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Form I-601A: Application for Provisional Unlawful Presence Waiver
USCIS Form I-601A is the Application for Provisional Unlawful Presence Waiver, filed by applicants who must be in the U.S.; USCIS may deny it if the applicant does not appear for biometrics capture.
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USCIS Form I-601A - Application for Provisional Unlawful Presence Waiver
USCIS Form I-601A is the Application for Provisional Unlawful Presence Waiver, filed by applicants who must be in the U.S.; USCIS may deny it if the applicant does not appear for biometrics capture.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Do not file without a valid signature; USCIS will reject applications lacking proper signing.
- 2Filing while outside the U.S. (must be in the U.S. at time of filing)
- 3Using a stamped name instead of a handwritten signature
- 4Not providing a valid signature on Form I-601A
- 5Failing to provide the daytime phone number and email address
Plain English
This form allows an individual to apply for a temporary waiver that permits them to remain in the United States even though they are present without proper authorization. Filing this application shows USCIS why the person needs permission to stay while their case is being reviewed. If approved, it provides a provisional status allowing continued presence.
Submission Date
- Filing date: Not stated in the official source regarding a specific due date; however, applicants must be in the United States at the time of filing Form I-601A.
- 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 an immigrant visa applicant is physically present in the United States, is at least 17 years of age, and has an immigrant visa case pending with Department of State (DOS) because they filed Form I-485 or Form I-130.
- Do not use this form when you are not physically present in the United States; verify if another waiver application is appropriate.
- Check Form G-1055 instead when needing specific information regarding applicable filing fees for USCIS Form I-601A.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Applying to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status
This is the underlying petition that has caused the unlawful presence grounds of inadmissibility.
✓ Confirm you have filed this form before submitting I-601A.
Petition for Alien Relative
This is the petition proving a relationship to a U.S. citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR).
✓ Ensure your I-130 case is pending with DOS.
General Filing Information
Use this when needing general guidance on completing, signing, or where to file Form I-601A.
✓ Visit the USCIS Contact Center for details.
Not stated in the official source
Deadline or filing window
The trigger event requires the applicant to be in the United States at the time of filing Form I-601A. If the applicant departs, they must enter or attempt reentry without inspection/parole before or after filing. Failure to appear for biometrics capture may lead to denial.
Checklist
What you need before filling it out
Overall Application
All evidence and supporting documents listed in Specific Instructions/What Evidence Must I Submit With Form I-601A sections · Not stated in the official source (verify on the agency site)
DOS Immigrant Visa Processing Fee
Copy of DOS-issued immigrant visa processing fee receipt or other evidence of fee payment · NVC case associated with the approved petition
Interpreter Information (if applicable)
Interpreter's name, business/organization address, daytime phone, mobile phone, email, and signature/date · Part 7 of Form I-601A
Applicant Contact Info
Daytime telephone number, mobile telephone number (if any), and email address (if any) · Part 12 of Form I-601A
Biometric Appointment Notice
Date, time, and location of the appointment · Sent by USCIS if required
Before you submit
- 1Type or print all information legibly in black ink.
- 2Ensure your application includes your signature (or parent/guardian's signature).
- 3Verify that the DOS immigrant visa processing fee receipt is included with the submission.
- 4Confirm you have provided a daytime telephone number, mobile phone number, and email address.
- 5If applicable, ensure Part 7 contains all required interpreter details and signatures.
- 6Attach any necessary supporting evidence as listed in the instructions.
- 7Provide your Alien Registration Number (A-Number) at the top of every sheet if you have one.
How to file this form
- 1Type or print legibly in black ink, using extra space in Part 9 if needed, and include your name/A-Number on all sheets.
- 2Complete Part 7 by providing interpreter details (if applicable) and signing/dating that section.
- 3Sign and date the application, ensuring you also provide your daytime phone number, mobile phone number, and email address.
- 4Gather all supporting evidence, including a copy of your DOS-issued immigrant visa processing fee receipt.
- 5Submit the completed Form I-601A along with all gathered documentation to USCIS.
Known limitations
- 1The applicant must be in the United States at the time of filing Form I-601A.
- 2If an applicant has Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, pending with USCIS, they are not eligible for a provisional unlawful presence waiver and USCIS will deny the application.
- 3An applicant is not eligible if they are in removal proceedings, unless those proceedings are administratively closed and have not been placed back on the Department of Justice (DOJ), Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) calendar to continue.
- 4If an applicant departs the U.S. and enters or attempts to reenter without inspection/admission or parole at any time before or after filing Form I-601A, they may be subject to automatic revocation of approval.
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-601A is dated 02/24/2025, and the instructions are dated 01/20/25; the source does not specify a separate 'latest information' page.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Edition date — confirm the document reads 02/24/2025.
- Fee — check Form G-1055 for specific fees applicable to this form (www.uscis.gov/forms).
- Mailing address — Not stated in the official source — verify on the agency site.
- Signature — confirm your signature is handwritten ink, as a stamped or typewritten name alone will be rejected.
Quick Facts
Downloads
After you file
- 1Submit legible photocopies of requested documents unless the Instructions specifically instruct submission of an original document; USCIS may request originals later.
- 2If overseas, contact a U.S. Embassy, Consulate, or USCIS office outside the United States to schedule an appointment.
- 3At the biometrics appointment, sign an oath confirming all information provided was complete, true, and correct at the time of filing.
- 4Keep copies of submitted documents; one must be retained by the applicant.
Sources
- SRCInstructions p.1 — The application is for those awaiting an immigrant visa interview at the DOS Kentucky Consular Center (KCC) and believes they are inadmissible due to unlawful presence.
- SRCInstructions p.1 — Eligibility requires inadmissibility related to unlawful presence that was either more than 180 days but less than 1 year, or one year or more during a single stay.
- SRCInstructions p.2 — An applicant is ineligible if they have Form I-485 pending with USCIS.
- SRCInstructions p.5 — If an applicant does not appear for biometrics capture, respond to an RFE, or attend a requested interview, the case may be denied under 8 CFR 103.2(b)(13).
- SRCInstructions p.7 — DV Program selectees must submit proof of selection from www.dvlottery.state.gov/.
- SRCInstructions p.8 — The OAN can be found on the Account Access Notice if the form was mailed, or in the account profile if filed online.
- SRCInstructions p.11 — If weight is unknown or under 30 lbs or over 699 lbs, enter “000” for Item Number 5 (weight).
- SRCInstructions p.7 — Extreme hardship must be shown to a U.S. citizen or LPR spouse or parent (qualifying relative).
Common confusion points
What is my OAN if I filed online?
The Online Account Number (OAN) can be found in your account profile.
→ Confirm the receipt number begins with IOE to ensure an OAN exists.
How do I know if I need to show hardship for a qualifying relative?
You must show that you have a U.S. citizen or LPR spouse or parent (qualifying relative) who would experience extreme hardship if admission is refused.
→ Check Item Number 7 on the form regarding this requirement.
Do DV selectees need to prove they paid the fee?
No, DV Program selectees and derivatives do not need to show proof of payment for the DOS immigrant visa processing fee.
→ Verify this status before completing Item Numbers 2.a.-2.d.
What happens if I don't go to my biometrics appointment?
USCIS may consider your case abandoned and deny it pursuant to 8 CFR 103.2(b)(13).
→ Ensure the date on the notice matches the required filing timeline.
Is my OAN the same as my A-Number?
No, the OAN is not the same as an A-Number.
→ Review Item Number 8. on the form to confirm which number you are referencing.
What if I don't know my weight or it’s outside the standard range?
Enter “000” for your weight.
→ Confirm this applies when entering weight in pounds, not kilograms (Item Number 11).
When must I submit Form I-601A?
The form is used if you are awaiting an immigrant visa interview at the DOS Kentucky Consular Center (KCC) and meet specific inadmissibility criteria.
→ Check Item Numbers 4.a.-4.c. to confirm your case fits.
Can I file this form before being selected in the DV program?
Yes, if you are a DV Program selectee or derivative, you can submit the request as soon as you are selected.
Workflow map
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Questions about USCIS Form I-601A
What is USCIS Form I-601A used for?
This form allows an individual to apply for a temporary waiver that permits them to remain in the United States even though they are present without proper authorization. Filing this application shows USCIS why the person needs permission to stay while their case is being reviewed. If approved, it provides a provisional status allowing continued presence.
Who must file USCIS Form I-601A?
All applicants for a provisional unlawful presence waiver must file Form I-601A with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
What information does USCIS Form I-601A require?
The form collects personal details like full name and address in Part 7, information about the underlying immigrant visa petition in Part 3, and interpreter contact info if applicable.
Where do I file USCIS Form I-601A?
Applicants can file by visiting the USCIS Contact Center at www.uscis.gov/contactcenter or calling 800-375-5283 (TTY 800-767-1833).
How do I complete USCIS Form I-601A?
First, type or print all information legibly in black ink, using Part 9 for extra space if needed. Next, ensure you sign and date the application; a stamped name is not acceptable. Finally, provide your daytime phone number, mobile number, and email address.
What happens if USCIS Form I-601A is filed incorrectly?
If Form I-601A is not signed, or if the signature is invalid, USCIS will reject the application. Failure to appear for biometrics capture may lead to denial under 8 CFR 103.2(b)(13).
What is my OAN if I filed online?
The Online Account Number (OAN) can be found in your account profile. Confirm the receipt number begins with IOE to ensure an OAN exists.
How do I know if I need to show hardship for a qualifying relative?
You must show that you have a U.S. citizen or LPR spouse or parent (qualifying relative) who would experience extreme hardship if admission is refused. Check Item Number 7 on the form regarding this requirement.
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