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Form I-612: Application for Waiver of the Foreign Residence Requirement (under Section 212(e) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, as Amended)
USCIS Form I-612 is an Application for Waiver of the Foreign Residence Requirement that certain J-1 and J-2 exchange visitors must file to apply for immigration benefits. This application expires on 03/31/2027.
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USCIS Form I-612 - Application for Waiver of the Foreign Residence Requirement (under Section 212(e) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, as Amended)
USCIS Form I-612 is an Application for Waiver of the Foreign Residence Requirement that certain J-1 and J-2 exchange visitors must file to apply for immigration benefits. This application expires on 03/31/2027.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Do not fail to attend the required biometric services appointment if USCIS sends a notice.
- 2Failing to provide a Country of Citizenship or Nationality (unless stateless).
- 3Not including an interpreter's signature and details if one was used.
- 4Omitting the USCIS Online Account Number (OAN) when applicable.
- 5Not notifying USCIS of a new address within 10 days of moving.
Plain English
This form allows individuals who participated in a U.S. exchange visitor program (J-1 or J-2) to ask USCIS for permission to bypass the usual requirement of living in their home country for two years after their training ends. Filing this application enables them to proceed with applying for an immigrant visa, adjusting status, or changing status. The waiver is necessary because Section 212(e) of the Immigration and Nationality Act mandates this return period.
Submission Date
- Filing date: The application must be filed before the two-year requirement period ends for the exchange visitor to apply for other immigration benefits. The form itself expires on 03/31/2027.
- 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 certain J-1 or J-2 exchange visitors must return to their home country or country of last foreign residence for at least two years after completing U.S. training before applying for an immigrant visa, adjustment of status, or change of status.
- Do not use it when you are a U.S. citizen (though the source does not explicitly exclude citizens, this is implied by the nature of the requirement).
- Check Form G-1055 instead when needing specific information regarding applicable filing fees.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Need proof of a completed I-94
Provides the official Arrival/Departure Record number and expiration date, which is required evidence.
✓ Failing to include this document may lead to rejection.
Need to file an application for replacement or initial arrival record
This form is used to obtain a paper copy of the Form I-94 if it cannot be retrieved from the CBP website.
✓ The Form I-612 requires the Form I-94 number/date, so this step is critical.
Need general fee information for filing
This form contains specific details about the fees applicable to USCIS Form I-612.
✓ Using an incorrect fee amount can cause administrative delays in processing.
Deadline or filing window
The two-year return requirement must be met before the applicant may apply for an immigrant visa or adjustment of status. The Form I-612 itself expires on 03/31/2027, and no specific extension window is stated in the source.
Checklist
What you need before filling it out
Passport/Travel Document
Complete copy of all pages (if entry permit is attached or stamped) · Passport itself
Form I-94
Form I-94 Number and date of authorized stay expiration/expiration date · CBP Record
Application Signature
Handwritten signature from applicant (or parent/guardian) · Applicant's section
Supporting Documents
All evidence listed in "What Evidence Must You Submit" sections of the Instructions · Various supporting letters, records, etc.
Biometrics/Interview Readiness
Preparedness for potential interview or biometrics appointment · USCIS Scheduling Notice
Before you submit
- 1Type or print all fields legibly in black ink.
- 2Ensure the application is signed and dated by the applicant (or parent/legal guardian).
- 3Include your daytime telephone number, mobile telephone number (if applicable), and email address on the form.
- 4If using an interpreter, select the appropriate box indicating assistance was used.
- 5Provide a complete copy of all passport pages if the entry permit is attached to or stamped in the passport.
- 6If filing due to a move, confirm you notified USCIS within 10 days of moving (unless applying concurrently).
- 7Confirm that any additional information is typed/printed legibly and includes your name and A-Number at the top of each sheet.
How to file this form
- 1Complete Form I-612 by typing or printing legibly in black ink, using Part 8 for extra space if needed.
- 2Sign and date the application, providing your contact details (phone/email) as required on the form.
- 3Gather all necessary supporting evidence, including a complete copy of your passport pages and Form I-94 information.
- 4Submit the completed Form I-612 along with all evidence to an official USCIS filing location found at www.uscis.gov/I-612
- 5Keep a copy of the entire submitted package for personal records.
Known limitations
- 1The two-year foreign residence requirement cannot be waived unless the Department of State’s Waiver Review Division makes a favorable recommendation to the Secretary, U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
- 2Form I-612 should not be filed if seeking a waiver based on a request by an Interested U.S. Government Agency (IGA).
- 3Form I-612 should not be filed if there is a written statement from the country of citizenship or nationality that it has no objection to the waiver (No Objection).
- 4Form I-612 should not be filed if seeking a Conrad Waiver Program permit for working as a physician in a medically underserved area.
- 5Foreign medical physicians who received J-1 exchange visitor visa status on or after January 10, 1977, for graduate medical education cannot receive a No Objection Waiver.
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-612 has a revision date of 04/01/24, and the instructions indicate that users should visit www.uscis.gov/I-612 for the most current filing location information.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Edition date — confirm the instructions reflect 04/01/24.
- Fee information — verify details on Form G-1055, as stated in the source.
- Mailing address — check www.uscis.gov/I-612 for current filing locations (do not send to a Lockbox if changing address).
- Signature — ensure the signature is handwritten ink; a stamped or typewritten name alone is insufficient.
- Form Number — confirm the form number reads I-612.
- Expiration date — verify the document states 03/31/2027.
Quick Facts
Downloads
After you file
- 1Keep a copy of the completed Form I-612.
- 2If biometrics are required, USCIS will send an appointment notice detailing the date, time, and location.
- 3If overseas, the biometrics notice instructs the filer to contact a U.S. Embassy, Consulate, or USCIS office outside the United States to schedule the appointment.
- 4The applicant must sign an oath at the biometrics appointment affirming that all information provided is complete, true, and correct.
- 5If the application was mailed, the USCIS Online Account Number (OAN) can be found on the Account Access Notice sent by USCIS.
- 6If filing online, the OAN can be located in the account profile.
Sources
- SRCInstructions p.2 — The two-year foreign residence requirement waiver requires a favorable recommendation from the Department of State’s Waiver Review Division to the Secretary, U.S. DHS.
- SRCInstructions p.2 — Do not file Form I-612 if seeking a waiver based on an Interested U.S. Government Agency (IGA) request.
- SRCInstructions p.2 — You can find application information for IGA waivers, No Objection Statements, or Conrad Waivers at https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/study/exchange/waiver-of-the-exchange-visitor/how-to-apply- waiver.html.
- SRCInstructions p.3 — If a biometric appointment is needed, the filer must sign an oath reaffirming they provided all information and that it was complete, true, and correct.
- SRCInstructions p.4 — The USCIS Online Account Number (OAN) can be found in your account profile if you filed online, or at the top of the Account Access Notice if mailed.
- SRCInstructions p.5 — If an entry permit is attached to a passport, submit a complete copy of all passport pages; do not submit the original.
- SRCInstructions p.7 — The physical mailing address for USCIS Office of Policy and Strategy is 5900 Capital Gateway Drive, Mail Stop #2140, Camp Springs, MD 20588-0009, but this should not be used for mailing the completed Form I-612.
Common confusion points
What is my USCIS Online Account Number (OAN)?
It is a unique number used to track the application, which is different from an A-Number.
→ If you filed online, check your profile; if mailed, check the Account Access Notice.
Do I need to submit my original passport?
No, only a complete copy of all pages should be submitted.
→ Ensure every page related to travel or entry/exit is included in the submission.
What happens if you don't show up for your biometrics appointment?
USCIS may deny the application.
→ Check the appointment notice carefully and attend on time.
Where do I send Form I-612?
The specific filing location depends on where you are; check www.uscis.gov/I-612 for current details.
→ Do not mail it to the address listed in Part 7 unless directed otherwise.
What if my passport is expired but I used it to travel?
Enter the passport or travel document information anyway.
→ Ensure you provide all relevant numbers, even if the expiration date has passed.
When must a non-U.S. citizen notify USCIS of a new address?
The filer must notify USCIS within 10 days of moving from their previous residence.
→ Do not submit this notification to the USCIS Lockbox; use the website or Contact Center.
Workflow map
Related forms and next steps
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After
Questions about USCIS Form I-612
What is USCIS Form I-612 used for?
This form allows individuals who participated in a U.S. exchange visitor program (J-1 or J-2) to ask USCIS for permission to bypass the usual requirement of living in their home country for two years after their training ends. Filing this application enables them to proceed with applying for an immigrant visa, adjusting status, or changing status. The waiver is necessary because Section 212(e) of the Immigration and Nationality Act mandates this return period.
Who must file USCIS Form I-612?
Certain J-1 and J-2 exchange visitors must file USCIS Form I-612.
What information does USCIS Form I-612 require?
The form collects information about the applicant's status, citizenship (Country of Citizenship or Nationality), and requires details on any interpreter used in Part 5. If the preparer is not the applicant, they sign in Part 7 along with contact information.
When is USCIS Form I-612 due?
The application must be filed before the two-year requirement period ends for the exchange visitor to apply for other immigration benefits. The form itself expires on 03/31/2027.
Where do I file USCIS Form I-612?
Filing location details are available at www.uscis.gov/I-612, and applicants must notify USCIS of a new address within 10 days if they are not U.S. citizens.
How do I complete USCIS Form I-612?
First, type or print legibly in black ink and fill out all parts of Form I-612. If using an interpreter, that person must complete Part 5 and sign/date it. Finally, the applicant (or preparer) signs the application, completing Part 7.
What happens if USCIS Form I-612 is filed incorrectly?
If the applicant does not attend their required biometric services appointment, USCIS may deny the application. Failure to complete the form properly can lead to denial or delays in processing.
What is my USCIS Online Account Number (OAN)?
It is a unique number used to track the application, which is different from an A-Number. If you filed online, check your profile; if mailed, check the Account Access Notice.
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