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Sixty agonizingly long days after final regulations were published, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) this morning released Form I-601A, Application for Provisional Unlawful Presence Waiver, and its accompanying instructions. In previous posts, we discussed many aspects of the stateside waiver process (see here, here, and here). In this post, we’ll discuss some basic filing-related details.

How much will it cost?

The filing fee for Form I-601A is $585 plus $85 for biometrics for applicants under age 79. No waivers are available for either fee. The check or money order should be made payable to “U.S. Department of Homeland Security” (not DHS).

Where should Form I-601A be filed?

According to USCIS’ website, Form I-601A should be filed with the Chicago Lockbox. Before filing their forms, applicants should double-check the website or call the National Customer Service Center at (800) 375-5283.

What must be filed with Form I-601A?

All applicants must submit a copy of the approval notice (Form I-797) for the immigrant visa petition showing they are the immediate relative of a U.S. citizen, as well as a copy of the fee receipt from the State Department for the immigrant visa processing fee. All applicants would also be wise to submit evidence in support of their claims of extreme hardship that would be suffered by a qualifying relative. (Examples of such documentation are listed in the instructions.)

What other materials must be filed with Form I-601A may vary based on applicants’ prior criminal and immigration histories. For example, applicants who are currently in removal proceedings must provide a copy of the Notice to Appear (NTA) along with an order demonstrating that their case has been administratively closed. Applicants who have ever been arrested or detained (for any reason other than a traffic violation) must provide information about the incident. Applicants who have been charged with a crime must provide certified court dispositions showing the outcome of proceedings, even if the relevant records are sealed or have been expunged. And applicants who were arrested but not charged must provide documents from the arresting or prosecuting authority demonstrating that charges were not filed.

Does the granting of a provisional waiver make me “legal”?

No. The approval of a Form I-601A will not affect an individual’s immigration status in any way. It does not provide employment authorization or any other interim benefits, and does not stop the accrual of unlawful presence. Nor does it eliminate the requirement that applicants depart the country to obtain an immigration visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate, nor guarantee that an immigrant visa will actually be issued.

What if my request for a provisional waiver is denied?

Applicants whose requests for a provisional waiver are denied have two options. First, they can re-file Form I-601A with the required filing and biometric fees. Second, they can seek a regular waiver of unlawful presence using the standard Form I-601, Application for Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility, after attending an immigrant visa interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate.

Do I need an attorney to file Form I-601A?

We think so. Visit us at BenachRagland.com or check with your local bar or the American Immigration Lawyers Association to find qualified attorneys to assist you.