Form I-212 Permission to Reapply After Deportation (2025): Edit Online Free & Download PDF
Permission to Reapply After Deportation: Application for Permission to Reapply for Admission into the United States After Deportation or Removal
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Form I-212 in short
Form I-212 asks for consent to reapply for admission to the United States, also called permission to reapply. It is for people who are inadmissible under INA 212(a)(9)(A) after removal, or under 212(a)(9)(C) after unlawful presence or removal followed by unlawful reentry. The instructions stress not returning to the U.S. before consent is approved.
| Issued by | U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) |
|---|---|
| Current version | Edition 01/20/25 (checked 2026-10-25) |
| Who fills it in | A person inadmissible under INA 212(a)(9)(A) or (C) who seeks an immigrant visa, adjustment of status, a K or V visa, or admission as a nonimmigrant. Under 212(a)(9)(C), you cannot file while in the United States or before 10 years outside the U.S. since your last departure. |
| Who receives it | USCIS, CBP, a U.S. consulate, or the immigration court, depending on your situation. |
| Where to send it | See the Direct Filing Addresses for Form I-212 page. Examples: the Phoenix lockbox for K or V and immigrant visa applicants found inadmissible abroad, with Form I-485 for adjustment applicants, or CBP for certain nonimmigrants (including electronically through e-SAFE). USCIS changed the filing location for this form on Oct. 7, 2026. It accepts forms postmarked on or before Nov. 9, 2026 that are sent to a prior filing location. |
| Deadline | No set deadline. Under 212(a)(9)(A), the need for consent ends after the bar period, such as 5, 10, or 20 years, unless you have an aggravated felony conviction. |
| Fee | $1,175 (Form G-1055 Fee Schedule, edition 10/16/26, checked 2026-10-25). The same fee applies when filing with a consulate, CBP, or the immigration court, with payment as they instruct. $0 for Afghan or Iraqi special immigrants, certain CAA and HRIFA abused spouses or children, and VAWA self-petitioners. Mailed filings are paid by card (Form G-1450) or bank ACH (Form G-1650) unless you qualify for the paper payment exemption (Form G-1651). |
| Official links | Official page · Official PDF · Official instructions |
What changed
The edition is still 01/20/25. USCIS changed the filing location for this form on Oct. 7, 2026. It accepts forms postmarked on or before Nov. 9, 2026 that are sent to a prior filing location. CBP filers can now file through e-SAFE.
How to fill out Form I-212, line by line
| Part 1 | Information about you Name, A-Number, date of birth, and mailing address. Name and mailing address are required. |
| Part 2 | Reasons you are filing Select whether you were removed as an arriving alien, removed as a deportable alien, or are inadmissible under 212(a)(9)(C), and give the dates and places of each removal or departure. |
| Part 3 | Reasons for your request The status you will seek, why you want to return, and your U.S. citizen or permanent resident relatives. |
| Part 4 | Biographic information Ethnicity, race, height, weight, eye and hair color. |
| Part 5 | Additional information if filing with CBP Only for CBP filers. |
| Part 6 | Applicant's signature Sign and date. USCIS rejects unsigned forms. |
| Parts 7 to 9 | Interpreter, preparer, additional information Only if someone helped you. Part 9 is extra space, including details of any aggravated felony conviction. |
Common mistakes to avoid
- Returning to the United States before consent is approved. The instructions warn this can lead to reinstated removal, prosecution, and a permanent bar.
- Filing under 212(a)(9)(C) while in the U.S. or before 10 years abroad since the last departure.
- Filing with USCIS when your case belongs with CBP, a consulate, or the immigration court. USCIS only decides correctly filed cases.
- Leaving out removal orders and records for every exclusion, deportation, or removal proceeding.
- Not showing favorable factors, such as family ties, hardship, and rehabilitation.
- Forgetting to sign. USCIS rejects unsigned forms.
Questions about Form I-212
Who needs Form I-212?
People inadmissible under INA 212(a)(9)(A) after a removal, or under 212(a)(9)(C), who want to return lawfully.
How much does Form I-212 cost?
$1,175 under the current fee schedule, with $0 for certain humanitarian categories.
Can I file it together with Form I-601?
Yes. Immigrant visa applicants abroad who also need an I-601 waiver file both together.
What evidence helps?
Removal records, proof of relationships to relatives, and evidence of favorable factors such as family ties, hardship, and rehabilitation. For 212(a)(9)(C), proof of 10 years outside the U.S.
Can I file with CBP online?
USCIS says certain applicants filing with CBP can file through CBP's e-SAFE system.
Do I always need consent to reapply?
No. The instructions list cases where it may not be needed, such as when the 212(a)(9)(A) bar period has expired.
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Sources
Checked against the official sources on 2026-10-25. PDF Editor Hub is not affiliated with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services or any government agency. This page is general information, not legal or tax advice.
- https://www.uscis.gov/i-212
- https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/forms/i-212.pdf
- https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/forms/i-212instr.pdf
- https://www.uscis.gov/forms/all-forms/direct-filing-addresses-for-form-i-212-application-for-permission-to-reapply-for-admission-into-the
- https://www.uscis.gov/g-1055
- https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/forms/g-1055.pdf