Instructions for Form 212, Application for Permission to Re-apply for Admission Into the United States After Deportation or Removal
Related Forms
- Form I-212, Application for Permission to Reapply for Admission Into the United States After Deportation or Removal - Application for Permission to Reapply for Admission Into the United States After Deportation or Removal
Instructions for Application for Permission to
Re-apply for Admission Into the United States
After Deportation or Removal
USCIS
Form I-212
OMB No. 1615-0018
Expires 03/31/2024
Department of Homeland Security
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
What Is the Purpose of Form I-212?
If you are inadmissible under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) section 212(a)(9)(A) or (C), you must ask for
consent to reapply for admission to the United States (consent to reapply) before you can lawfully return to the United
States. Consent to reapply is also called “permission to reapply.” You should use this application to seek consent to
reapply.
Why Do I Need Consent to Reapply?
If you are inadmissible under INA section 212(a)(9)(A) or (C), you need to obtain consent to reapply for admission to the
United States under INA section 212(a)(9)(A)(iii) or (C)(ii). If you need to obtain consent to reapply, it is very important
that you do not return to the United States before you have filed an application for consent to reapply, and before the
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has approved it.
Returning unlawfully to the United States without inspection and admission or parole, or without obtaining consent to
reapply for admission after having been excluded, deported, or removed, OR after having accrued, in the aggregate, more
than one year of unlawful presence in the United States may make you permanently inadmissible to the United States
under INA section 212(a)(9)(C).
Additionally, returning to the United States without obtaining consent to reapply when needed or returning unlawfully
(such as returning without being inspected and admitted, or by fraud, or any other unlawful means after you have been
excluded, deported, or removed) may have significant consequences, including:
1. Reinstatement of your removal order under INA section 241(a)(5);
2. Prosecution in criminal court under INA section 276; and
3. A permanent bar from admission to the United States under INA section 212(a)(9)(C).
Returning to the United States with a visa may not protect you from these consequences if you are required to obtain
consent to reapply, but did not get that consent.
These Instructions contain more information about the grounds of inadmissibility and the consequences for failure to
obtain consent to reapply in the Detailed Description of Grounds of Inadmissibility Under INA Sections 212(a)(9)(A)
and (C), and Criminal Penalties Under INA Section 276 section of these Instructions.
Who Should File This Application?
You should file this application if you are inadmissible under INA section 212(a)(9)(A) or (C). To determine if
one or both of these grounds of inadmissibility apply to you, read below in Detailed Descriptions of Grounds of
Inadmissibility Under INA Sections 212(a)(9)(A) and (C) and Criminal Penalties Under INA Section 276.
Please be aware that any departure from the United States may make you inadmissible under INA section
212(a)(9)(A) or (C). Traveling abroad with an Advance Parole Document is a departure for purposes of INA
section 212(a)(9)(A) or (C).
Form I-212 Instructions 03/21/22
Page 1 of 18
Inadmissibility Under INA section 212(a)(9)(A)
You will need to file Form I-212 if you are inadmissible under INA section 212(a)(9)(A) because:
1. You either:
A. Were actually removed from the United States; or
B. Departed the United States on your own after being issued an order of removal (whether administratively final or
not); and
2. You seek admission or adjustment of status:
A. At any time, if you have been convicted of an aggravated felony; or
B. Before you have been outside the United States for a continuous period of:
(1) 5 years, if you were removed as an arriving alien, but only once;
(2) 10 years, if you were removed other than as an arriving alien, but only once; or
(3) 20 years, if you were removed more than once, whether as an arriving alien or not.
You may file Form I-212 if you are inadmissible under INA section 212(a)(9)(A), but not INA section 212(a)(9)(C), and
you are:
1. An applicant for an immigrant visa;
2. An applicant for adjustment of status under INA section 245 (other than as a T or U nonimmigrant seeking adjustment
under Title 8 Code of Federal Regulations (8 CFR) 245.23 or 245.24);
3. An applicant who wishes to seek admission as a nonimmigrant at a U.S. port-of-entry who is not required to obtain a
nonimmigrant visa; or
NOTE: U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has jurisdiction over these applications for consent to reapply.
4. An applicant for a nonimmigrant visa at a U.S. Consulate.
NOTE: Some applicants who are applying for a nonimmigrant visa may not have to file Form I-212 to obtain consent
to reapply for admission. The U.S. Consulate with jurisdiction over your nonimmigrant visa application will advise
you on whether and how to file to obtain consent to reapply for admission.
Inadmissibility Under INA section 212(a)(9)(C)
You will need to file Form I-212 if you are inadmissible under INA section 212(a)(9)(C) and you are:
1. An applicant for an immigrant visa;
2. An applicant who wishes to seek admission as a nonimmigrant at a U.S. port-of-entry, but who is not required to
obtain a nonimmigrant visa; or
NOTE: CBP has jurisdiction over these applications for consent to reapply. For more information on filing Form
3. An applicant for a nonimmigrant visa at a U.S. Consulate.
NOTE: Some applicants who are applying for a nonimmigrant visa may not have to file Form I-212 to obtain consent
to reapply for admission. The U.S. Consulate with jurisdiction over your nonimmigrant visa application will advise
you on whether and how to file to obtain consent to reapply for admission.
Even if you are in one of the categories of applicants listed above, you may not file an application for consent to reapply
if you are inadmissible under INA section 212(a)(9)(C) and:
Form I-212 Instructions 03/21/22
Page 2 of 18
1. You are in the United States; or
2. You have not been physically outside the United States for more than 10 years since the date of your last departure
from the United States.
Who May Not Be Required to File For Consent to Reapply?
If any of the following apply to you, you may not be inadmissible under INA section 212(a)(9)(A) or (C), or both, and
would not need to seek consent to reapply for admission to the United States:
1. You were inadmissible under INA 212(a)(9)(A), but your inadmissibility period has expired (see the Detailed
Descriptions of Grounds of Inadmissibility Under INA Sections 212(a)(9)(A) and (C) and Criminal Penalties
Under INA Section 276 section of these Instructions to determine whether one or both of these grounds of
inadmissibility apply to you);
2. You were allowed to withdraw your application for admission at the border, and you departed from the United States
within the time specified for your departure;
3. You were refused entry at the border, but not formally removed;
4. You were refused admission as an applicant under the Visa Waiver Program;
5. You departed from the United States after having been unlawfully present for a year or more, in the aggregate, but you
are not inadmissible under INA section 212(a)(9)(C)(i)(1) because, when returning to the United States through a U.S.
port-of-entry, you were paroled into the United States;
NOTE: Even if you were paroled when returning to the United States, after having been unlawfully present for a year
or more, in the aggregate, you may still be inadmissible under INA section 212(a)(9)(B). You may be eligible under
INA section 212(a)(9)(B)(v) for a waiver of this ground of inadmissibility. For more information on waivers, visit
www.uscis.gov/forms and review the instructions for Form I-601 or Form I-601A.
6. You were previously deported from the United States after having been ordered excluded, deported, or removed, but
you are not inadmissible under INA section 212(a)(9)(C)(i)(I) because, when returning to the United States through a
U.S. port-of-entry, you were paroled into the United States;
NOTE: Even if you were paroled when returning to the United States after having left under an order of exclusion,
deportation, or removal, you may still be inadmissible under INA section 212(a)(9)(A), as discussed in the Who
Should File This Application section of these Instructions.
7. You received an order of voluntary departure from an immigration judge and left the United States during the time
period specified in your voluntary departure order;
8. You are an applicant for Registry under INA section 249;
9. You are in U nonimmigrant status and you are applying for adjustment of status under 8 CFR 245.24; or
10. You are an applicant for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) under INA section 244.
NOTE: Although you may be inadmissible under INA section 212(a)(9)(A) or (C), USCIS cannot consider your
inadmissibility under these provisions for purposes of a TPS application because INA section 244(a)(5) states that a
TPS applicant’s current status may not be considered as part of the adjudication of TPS. Therefore, TPS applicants
do not need to file Form I-212 to establish eligibility for TPS. Your inadmissibility under INA section 212(a)(9)(A) or
(C), however, may remain relevant and be considered for the purposes of other immigration benefits.
Applicants for certain immigration benefits may be able to obtain a waiver of inadmissibility under INA section 212(a)
(9)(A) or (C) instead of consent to reapply for admission. See the Waiver of Inadmissibility Instead of Consent to
Reapply section of these Instructions.
Form I-212 Instructions 03/21/22
Page 3 of 18
Waiver of Inadmissibility Instead of Consent to Reapply
Some applicants do not have to file Form I-212 to overcome their inadmissibility under INA section 212(a)(9)(A) or (C).
If you fall under one of the categories listed below, you may apply for a waiver of your grounds of inadmissibility by
using the following applications below.
1. Use Form I-601, Application for Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility, if:
A. You are an applicant for adjustment of status under the Nicaraguan Adjustment and Central American Relief Act
(NACARA) section 202;
B. You are an applicant for adjustment of status under the Haitian Refugee Immigration Fairness Act of 1998
(HRIFA) section 902;
C. You are a T nonimmigrant applying for adjustment of status under 8 CFR 245.23; or
D. You are an approved Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) self-petitioner seeking adjustment of status who is
inadmissible under INA section 212(a)(9)(C).
NOTE: If you are inadmissible under INA section 212(a)(9)(A) and (C), you should file Form I-212 and Form I-601.
2. Use Form I-690, Application for Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility, under INA sections 245A or 210 if:
A. You are an applicant for adjustment of status based on any legalization program under INA section 245A; or
B. You are an applicant for adjustment of status based on any legalization program under INA section 210 (Special
Agricultural Workers).
3. Use Form I-192, Application for Advance Permission to Enter as Nonimmigrant, if:
A. You are an applicant for U nonimmigrant status. You must file your Form I-192 with your Form I-918, Petition
for U Nonimmigrant Status. You do not need to file Form I-212 or a new waiver application if you are already in
U nonimmigrant status and applying for adjustment of status under 8 CFR 245.24;
B. You are an applicant for T nonimmigrant status. You may file Form I-192 with your Form I-914, Application for
T Nonimmigrant Status; or
C. You are an applicant for nonimmigrant status and inadmissible under INA section 212(a)(9)(C)(i)(I) for unlawful
presence and subsequent reentry without admission or parole. You may be eligible for a waiver of inadmissibility
authorizing you to enter as a nonimmigrant under INA section 212(d)(3)(A) at any time and as an alternative
to consent to reapply, but only if you wish to seek admission to the United States as a nonimmigrant. This
authorization is temporary and does not eliminate the INA section 212(a)(9)(C)(i)(I) ground of inadmissibility
for immigrant purposes or future entries as a nonimmigrant. See the Instructions for Form I-192 to determine
whether and how you may obtain a waiver of a ground of inadmissibility for authorization to enter as a
nonimmigrant under INA section 212(d)(3)(A).
When Should You Apply for Consent to Reapply?
If You Are Inadmissible Under INA Section 212(a)(9)(A)
1. If you have already been excluded, deported, or removed from the United States and are currently outside the country,
you must seek consent to reapply before returning to the United States.
Form I-212 Instructions 03/21/22
Page 4 of 18
2. If you have been ordered removed, but have not left the United States, and will be applying for an immigrant visa
abroad, you may file your application for consent to reapply before you leave the United States under the removal
order. If the agency, at its discretion, chooses to approve your application for consent to reapply, the approval is
considered conditional until you actually depart the United States. Consent to reapply for admission in this situation
applies only to inadmissibility under INA section 212(a)(9)(A). You cannot file an application for consent to reapply
for admission while you are in the United States if you are inadmissible under INA section 212(a)(9)(C).
3. If you are ordered removed again after approval of consent to reapply, you will have to file a new application for
consent to reapply. A conditional approval does not protect you from any other ground of inadmissibility that may
result from your departure from the United States, including under INA section 212(a)(9)(B). See the Where To File
section of these Instructions to determine whether you qualify for the advanced, conditional approval.
If You Are Inadmissible Under INA Section 212(a)(9)(C)
1. If you are inadmissible under INA section 212(a)(9)(C)(i), you are permanently inadmissible and will always need
to request for consent to reapply for admission BEFORE you return to the United States.
2. You cannot file an application for consent to reapply until you have left the United States and have remained outside
the country for at least 10 years since your last departure. After 10 years, you must request consent to reapply before
you seek admission to the United States.
Detailed Description of Grounds of Inadmissibility Under INA Sections 212(a)(9)(A) and (C) and
Criminal Penalties Under INA Section 276
If You Are Inadmissible Under INA Section 212(a)(9)(A)(i)
You must seek consent to reapply if you seek admission to the United States during the period specified in INA section
212(a)(9)(A)(i) and you are inadmissible because:
1. You were removed from the United States as an inadmissible alien through expedited removal proceedings under INA
section 235(b)(1) that were initiated when you arrived at a U.S. port-of-entry; or
2. You were removed from the United States as an inadmissible, arriving alien under INA section 240, and the removal
proceedings were initiated when you arrived at a U.S. port-of-entry.
The periods of time during which you must obtain consent to reapply for admission before you can apply for admission to
the United States again are:
1. 5 years from the date of removal, if you were only removed once;
2. 20 years from the date of removal, if you were removed two or more times; or
3. Forever, if you are an alien who has been convicted of an aggravated felony (as defined in INA section 101(a)(43)).
You must obtain consent to reapply for admission, even if you were not removed because of the aggravated felony
conviction and even if you were convicted of the aggravated felony after you were removed from the United States.
If you seek admission to the United States before the appropriate inadmissibility period is over, you
must file an application for consent to reapply for admission to the United States.
If you do not know the provision of law that was the basis for your exclusion, deportation, or removal from the United
States, review the official documents you received during your proceedings. These documents should indicate the section
of law that applies to your case.
Form I-212 Instructions 03/21/22
Page 5 of 18
NOTE: If you have remained outside the United States for the entire inadmissibility period, you are no longer required
to seek consent to reapply. Under INA section 276(a)(2)(B), you also will not be subject to criminal liability under
INA section 276(a) if you return lawfully to the United States through a U.S. port-of-entry. If you are granted consent
to reapply for admission to the United States during the inadmissibility period, your inadmissibility under INA section
212(a)(9)(A)(i) no longer applies.
NOTE: Even if the inadmissibility period under INA section 212(a)(9)(A)(i) has already passed (you were required to
remain abroad for 5 or 20 consecutive years, and have done so, and have not been convicted of an aggravated felony), you
will become inadmissible under INA section 212(a)(9)(C) if you enter or attempt to enter the United States without being
inspected and admitted or paroled.
If You Are Inadmissible Under INA Section 212(a)(9)(A)(ii)
You must obtain consent to reapply if you seek admission to the United States during the period specified in INA section
212(a)(9)(A)(ii) and you are inadmissible because:
1. You were removed from the United States under INA section 240;
2. You were ordered removed under any other provision of U.S. law; or
3. You departed from the United States on your own while an order of exclusion, deportation, or removal was
outstanding (for example, you left after you were ordered removed, but before the U.S. Government could physically
remove you based on your order of removal). This does not include a voluntary departure granted under INA section
240B if you departed the United States during the time period specified in your voluntary departure order.
The periods during which you must obtain consent to reapply before you can apply for admission to the United States
again are:
1. 10 years from the date of departure or removal, if you were only removed once;
2. 20 years from the date of departure or removal, if you were removed two or more times; or
3. Forever, if you were convicted of an aggravated felony (as defined in INA section 101(a)(43)). You must obtain
consent to reapply for admission, even if you were not removed because of the aggravated felony conviction and even
if you were convicted of the aggravated felony after you were removed from the United States.
NOTE: If you have remained outside of the United States for the entire inadmissibility period, you are no longer
required to file this application. Under INA section 276(a)(2)(B), you also will not be subject to criminal liability under
INA section 276(a), if you return lawfully to the United States through a U.S. port-of-entry. If you are granted consent
to reapply for admission to the United States during the inadmissibility period, your inadmissibility under INA section
212(a)(9)(A)(ii) no longer applies.
NOTE: Even if the inadmissibility period under INA section 212(a)(9)(A)(ii) has already passed (you were required
to remain abroad for 10 or 20 years, and have done so, and have not been convicted of an aggravated felony), you will
become inadmissible under INA section 212(a)(9)(C) if you enter or attempt to enter the United States without being
inspected and admitted or paroled.
Removal Under Any Provision of U.S. Law
Removal under any provision of U.S. law includes, but is not limited to:
1. An exclusion and deportation order under INA section 236 as it existed prior to April 1, 1997;
2. Arrest and deportation from the United States under any U.S. law prior to April 1, 1997;
3. Removal under INA section 217 for a violation of terms of admission of the Visa Waiver Program;
Form I-212 Instructions 03/21/22
Page 6 of 18
4. Removal under INA section 235(c) for security and related grounds;
5. Removal as a stowaway under INA section 235(a)(2);
6. Removal under INA section 238(b) after conviction of an aggravated felony;
7. Removal after revocation of the crewmember’s landing permit under INA section 252(b); and
8. Removal as an alien in distress under INA section 250.
If you do not know the provision of law that was the basis for your exclusion, deportation, or removal from the United
States, review the official documents you received during your proceedings. These documents should indicate the section
of law that applies to your case.
If You Are Inadmissible Under INA Section 212(a)(9)(C)
You must seek consent to reapply if, on or after April 1, 1997, you entered or attempted to reenter the United States
without being admitted or paroled after:
1. You had been unlawfully present in the United States after April 1, 1997, for a total period of more than one year
(INA section 212(a)(9)(C)(i)(I)); or
2. You had been ordered removed from the United States under any provision of the INA or any other provision of law
before, on, or after April 1, 1997 (INA section 212(a)(9)(C)(i)(II)).
If you are inadmissible under INA section 212(a)(9)(C)(i), you are permanently inadmissible and will always need to
request consent to reapply for admission before you return to the United States. Also, each time you reenter or attempt
to reenter the United States without admission or parole, you incur a new inadmissibility under INA section 212(a)(9)(C).
You may not obtain consent to reapply for readmission unless you leave the United States and remain outside the country
for at least 10 years since your most recent departure.
NOTE: If you intend to seek admission to the United States as a nonimmigrant and are inadmissible under INA section
212(a)(9)(C)(i)(I) (unlawful presence for a total of more than one year, in the aggregate, and subsequent reentry without
admission or parole), you may be eligible for a waiver of inadmissibility under INA section 212(d)(3)(A) instead of
consent to reapply for admission. This authorization is temporary and does not eliminate INA section 212(a)(9)(C)(i)(I)
ground of inadmissibility for future immigrant purposes.
Criminal Penalties Under INA Section 276
You may be subject to criminal prosecution and, if convicted, sentenced to prison under INA section 276, if you:
1. Have been denied admission;
2. Were excluded, deported, or removed from the United States; or
3. Have departed the United States while an order of exclusion, deportation, or removal is outstanding;
AND then you:
1. Entered or attempted to enter the United States; or
2. Are found in the United States unlawfully (including without consent to reapply for admission).
Your return to the United States, even with a visa, is unlawful if you were required to obtain consent to reapply for
admission, but did not obtain that consent.
Even if the period during which you are required to obtain consent to reapply has expired, you may still be subject to
criminal liability under INA section 276. This could happen if you return to the United States unlawfully, without being
inspected and admitted or paroled, or if you return by fraud or any other unlawful means.
Form I-212 Instructions 03/21/22
Page 7 of 18
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. (See the What Is the Filing Fee section
of these Instructions.)
Biometric Services Fee. If you file this application with USCIS, you do not need to include a biometric services fee
at the time you submit your application. If you are later notified that you must submit biometrics, you will receive a
biometric services appointment notice with instructions on how to submit the additional biometric services fee. If you file
this application with an agency other than USCIS, check with that agency to determine if and when you must submit a
biometric services fee.
Evidence. At the time of filing, you must submit all evidence and supporting documentation listed in the Specific
Instructions and/or What Evidence Must You Submit sections of these Instructions.
Biometric Services Appointment
For Applicants Filing Form I-212 with USCIS. 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 or, if you are currently overseas, instruct
you to contact a U.S. Embassy, U.S. Consulate, or USCIS office outside the United States to set up an 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.
Copies. You should submit legible photocopies of documents requested, unless the Instructions specifically state that you
must submit an original document. The adjudicating agency 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 the adjudicating agency will not automatically return them to you.
NOTE: If you submit original documents when not required or requested by USCIS, your original documents may be
immediately destroyed upon receipt.
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 must include the translator’s
signature. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recommends the certification contain the translator’s
printed name and the date and the translator’s contact information.
Form I-212 Instructions 03/21/22
Page 8 of 18
How To Fill Out Form I-212
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
Part 1. Information About You
If you need extra space to complete this section, use the space provided in Part 9. Additional Information.
Item Number 1. Alien Registration Number (A-Number) (if any). Your A-Number is the number used to identify
your immigration records. You can find this number on documents you received from USCIS, Immigration and
Customs Enforcement (ICE), CBP, Department of Justice (DOJ) Executive Office For Immigration Review (EOIR), and
Department of State (DOS).
Item Numbers 2.a. - 2.c. Your Full Name. Provide your full legal name.
Item Numbers 3.a. - 4.c. Other Names Used. Provide all other names you have ever used, including aliases, maiden
name, and nicknames. If you need extra space to complete this section, use the space provided in Part 9. Additional
Information.
Item Numbers 5.a. - 5.i. Mailing Address. Provide the address where you would like to receive written correspondence
regarding this application. Use a mailing address in the United States if you have one. If you do not have a U.S. mailing
address, provide your mailing address abroad.
Item Numbers 6. - 7.h. Physical Address. If the place where you live is different from your mailing address, provide
the address where you currently reside.
Item Number 8. Social Security Number (if any). Provide your U.S. Social Security Number.
Item Number 9. 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 Number 10. Gender. Indicate whether you are male or female.
Item Number 11. Date of Birth. Provide your date of birth in mm/dd/yyyy format.
Form I-212 Instructions 03/21/22
Page 9 of 18
Item Numbers 12. - 14. Place of Birth. Provide the name of the city or town, state or province, and country where you
were born.
Item Number 15. Country of Citizenship or Nationality. Provide the country where you are currently a citizen or
national. If you do not have citizenship in any country, indicate “stateless.”
Item Numbers 16. - 17.b. Consent to Reapply Filed with Immigrant or Nonimmigrant Visa Applications. If
you seek an immigrant visa or nonimmigrant visa and are or will file your application for consent to reapply with your
immigrant or nonimmigrant visa application, provide the U.S. Department of State (DOS) Consular Case Number for your
immigrant or nonimmigrant visa application (if available) and indicate the location of the U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate
where you are seeking or will seek your visa.
Item Numbers 18.a. - 18.c. Consent to Reapply Filed with Adjustment of Status Applications. If you are seeking
consent to reapply in connection with your application to adjust your status to that of a lawful permanent resident or if you
have previously filed an application for adjustment of status, list the USCIS receipt number for your adjustment of status
application and indicate the date and the USCIS office where you filed your application.
Item Numbers 19. - 20.c. Consent to Reapply Filed with Form I-601, Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility.
Indicate whether you are submitting your application for consent to reapply with your Form I-601, Waiver of Grounds of
Inadmissibility. If you select “No,” but have previously filed a Form I-601, provide the USCIS receipt number for that
application and indicate the date and USCIS office where you filed your Form I-601.
Part 2. Reasons You Are Filing Form I-212
Item Numbers 1.a. - 4. Removal as an Arriving Alien. Complete this section if you were removed from the United
States as an arriving alien in expedited removal proceedings under INA section 235(b)(1) or at the end of proceedings
under INA section 240. Also indicate either the number of times you have been removed from the United States or if you
were convicted of an aggravated felony at any time before or after removal from the United States. Provide the dates you
were removed from the United States and the location from where you were removed (city or town and state). If you were
convicted, you must submit court documents, police records, or criminal records showing the disposition of your offense.
You also should submit the originals or certified copies that are properly authenticated.
Item Numbers 5.a. - 7.b. Removal as a Deportable Alien. Complete this section if you were removed from the United
States as a deportable alien under INA section 240 or any other provision or law or if you departed while an order of
removal was outstanding. Also indicate either the number of times you have been removed from the United States or
if you were convicted of an aggravated felony at any time before or after removal from the United States. If you were
convicted, you must submit court documents, police records, or criminal records showing the disposition of your offense.
You also should submit the originals or certified copies that are properly authenticated. Also, provide the dates you were
removed from the United States and the location from where you were removed (city or town and state).
Item Numbers 8. - 13. Entry After Unlawful Presence in the Aggregate of 1 Year. Complete this section if you
entered or attempted to enter the United States without being admitted or paroled after having been unlawfully present in
the United States on or after April 1, 1997, for a period of more than one year, in the aggregate. (See INA section 212(a)
(9)(C)(i)(I).) List all periods when you were unlawfully present in the United States, beginning with the most recent
period. Provide the dates and locations (city or town and state) for your departures and entries or attempted reentries.
Attach evidence to establish that you have remained outside of the United States for 10 years since your last departure.
Item Numbers 14. - 17. Entry After Removal. Complete this section if you entered or attempted to enter the United
States without being admitted or paroled after having been excluded, deported, or removed from the United States. List
all the dates you were excluded, deported, or removed and when you entered or attempted to reenter into the United
States. (See INA section 212(a)(9)(C)(i)(II).) Provide the dates and locations (city or town and state) for each exclusion,
removal, and entry or attempted reentry. Attach evidence that you have remained outside of the United States for 10 years
since your last departure.
Form I-212 Instructions 03/21/22
Page 10 of 18
Part 3. Reasons For Your Request For Permission to Reapply
Item Numbers 1.a. - 2. Indicate what immigration status you seek and explain why you would like to reenter the United
States.
Item Numbers 3.a. - 4.b. U.S. Citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident Family Members (if any). Provide the name
and your relationship to the U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident family members (if any) with close ties to the
United States. Indicate whether each relative is a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident or has some other status.
Refer to the What Evidence Must You Submit section of these Instructions for more information about family members.
Part 4. Biographic Information
Provide the biographic information requested in Part 4., 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 4., 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.
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 5. Additional Information if Filing with CBP
USCIS Form G-325A is no longer required to be submitted with this application. All necessary data elements are now
collected on Form I-212.
If you are filing this application with Customs and Border Protection (CBP), provide the information requested in Item
Numbers 1.a. - 40.c.
Form I-212 Instructions 03/21/22
Page 11 of 18
Item Numbers 1.a. - 4.b. Address History. Provide physical addresses for everywhere you have lived during the last
five years, whether inside or outside the United States. Also provide the dates of residence, indicating when you lived at
the location listed. If you are unsure of the exact date, provide the closest approximate date to the best of your knowledge.
Provide your current address first. If you need extra space to complete this section, use the space provided in Part 9.
Additional Information.
Item Numbers 5. - 12.b. Employment History. Provide your employment history for the last five years, whether
inside or outside the United States. Also provide the dates of employment. If you are unsure of the exact date, provide
the closest approximate date to the best of your knowledge. Provide the most recent employment first. If you need extra
space to complete this section, use the space provided in Part 9. Additional Information.
Item Numbers 13.a. - 26. Information About Your Parents. Provide the information requested about your mother and
father.
Item Numbers 27. - 40.c. Information About Your Marital History. If you have ever been married, provide
information about your current marriage and any previous marriages. If you have had more than one previous marriage,
use the space provided in Part 9. Additional Information to provide the information below.
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, or G-28I, Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney In Matters Outside the Geographical Confines of the
United States, along with your application.
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.
Form I-212 Instructions 03/21/22
Page 12 of 18
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 You Submit?
You must submit all evidence requested in these Instructions with your application. If you fail to submit required
evidence, the adjudicating agency 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. You must submit the following
evidence.
You must submit the following evidence.
1. Deportation/Removal Proceedings. Attach copies of all correspondence and documentation that you have relating
to your deportation or removal proceedings and your removal from the United States (if applicable). Remember to
retain the originals for your records.
2. Relatives. If you listed any relative in Part 3. Reasons for Your Request for Permission to Reapply, Item
Numbers 3.a. - 3.c., you must submit evidence of your relationship to that person. In addition, if your relative is
a U.S. citizen, you must submit proof of the person’s U.S. citizenship. If he or she is not a U.S. citizen, you must
provide:
A. Your relative’s full name;
B. Date of birth;
C. Place of birth;
D. Place of admission to, or entry into, the United States;
E. Current immigration status;
F. Immigration status at the time of entry; and
G. A-Number, if known.
3. Inadmissible under INA section 212(a)(9)(C). If you are inadmissible under INA section 212(a)(9)(C), submit
evidence of:
A. Your removal from the United States;
B. The date you entered or attempted to reenter the United States without being admitted or paroled;
C. The date of your last departure from the United States; and
D. Evidence of your absence from the United States for 10 years since your last departure.
You should also submit evidence that relates to your departure and your absence from the United States for at least 10
consecutive years. Evidence may include:
A. Copies of entry/exit stamps from foreign countries in your passport;
B. Receipts for, or copies of, airplane tickets;
Form I-212 Instructions 03/21/22
Page 13 of 18
C. Registration of your residence abroad;
D. Utility bills in your name at the foreign address;
E. Employment records from your foreign job; and
F. Any other information that you believe will establish your departure and absences from the United States.
NOTE: The agency adjudicating your consent to reapply application will consider any evidence.
4. Additional Required Evidence When Seeking Permission to Reapply for Admission to the United States
Through CBP at a U.S. Port-of-Entry. In addition to the evidence listed above, you must submit the following
documents.
A. Proof of Citizenship.
NOTE: A driver’s license is not considered proof of citizenship, but you may use it with another document to
establish identity.
B. Other Names Used. Provide all other names you have ever used including aliases, maiden name, and nicknames.
If you need extra space to complete this section, use the space provided in Part 9. Additional Information. You
should file evidence of legal name changes, such as marriage certificates, divorce decrees, adoption decrees, and
naturalization certificates with your application. Copies are acceptable.
C. Criminal Records. Each application should contain your official police record, or evidence that no police record
exists, from all countries of prior residence and from your country of citizenship or nationality. These records are
valid for 15 months from the date the foreign law enforcement authority issued you the record. If your records are
older than 15 months, you will need to obtain a new official record and submit it with your Form I-212.
NOTE for Canadian Filers: You can obtain the above information from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police
(RCMP) by submitting your fingerprints on Form C-216C. The returned Civil Product and any accompanying
records must be dated and endorsed by the RCMP and submitted with your Form I-212 within 15 months of
issuance. For instructions, addresses, and payment information, visit the RCMP website at www.rcmp-grc.ca.
5. Additional Evidence to Support Your Application. Approval of your Form I-212 is at the discretion of the
agency with jurisdiction over your application. For information on which agency will process and adjudicate your
Approval of an application for consent to reapply is discretionary. This means the adjudicator will weigh the
favorable and unfavorable factors presented in your case to determine whether to approve your application. We
encourage you to submit as much evidence as possible to explain why you believe that your application should be
approved. 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:
A. Close family ties in the United States;
B. Hardship to your relatives who are U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents, or to yourself, or your employer in
the United States;
C. Evidence of reformation and rehabilitation;
D. Length of lawful presence in the United States and your immigration status while you were lawfully present;
E. Evidence of respect for law and order, good moral character, and family responsibilities or intent to hold family
responsibilities;
Form I-212 Instructions 03/21/22
Page 14 of 18
F. Absence of significant undesirable or negative factors;
G. Eligibility for a waiver of other inadmissibility grounds; and
H. Likelihood that you will become a lawful permanent resident in the near future.
Some unfavorable factors may include, but are not limited to:
A. Evidence of bad moral character, including criminal tendencies reflected by past convictions or an ongoing
unlawful activity or continuing police record;
B. Repeated violations of U.S. immigration laws and a willful disregard for other laws;
C. Likelihood of becoming public charge;
D. Absence of close family ties or hardships;
E. Fraudulent marriage to a U.S. citizen for the purpose of gaining an immigration benefit;
F. Unauthorized employment in the United States;
G. Lack of the skills required for a position for which a labor certification could be issued; and
H. Serious violations of U.S. immigration laws and no evidence of rehabilitation or reformation.
Evidence submitted in support of your application may include:
A. Affidavits from you or other individuals;
NOTE: Unsupported assertions (in an affidavit by you or others) are not sufficient to demonstrate why your
application should be approved as a matter of discretion. All claims made in affidavits should be supported by
evidence or you should explain in detail why you cannot obtain such evidence.
B. Evidence of family ties in the United States;
C. Police reports from countries where you lived;
D. Complete court records regarding any arrests, charges, or convictions from any country;
E. Evidence of rehabilitation, if applicable;
F. Evidence that your admission to the United States would not be against national security or public safety;
G. Medical reports;
H. Employment records;
I. Evidence of hardship to you, your relatives, or other individuals that would result if you were denied admission to
the United States;
J. Documentation related to the impact of family separation;
K. Documentation of the conditions in the country where your family would have to relocate if your Form I-212 was
denied; and
L. Any other evidence that can establish why you should be granted permission or consent to reapply for admission
to the United States.
What Is the Filing Fee?
The filing fee for Form I-212 is $930.
NOTE: The filing fee is not refundable, regardless of any action USCIS takes on this application. DO NOT MAIL
CASH. You must submit all fees in the exact amounts.
Form I-212 Instructions 03/21/22
Page 15 of 18
Use the following guidelines when you prepare your check or money order for the Form I-212 filing fee:
1. The check or money order must be drawn on a bank or other financial institution located in the United States and must
be payable in U.S. currency; and
2. Make the check or money order 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.”
3. If you live outside the United States, contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate for instructions on the
method of payment.
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.
When applying with CBP at a U.S. port-of-entry, use the following guidelines when you prepare your check or
money order for the Form I-212 filing fee:
1. You must make your check or money order payable to U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Certain CBP-
designated U.S. ports-of-entry and certain CBP-designated offices may accept payment in the form of cash or credit
cards. We recommend that you contact the CBP office or CBP U.S. port-of-entry where you intend to be processed
for payment instructions. To locate the CBP office or CBP U.S. port-of-entry, visit CBP’s website at www.cbp.gov.
2. If you are a citizen of Palau, the Federal States of Micronesia, or the Marshall Islands, you may contact CBP at Guam
port-of-entry or the nearest U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate to receive payment instructions. To locate the U.S.
3. When applying for a nonimmigrant visa, you may contact the U.S. Consulate with jurisdiction over your
nonimmigrant visa to receive payment instructions.
When applying with EOIR during removal proceedings, you must submit the payment as instructed by the immigration
court with jurisdiction over your case. For information about EOIR, visit EOIR’s website at www.usdoj.gov/eoir.
How To Check If The Fees Are Correct
Form I-212’s filing fee is 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-212 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.
Form I-212 Instructions 03/21/22
Page 16 of 18
Address Change
Filing a change of address with USCIS. 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
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 USCIS Lockbox facilities because the Lockbox does not process
change of address requests.
Filing a change of address with CBP. You must inform CBP if you change your address. For information on filing a
Filing a change of address with EOIR. If you are already in proceedings in Immigration Court, you must also notify the
Immigration Court on EOIR Form 33/IC, Alien’s Change of Address Form/Immigration Court, of any changes of address
within five days of the change in address. The EOIR Form 33/IC is available on the EOIR website at
Processing Information
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 reject or 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. If USCIS requests an original
document from you, it will be returned to you after USCIS determines it no longer needs your original.
Requests for Interview. We may request that you appear at a USCIS office for an interview based on you 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-212 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.
Approval of Application and Validity. If your application is approved, your permission to reapply for admission to the
United States will be valid indefinitely, unless revoked by the agency that granted the approval. If you obtained consent
to reapply for nonimmigrant purposes, the approval is also valid for future immigrant or nonimmigrant purposes. If you
incur a new inadmissibility under INA section 212(a)(9)(A) or (C) after approval of this application, you will need to
apply for a new consent to reapply for admission.
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 “Schedule an Appointment” 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.
Form I-212 Instructions 03/21/22
Page 17 of 18
Penalties
If you knowingly and willfully falsify or conceal a material fact or submit a false document with your Form I-212,
the agency adjudicating your Form I-212 will deny your Form I-212 and may deny any other immigration benefit. In
addition, you will face severe penalties provided by law and may be subject to criminal prosecution.
USCIS Privacy Act Statement
AUTHORITIES: The information requested on this application, and the associated evidence, is collected under INA
section 212(a)(9)(A) or (C).
PURPOSE: The primary purpose for providing the requested information on this application is to obtain consent from
the Secretary to reapply for admission to the United Sates before you can lawfully return to the United States. DHS and
DOJ will use the information you provide to grant or deny the immigration benefit you are seeking.
DISCLOSURE: The information you provide is voluntary. However, failure to provide the requested information,
including your Social Security number (if applicable), and any requested evidence, may delay a final decision in your case
or result in a rejection or denial of your application.
ROUTINE USES: DHS and DOJ 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 described in
the associated published system of records notices [DHS-USCIS-007 - Benefits Information System and DHS-USCIS-001
- Alien File, Index, and National File Tracking System of Records] which you can find at www.dhs.gov/privacy. DHS
and DOJ may also share the 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 2 hours 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, if required, 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, 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. Do not mail your completed Form I-212 to this address.
Form I-212 Instructions 03/21/22
Page 18 of 18