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Official form guide
Form I-212: Application for Permission to Reapply for Admission into the United States After Deportation or Removal
Form I-212 is an application filed by individuals who have been deported or removed from the United States and wish to seek permission to reapply for admission. It's used when someone previously removed from the U.S. wants to return legally after their removal.
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USCIS Form I-212 - Application for Permission to Reapply for Admission into the United States After Deportation or Removal
Form I-212 is an application filed by individuals who have been deported or removed from the United States and wish to seek permission to reapply for admission. It's used when someone previously removed from the U.S. wants to return legally after their removal.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Submitting an I-212 without sufficient evidence of rehabilitation typically results in automatic denial.
- 2Incomplete form sections
- 3Missing supporting evidence
- 4Incorrect fee amount
- 5Outdated form edition
Plain English
Form I-212 lets people who were deported or removed from the U.S. ask permission to come back. You'll need to explain why you should be allowed to return and show you've changed since your removal.
Submission Date
- Filing date: This form should be filed when you're ready to seek readmission after removal, but timing may depend on how long ago your removal occurred and the reason for removal.
- Preparation window: collect IDs, supporting records, and signatures in advance.
- Final review: verify names, dates, and required fields before submission.
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Glossary Terms
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What this form is for
- Use this form when you have been deported or removed from the U.S. and want to seek permission to reapply
- Do not use this form if you are currently in the U.S. without authorization
- Check Form I-601 for waiver of inadmissibility grounds other than unlawful reentry
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Seeking waiver of grounds of inadmissibility other than unlawful reentry
Different legal basis for inadmissibility
✓ Check your specific inadmissibility grounds
Already in U.S. seeking to adjust status
Different process for those already in the U.S.
✓ Verify current immigration status before filing
Seeking asylum protection
Different legal process with different requirements
✓ Consult an immigration attorney about eligibility
Deadline or filing window
There is no specific deadline to file Form I-212, but filing too soon after removal may result in denial. The appropriate timing depends on factors like the reason for removal and evidence of rehabilitation. Consult with an immigration attorney about the optimal timing for your specific situation.
- —Time since removal | Current date - Removal date | Duration of reentry bar | Calculate minimum waiting period before filing
- —Rehabilitation period | Current date - Last negative incident | Evidence of rehabilitation | Document sufficient time since last negative behavior
Checklist
What you need before filling it out
Personal information
Government-issued ID, passport · Personal documents
Removal details
Prior removal order, court records · Immigration file
Reasons for seeking readmission
Personal statement, letters of support · Written explanation
Evidence of rehabilitation
Certificates, employment records, character references · Supporting documents
Financial ability
Bank statements, employment verification · Financial records
Family ties
Marriage certificates, birth certificates · Family documentation
Before you submit
- 1Verify all form sections are completed
- 2Ensure all required signatures are included
- 3Confirm correct filing fee payment method
- 4Make copies of entire application before submission
- 5Check that all supporting documents are included
- 6Verify current mailing address for USCIS
- 7Review form for any inconsistencies or errors
- 8Confirm form edition is current
- 9Ensure all personal information matches other documents
- 10Check that photo requirements are met if applicable
How to file this form
- 1Obtain the current edition of Form I-212 from the USCIS website
- 2Complete all sections thoroughly and accurately
- 3Gather required supporting documents and evidence of rehabilitation
- 4Prepare payment for the filing fee in acceptable format
- 5Mail the complete package to the correct USCIS Lockbox facility
- 6Keep a copy of your complete application package
- 7Wait for receipt notice from USCIS
- 8Be prepared to attend an interview if requested
Known limitations
- 1Filing this form does not guarantee approval
- 2Approval is discretionary and based on many factors
- 3Some grounds of inadmissibility cannot be overcome with this form
- 4The form cannot be used to waive all types of inadmissibility
- 5Processing times can vary significantly
- 6USCIS may request additional evidence during processing
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->The current edition of Form I-212 was last updated in 2021. Always check the USCIS website for the most recent version before filing.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Edition date: Verify you're using the current edition (check USCIS website)
- Fee: Confirm the correct filing amount as it changes periodically
- Mailing address: Submit to the correct USCIS Lockbox facility
- Supporting documents: Include all required evidence of rehabilitation
- Signature: Ensure proper signatures where required
- Copy: Keep a copy of your complete application for your records
Quick Facts
Downloads
After you file
- 1Keep all receipts and proof of mailing
- 2Monitor USCIS processing times online
- 3Respond promptly to any requests for additional evidence
- 4Attend any scheduled interviews
- 5Keep copies of all communications with USCIS
- 6Note the decision date when received
- 7Consult an attorney if the decision is unfavorable
- 8Do not attempt to enter the U.S. without permission even if waiting for a decision
Sources
- SRCForm I-212 is for individuals deported or removed from the U.S.
- SRCThe form requires detailed information about the prior removal
- SRCApplicants must demonstrate rehabilitation or changed circumstances
- SRCThe filing fee is subject to change and must be verified with USCIS
- SRCThe form must be mailed to a USCIS Lockbox facility
- SRCProcessing times vary and can take several months to years
- SRCApproval is discretionary and not guaranteed
- SRCThe current edition must be used when filing
Common confusion points
When to file
USCIS has no specific timeline but filing too soon often results in denial
→ Calculate at least 5 years since removal unless exceptional circumstances
Difference between I-212 and I-601
I-212 specifically addresses reapplication after removal; I-601 addresses other grounds of inadmissibility
→ Review your specific grounds of inadmissibility
Rehabilitation requirements
Each case is evaluated individually based on severity of original offense
→ Document all positive changes and community involvement
Effect of criminal history
Serious crimes may make approval impossible regardless of rehabilitation
→ Disclose all criminal history completely
Role of an attorney
Attorneys cannot guarantee approval but can improve application quality
→ Consult a qualified immigration attorney before filing
Workflow map
Related forms and next steps
Current
Often used with
⚠ If something goes wrong
- Form I-290B (Notice of Appeal or Motion)
- Consult with immigration attorney for other options
Source transparency
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