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Official form guide
Form I-601: Application for Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Form I-601 is the Application for Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility. It is filed by individuals needing a waiver (except provisional unlawful presence) and must not be used for a provisional unlawful presence waiver; Form I-601A is required for that.
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USCIS Form I-601 - Application for Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Form I-601 is the Application for Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility. It is filed by individuals needing a waiver (except provisional unlawful presence) and must not be used for a provisional unlawful presence waiver; Form I-601A is required for that.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Submitting Form I-601 for a provisional unlawful‑presence waiver results in denial.
- 2Using a stamped or typed name instead of a handwritten signature causes rejection.
- 3Filing Form I-601 for a provisional unlawful presence waiver instead of Form I-601A.
- 4Omitting qualifying relative information in Part 5 for K‑1/K‑2 visa applicants.
- 5Failing to complete the interpreter certification section when an interpreter was used.
Plain English
Form I-601 asks you to explain why you should be allowed to enter or stay in the United States despite a legal bar. You provide personal details, the reason you are inadmissible, and information about any qualifying relatives who can support your request.
Submission Date
- Filing date: Not stated in the official source.
- 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 inadmissible individual seeks a waiver of a ground of inadmissibility for an immigrant visa, adjustment of status, or certain nonimmigrant applications, and the waiver is not for provisional unlawful presence.
- Do not use it when requesting a provisional waiver for unlawful presence under INA 212(a)(9)(B).
- Check Form I-601A instead when applying for a provisional unlawful presence waiver.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Special Immigrant Juvenile (SIJ) applicant seeking waiver of most INA 212(a) grounds
SIJ applicants must file I-601 to obtain waiver for many grounds
✓ Confirm SIJ status and approved I-360
Applicant needing provisional waiver for unlawful presence
Provisional unlawful presence waivers require I-601A, not I-601
✓ Verify you are applying under INA 212(a)(9)(B)
TPS applicant filing waiver with Form I-821
Waiver tied to TPS is only valid for TPS applications
✓ Verify TPS eligibility and that waiver is linked to Form I-821
Deadline or filing window
Not stated in the official source.
Checklist
What you need before filling it out
Full legal name (Part 3)
Legal name as on identity documents · Passport, birth certificate, legal name change document
Other names used (Part 3)
List of all prior names, maiden name, nicknames · Marriage certificate, prior IDs
Mailing address (Part 5)
Current mailing address, U.S. or foreign · Utility bill, lease, or foreign address proof
Physical description (Part 6)
Height, weight, eye color, hair color · Self-measurement or driver's license
Signature (Signature block)
Handwritten signature of applicant (or guardian) · Signature line on form
Before you submit
- 1Verify the form edition date is 01/20/25.
- 2Complete Part 3 with full legal name and any other names.
- 3Provide a valid mailing address in Part 5.
- 4Fill out Part 6 physical description accurately.
- 5Attach supporting documents for the reason(s) for inadmissibility.
- 6Ensure the waiver request matches a qualifying family relationship if required.
- 7Sign the application (or have a guardian sign if under 14).
- 8Include the filing fee as indicated on Form G-1055.
- 9Do not attach a biometric services fee.
- 10Review that the waiver is not for provisional unlawful presence.
- 11Submit the form to the address indicated in the instructions.
- 12Keep a copy of the completed form and all attachments.
How to file this form
- 1Download the latest Form I-601 and instructions from the USCIS website.
- 2Complete all required sections, including personal information, mailing address, and physical description.
- 3Gather and attach evidence supporting the waiver request and any qualifying family relationship.
- 4Pay the filing fee according to the amount listed on Form G-1055.
- 5Sign the form (or have a guardian sign if applicable) and double‑check for completeness.
- 6Mail the completed form and supporting documents to the USCIS address specified in the instructions.
- 7Keep a copy of the entire package and the mailing receipt as proof of filing.
Known limitations
- 1Cannot be used for a provisional unlawful presence waiver under INA 212(a)(9)(B).
- 2Waiver validity is limited to the TPS application when filed with Form I-821.
- 3If an immigration judge later determines the applicant is not removable, the waiver may become ineffective.
- 4Only certain grounds listed in INA 212(a) are eligible for waiver; others are excluded.
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->Form I-601 is the latest edition dated 01/20/25 and expires on 03/31/2027.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Edition date — confirm the form shows 01/20/25
- Fee — Not stated in the official source — verify on the agency site
- Mailing address — Not stated in the official source — verify on the agency site
- Signature — confirm the application is signed by the applicant (or guardian if under 14) and not typed
Quick Facts
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After you file
- 1Retain the mailed package receipt and a copy of the entire application.
- 2Monitor USCIS case status online using the receipt number.
- 3Expect a written decision notice within the processing time indicated by USCIS.
- 4If the decision is a denial, review the notice for reasons and consider filing a motion to reopen.
- 5Correct any filing errors by submitting a new Form I-601 with a cover letter explaining the correction.
- 6Store the approval notice safely; it may be needed for future immigration benefits.
Sources
- SRCInstructions p.1 — purpose of Form I-601: waiver for inadmissible individuals.
- SRCInstructions p.1 — do not use Form I-601 for provisional unlawful presence waiver; use Form I-601A.
- SRCInstructions p.2 — SIJ applicants may file to obtain relief from most INA 212(a) grounds.
- SRCInstructions p.3 — waiver validity is indefinite unless specific exceptions (TPS, conditional resident).
- SRCInstructions p.3 — biometric services fee not required when filing with USCIS.
- SRCInstructions p.3 — signatures must be handwritten; no stamped or typewritten name.
- SRCInstructions p.3 — fee information located on Form G-1055 (not detailed in source).
- SRCInstructions p.5 — full legal name to be provided as shown on identity documents.
- SRCInstructions p.6 — height and weight entry rules for physical description.
- SRCNot stated in the official source — verify on the agency site for filing address.
Common confusion points
Can I use Form I-601 for a provisional unlawful presence waiver?
Because both are waiver forms, but the source specifies a different form for that purpose.
→ Check that you are not applying under INA 212(a)(9)(B) and verify the form number is I-601A if needed.
Is the biometric services fee required?
The instructions mention biometric fee but also say it is not needed when filing with USCIS.
→ Confirm that you do not include a biometric fee with your submission.
Do I need to include a U.S. mailing address?
The source says you may use a foreign address if no U.S. address is available.
→ Provide whichever address you have, ensuring it is valid.
Will the waiver be valid if I never get my immigrant visa?
The source states the waiver is valid indefinitely even without visa issuance.
→ Confirm the waiver’s indefinite validity in the decision notice.
Do I need to sign the form if I am under 14?
The source allows a parent or legal guardian to sign for minors.
→ Ensure a parent or guardian signs in place of the minor.
Is Form I-601 valid for TPS applicants?
The source notes the waiver is only valid for the TPS application when filed with Form I-821.
→ Verify you are filing the waiver alongside Form I-821 for TPS.
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Questions about USCIS Form I-601
What is USCIS Form I-601 used for?
Form I-601 asks you to explain why you should be allowed to enter or stay in the United States despite a legal bar. You provide personal details, the reason you are inadmissible, and information about any qualifying relatives who can support your request.
Who must file USCIS Form I-601?
Individuals who need a waiver of a ground of inadmissibility—such as TPS applicants, K‑1/K‑2 visa applicants, or anyone seeking a waiver other than a provisional unlawful‑presence waiver—must file Form I-601.
What information does USCIS Form I-601 require?
The form collects biographic data (full name, other names, mailing and physical address, height, weight, eye and hair color), the specific inadmissibility reason (Part 4), and qualifying relative information (Part 5).
Where do I file USCIS Form I-601?
If filing electronically, the applicant must follow the online filing instructions at www.uscis.gov/file-online; otherwise, the paper form is mailed to the address listed in the form’s instructions.
How do I complete USCIS Form I-601?
Complete the biographic sections (Items 3‑7) with name, addresses, and physical description. Fill Part 4 with the reason for inadmissibility and Part 5 with qualifying relative details. Provide contact information and sign and date the form in Part 8; if an interpreter was used, the interpreter must also complete Part 8. Submit the signed form electronically or by mail as instructed.
What happens if USCIS Form I-601 is filed incorrectly?
USCIS will reject the application if it is not properly signed, and a stamped or typed name is not accepted as a signature.
Can I use Form I-601 for a provisional unlawful presence waiver?
Because both are waiver forms, but the source specifies a different form for that purpose. Check that you are not applying under INA 212(a)(9)(B) and verify the form number is I-601A if needed.
Is the biometric services fee required?
The instructions mention biometric fee but also say it is not needed when filing with USCIS. Confirm that you do not include a biometric fee with your submission.
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