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Official form guide
Form I-601A: Application for Provisional Unlawful Presence Waiver
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Form I-601A is the Application for Provisional Unlawful Presence Waiver. It lets eligible applicants who are physically present in the United States request a waiver of unlawful‑presence inadmissibility. All applicants must be in the U.S. at filing and must appear for a biometrics capture appointment.
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USCIS Form I-601A - Application for Provisional Unlawful Presence Waiver
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Form I-601A is the Application for Provisional Unlawful Presence Waiver. It lets eligible applicants who are physically present in the United States request a waiver of unlawful‑presence inadmissibility. All applicants must be in the U.S. at filing and must appear for a biometrics capture appointment.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Missing the required biometrics appointment will cause denial of the waiver.
- 2Filing while not physically present in the United States at the time of submission.
- 3Failing to appear for the required biometrics capture appointment.
- 4Providing a stamped or typewritten name instead of a handwritten signature.
- 5Submitting the form without the applicant’s signature or a guardian’s signature when required.
Plain English
Form I-601A asks USCIS to grant a provisional waiver that removes the unlawful‑presence bar for certain immigrants. You file it while you are staying in the United States. If approved, you can continue the immigrant visa process without leaving the country.
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 you are physically present in the United States at the time of filing and need a provisional unlawful presence waiver.
- Do not use it when you have a pending Form I-485 or are in removal proceedings that are not administratively closed.
- Check Form I-485 instead when you need to apply for adjustment of status.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Pending adjustment of status application
Waiver cannot be filed with a pending I-485, leading to denial
✓ Verify no I-485 is pending
Family‑based immigrant petition needed
Underlying immigrant petition must be approved before a waiver can be requested
✓ Confirm I-130 approval
Employment‑based immigrant petition needed
Waiver requires an approved employment‑based petition
✓ Confirm I-140 approval
Deadline or filing window
Not stated in the official source.
Checklist
What you need before filling it out
Biometrics capture appointment
Appearance at a USCIS ASC for fingerprinting · USCIS appointment notice
Signature
Handwritten signature of applicant or guardian · Signature line on the form
DV program selectee proof
Printout from the DV Entrant Status Check page · DOS Diversity Visa website
Qualifying relative evidence
Proof of U.S. citizen or LPR spouse or parent (e.g., marriage or birth certificate) · Applicant’s personal records
Weight (Item 11)
Weight in pounds or “000” if unknown · Applicant’s personal knowledge
Before you submit
- 1Confirm you are physically present in the United States at the time of filing
- 2Verify no Form I-485 is pending
- 3Ensure you are not in removal proceedings unless administratively closed
- 4Schedule and plan to attend the biometrics capture appointment
- 5Attach a handwritten signature (or guardian signature if under 14)
- 6Include the DV Entrant Status Check printout if you are a DV selectee or derivative
- 7Provide evidence of a qualifying relative who would suffer extreme hardship
- 8Review the fee amount on Form G-1055 and attach payment proof
- 9Keep a complete copy of the signed form and all supporting documents
How to file this form
- 1Complete the I-601A form using the latest edition
- 2Pay the filing fee as indicated on Form G-1055 and retain the payment receipt
- 3Assemble required supporting documents (biometrics notice, DV printout, hardship evidence, etc.)
- 4Mail the signed form and all attachments to the USCIS address for your jurisdiction
- 5Save the mailing receipt or tracking number as proof of filing
Known limitations
- 1Not eligible if you have a pending Form I-485
- 2Not eligible if you are in removal proceedings that are not administratively closed
- 3Waiver is revoked if you depart the United States and re‑enter without inspection or parole
- 4Application will be denied if you fail to appear for the required biometrics capture
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 instructions show a draft dated 02/24/2025 with a revision date of 01/20/25; no mention of a newer version.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Edition date — confirm the form and instructions show a revision date of 01/20/25
- Fee — Not stated in the official source
- Mailing address — Not stated in the official source
- Signature — confirm a handwritten signature (no stamp or typewritten name) is provided
- Biometrics appointment — confirm you will appear for the required capture at a USCIS ASC
Quick Facts
Downloads
After you file
- 1Retain the complete filing package and mailing receipt for your records
- 2Monitor case status online using your receipt number
- 3Respond promptly to any Request for Evidence (RFE) or interview notice
- 4Keep the biometrics appointment confirmation until the case is resolved
- 5If an error is discovered, file a corrected I-601A with a cover letter explaining the change
Sources
- SRCInstructions p.2 — eligibility excludes pending Form I-485 and removal proceedings unless administratively closed
- SRCInstructions p.5 — all applicants must be in the United States at filing and appear for biometrics capture
- SRCInstructions p.5 — failure to appear for biometrics may lead to denial under 8 CFR 103.2(b)(13)
- SRCInstructions p.5 — signature must be handwritten; stamped or typewritten names are rejected
- SRCInstructions p.5 — photocopied, faxed, or scanned handwritten signatures are accepted for filing
- SRCInstructions p.5 — fee information is referenced to Form G-1055
- SRCInstructions p.7 — DV selectees must submit a printout from the DV Entrant Status Check page and do not need the DOS fee receipt
- SRCInstructions p.11 — weight must be entered in pounds or “000" if unknown; kilograms are not accepted
Common confusion points
Do I need to include the DOS immigrant visa fee receipt?
DV selectees are told they do NOT need to submit the fee receipt.
→ Verify the DV printout is attached but omit any fee receipt.
What is the filing fee amount?
The instructions refer to Form G-1055 for fee details but do not list the amount.
→ Consult Form G-1055 for the current fee.
Can I file while my I-485 is pending?
The source explicitly excludes pending I-485 applications.
→ Confirm no I-485 is pending before filing.
Do I need a signature if I am under 14?
The source allows a parent or legal guardian to sign for minors.
→ Have a parent or guardian sign the form.
Do I have to provide an OAN?
The source says an OAN exists only if you previously filed a form with a receipt number beginning with IOE.
→ Enter an OAN only if you have such a receipt.
Should I enter my weight in kilograms?
Instructions state to enter weight in pounds and to use “000” if unknown; kilograms are not accepted.
→ Enter weight in pounds or “000” as instructed.
Workflow map
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Questions about USCIS Form I-601A
What is USCIS Form I-601A used for?
Form I-601A asks USCIS to grant a provisional waiver that removes the unlawful‑presence bar for certain immigrants. You file it while you are staying in the United States. If approved, you can continue the immigrant visa process without leaving the country.
Who must file USCIS Form I-601A?
All applicants for a provisional unlawful presence waiver must file USCIS Form I-601A.
What information does USCIS Form I-601A require?
The form collects the applicant’s full legal name, any other names used, U.S. mailing and physical addresses, eye and hair color, details of the approved immigrant‑visa petition, and interpreter information if used, plus contact numbers and a signature.
How do I complete USCIS Form I-601A?
Type or print legibly in black ink and complete each part, including personal data, addresses, physical description, visa case information, and interpreter details if applicable. Use Part 9 for any extra information. Sign and date the application; a stamped or typewritten name is not accepted. Submit the signed form with the required fee.
What happens if USCIS Form I-601A is filed incorrectly?
USCIS may consider the case abandoned and deny the waiver if the applicant fails to appear for biometrics, does not respond to an RFE, or provides an invalid signature; a revoked waiver can result if the applicant reenters without inspection.
Do I need to include the DOS immigrant visa fee receipt?
DV selectees are told they do NOT need to submit the fee receipt. Verify the DV printout is attached but omit any fee receipt.
What is the filing fee amount?
The instructions refer to Form G-1055 for fee details but do not list the amount. Consult Form G-1055 for the current fee.
Can I file while my I-485 is pending?
The source explicitly excludes pending I-485 applications. Confirm no I-485 is pending before filing.
Source transparency
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