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Official form guide
Form I-601: Application for Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility
USCIS Form I-601 is the Application for Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility, which individuals file to request a waiver from certain grounds preventing them from immigrating. This form outlines requirements that must be established in order to have a particular ground of inadmissibility waived.
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USCIS Form I-601 - Application for Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility
USCIS Form I-601 is the Application for Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility, which individuals file to request a waiver from certain grounds preventing them from immigrating. This form outlines requirements that must be established in order to have a particular ground of inadmissibility waived.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Do not use Form I-601 if you are applying for a provisional unlawful presence waiver; use Form I-601A instead.
- 2Filing without providing your full legal name as shown on identity documents (Item Numbers 3.a.-c).
- 3Entering height in meters or centimeters instead of the required feet/inches format (e.g., "5" and "09").
- 4Failing to enter weight in pounds, especially if it is under 30 lbs or over 699 lbs (enter "000").
- 5Submitting without a proper signature; USCIS will not accept stamped/typewritten names.
Plain English
This form allows an applicant to ask U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for permission to overcome specific reasons why they are otherwise ineligible to become a lawful permanent resident of the United States. By filing Form I-601, applicants establish the necessary requirements needed to have their ground of inadmissibility waived.
Submission Date
- Filing date: Not stated in the official source regarding a specific filing deadline; however, if an applicant obtains a waiver connected with Form I-821, that waiver is only valid for the TPS application period.
- 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 an individual is ineligible to be admitted as an immigrant or adjust status, or when certain nonimmigrant applicants are inadmissible, and they seek a waiver of specific grounds of inadmissibility.
- Do not use Form I-601 when applying for a provisional unlawful presence waiver, which requires a different form.
- Check Form I-601A instead when requesting a provisional waiver of the ground of inadmissibility specifically for unlawful presence under INA section 212(a)(9)(B).
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Seeking Provisional Unlawful Presence Waiver
Required specifically for unlawful presence waiver (INA 212(a)(9)(B))
✓ Ensure you do not use Form I-601 for this purpose.
General Inadmissibility/Immigrant Benefit Waiver
Used when seeking a waiver for grounds of inadmissibility related to immigrant benefits or nonimmigrant status.
✓ Confirm eligibility based on the immigration benefit sought.
Filing Fee Information
Provides specific details regarding fees applicable to Form I-601.
✓ Verify current fee amounts and payment methods using Form G-1055.
Deadline or filing window
The official source does not state a specific filing deadline date. However, when obtaining a waiver in connection with Form I-821, the granted waiver is only valid for that particular TPS application and applies to subsequent TPS re-registration applications.
Checklist
What you need before filling it out
Supporting Documentation
All evidence and supporting documentation listed in Specific Instructions/What Evidence Must You Submit section · At time of filing
Extreme Hardship Explanation (Self)
Detailed explanation of hardship if refused benefit · Part 8, Item 1.a.
Qualifying Relative Information
Full name, relationship, status, DOB, A-Number (if any), and hardship explanation for each relative · Parts 6 & 7 (and Part 10)
Discretion Statement
Explanation of why the application should be approved as a matter of discretion (favorable outweighing unfavorable factors) · Form p.7, Item 9
Interpreter Details
Name, address, contact info, and signature of interpreter used · Part 8
Before you submit
- 1Sign and date your entire Form I-601.
- 2Provide your daytime telephone number, mobile telephone number, and email address (Part 8).
- 3If applicable, ensure a parent or legal guardian signs the application.
- 4Submit all evidence and supporting documentation listed in the Specific Instructions.
- 5If claiming hardship for relatives, complete Parts 6 & 7 for each relative.
- 6Provide a clear explanation of extreme hardship (Part 8, Item 1.a.) if only claiming hardship for yourself.
- 7Include a statement explaining why approval is warranted as a matter of discretion (Form p.7, Item 9).
How to file this form
- 1Complete all required sections of Form I-601, ensuring every field is filled out accurately based on the specific waiver sought.
- 2Compile and attach all necessary evidence and supporting documentation as listed in the instructions.
- 3If using an interpreter, ensure Part 8 is fully completed, signed, and dated by that individual.
- 4Sign and date your application (Part 8), providing your contact information.
- 5Mail or submit electronically via www.uscis.gov/file-online, keeping a copy for your records.
Known limitations
- 1Form I-601 does not apply to provisional unlawful presence waivers; applicants must use Form I-601A for that specific waiver type.
- 2If seeking a waiver in connection with Form I-821 (Application for Temporary Protected Status), the granted waiver is only valid for the TPS application and subsequent re-registration applications, but not for other immigration benefit requests.
- 3For Special Immigrant Juvenile (SIJ) applicants based on an approved Form I-360, this form allows relief from most grounds listed in INA section 212(a).
- 4If the immigration judge determines that an applicant is not removable based on the termination of conditional resident status, the waiver granted under Form I-601 becomes effective again.
- 5For K-1 and K-2 Nonimmigrant Visa Applicants who do not have a requisite relationship to a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, they must enter specific information in Part 5 (e.g.
- 6Prospective Spouse" if the petitioner is a fiancé(e)).
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 USCIS Form I-601 is dated 01/20/25 and the form itself has an OMB Number of 1615-0029, which expires on 03/31/2027.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Edition date — confirm the form reads 01/20/25.
- Fee — check Form G-1055 for specific filing fees applicable to Form I-601.
- Biometric Services Fee — if filing with USCIS, a fee is not required at submission time (though appointment notice may request it).
- Signature — ensure every application is properly signed; a stamped or typewritten name alone is not accepted.
- TTY Call Number — verify the number is 1-800-767-1833 for TTY assistance.
Quick Facts
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After you file
- 1The application must be properly signed; USCIS will not accept a stamped or typewritten name in place of a signature.
- 2If the applicant is under 14 years old, their parent or legal guardian may sign on their behalf.
- 3A legal guardian may also sign for an applicant who is mentally incompetent.
- 4The waiver granted is valid indefinitely unless specific conditions apply (e.g., termination of conditional resident status).
- 5If filing electronically, the instructions provided on the USCIS website must be followed.
- 6Filing Fee details are specified in Form G-1055.
- 7Biometric Services Fee is not required to be included at the time of submission if filing with USCIS.
Sources
- SRCInstructions p.1 — The purpose of Form I-601 is to seek a waiver of certain grounds of inadmissibility for individuals ineligible to immigrate or adjust status, and certain nonimmigrant applicants.
- SRCInstructions p.1 — A provisional unlawful presence waiver requires using Form I-601A; do not use Form I-601 for that specific case.
- SRCInstructions p.2 — If applying as a Special Immigrant Juvenile (SIJ) based on an approved Form I-360, the waiver can be obtained from most grounds listed in INA section 212(a).
- SRCInstructions p.2 — Generally, if granted, the waiver is valid indefinitely for immigrant visa or adjustment of status applications.
- SRCInstructions p.3 — If a waiver is granted in connection with Form I-821 (TPS), it is only valid for that TPS application and subsequent re-registration applications.
- SRCInstructions p.3 — For K-1/K-2 fiancé(e) applicants, if you are a fiancé(e) of a U.S. citizen, you must complete Items 1.a.-8. and type 'Prospective Spouse' in the space for Item Number 5.
Common confusion points
What form do I use if my inadmissibility reason is unlawful presence?
Use Form I-601A, not Form I-601.
→ Confirm you are NOT applying for a general waiver under INA section 212(a) but specifically the provisional unlawful presence waiver.
Does this form cover all reasons why someone might be inadmissible?
Most grounds listed in INA section 212(a) are covered, but check Part 4 requirements.
→ Review the 'Reasons for Inadmissibility' section of the instructions to confirm your specific ground is listed.
If I get a waiver under Form I-601 while applying for TPS (Form I-821), how long does it last?
It is only valid for the TPS application, but it will apply to future re-registration applications.
→ Check that you understand this limited scope before submitting.
What if my conditional resident status ends, but the judge says I'm not removable?
The waiver granted on Form I-601 becomes effective again in that scenario.
→ This is an exception to the general rule of indefinite validity; verify this specific outcome.
Do I need to pay a Biometric Services Fee when filing with USCIS?
No, you do not need to include it at the time of submission if filing directly with USCIS.
→ Keep in mind that fees are detailed elsewhere (Form G-1055).
What must I do as a K-1/K-2 fiancé(e) applicant regarding Part 5?
You must enter specific information detailing your relationship and type.
→ If you are a fiancé(e), complete Items 1.a.-8. AND print or type 'Prospective Spouse' in the space for Item Number 5.
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Questions about USCIS Form I-601
What is USCIS Form I-601 used for?
This form allows an applicant to ask U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for permission to overcome specific reasons why they are otherwise ineligible to become a lawful permanent resident of the United States. By filing Form I-601, applicants establish the necessary requirements needed to have their ground of inadmissibility waived.
Who must file USCIS Form I-601?
Individuals file USCIS Form I-601 if they seek an immigrant benefit and need a waiver for certain grounds of inadmissibility. Eligibility depends on the specific immigration benefit being sought.
What information does USCIS Form I-601 require?
The form collects personal details in Part 1 (e.g., Full Name, Mailing Address), physical characteristics (height/weight in feet/pounds), and requires applicants to detail their reasons for inadmissibility in Part 4. For K-1 and K-2 visa applicants, Part 5 provides information about qualifying relatives.
Where do I file USCIS Form I-601?
The form can be filed through the USCIS website by following online instructions. If Internet access is unavailable, applicants may call the USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283 to request mailing of the form.
How do I complete USCIS Form I-601?
First, complete all required fields such as personal information and physical data (Parts 1-6). Applicants must then detail their specific grounds for inadmissibility in Part 4. Finally, the application requires proper signatures; a stamped or typewritten name is not accepted in place of a signature.
What happens if USCIS Form I-601 is filed incorrectly?
If an applicant does not properly establish the requirements outlined in Part 4, their ground of inadmissibility may not be waived. Furthermore, if an immigration judge determines an applicant is not removable based on conditional resident status termination, the waiver will become effective again.
What form do I use if my inadmissibility reason is unlawful presence?
Use Form I-601A, not Form I-601. Confirm you are NOT applying for a general waiver under INA section 212(a) but specifically the provisional unlawful presence waiver.
Does this form cover all reasons why someone might be inadmissible?
Most grounds listed in INA section 212(a) are covered, but check Part 4 requirements. Review the 'Reasons for Inadmissibility' section of the instructions to confirm your specific ground is listed.
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