After filing the form, comes the wait. Moving further, you need to know the Form I-601 waiver processing time. It will let you form a plan on how you can make the most of the wait.

What Is Form I-601?

USCIS Form I-601 is a waiver form that assists certain inadmissible people to waive their applicable grounds of inadmissibility. Basically it helps you scale through the reasons why USCIS can’t admit you into the U.S.

The form has a clear listing of categories of eligible persons. So, it stands to reason that not everyone can file the form.

To ascertain your eligibility for Form I-601, you need to fall under one or two of these categories;

• Temporary Protected Status (TPS) applicant
• Self-petitioner or child of a self-petitioner of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). 
• Adjustment of residency status petitioner based on the T nonimmigrant status. 
• Adjustment of status applicant who falls under the Special Immigrant Juvenile (SIJ) category based on a valid Form I-360.

However, filing isn’t the only hurdle you must cross. You also need time and patience – They are of the essence.

Processing Time Of Form I-601 

Generally, the waiver processing time of the Form I-601 varies from case to case. While some cases have to wait for as long as a year to finally obtain approval, some cases don’t spend more than four months.

USCIS usually takes its time when it comes to processing Form I-601 applications. This is due to the carefulness needed to examine if a person’s presence in the United States comes with unwholesome consequences. To avoid granting entry to elements of terrorism, persecution, economic and public health threats, all Form I-601 are placed under gross scrutiny before approval.

Where USCIS is uncertain, or lacks sufficient evidence concerning a Form I-601 application, the application is bound to be rejected or returned with a “Request for Evidence” tag. This ultimately causes further delay.

Moving further, given the current COVID-19 pandemic, virtually all activities have been grounded – immigration processing is not left out. As a result of this, USCIS has experienced delay in processing all applications – including the Form I-601.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the generally slow processing of Form I-601 applications by USCIS, the Form I-601 waiver processing time 2020 falls between four (4) to six (6) months, given the accuracy of the information and evidence provided in such applications. Where an evidence or piece of information is in doubt, delay occurs. And depending on the gravity of such inaccuracy or doubt, the application may be rejected.

Simply put, there are many reasons why your I-601 waiver processing time may be delayed. Incorrect filing is at the top of the list. You do not have the time nor the leisure to wait and see what happens if you file incorrectly. So, you have to get it right the first time!

You’re Not Sure? Contact Us!

Providing accurate information and evidence is crucial if you want “faster” processing for your Form I-601. To avoid rejection or unnecessary delay in processing your application, all information you provide must be accurate, up to date, and contain your signature.

Today, many obstacles stand in the way of getting your waiver. The COVID-19 pandemic, misinformation and mistakes, USCIS, and of course, the biggest one of them all – The Trump Administration.

But don’t worry! Since you’ve read this far, you’ve solved half the problem.

The HMA Law Firm is here to help! Our experienced immigration attorneys will help you file your Form I-601, and ensure it is error free. This will ultimately make your Form I-601 processing time faster. And faster is always better in U.S. immigration.

So, reach out to us today! Not tomorrow!