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Form I-191: Application for Relief Under Former Section 212(c) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA)
USCIS Form I-191 is the Application for Relief Under Former Section 212(c) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), filed by individuals who meet eligibility requirements; USCIS has discretion whether to grant it.
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USCIS Form I-191 - Application for Relief Under Former Section 212(c) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA)
USCIS Form I-191 is the Application for Relief Under Former Section 212(c) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), filed by individuals who meet eligibility requirements; USCIS has discretion whether to grant it.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Failure to establish why the application warrants favorable discretion risks denial by USCIS or an immigration judge.
- 2Failing to provide a full English translation for foreign documents submitted.
- 3Not listing ALL criminal convictions (both U.S. and abroad) on Part 3.
- 4Omitting an explanation for any arrests, citations, or charges not listed in Part 3.
- 5Not providing the translator's certification details with foreign language submissions.
Plain English
This form allows an applicant to ask U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for a waiver or relief based on rules from a former section of the INA. By filing Form I-191, applicants establish that their situation warrants USCIS exercising favorable discretion regarding their immigration status.
Submission Date
- Filing date: Not stated in the official source regarding a specific deadline; however, applicants must establish that their application warrants favorable discretion.
- Preparation window: collect IDs, supporting records, and signatures in advance.
- Final review: verify names, dates, and required fields before submission.
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What this form is for
- Use this form when you were lawfully admitted for permanent residence AND are subject to removal because you were convicted before April 1, 1997, of a crime that makes you inadmissible or deportable.
- Do not use it when your conviction occurred after April 1, 1997, unless the source states otherwise (Not stated in the official source — verify on the agency site).
- Check Form G-1055 instead when needing specific information about applicable fees.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
In deportation/removal proceedings
You have been served with a notice (e.g., I-862) and must file with the appropriate Immigration Court.
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When filing from outside an office setting
The site provides current information on where to submit your application.
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If moving while not a U.S. citizen
You must notify USCIS of the new address; do not send it to the Lockbox instead.
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Notify USCIS within 10 days of move
Deadline or filing window
The official source does not state a specific filing deadline; however, applicants must ensure their submission establishes that the application warrants a favorable exercise of discretion. There is no mention of a standard extension period in the provided excerpts.
Checklist
What you need before filling it out
General Evidence
All evidence and supporting documents listed in the Specific Instructions sections of these Instructions · Submitted with Form I-191
Foreign Language Documents
A full English translation must be submitted · Attached to the foreign document
Translation Certification
Translator's signature, printed name, signature date, and contact information · On the translation itself
Additional Explanation
Your explanation (if needed) · A separate sheet of paper
Biometrics Appointment Requirement
Proof/Notice of appointment date, time, and location · Sent by USCIS if required
Before you submit
- 1Sign and date your application (Part 9) before sending.
- 2Provide daytime telephone number, mobile telephone number, and email address on Part 9.
- 3If applicable, include the signature of a parent or legal guardian on Part 9.
- 4Include any separate sheets containing an explanation by listing your name and A-Number at the top.
- 5Submit all required evidence listed in the Specific Instructions sections with the form.
- 6If submitting foreign documents, ensure the full English translation is attached.
- 7Verify that you have not completed Part 13 (USCIS Decision) before sending.
How to file this form
- 1Complete all necessary fields on USCIS Form I-191 and attach any required evidence.
- 2If applicable, sign and date the application in Part 9, providing contact information.
- 3If using an explanation sheet, ensure it is included with your form and lists your name/A-Number at the top.
- 4Determine the correct filing location: file with Immigration Court if in proceedings (check I-221, I-862, etc.), otherwise use the address found on www.uscis.gov/I-191.
- 5Mail or submit your completed Form I-191 to the appropriate USCIS office or Immigration Court and retain a copy for proof of filing.
Known limitations
- 1An applicant must have been lawfully admitted for permanent residence to be eligible to file Form I-191.
- 2Eligibility requires that the applicant is subject to removal from the United States due to a conviction before April 1, 1997, that makes them inadmissible or deportable.
- 3If an applicant lost their Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) status before living in the United States for seven consecutive years of unrelinquished domicile, they are no longer eligible for relief under former INA section 212(c).
- 4Relief cannot be obtained if LPR status was obtained by fraud or willful misrepresentation of a material fact, or if the applicant was ineligible for LPR status for any other reason.
- 5Part 13 (USCIS Decision) must not be completed by the applicant because USCIS will complete this section.
Field map
Compact field-by-field guide
Petitioner Info
3 items
Your current legal name as it appears on your Green Card or U.S. passport.
Your date of birth (MM/DD/YYYY).
Your Green Card number (A-Number) if a permanent resident, or USCIS online account number.
Beneficiary Info
3 items
Full legal name of the relative you are petitioning for.
Date of birth of the relative (MM/DD/YYYY).
Alien Registration Number of the beneficiary if previously assigned.
Relationship
1 items
Select the qualifying relationship: spouse, unmarried child under 21, unmarried child over 21, married child, parent, or sibling.
Evidence
1 items
List of documents establishing the qualifying relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificate, etc.).
Signatures
2 items
Your signature certifying all information is correct under penalty of perjury.
Date you signed the form (MM/DD/YYYY).
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Fillable formOpen in Editor->This version of USCIS Form I-191 is dated 01/20/25 and expires on 03/31/2027; the instructions direct filers to www.uscis.gov/I-191 for the most current filing location information.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Edition date — confirm the form revision date reads 01/20/25.
- Fee — check Form G-1055 for specific fee amounts applicable to this form.
- Mailing address — verify filing location on www.uscis.gov/I-191, as a general mailing address is not provided here (though the OMB collection point is 5900 Capitol Gateway Drive).
- Signature — confirm you have signed and dated your application; a stamped or typewritten name in place of a signature is unacceptable.
- Part completion — ensure Part 13 is left blank, as USCIS will complete it (For Official Use Only).
Quick Facts
Downloads
After you file
- 1Keep a copy of your completed Form I-191 for your records.
- 2If filing in deportation, exclusion, or removal proceedings, file the application with the appropriate Immigration Court.
- 3The public reporting burden estimate for this collection is 1.567 hours per response, which includes time for review and preparation.
- 4Biometrics collection is estimated to require 1 hours and 10 minutes.
Sources
- SRCInstructions p.1 — The purpose of Form I-191 is for individuals who were lawfully admitted for permanent residence and are subject to removal due to a conviction before April 1, 1997.
- SRCInstructions p.1 — If LPR status was lost before seven consecutive years of unrelinquished domicile, the applicant is ineligible for relief under former INA section 212(c).
- SRCInstructions p.5 — For questions that do not apply, type or print 'N/A,' unless otherwise directed.
- SRCInstructions p.6 — The A-Number begins with an ‘A’ and can be found on correspondence from DHS or USCIS; if none exists, type or print “N/A.”
- SRCInstructions p.7 — Height must be selected in feet (e.g., '5') and inches (e.g., '09'); weight must be entered in pounds.
- SRCInstructions p.10 — Part 13 of Form I-191 is for official use only, and applicants must not complete it.
Common confusion points
What do I put if a question doesn't apply to me?
Type or print 'N/A,' unless the instructions direct otherwise.
If my answer requires a number and it is zero or none, what should I write?
Type or print 'None,' unless the instructions direct otherwise.
What is the difference between my A-Number and my USCIS Online Account Number (OAN)?
The A-Number identifies immigration records and starts with an 'A'; the OAN is only available if a previous form receipt number began with IOE.
Where should I send this Form I-191?
Check www.uscis.gov/I-191 for current filing locations, but do not mail it to the address listed in the burden estimate section (unless directed by your specific situation).
How do I list my country of citizenship if I was born elsewhere?
Provide the name of the country where you are a citizen and/or national; this is not required to be the birthplace.
Should I use meters or centimeters for height?
Select the values in feet and inches (e.g., '5' for feet, '09' for inches); do not enter weight in kilograms.
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Questions about USCIS Form I-191
What is USCIS Form I-191 used for?
This form allows an applicant to ask U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for a waiver or relief based on rules from a former section of the INA. By filing Form I-191, applicants establish that their situation warrants USCIS exercising favorable discretion regarding their immigration status.
Who must file USCIS Form I-191?
Individuals who meet the eligibility requirements to apply for relief under former INA section 212(c) must file Form I-191 with USCIS or an immigration judge.
What information does USCIS Form I-191 require?
The form collects biographical data (height, weight, eye/hair color), citizenship information (Part 6), details of criminal convictions (Part 3), and other supporting documentation.
Where do I file USCIS Form I-191?
If filing with USCIS generally, check www.uscis.gov/I-191 for current locations. If in deportation, exclusion, or removal proceedings, file it with the appropriate Immigration Court.
How do I complete USCIS Form I-191?
Applicants must complete all required sections and provide supporting evidence for criminal convictions. If submitting documents in a foreign language, a certified English translation is required. The applicant must sign the form before sending it to USCIS or the Immigration Court.
What happens if USCIS Form I-191 is filed incorrectly?
USCIS or an immigration judge has discretion whether to grant the application; therefore, applicants must establish that their application warrants a favorable exercise of this discretion.
What do I put if a question doesn't apply to me?
Type or print 'N/A,' unless the instructions direct otherwise.
If my answer requires a number and it is zero or none, what should I write?
Type or print 'None,' unless the instructions direct otherwise.
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