Form I-601 Waiver of Inadmissibility Application (2025): Edit Online Free & Download PDF
Waiver of Inadmissibility Application: Application for Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility
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Form I-601 in short
Form I-601 asks USCIS to waive certain grounds that make a person inadmissible to the United States. It is used by immigrant visa applicants found inadmissible at a consular interview, adjustment of status applicants, and certain other groups such as TPS, VAWA, T, and SIJ applicants. The provisional unlawful presence waiver uses a different form, I-601A.
| 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 who is inadmissible and is seeking an immigrant visa, adjustment of status, a K or V visa, TPS, or another benefit listed in the instructions. Some waivers require a qualifying U.S. citizen or permanent resident relative. |
| Who receives it | USCIS, or the Executive Office for Immigration Review if you are in removal proceedings. |
| Where to send it | The filing address depends on your situation, for example the Phoenix lockbox after a consular finding of inadmissibility, or with Form I-485 under the I-485 instructions. See the Direct Filing Addresses for Form I-601 page. 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 fixed deadline. Immigrant visa applicants file after a consular officer has found them inadmissible at the interview. |
| Fee | $1,050 (Form G-1055 Fee Schedule, edition 10/16/26, checked 2026-10-25). $0 for some categories, including SIJ, T, U, VAWA, certain CAA, HRIFA, and NACARA applicants, and Afghan or Iraqi special immigrants. A fee waiver may be available if you are exempt from the public charge ground. 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.
How to fill out Form I-601, line by line
| Part 1 | Information about you Name, A-Number, date of birth, mailing address, and whether you already filed Form I-485. Name, mailing address, and date of birth are required. |
| Part 2 | U.S. entry information Your previous stays in the U.S., starting with the most recent entry, and the U.S. embassy or consulate handling your visa application, if any. |
| Part 3 | Biographic information Ethnicity, race, height, weight, eye and hair color. |
| Part 4 | Reasons for inadmissibility Select every ground that applies to you, under the benefit you are seeking. Give the outcome of every arrest or conviction. A granted waiver only covers what you listed. |
| Part 5 | Qualifying relatives For waivers that require it, name the relative and explain the extreme hardship they would face. VAWA self-petitioners may claim hardship to themselves. |
| Part 6 | Other relatives Information about other family members. |
| Part 7 | Applicant's signature Sign and date. USCIS rejects unsigned forms. |
| Parts 8 to 11 | Interpreter, preparer, additional information, Class A statement Complete only the parts that apply. Part 11 is for applicants with a Class A medical condition. |
Common mistakes to avoid
- Using Form I-601 for a provisional unlawful presence waiver. That is Form I-601A.
- Not submitting all 11 pages. USCIS says to send every page.
- Not listing every ground of inadmissibility. The waiver only covers the grounds and events you list.
- Leaving out certified court records for convictions.
- Claiming hardship to a relative who is not a qualifying relative for that waiver.
- Sending it to an old address after the Oct. 7, 2026 change once the grace period ends.
- Forgetting to sign. USCIS rejects unsigned forms.
Questions about Form I-601
What is the difference between I-601 and I-601A?
I-601A is a provisional waiver only for unlawful presence under INA 212(a)(9)(B), filed before leaving the U.S. Form I-601 covers other grounds and other situations.
How much does Form I-601 cost?
$1,050 under the current fee schedule, with $0 for certain humanitarian categories.
How long is an approved waiver valid?
The instructions say most immigrant waivers are valid indefinitely. Some are conditional, such as K visa, conditional resident, and TPS waivers.
What evidence is needed?
Evidence for each ground you list, proof of family relationships if hardship is required, and evidence of why the waiver should be granted as a matter of discretion.
Where do I file if I am in removal proceedings?
With the immigration court (EOIR) as instructed by the court, not with USCIS.
Can I file with Form I-212?
Immigrant visa applicants abroad who need both may file Form I-212 together with Form I-601. See the I-212 filing addresses page.
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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-601
- https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/forms/i-601.pdf
- https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/forms/i-601instr.pdf
- https://www.uscis.gov/i-601-addresses
- https://www.uscis.gov/i-912
- https://www.uscis.gov/g-1055
- https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/forms/g-1055.pdf