictions or an ongoing unlawful
activity or continuing police record;
2. Repeated violations of U.S. immigration laws and a willful disregard for other laws;
3. Absence of close family ties or hardships;
4. Fraudulent marriage to a U.S. citizen for the purpose of gaining an immigration benefit; and
5. Unauthorized employment in the United States.
What Is the Filing Fee?
The filing fee for Form I-601A is $630. A biometric services fee of $85 is also required for applicants between 14 and 79
years of age. Therefore, the fees you must submit with the application are:
1. $630 plus $85 for the biometric services fee if you are under 79 years of age; or
2. $630 if you are under 14 years of age or 79 years of age or older.
3. You may not request a fee waiver for the Form I-601A filing fee or biometric services fee.
NOTE: The filing fee and biometric services fee are not refundable, regardless of any action USCIS takes on this
application. DO NOT MAIL CASH. You must submit all fees in the exact amounts.
Use the following guidelines when you prepare your checks or money orders for the Form I-601A filing fee and
biometric services fee:
1. The checks or money orders must be drawn on a bank or other financial institution located in the United States and
must be payable in U.S. currency; and
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2. Make the checks or money orders payable to U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
NOTE: Spell out U.S. Department of Homeland Security; do not use the initials “USDHS” or “DHS.”
Notice to Those Making Payment by Check. If you send us a check, USCIS will convert it into an electronic funds
transfer (EFT). This means we will copy your check and use the account information on it to electronically debit your
account for the amount of the check. The debit from your account will usually take 24 hours and your bank will show it
on your regular account statement.
You will not receive your original check back. We will destroy your original check, but will keep a copy of it. If USCIS
cannot process the EFT for technical reasons, you authorize us to process the copy in place of your original check. If your
check is returned as unpayable, USCIS will re-submit the payment to the financial institution one time. If the check is
returned as unpayable a second time, we will reject your application and charge you a returned check fee.
How To Check If the Fees Are Correct
Form I-601A’s filing fee and biometric services fee are current as of the edition date in the lower left corner of this page.
However, because USCIS fees change periodically, you can verify that the fees are correct by following one of the steps
below.
2. Call the USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283 and ask for fee information. For TTY (deaf or hard of hearing)
call: 1-800-767-1833.
Where To File?
Please see our website at www.uscis.gov/I-601A or call our USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283 for the most
current information about where to file this application. For TTY (deaf or hard of hearing) call: 1-800-767-1833.
Address Change
An applicant who is not a U.S. citizen must notify USCIS of his or her new address within 10 days of moving from his or
her previous residence. For information on filing a change of address, go to the USCIS website at
www.uscis.gov/addresschange or contact the USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283. For TTY (deaf or hard of
hearing) call: 1-800-767-1833.
NOTE: Do not submit a change of address request to the USCIS Lockbox facilities because the Lockbox does not
process change of address requests.
Processing Information
USCIS will reject your Form I-601A if it is not signed or accompanied by the correct fees. USCIS will send you a
notice that Form I-601A is deficient. USCIS will also reject Form I-601A if you:
1. Fail to provide your full name, U.S. physical address, and date of birth;
2. Are under 17 years of age;
3. Do not include evidence of an approved immigrant visa petition filed on behalf of you, your spouse, or your parent
or yourself (if you self-petitioned), or evidence that DOS selected you or your spouse or parent as a DV Program
selectee;
4. Have an immigrant visa case based on an approved immigrant visa petition and you do not include documentation,
such as the DOS immigration visa processing fee receipt that shows you have paid DOS the immigrant visa
processing fee.
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5. Have indicated on the application that DOS initially acted before January 3, 2013, to schedule the immigrant visa
interview or have not selected either box in Part 3., Item Number 5.
If USCIS rejects your Form I-601A, we will return it to you with any fees you submitted with the application. You may
correct the deficiency and resubmit your Form I-601A. An application is not considered properly filed until accepted by
USCIS. If USCIS denies your application after fully adjudicating your Form I-601A, USCIS will not refund the
fees originally submitted with your Form I-601A.
IMPORTANT: You must have a United States address to file this application.
Initial Processing. Once USCIS accepts your application we will check it for completeness. If you do not completely fill
out this application, you will not establish a basis for your eligibility and USCIS may deny your application.
Requests for More Information. We may request that you provide more information or evidence to support your
application. We may also request that you provide the originals of any copies you submit. USCIS will return any
requested originals when they are no longer needed.
Requests for Interview. We may request that you appear at a USCIS office for an interview based on your application.
At the time of any interview or other appearance at a USCIS office, we may require that you provide your fingerprints,
photograph, and/or signature to verify your identity and/or update background and security checks.
Decision. The decision on Form I-601A involves a determination of whether you have established eligibility for the
immigration benefit you are seeking. USCIS will notify you of the decision in writing.
USCIS Forms and Information
To ensure you are using the latest version of this application, visit the USCIS website at www.uscis.gov where you can
obtain the latest USCIS forms and immigration-related information. If you do not have internet access, you may order
USCIS forms by calling the USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283. The USCIS Contact Center provides information
in English and Spanish. For TTY (deaf or hard of hearing) call: 1-800-767-1833.
Instead of waiting in line for assistance at your local USCIS office, you can schedule an appointment online at
www.uscis.gov. Select “Tools,” then under “Self Service Tools,” select “Appointments” and follow the screen prompts to
set up your appointment. Once you finish scheduling an appointment, the system will generate an appointment notice for
you.
Penalties
If you knowingly and willfully falsify or conceal a material fact or submit a false, altered, forged, or counterfeited writing
or document with your Form I-601A, we will deny your Form I-601A and may deny any other immigration benefit. In
addition, you will face severe penalties provided by law and may be subject to criminal prosecution.
DHS Privacy Notice
AUTHORITIES: The information requested on this application, and the associated evidence, is collected under the
Immigration and Nationality Act sections 212(a)(9)(B) (i)(I) and (II), and 212(a)(9)(B)(v).
PURPOSE: The primary purpose for providing the requested information on this application is to determine if you have
established eligibility for the provisional unlawful presence waiver. DHS uses the information you provide to grant or
deny the immigration benefit you are seeking.
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DISCLOSURE: The information you provide is voluntary. However, failure to provide the requested information,
including your Social Security number, and any requested evidence, may delay a final decision or result in denial of your
application.
ROUTINE USES: DHS may share the information you provide on this application with other Federal, state, local, and
foreign government agencies and authorized organizations. DHS follows approved routine uses, as described in the
associated published system of records notices [DHS-USCIS-001 - Alien File, Index, and National File Tracking System
and DHS-USCIS-007 - Benefits Information System] and published privacy impact assessment [DHS/USCIS/PIA-016(a)
Computer Linked Application Information Management System and Associated Systems], which you can find at
www.dhs.gov/privacy. DHS may also share this information, as appropriate, for law enforcement purposes or in the
interest of national security.
Paperwork Reduction Act
An agency may not conduct or sponsor an information collection, and a person is not required to respond to a collection
of information, unless it displays a currently valid Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number. The public
reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated at 1 hour and 30 minutes per response, including the time
for reviewing instructions, gathering the required documentation and information, completing the application, preparing
statements, attaching necessary documentation, and submitting the application. The collection of biometrics is estimated
to require 1 hour and 10 minutes. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of
information, including suggestions for reducing this burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information,
including suggestions for reducing this burden, to: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Office of Policy and
Strategy, Regulatory Coordination Division, 5900 Capital Gateway Drive, Mail Stop #2140, Camp Springs, MD 20588-
0009; OMB No. 1615-0123. Do not mail your completed Form I-601A to this address.
Is My Form I-601A Complete?
Ensure that you have completed ALL of the following actions before you file your Form I-601A with USCIS.
If I am filing as the principal or derivative beneficiary or as the self-petitioner of an approved immigrant visa petition,
I placed documentation showing that I paid DOS the immigrant visa processing fee on top of my Form I-601A and
supporting documentation.
If I am filing as a Diversity Visa program selectee or derivative, I placed documentation showing that I (or my
parent or spouse) was selected by DOS to participate in the DV Program on top of my Form I-601A and supporting
documentation.
If I am in removal, exclusion, or deportation proceedings, I included a copy of my administrative closure order
from the U.S. Department of Justice, Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR).
If I have an administratively final order of removal, exclusion, or deportation that has been entered or issued against
me (including an in absentia order under INA section 240(b)(5)) but I applied for and USCIS already approved, an
application for permission to reapply for admission to the United States after deportation or removal (Form I-212),
I included my USCIS Receipt number in Part 1., Item Number 29.b. on Form I-601A or I included a copy of the
approval notice that USCIS sent when it notified me of the Form I-212 approval, or both.
I included arrest records and conviction documents for any criminal offenses, if applicable.
I completed every applicable item on my Form I-601A, including my full name, my U.S. mailing and physical
addresses, and my date of birth. I attached documents to support my statements, when requested, on Form I-60lA or
in the What Evidence Should I Submit With Form I-601A section of these Instructions.
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In Part 3. Information About Your Immigrant Visa Case, I provided information about the approved immigrant
visa petition (Form I-130, Form I-140, or Form I-360) that was filed on my (or my spouse’s or parent’s) behalf, or
that I filed as a self-petitioner, and I attached a copy (if available) of the immigrant visa petition approval notice
(Form I-797, Notice of Action).
In Part 3., I provided information about my DOS immigrant visa case.
In Part 4. Information About Your Qualifying Relative, I provided information about my qualifying relatives and
I explained the extreme hardship to my qualifying relatives in Part 4. I also explained in Part 4. why USCIS should
approve my application for a provisional unlawful presence waiver as a matter of discretion.
I read the Penalties section of these Instructions and I (or a parent or legal guardian, if applicable) signed this Form
I-601A.
I included the required filing fee and biometric services fee in the form of checks or money orders as described in the
What Is the Filing Fee section of these Instructions.
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