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Form I-602: Application by Refugee for Waiver of Inadmissibility Grounds
USCIS Form I-602 is Application by Refugee for Waiver of Inadmissibility Grounds, which allows a refugee to apply for a waiver. If filing from an Immigration Court proceeding, the application must be filed with that court.
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USCIS Form I-602 - Application by Refugee for Waiver of Inadmissibility Grounds
USCIS Form I-602 is Application by Refugee for Waiver of Inadmissibility Grounds, which allows a refugee to apply for a waiver. If filing from an Immigration Court proceeding, the application must be filed with that court.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Do not submit a stamped or typewritten name in place of any signature on Form I-602.
- 2Filing without a valid signature on Part 5 of Form I-602 results in rejection.
- 3Submitting an uncertified copy of a conviction record is insufficient for USCIS review.
- 4Not providing your date of birth in the required mm/dd/yyyy format (Part 8) may cause issues.
- 5Failing to sign Part 5 if you are not under 14 years old or mentally incompetent.
Plain English
This form allows a refugee to ask U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to waive grounds that would otherwise make them inadmissible to the United States. By submitting Form I-602, the applicant formally requests this waiver so their immigration case can move forward. Copies of supporting documents must be included with the application.
Submission Date
- Filing date: If an applicant is not a U.S. citizen, they must notify USCIS of their new address within 10 days of moving from their previous residence.
- 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 a foreign national is seeking admission to the United States as a refugee or is a refugee or asylee applying to become a lawful permanent resident (LPR).
- Do not use it when you are simply filing for an initial adjustment of status without needing to waive inadmissibility grounds.
- Check Form G-1055 instead when reviewing specific fee information applicable to this form.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
In proceedings before Immigration Court
You must file the application with the appropriate Immigration Court, not USCIS directly.
✓ Check the required filing location based on your court.
If seeking a waiver due to drug abuse/addiction
This form specifically addresses inadmissibility related to substance use as determined by a designated physician.
✓ Ensure you submit the medical exam report alongside this application.
When applying for LPR status after being a refugee or asylee
This is one of the specific categories covered under the purpose of filing this form with USCIS.
✓ Verify your current immigration status matches one listed in the purpose section.
Deadline or filing window
For non-U.S. citizens reporting an address change, the notification to USCIS must occur within 10 days of moving from the previous residence. If already in Immigration Court proceedings, the applicant must also notify the Immigration Court via EOIR Form 33/IC within five days of the address change.
Checklist
What you need before filling it out
General Application
All evidence and supporting documents listed in the Specific Instructions section of the instructions booklet · N/A (listed in specific instructions)
Drug Abuse/Addiction Waiver
Copy of the immigration medical examination report and documentation (Form I-693 or Form DS-2054 and its related worksheets) · Instructions p.6
Tuberculosis Condition
Completed and signed Section 7 by a physician at the local health department in your intended U.S. residence area · Instructions p.7
Applicant Contact Info (Part 5)
Daytime telephone number, mobile telephone number, and email address · Form I-602 / Instructions p.7
Health Department Official Info (Form p.6)
State Health Department Official's Family Name, Physician's Given Name, Signature, Date of Signature · Form p.6
Before you submit
- 1Verify that your signature is handwritten ink and not stamped or typewritten.
- 2Confirm you have completed all fields in Part 5: Applicant’s Contact Information, Certification, and Signature.
- 3If applicable, ensure a parent's or legal guardian's signature is present.
- 4If applying due to drug abuse/addiction, verify the inclusion of Form I-693 or Form DS-2054 documentation.
- 5If applicable, confirm Section 7 has been completed and signed by the local health department physician.
- 6Ensure you have included all other evidence listed in the Specific Instructions section (not stated here).
- 7Check that you have properly filled out the State Health Department Official's details on Form p.6.
How to file this form
- 1Complete USCIS Form I-602, ensuring all required sections are accurately filled out and dated.
- 2Gather all supporting evidence, including medical reports (Form I-693/DS-2054) and Section 7 documentation, as listed in the Specific Instructions.
- 3Sign and date your application, providing your contact information in Part 5. If applicable, secure signatures from a parent or legal guardian.
- 4Determine where to file: if in Immigration Court proceedings (served with I-221, I-122, I-862, or I-863), file with the appropriate court; otherwise, follow instructions on www.uscis.gov/i-602 and submit the application.
Known limitations
- 1Foreign nationals may file Form I-602 if they are seeking admission as a refugee or are already a refugee or asylee applying to become a lawful permanent resident (LPR) (green card holder).
- 2USCIS may grant the waiver of inadmissibility grounds only if the application establishes that the waiver serves humanitarian purposes, preserves family unity, or is otherwise in the public interest.
- 3If an applicant is already in proceedings in Immigration Court, they must file Form I-602 with the appropriate Immigration Court, not necessarily USCIS.
- 4When filing from outside the U.S., a non-U.S. citizen must notify USCIS of their new address within 10 days of moving from their previous residence.
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 of USCIS Form I-602 has a revision date of 01/20/25, and the document is dated as Draft Not for Production 03/05/2025. The source directs users to www.uscis.gov/i-602 for the most current filing information.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Edition date — confirm the revision date reads 01/20/25.
- Fee — check Form G-1055 for specific fees applicable to USCIS Form I-602.
- Mailing address — ensure you use the official mailing address: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Office of Policy and Strategy, Regulatory Coordination Division, 5900 Capital Gateway Drive, Mail Stop #2140, Camp Springs, MD 20588-0009.
- Signature — confirm your signature is handwritten ink, as stamped or typewritten names are not acceptable.
Quick Facts
Downloads
After you file
- 1Submit legible photocopies of requested documents unless the Instructions specifically instruct submission of an original document.
- 2If filing online, locate the receipt number in your account profile; if mailing, find it on the Account Access Notice received.
- 3Applicants must sign the application (or have their signing authority/legal guardian sign) before submitting it, as USCIS will reject unsigned or invalidly signed applications.
- 4When attending a biometrics appointment, the applicant must sign an oath affirming they provided all information and that it was complete, true, and correct at filing.
Sources
- SRCInstructions p.1 — The purpose of Form I-602 is for foreign nationals seeking a waiver of inadmissibility grounds if they are applying as a refugee or are an existing refugee/asylee becoming LPR.
- SRCInstructions p.2 — A signature must be properly completed by the applicant (or signing authority); USCIS will not accept a stamped or typewritten name in place of a signature.
- SRCInstructions p.3 — If you do not attend your biometrics services appointment, USCIS may deny your application.
- SRCInstructions p.4 — Item Number 8 requires providing the Date of Birth in mm/dd/yyyy format.
- SRCInstructions p.8 — Applicants already in proceedings should file Form I-602 with the appropriate Immigration Court, as directed by the DHS attorney.
- SRCInstructions p.9 — The public reporting burden for this collection is estimated at 7.036 hours per response.
Common confusion points
What is the difference between my OAN and A-Number?
The OAN (Online Account Number) is not the same as your A-Number; the OAN can be found in your account profile if filed online, or on the Account Access Notice if mailed.
→ Check which number type the agency requires for specific correspondence.
Do I have to file this form with USCIS even if I'm already in court?
Yes, but you must file it with the appropriate Immigration Court if you are already in proceedings; the DHS attorney will provide pre-order filing instructions.
→ Confirm whether your case is currently before a specific Immigration Judge.
When do I need to update my address after filing Form I-602?
If you are not a U.S. citizen, you must notify USCIS of your new address within 10 days of moving from your previous residence.
→ Keep documentation of the move date and notification submission.
What happens if I don't show up for my biometrics appointment?
USCIS may deny the application; furthermore, failure to attend without good cause may result in an immigration judge finding the application abandoned, potentially leading to denial of other filed applications as well.
→ Confirm the exact date and time of your scheduled biometric service.
What format must my Date of Birth be in?
Provide the date of birth using mm/dd/yyyy format in the space provided on Form I-602.
→ Double-check that you are not mixing up month/day order.
Can a lawyer or guardian sign for me if I'm filling out Form I-602?
Yes; your parent or legal guardian may sign if you are under 14 years of age, and a legal guardian may also sign for a mentally incompetent person.
→ Ensure the signer is authorized to act on your behalf.
Workflow map
Related forms and next steps
Current
⚠ If something goes wrong
- EOIR Form 33/IC, Alien’s Change of Address Form/Immigration Court — This is the required form to file with the Immigration Court when changing address while already in proceedings.
Questions about USCIS Form I-602
What is USCIS Form I-602 used for?
This form allows a refugee to ask U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to waive grounds that would otherwise make them inadmissible to the United States. By submitting Form I-602, the applicant formally requests this waiver so their immigration case can move forward. Copies of supporting documents must be included with the application.
Who must file USCIS Form I-602?
A refugee must file USCIS Form I-602. If the applicant is under 14 years of age, a parent or legal guardian may sign on their behalf.
What information does USCIS Form I-602 require?
The form collects personal details such as Date of Birth (mm/dd/yyyy) and Country of Citizenship or Nationality in Part 8. It also gathers information regarding the applicant's Current Status and any necessary Class A Tuberculosis conditions in other sections.
When is USCIS Form I-602 due?
If an applicant is not a U.S. citizen, they must notify USCIS of their new address within 10 days of moving from their previous residence.
Where do I file USCIS Form I-602?
Applicants should check the website at www.uscis.gov/i-602 for current filing locations. If in Immigration Court proceedings, it must be filed with the appropriate Immigration Court.
How do I complete USCIS Form I-602?
The applicant must complete their portion of USCIS Form I-602 and sign and date it in Part 5. If applicable, the parent or legal guardian signs in Part 5. If an interpreter was used, they must fill out, sign, and date Part 6.
What happens if USCIS Form I-602 is filed incorrectly?
If USCIS does not accept your application because it is not signed or the signature is invalid, the agency will reject Form I-602, as stipulated by 8 CFR 103.2(a)(7)(ii)(A).
What is the difference between my OAN and A-Number?
The OAN (Online Account Number) is not the same as your A-Number; the OAN can be found in your account profile if filed online, or on the Account Access Notice if mailed. Check which number type the agency requires for specific correspondence.
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