Fill out I-601 (Application for Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility) online
Form I-601 is used to apply for a waiver of certain grounds of inadmissibility that would otherwise prevent a foreign national from being admitted to the United States or adjusting status to lawful permanent resident. The applicant must demonstrate that denial would cause extreme hardship to a qualifying U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident relative.
How to fill out I-601 (Application for Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility)
Identify the ground of inadmissibility
Determine the specific section of the INA under which you were found inadmissible. Common grounds include Section 212(a)(6)(C)(i) for fraud/misrepresentation, Section 212(a)(2) for certain criminal offenses, and Section 212(a)(9)(B) for unlawful presence.
Identify your qualifying relative
Determine the qualifying relative whose extreme hardship will be the basis for your waiver. Depending on the ground of inadmissibility, the qualifying relative must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse or parent.
Document extreme hardship
Gather evidence demonstrating that your qualifying relative would suffer extreme hardship if the waiver is denied. Include evidence of financial hardship, medical conditions, family separation impact, country conditions, and psychological evaluations.
Submit the application with supporting evidence
Complete the form, include the filing fee, a personal declaration explaining your circumstances, evidence of the qualifying relationship, proof of extreme hardship, and any other relevant documentation. Submit to the appropriate USCIS address.
About I-601 (Application for Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility)
Who needs this form
Foreign nationals who have been found inadmissible under specific sections of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), such as fraud or misrepresentation, certain criminal grounds, or prior unlawful presence. A qualifying relative (U.S. citizen or LPR spouse or parent) must exist to demonstrate extreme hardship.
Where to submit
File with USCIS by mail to the appropriate lockbox or service center specified in the form instructions. If applying during consular processing abroad, submit through the U.S. Embassy or Consulate as directed by the National Visa Center.
Source and content freshness
- Reviewed: 2026-02-24
- Filing deadlines may shift for weekends and holidays. Verify due dates with official instructions.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Not demonstrating extreme hardship to a qualifying U.S. citizen or LPR relative (hardship to the applicant alone is insufficient)
- Filing the wrong waiver form (I-601 vs. I-601A for different situations)
- Providing insufficient evidence of the qualifying relationship
- Not addressing the specific ground of inadmissibility with targeted evidence
Frequently asked questions
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What is the difference between Form I-601 and I-601A?
Form I-601 is the full waiver of inadmissibility filed by individuals who have already been found inadmissible, typically during consular processing or at a port of entry. Form I-601A is the provisional unlawful presence waiver, filed from within the United States before departing for a consular interview. The I-601A only covers unlawful presence grounds, while the I-601 covers multiple grounds of inadmissibility.
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