A finding or likelihood of being found inadmissible to the U.S. may not be the end of your hopes for a U.S. visa or green card. Many grounds of inadmissibility allow applicants to apply for a waiver; in other words, "forgiveness" of the ground by the U.S. government. Different grounds of inadmissibility have different waiver requirements, however, so make sure you meet the basic criteria to submit an application. The application itself will need to be carefully prepared and documented.
Waivers of Health-Based Inadmissibility for U.S. Green Card Applicants
How to overcome a health-based ground of inadmissibility when applying for lawful permanent residence.
How to Prepare Form I-601 to Request a Waiver of Inadmissibility
Line-by-line instructions for filling out USCIS Form I-601, used to apply for a waiver of inadmissibility.
What Are the Chances That My I-601 Waiver Will Be Granted?
USCIS approval of an I-601 waiver application is anything but automatic, particularly when it involves an extreme hardship determination. Find out how to improve your chances of success.
How Much Immigration Attorneys Charge for an I-601 Waiver Application
The costs for a lawyer to prepare an I-601 waiver can be high, but are for important and time-consuming services.
Which Crimes Can Be Waived to Get a U.S. Visa or Green Card?
If you have a crime on record, might it receive a 212(h) waiver so that you can receive a U.S. visa or lawful permanent residence?
Applying for a Waiver of Alien Smuggling
If you risk losing your lawful permanent residence based on having helped others cross the U.S. border unlawfully, applying for a waiver may help you gain the right to remain.
Applying for a Nonimmigrant Visa (Hranka) Waiver
Applicants for nonimmigrant visas have a separate procedural route by which to apply for a waiver of various grounds of inadmissibility.
Could Applying for Provisional Waiver of Unlawful Presence Get Me Deported?
While you will need to divulge the time you have spent in the U.S. illegally on your waiver application, in most cases, the potential benefit – obtaining a green card – will outweigh any risks of applying.
Filling Out Form I-601A to Request a Provisional Waiver
Form I-601A has an important use: It's for certain close relatives of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents seeking a waiver of the three- and ten-year time bars for unlawful presence, and doing so in advance of leaving the U.S. for their immigrant visa (green card) interview at a U.S. consulate in their home country.
How to Apply for Provisional Waiver of Three- or Ten-Year Time Bar
The application process for a provisional stateside waiver of past unlawful presence in the U.S.