Independent form guide. BrieflyGo is not affiliated with or endorsed by IRS, USCIS, SSA, DOL, or any U.S. government agency. Official forms are sourced from public government websites.

USCISWaivers & Appeals

Official form guide

Form I-191: Application for Relief Under Former Section 212(c) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA)

Form I-191 is the Application for Relief Under Former Section 212(c) of the INA. It is used by certain lawful permanent residents who need a waiver to travel abroad and return to the U.S. after a period of unlawful presence or other inadmissibility that was previously covered by the 212(c) program.

Fillable formOpen in Editor->Download blank PDF

Need help with Form I-191?

Open it in the AI Editor for field guidance, checks, and PDF export.

Fillable formOpen in Editor->

Form Overview

USCIS Form I-191 - Application for Relief Under Former Section 212(c) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA)

Form I-191 is the Application for Relief Under Former Section 212(c) of the INA. It is used by certain lawful permanent residents who need a waiver to travel abroad and return to the U.S. after a period of unlawful presence or other inadmissibility that was previously covered by the 212(c) program.

Personal data, immigration history, details of the inadmissibility, the specific travel purpose, and supporting documentation.

Risk Radar

Scan points
  • 1A single missing signature can invalidate the entire application.
  • 2Submitting an outdated edition of the form
  • 3Incorrect fee amount or payment method
  • 4Missing signature or date
  • 5Omitting required supporting documents

Plain English

If you are a green‑card holder who left the U.S. and now can’t get back because of a past immigration violation, you may file I‑191 to ask for a special waiver. The form asks for your immigration history, the reason you need the waiver, and supporting evidence.

Submission Date

  • Filing date: File before you plan to travel abroad; there is no fixed deadline, but processing can take several months, so submit well in advance of any planned departure.
  • Preparation window: collect IDs, supporting records, and signatures in advance.
  • Final review: verify names, dates, and required fields before submission.

AI co-pilot

Fill it faster. Catch mistakes before you file.

Explains confusing fields in plain English
Flags missing signatures, dates, IDs, and attachments
Keeps the PDF ready for editor, send, and proof flows
Open AI workspace->

Glossary Terms

permanentperiodholderformer

Hover a term to preview the meaning.

What this form is for

  • Use when you need a former 212(c) waiver to re‑enter the U.S.
  • Do not use if you are applying for a new 212(c) waiver (use I-601).
  • If you have a criminal conviction, also review Form I-601 for a criminal waiver.

Form selector

Use this form or another form?

Need a new 212(c) waiver

Covers criminal and immigration grounds

✓ Verify eligibility before filing

Form I-601

Traveling with an expired green card

Renewal of permanent resident card

✓ Different purpose, not a waiver

Form I-90

Deadline or filing window

There is no statutory deadline, but USCIS processing can take 3‑6 months. File at least 90 days before any planned departure to avoid travel disruptions.

  • —Fee amount | Fixed $560 (as of 2024) | Total filing fee | Verify on USCIS fee page

Checklist

What you need before filling it out

1

Section 1 – Personal Information

Passport biographic page · Applicant's passport

⚠ Missing or illegible copy✕ High
2

Section 2 – Immigration History

Copies of prior I-191 approvals · Prior waiver notices

⚠ Forgetting to include older approvals✕ Medium
3

Section 3 – Reason for Travel

Invitation letter, employment contract, or medical appointment · Original documents

⚠ Summaries only, no originals✕ Medium
4

Section 4 – Grounds of Inadmissibility

Court records, police reports, or conviction certificates · Court docket or police file

⚠ Incomplete citations✕ High
5

Signature block

Signed Form I-191 · Original signature

⚠ No signature or date✕ Critical

Before you submit

  1. 1Use the 2024 edition of Form I-191
  2. 2Complete every field; mark N/A where not applicable
  3. 3Sign and date the form
  4. 4Include the correct filing fee in the specified payment form
  5. 5Attach a clear copy of the passport biographic page
  6. 6Attach prior I-191 approval notices (if any)
  7. 7Attach evidence for the current inadmissibility ground
  8. 8Attach a letter explaining the travel purpose
  9. 9Print or save a PDF copy for your records
  10. 10Mail via USPS Priority or UPS with tracking
  11. 11Retain the receipt and tracking number
  12. 12Verify the mailing address matches the instructions

How to file this form

  1. 1Download the current I-191 PDF and instructions from USCIS.gov
  2. 2Read the instructions cover page for fee and address details
  3. 3Fill out the form electronically or by hand in black ink
  4. 4Gather all required supporting documents listed in the instructions
  5. 5Assemble the fee payment, form, and evidence in the order specified
  6. 6Mail the package using a traceable service to the designated Lockbox
  7. 7Save the mailing receipt and tracking number for follow‑up

Known limitations

  1. 1Form instructions do not list a specific processing deadline
  2. 2Fee amount may change; the JSON reflects the 2024 fee
  3. 3USCIS may request additional evidence after initial filing
  4. 4No online filing option is currently available for I-191
  5. 5Eligibility criteria are complex and not fully captured in the form

Field map

Compact field-by-field guide

10 fields

Petitioner Info

3 items

Petitioner Full Name

Your current legal name as it appears on your Green Card or U.S. passport.

Requiredtext
Date of Birth

Your date of birth (MM/DD/YYYY).

Requireddate
A-Number or USCIS Online Account Number

Your Green Card number (A-Number) if a permanent resident, or USCIS online account number.

text

Beneficiary Info

3 items

Beneficiary Full Name

Full legal name of the relative you are petitioning for.

Requiredtext
Beneficiary Date of Birth

Date of birth of the relative (MM/DD/YYYY).

Requireddate
Beneficiary A-Number

Alien Registration Number of the beneficiary if previously assigned.

text

Relationship

1 items

Relationship Type

Select the qualifying relationship: spouse, unmarried child under 21, unmarried child over 21, married child, parent, or sibling.

Requiredselect

Evidence

1 items

Supporting Documents

List of documents establishing the qualifying relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificate, etc.).

Requiredtext

Signatures

2 items

Petitioner Signature

Your signature certifying all information is correct under penalty of perjury.

Requiredsignature
Date of Signature

Date you signed the form (MM/DD/YYYY).

Requireddate
This compact map shows typical fields for this form type. The AI Editor gives precise field guidance after you open the PDF.

Almost done reviewing the fields?

Fillable formOpen in Editor->
Current form status
USCIS

The form is active as of the latest USCIS edition (2024). Check the USCIS website for any updates before filing.

What changed or needs a fresh check

  • Edition date – verify the form is the 2024 edition or later
  • Fee – confirm current filing fee on the USCIS fee schedule
  • Mailing address – use the address listed in the instructions for your filing location
  • Signature – original handwritten or electronic signature required
  • Payment method – check‑or‑money order payable to U.S. Department of Homeland Security

Form Preview

Form I-191 page 1

Page 1

Form I-191 page 2

Page 2

Open in AI Editor →

Quick Facts

Lawful permanent residents who previously relied on the former 212(c) waiver and now need that relief again.
Personal data, immigration history, details of the inadmissibility, the specific travel purpose, and supporting documentation.
File before you plan to travel abroad; there is no fixed deadline, but processing can take several months, so submit well in advance of any planned departure.
Mail the completed form, fee, and evidence to the USCIS Lockbox address listed in the form instructions. Some cases may be filed at a USCIS Service Center if directed.
Errors or missing evidence can lead to denial, a travel ban, or a costly request for reopening the case.
1. Download the latest I‑191 PDF from USCIS.gov. 2. Review the instructions for fee amount, filing address, and required evidence. 3. Complete all sections in black ink or electronically, then sign and date. 4. Assemble the fee payment, supporting documents, and a copy of your passport biographic page. 5. Mail the package via a traceable service. 6. Keep the receipt and tracking number for your records.

Downloads

Blank Form I-191↗Instructions↗

Fill Form I-191

AI-powered guidance for every field

Fillable formOpen in Editor->

Free to start / No account required

After you file

  1. 1Keep the receipt notice (Form I-797C) when received
  2. 2Track the package until delivery confirmation
  3. 3Monitor case status online using the receipt number
  4. 4Respond promptly to any Request for Evidence (RFE)
  5. 5Store all copies of submitted documents in a secure folder
  6. 6Notify any travel sponsors or employers of the filing date
  7. 7If approved, keep the approval notice when traveling

Sources

  • SRCForm I-191 official title and purposeUSCIS{not found in : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : {

Common confusion points

212(c) vs. new 212(c) waiver

Different statutes and forms

→ Verify which waiver applies

Fee amount

Fee changes annually

→ Check USCIS fee page before paying

Mailing address

Multiple lockbox addresses exist

→ Use address listed for your filing category

Signature type

Electronic vs. handwritten

→ Follow instruction for your filing method

Evidence of prior waiver

Not always required

→ Include if you have a previous I-191 approval

Workflow map

Related forms and next steps

1 signals

Before

Form I-94 (travel record) | Used with: Form I-191 | After: Form I-797C (receipt notice) | If something goes wrong: File Form I-290B (notice of appeal) if denied

Current

I-191

After

None listed

Ready to get started?

Upload the form or open it in the AI Editor for intelligent guidance

Fillable formOpen in Editor->

Source transparency

Copyright & Licensing - US Government Forms

Independent guide

BrieflyGo links to and explains official public form sources. We are not a government agency, and this page is for general form guidance, not legal advice.

Public DomainCreated by the U.S. federal government. Not subject to copyright (17 USC § 105). Freely copyable without restriction.
Public DomainCreated by the U.S. federal government. Not subject to copyright (17 USC § 105). Freely copyable without restriction.
Public DomainCreated by the U.S. federal government. Not subject to copyright (17 USC § 105). Freely copyable without restriction.
Public DomainCreated by the U.S. federal government. Not subject to copyright (17 USC § 105). Freely copyable without restriction.
Verify current license terms with the source agency before reuse outside this platform.

Never sign without understanding every clause.

BrieflyGo reviews your contracts in plain English — instantly.

Try for free →