Application for Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility [Form I-601]

An opportunity to overcome immigration obstacles and continue your path toward residency

In some cases, a person may be considered “inadmissible” to the United States due to factors such as unlawful presence, immigration violations, criminal history, or certain medical conditions.
Form I-601 — Application for Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility, gives you the possibility to legally ask for forgiveness from immigration authorities and continue with your immigration process toward permanent residence or legal entry into the country.

Table of Contents

• What is Form I-601?
• Who can file this application?
• Common grounds of inadmissibility that may be waived
• Required documents and evidence
• Step-by-step filing process
• Factors influencing approval
• Why trust Legalízate Ya?
• 📞 Contact us today

What is Form I-601?

Form I-601 is an application filed with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to request a waiver of certain grounds of inadmissibility under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).

Its goal is to allow a person to continue with their immigration process —such as a family petition or adjustment of status— despite having incurred circumstances that would normally prevent their admission or residence in the United States.

Who can file this application?

The following individuals may file Form I-601:

• Those who have been found inadmissible during a consular interview or when applying for an immigration benefit within the U.S.
• Permanent residence applicants (through a U.S. citizen or resident family member or spouse).
• Beneficiaries of immigrant or non-immigrant visas facing a ground of inadmissibility.
• Refugees or asylees seeking to adjust their status to permanent resident.

In many cases, this form is filed together with or after the approval of Form I-130 or Form I-485, as applicable.

Common grounds of inadmissibility that may be waived

Some of the most frequent include:

• Unlawful presence or prolonged unauthorized stay.
• Entry without inspection or prior immigration violations.
• Fraud or misrepresentation of information on an immigration application.
• Certain criminal convictions that do not involve aggravated felonies.
• Public health issues or incomplete vaccination.
• Limited humanitarian or security grounds.

Each ground requires an individual legal analysis, as not all can be waived under the law.

Required documents and evidence

For USCIS to favorably consider a waiver, it is crucial to submit solid documentation supporting your application, including:

• Completed and signed Form I-601.
• Proof of family relationship with the petitioner (e.g., marriage or birth certificate).
• Evidence of extreme hardship to your U.S. citizen or legal resident spouse or parent if admission were denied.
• Reference letters, medical documentation, psychological reports, or financial evidence.
• Personal statement explaining the circumstances of the case and the reasons for the waiver.
• Payment of the corresponding fee.

Step-by-step filing process

1. Case evaluation: An immigration attorney analyzes the ground of inadmissibility and determines eligibility for the waiver.
2. Gathering evidence: A solid package is prepared with proof of extreme hardship and other favorable factors.
3. Filing Form I-601 with USCIS, either in the U.S. or at a consulate abroad.
4. Case review and possible Request for Evidence (RFE).
5. Final decision: If USCIS approves the waiver, the applicant may continue with their immigration process or consular interview.

Processing times typically vary between 8 and 14 months, depending on the USCIS office and the complexity of the case.

Factors influencing approval

USCIS will evaluate multiple aspects, including:

• The nature and severity of the ground of inadmissibility.
• The applicant’s subsequent conduct (rehabilitation, stable life, compliance with the law).
• The extreme hardship that eligible family members would face if the application is denied.
• The humanitarian circumstances or the public interest of the case.

A well-founded and legally structured presentation significantly increases the chances of approval.

Why trust Legalízate Ya?

At Legalízate Ya, we understand that a ground of inadmissibility can seem like an insurmountable obstacle, but with the right legal strategy, it can become an opportunity for a fresh start.

Our team has nearly 30 years of combined experience in immigration waiver cases, and we work with professionalism, empathy, and legal rigor to build solid and persuasive applications.

Every detail matters: from the evidence you present to the narrative of your case. We accompany you throughout the process, with personalized attention and constant communication.

📞 Contact us today

If you are facing a ground of inadmissibility and wish to know if you can apply for a waiver, contact us.
Call (956) 725-9714 or visit www.legalizateya.com/en to schedule a confidential consultation.

Legalízate Ya — transforming immigration obstacles into new opportunities.