Waivers (I-601 and I-212)
FORM I-601 - APPLICATION FOR A WAIVER OF GROUND OF INADMISSIBILITY
Some persons who have been found ineligible for a visa under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) may file an Application for Waiver of Ground of Inadmissibility (Form I-601). Findings of ineligibility are usually made by a Consular Officer during an immigrant visa interview.
NOTE: Starting April 1, 2011 Form I-601, Application for Waiver of Ground of Inadmissibility, will be filed directly with the USCIS Frankfurt office [The I-601 was previously filed with the Department of State Immigrant Visa unit and then forwarded to USCIS Frankfurt].
WHO MAY FILE WITH THE USCIS FRANKFURT OFFICE?
If you have applied for an immigrant, K, or V visa with the Department of State in Frankfurt, Germany and you have been informed by the Department of State Immigrant Visa Unit or an USCIS officer that an I-601 waiver is required and you were instructed to file with the USCIS Frankfurt office, then you may file with the USCIS Frankfurt office.
If you have applied for an immigrant, K or V visa with the Department of State in another location outside Germany or if you are applying to adjust status in the United States, you generally are NOT ELIGIBLE to file directly with the USCIS Frankfurt office. If you have applied for an immigrant visa with the Department of State in another location outside Germany, please contact the Department of State to determine where you should file your Form I-601 or if you are applying to adjust status in the United States, please contact your local USCIS office in the United States to determine your Form I-601 filing location.
FORM I-601 FILING INSTRUCTIONS AND FORMS
- Local Filing Instructions for Form I-601 with USCIS Frankfurt
- Form I-601 and Filing Instructions
- Credit Card Payment Form
Please read the USCIS Frankfurt specific filing instructions and the Form I-601 general instructions very carefully and complete all appropriate sections of the form.
FORM I-212 - APPLICATION FOR PERMISSION TO REAPPLY FOR ADMISSION INTO THE U.S. AFTER DEPORTATION OR REMOVAL
Some Individuals who have been deported or removed from the United States, or who departed the United States after the expiration of a voluntary departure order will also need to file Form I-212 Application for Permission to Reapply for Admission into the U.S. after Deportation or Removal. This application is filed with the Consular Officer at the Embassy where the beneficiary of the petition applied for the visa. The applicant may attach a statement giving the facts that he/she believes USCIS should consider in making a decision on the application. The applicant may attach evidence in support of the statement.
NOTE: Starting April 1, 2011 Form I-601, Application for Waiver of Ground of Inadmissibility, will be filed directly with the USCIS Frankfurt office [The I-601 was previously filed with the Department of State Immigrant Visa unit and then forwarded to USCIS Frankfurt].
WHO MAY FILE WITH THE USCIS FRANKFURT OFFICE?
Generally if you have applied for an immigrant, K, or V visa with the Department of State in Frankfurt, Germany, and, during the course of the immigrant, K, or V visa process, you were informed by a Department of State Consular Officer or a USCIS officer that a Form I-212 waiver is required, and you were instructed to file with the USCIS Frankfurt office, then you may file with the USCIS Frankfurt office.
Specifically, for immigrant visa applicants, you can file Form I-212 with USCIS Frankfurt ONLY if you have applied for an immigrant visa with the Department of State’s Consular Section in Frankfurt, Germany AND you also are being required to file a Form I-601, Application for Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility.
Specifically, for K or V non-immigrant visa applicants, you can file Form I-212 with USCIS Frankfurt ONLY if you have applied for a K or V visa with the Department of State’s Consular Section in Frankfurt, Germany [you may file a stand-alone Form I-212 with the USCIS Frankfurt office or if required, you may also file a Form I-212 in conjunction with a Form I-601.]
FORM I-212 FILING INSTRUCTIONS AND FORMS
- Local Filing Instructions for Form I-212 with USCIS Frankfurt
- Form I-212 and Filing Instructions
- Credit Card Payment Form
Please read the USCIS Frankfurt specific filing instructions and the Form I-212 general instructions very carefully and complete all appropriate sections of the form.
PROCESSING TIMES
Average processing time for I-601 and I-212 waivers is 150 to 180 days. If it has been more than 180 days, you may send an email to USCIS.Frankfurt@dhs.gov. We ask that you please refrain from contacting this office for status checks while your application is pending. Your cooperation will help us ensure that we maintain our processing times.
ISSUANCE OF DECISION
If the waiver[s] application is approved, USCIS sends approval notification to you or your attorney as applicable and to the Immigrant Visa Unit for issuance of the visa. If the application is denied, the applicant will be notified in writing of the decision and the visa will not be issued.