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Form I-212: Application for Permission to Reapply for Admission into the United States After Deportation or Removal
USCIS Form I-212 is the Application for Permission to Reapply for Admission into the United States After Deportation or Removal, filed by individuals inadmissible under INA section 212(a)(9)(A) or (C).
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USCIS Form I-212 - Application for Permission to Reapply for Admission into the United States After Deportation or Removal
USCIS Form I-212 is the Application for Permission to Reapply for Admission into the United States After Deportation or Removal, filed by individuals inadmissible under INA section 212(a)(9)(A) or (C).
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1USCIS will reject the Form I-212 if a stamped or typewritten name is used instead of a proper signature.
- 2Filing without proper signatures on Part 7 if an interpreter was used.
- 3Submitting documents in a foreign language without a complete English translation.
- 4Using a stamped or typewritten name instead of the required signature.
- 5Not selecting the correct values for height (feet/inches) or weight (pounds) in Part 5.
Plain English
This form allows an individual who has been removed from the U.S. country or is otherwise ineligible to reapply for entry into the United States. Filing Form I-212 demonstrates that the applicant has permission to try applying again, especially if they are inadmissible under specific grounds.
Submission Date
- Filing date: Not stated in the official source regarding a specific filing deadline; however, an applicant should file this application if they are inadmissible under INA section 212(a)(9)(A) or (C).
- 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 are inadmissible under Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) section 212(a)(9)(A) or (C) and must seek consent to reapply for admission to the United States.
- Do not use this form if your inadmissibility is only relevant for other immigration benefits, as an alternative waiver might be applicable.
- Check Form I-601 instead when you are applying for a waiver of grounds of inadmissibility under specific categories listed in the instructions.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Applicant is seeking adjustment of status under NACARA section 202
Use this form if you are an applicant for adjustment of status under the Nicaraguan Adjustment and Central American Relief Act (NACARA) section 202.
✓ Check that Box A on Form I-601 is marked.
Applicant is seeking U nonimmigrant status
You must file this form with your Form I-918, Petition for U Nonimmigrant Status.
✓ Confirm the Form I-192 references the correct Form I-918 submission.
Applicant needs to overcome inadmissibility under INA section 245A or 210 while seeking adjustment of status
Use this form for legalization programs under these specific INA sections.
✓ Ensure you select the appropriate program category on Form I-690.
Deadline or filing window
The filing trigger occurs when an individual is inadmissible under INA section 212(a)(9)(A) or (C). There is no specific deadline date listed, but the applicant must file to obtain permission to reapply. The instructions do not specify a grace period for extension.
Checklist
What you need before filling it out
All supporting documents
All evidence and supporting documents listed in the 'What Evidence Must You Submit' section of the Instructions · Submitted with Form I-212
Foreign Language Documents
A full English translation must be submitted along with the original document. · Submitted with Form I-212
Biometric Information
Required for applicants filing directly with USCIS (not via Consulate). · Provided at Biometrics Services appointment or included with filing.
Signature Proof
A copy of the original handwritten signature is required for submission. · Attached to Form I-212 application package.
Translation Certification
The signed certification from the translator. · Attached to any translated document.
Before you submit
- 1Complete all required fields on Form I-212.
- 2Submit a full English translation for every document written in a foreign language.
- 3Ensure the translator's certification includes their signature, printed name, and contact information.
- 4Attach copies of all evidence listed in the Instructions (e.g., supporting letters, passports).
- 5Verify that the signature provided is from an original handwritten ink document.
- 6Confirm whether you must file with USCIS or a U.S. Consulate based on your situation.
- 7If filing with USCIS, arrange for Biometric Services appointment.
How to file this form
- 1Complete Form I-212 and gather all required supporting evidence as listed in the Instructions.
- 2For foreign language documents, attach a certified English translation that includes translator details.
- 3Submit the application package to either USCIS or the U.S. Consulate with jurisdiction over your visa application.
- 4If filing with USCIS, attend a Biometric Services appointment (or include biometrics if submitting electronically/via mail).
- 5Retain a copy of the entire submitted package for your records.
Known limitations
- 1The Form I-212 is required if an applicant is inadmissible under Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) section 212(a)(9)(A) or (C), unless specific exceptions apply.
- 2TPS applicants do not need to file Form I-212 to establish eligibility for Temporary Protected Status, as stated in INA section 244(a)(5).
- 3If an applicant is already in U nonimmigrant status and applying for adjustment of status under 8 CFR 245.24, they do not need to file Form I-212.
- 4If a T nonimmigrant is applying for adjustment of status under 8 CFR 245.23, the applicant may use Form I-601 instead of filing Form I-212 (though this implies an alternative application method).
- 5An applicant inadmissible under INA section 212(a)(9)(C)(i)(I) for unlawful presence and subsequent reentry without admission or parole may seek a waiver authorizing entry as a nonimmigrant, potentially bypassing the need for Form I-212.
- 6The form's current edition expires on 03/31/2027.
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).
Almost done reviewing the fields?
Fillable formOpen in Editor->The current edition referenced is dated 01/20/25, and this date appears on Page 4 of the instruction booklet.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Edition date — confirm the instruction booklet reads 01/20/25.
- Fee — consult Form G-1055 for specific fee amounts applicable to this form.
- Mailing address — The source does not list a specific mailing address, but directs users to the USCIS website for more information.
- Signature — confirm that the signature is handwritten ink on an original document, as photocopies/scans of originals are valid.
Quick Facts
Downloads
After you file
- 1Submit legible photocopies of requested documents unless the Instructions specifically require an original document.
- 2Keep a copy of the filed Form I-212 for personal records.
- 3If you do not attend your biometric services appointment, USCIS may deny the application.
- 4Confirm that all information submitted on Form I-212 was complete, true, and correct at the time of filing.
- 5Be aware that if an original document is submitted when it is not required or requested, USCIS may destroy it after receipt.
Sources
- SRCInstructions p.1 — The purpose of Form I-212 is to seek consent to reapply (permission to reapply) when inadmissible under INA section 212(a)(9)(A) or (C).
- SRCInstructions p.3 — Eligibility for waiver under INA section 212(a)(9)(B)(v) directs review of Form I-601 or Form I-601A.
- SRCInstructions p.3 — An applicant may be eligible under INA section 212(a)(9)(B)(v) for a waiver of grounds of inadmissibility.
- SRCInstructions p.4 — Use Form I-601 if applying for waiver due to NACARA section 202, HRIFA section 902, T nonimmigrant under 8 CFR 245.23, or other listed criteria.
- SRCInstructions p.4 — Applicants already in U nonimmigrant status and applying for adjustment of status under 8 CFR 245.24 do not need to file Form I-212.
- SRCInstructions p.9 — A receipt number beginning with 'IOE' indicates an OAN; if it does not begin with 'IOE', the applicant does not have an OAN, which is distinct from the A-Number.
Common confusion points
Do you need to file Form I-212 even if you were paroled upon returning to the U.S.?
Yes, because even if paroled, you might still be inadmissible under INA section 212(a)(9)(A).
When can you use Form I-601 instead of Form I-212?
If you are an applicant for adjustment of status under NACARA section 202, HRIFA section 902, or a T nonimmigrant applying under 8 CFR 245.23.
What if my receipt number doesn't start with 'IOE'?
It means you do not have an OAN (Other Alien Number), and the OAN is different from your A-Number.
Must I submit originals even if photocopies are requested?
No, generally photocopies suffice unless the Instructions specifically instruct otherwise; USCIS may request an original later.
If I am applying for TPS, do I always need to file Form I-212?
Not necessarily; while you might be inadmissible under INA section 212(a)(9)(A) or (C), TPS applicants do not need the Form I-212 to establish eligibility.
How is height measured on Form I-212?
Height must be entered in feet and inches, selecting values that best match; do not use meters or centimeters.
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Questions about USCIS Form I-212
What is USCIS Form I-212 used for?
This form allows an individual who has been removed from the U.S. country or is otherwise ineligible to reapply for entry into the United States. Filing Form I-212 demonstrates that the applicant has permission to try applying again, especially if they are inadmissible under specific grounds.
Who must file USCIS Form I-212?
An individual must file USCIS Form I-212 if they are inadmissible under INA section 212(a)(9)(A) or (C). Any departure from the United States may make an applicant inadmissible under these sections.
What information does USCIS Form I-212 require?
The form collects personal details, including race/origin (e.g., Item Number 6 for Hair Color), physical measurements like Height and Weight (in pounds), eye color, and hair color in Part 5. Parts 7 and 8 also capture interpreter information and the preparer's contact details.
Where do I file USCIS Form I-212?
The form can be submitted by visiting the USCIS Contact Center at www.uscis.gov/contactcenter or calling 800-375-5283 (TTY 800-767-1833 ). The USCIS Contact Center provides information in English and Spanish.
How do I complete USCIS Form I-212?
The applicant must properly complete the entire application before submitting it. If using an interpreter, they must fill out and sign Part 7. Finally, if someone other than the applicant prepares the form, that person must sign in Part 8.
What happens if USCIS Form I-212 is filed incorrectly?
If the application is not signed, or if the signature provided is invalid, USCIS will reject the Form I-212. Failure to properly complete the form may lead to rejection by USCIS.
Do you need to file Form I-212 even if you were paroled upon returning to the U.S.?
Yes, because even if paroled, you might still be inadmissible under INA section 212(a)(9)(A).
When can you use Form I-601 instead of Form I-212?
If you are an applicant for adjustment of status under NACARA section 202, HRIFA section 902, or a T nonimmigrant applying under 8 CFR 245.23.
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