The I-601 waiver is used to overcome inadmissibility due to:
Unlawful presence (triggering 3- or 10-year bar)
Misrepresentation or fraud
Certain criminal convictions
Health-related grounds
This waiver is commonly used with green card applications (consular or AOS) when the applicant is otherwise eligible but barred due to past violations.
Applicant must be inadmissible based on a waivable ground
Must have a qualifying U.S. citizen or LPR spouse or parent
Must demonstrate that denial of the application would result in extreme hardship to that qualifying relative
Not all inadmissibility grounds are waivable (e.g., drug trafficking or security issues are often not)
Form I-601
Personal affidavit from the applicant
Evidence of extreme hardship to a qualifying U.S. relative (spouse or parent)
Psychological evaluations (recommended)
Medical, financial, or educational hardship evidence
Proof of rehabilitation (if criminal history applies)
Immigration history and legal documentation
12 to 18 months (varies by USCIS workload and country)
Expedited processing available in urgent hardship cases
$930 (USCIS fee for Form I-601)
