Application for Permission to Reapply for Admission into the U.S. After Deportation or Removal [Form I-212]

A second chance to legally return to the United States

If you were deported, expelled, or left the United States under a removal order, you may need special government permission before you can return.

Form I-212 allows you to request that readmission permission and have the opportunity to legally re-enter the country.

Table of Contents

• What is Form I-212?
• Who needs to file this application?
• Key documents and requirements
• Step-by-step process
• Factors USCIS considers when evaluating your case
• Common mistakes and important tips
• Why trust Legalízate Ya?
• 📞 Contact us today

What is Form I-212?

Form I-212 — Application for Permission to Reapply for Admission is a filing with USCIS or the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for those individuals who were deported or removed from the United States and wish to return before the statutory ban period (usually 5, 10, or 20 years, depending on the case).

This form does not guarantee entry into the country, but it is a mandatory requirement to be able to apply for a visa, residency, or other immigration benefit after having been deported.

Who needs to file this application?

You must file Form I-212 if:

• You were deported, expelled, or removed from the United States.
• You left voluntarily under a voluntary departure order and wish to return before the permitted time.
• You are inadmissible due to having been removed or having been unlawfully present after a removal order.
• You want to apply for an immigrant or non-immigrant visa, or apply for adjustment of status, but your prior removal prevents you from doing so.

👉 In many cases, the I-212 is filed together with an I-601 waiver (if other grounds of inadmissibility also exist).

Key documents and requirements

When preparing your application, you must include:

• Completed and signed Form I-212.
• Proof of your identity (passport, birth certificate, official ID).
• Copy of the deportation or removal order.
• Proof of rehabilitation and good conduct since your departure.
• Evidence of family or community ties in the U.S.
• Personal explanation letter regarding the reasons why you wish to return.
• Payment of the corresponding USCIS fee.

Step-by-step process

1. Initial evaluation of your case: Determine if you qualify to apply for permission and when you can do so.
2. Application preparation: Gather evidence and draft a compelling explanation of your circumstances.
3. Filing Form I-212 with USCIS or the corresponding consulate.
4. Review and analysis by immigration authorities.
5. In some cases, an interview or Request for Evidence (RFE).
6. Final decision: If approved, you may proceed with your immigration process or apply for an entry visa.

Processing time varies but typically takes between 6 and 12 months, depending on the complexity of the case.

Factors USCIS considers when evaluating your case

Authorities take into account:

• The reason for your deportation or departure.
• Time elapsed since you left the country.
• Evidence of good conduct since then.
• Family or economic ties in the United States.
• Humanitarian or family impact of your return.
• Your immigration and criminal history.

The more solid and humane your evidence is, the higher your chances of approval.

Common mistakes and important tips

• Filing Form I-212 too soon, without having met the minimum waiting period.
• Not including sufficient evidence of good conduct or family ties.
• Confusing the I-212 with other forms (such as the I-601 or I-192).
• Not consulting with an attorney before filing the application.

👉 Every case is different. An error in this process can delay or even prevent your return to the United States.

Why trust Legalízate Ya?

At Legalízate Ya, we know that everyone deserves a second chance.
Our legal team has nearly 30 years of combined experience helping immigrants rebuild their path to the United States after a deportation.

We thoroughly review your immigration history, prepare your application with solid evidence, and present your case in the most favorable light possible to the authorities.

With empathy, experience, and professionalism, we help you take the right step toward your legal return.

📞 Contact us today

Were you deported and wish to return to the United States legally?
Call us today at (956) 725-9714 or visit www.legalizateya.com/en to schedule your consultation.

Legalízate Ya — your second chance starts here.