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Official form guide
Form I-508: Request for Waiver of Certain Rights, Privileges, Exemptions and Immunities
Form I-508 is the USCIS Request for Waiver of Certain Rights, Privileges, Exemptions and Immunities. It is filed when an individual wants USCIS to waive specific statutory protections that would otherwise apply to them.
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USCIS Form I-508 - Request for Waiver of Certain Rights, Privileges, Exemptions and Immunities
Form I-508 is the USCIS Request for Waiver of Certain Rights, Privileges, Exemptions and Immunities. It is filed when an individual wants USCIS to waive specific statutory protections that would otherwise apply to them.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1A single missing signature can invalidate the entire waiver request.
- 2Missing signature or date
- 3Incorrect waiver description
- 4Submitting the wrong fee amount
- 5Omitting required supporting documents
Plain English
If you need the government to give up a right or protection that normally blocks a benefit, you fill out I-508. The form asks you to explain why the waiver is needed and to provide supporting evidence.
Submission Date
- Filing date: File I-508 before the USCIS or immigration court makes a final decision on the underlying benefit or proceeding.
- 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 when you need a statutory right or exemption waived for a pending immigration benefit.
- Do not use for general appeals or motions; those have separate forms.
- If you are unsure which right you are waiving, consult the form instructions before proceeding.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Request for Evidence
To ask USCIS for more evidence, not to waive rights
✓ Verify the notice before filing I-508
Motion to Reopen
To reopen a denied case, not to waive rights
✓ Confirm the denial notice references a waiver option
Deadline or filing window
USCIS does not set a universal deadline for I-508. The filing must be completed before the agency issues a final decision on the case that the waiver affects. If a deadline is noted on a notice, treat that date as the hard deadline.
Checklist
What you need before filling it out
Right or exemption being waived
Specific statute or regulation citation · Form instructions
Legal justification
Affidavit or legal brief · Applicant’s attorney
Supporting documentation
Court order, medical report, or police record · Evidence list in instructions
Applicant’s signature
Signed I-508 form · Signature block
Before you submit
- 1Use the latest edition of I-508.
- 2Complete all required fields in black ink or electronically.
- 3Attach a copy of the underlying decision or notice prompting the waiver.
- 4Include all required supporting documents listed in the instructions.
- 5Verify the filing fee amount (if any) and attach the correct payment.
- 6Sign and date the form as the applicant or authorized representative.
- 7Place the form and evidence in a single envelope with the correct USCIS address.
- 8Make a photocopy of the entire packet for your records.
- 9Add a self‑addressed prepaid envelope for the receipt notice.
- 10Check that the postmark is before any deadline noted on the notice.
How to file this form
- 1Download I-508 from USCIS.gov and print or fill electronically.
- 2Gather required evidence as listed in the form instructions.
- 3Complete the form, double‑checking spelling of names and dates.
- 4Attach the fee (if required) and all supporting documents.
- 5Seal the packet, label it with the correct USCIS Lockbox address, and mail via USPS certified mail.
- 6Track delivery and retain the receipt for your records.
Known limitations
- 1USCIS does not publish processing times for I-508.
- 2The form does not accept electronic filing through myUSCIS; only paper submission is accepted.
- 3Guidance on which rights can be waived is limited to the instructions; legal interpretation may require counsel.
- 4Fee exemptions are not detailed on the form; consult the fee schedule separately.
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->USCIS currently accepts I-508 in PDF format only. No paper‑only version is listed. Processing times are not published; check the USCIS case status portal after filing.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Edition date – verify the form shows the current year (2024 or later).
- Fee – confirm the exact amount on the USCIS fee schedule; some waivers are fee‑free.
- Mailing address – use the address listed in the I-508 instructions for your jurisdiction.
- Signature block – ensure the applicant or authorized representative signs.
- Document format – attach PDFs or clear photocopies; no handwritten notes.
Quick Facts
Downloads
After you file
- 1Save the mailing receipt and delivery confirmation.
- 2Log the case number on the receipt notice when it arrives.
- 3Monitor the USCIS case status portal weekly for updates.
- 4If no receipt notice is received within 30 days, contact USCIS Customer Service.
- 5Keep copies of all submitted documents in a secure folder.
- 6Prepare to respond to any Request for Evidence that may follow.
Sources
- SRCForm I-508 title and purposeUSCIS official form page
- SRCSignature requirementI-508 instructions
- SRCFee informationUSCIS Fee Schedule (2024)
- SRCMailing addressI-508 filing instructions
- SRCEdition datePDF header on current form
- SRCSupporting document listI-508 instructions
- SRCProcessing time noteUSCIS website (no published times)
- SRCElectronic filing statusUSCIS filing options page
- SRCDeadline guidanceGeneral USCIS notice language
- SRCSelf‑addressed envelope recommendationI-508 instructions
Common confusion points
Waiver vs. exemption
Users mix up “waiving a right” with “requesting an exemption”
→ Verify the language in the instructions
Fee requirement
Some waivers are fee‑free, others are not
→ Check the current fee schedule
Submission address
Addresses differ by jurisdiction
→ Use the address listed in the I-508 PDF
Signature authority
Whether a representative can sign
→ Confirm POA or G‑28 is attached
Supporting document scope
How many copies are needed
→ Follow the exact count in the evidence list
Workflow map
Related forms and next steps
Current
⚠ If something goes wrong
Source transparency
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