Quick summary
#Instead, you must apply for a nonimmigrant visa at a U In all other cases, you must file this application with CBP, as described in the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application guide.
When the official instructions indicate this form is required
Include it with your application package and follow official instructions for submission.
Names, dates of birth, and passport details on other forms Program checklist requirements Supporting documents and translations
Overview (What is Form I-192?)
#This form offers a route for individuals, especially those who are victims of trafficking or crime, to seek temporary entry or engage in essential activities in the U.S., pending approval from USCIS and CBP. For additional information, refer to the U Nonimmigrant Status (Crime Victims) page and the T Nonimmigrant Status (Trafficking Victims) page.
First page of I-192 form
Source: I-192 PDF
Context and workflow
#Processing time for I-192 varies by case type and current workload — always check the official USCIS processing time tool.
Why this matters
- This form acts as a cross-check point: details here must match other forms and supporting documents.
- Small mismatches inside I-192 (or between I-192 and supporting evidence) can force rework later in processing.
Where it fits in the workflow
- Initiating the process for temporary entry despite inadmissibility.
- Receipt Notice (a related form) is typically issued after submission.
- May require biometrics appointment depending on individual circumstances.
- I-192 is commonly filed alongside Form DS-160, Form I-914, Form I-918.
Who uses it
In some situations, you may need to apply for a nonimmigrant visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate. In other scenarios, filing this application with CBP might be necessary, as detailed in the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application guide.
When it is used
- When the official instructions indicate this form is required
- As part of a complete application package with supporting documents
Failure prevention (What causes Form I-192 rejections?)
#Technical rejections
- Submitting the form without a valid signature.
- Failing to include all necessary supporting documents.
Substantive weaknesses
- Not fully disclosing all grounds of inadmissibility.
- Insufficient explanation or evidence for overcoming inadmissibility.
What it asks for (What does Form I-192 ask for?)
#- Full legal name and any other names used.
- USCIS Online Account Number if applicable.
- Date and place of birth.
- Applicant identification information
- Supporting documentation inventory
- Eligibility or purpose details
- Declarations and signatures
- The photocopy, fax, or scan must be of the original document containing the handwritten, ink signature
- You must provide a valid mailing address in the United States in Part 2
- Section 1367) apply to applicants for T nonimmigrant status and petitioners for U nonimmigrant status, including any qualifying family members
- Interpreter's signature and certification if an interpreter is used
- Preparer's signature and certification if someone other than the applicant prepares the form
What you need (What do you need for Form I-192?)
#- The current edition of I-192
- Proof of current immigration status
- Government-issued photo identification
- Passport-style photographs meeting specifications
- A written statement explaining the grounds of inadmissibility and reasons for seeking admission.
- All evidence and supporting documentation listed in the instructions.
- Failing to provide all required evidence and supporting documentation.
- Copy of your filed or approved DS-160 (Nonimmigrant visa application if waiver approved)
Checklist (What is the Form I-192 checklist?)
#- Download the current I-192 and instructions from the official USCIS website
- Review the official I-192 instructions before filing
- Gather required supporting documents per the instructions
- Complete all required sections of I-192
- Confirm the form is signed and dated in all required fields
- Confirm all pages are from the same current I-192 edition
- Sign, date, and submit I-192 with all required supporting evidence
Fees
#| Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Filing FeeThe standard filing fee for form i-192. Check the current fee on the official USCIS fee schedule. | See official schedule |
| Biometrics Services FeeAttend a biometric services appointment if required. | See official schedule |
Can the Form I-192 fee be waived?
Fee waivers may be available for qualifying applicants. See official instructions for eligibility.
What happens if I submit the wrong fee?
USCIS will reject your application if the incorrect fee is submitted. Verify the current fee on the official schedule before filing.
Fee waiver: Fee waivers may be available for qualifying applicants. See official instructions for eligibility. For related guidance, see Petition for U Nonimmigrant Status.
Fees change; always verify on USCIS.
Where to file
#Online filing is available for some categories — verify on the official form page. Otherwise, file by mail to the address in the instructions.
File online
USCIS Online Account Number if applicable.
Filing locations and procedures may change. Always verify on the official USCIS website before submitting. For related guidance, see B-1/B-2 Visitor Visa.
Form sections (What sections does Form I-192 have?)
#Part 1. Application Type Item Number
Complete this section as described in the official instructions.
- Explanation of inadmissibility and reasons for admission
- Reasons for inadmissibility and justification for entry
- Evidence supporting your eligibility category
- Submitting an application without a valid signature.
- Failing to provide all required evidence and supporting documentation.
- Not providing a full English translation for documents in a foreign language.
- USCIS verifies eligibility category.
Part 6. Additional Information
Complete this section as described in the official instructions.
- Government-issued photo identification
- Passport-style photographs meeting specifications
- Submitting an application without a valid signature.
- Failing to provide all required evidence and supporting documentation.
- Not providing a full English translation for documents in a foreign language.
- USCIS verifies signature and photo specs.
Strategy tips
#Common mistakes (What mistakes are common with Form I-192?)
#- Submitting an application without a valid signature.
- Failing to provide all required evidence and supporting documentation.
- Failing to include a complete English translation for documents originally in a foreign language.
- Submitting original documents when not necessary can lead to their destruction.
- Not disclosing all grounds of inadmissibility.
- Using an incorrect form edition.
- Missing pages from the form.
Examples (What are examples for Form I-192?)
#- Strong application: An applicant submits the form with all required documents and receives a timely decision.
- Strong application: A petitioner includes detailed explanations and evidence for each inadmissibility ground, resulting in approval.
- Weak application: An applicant fails to include a detailed description of health-related inadmissibility grounds, leading to a request for additional evidence and a delayed decision.
- An individual found inadmissible due to a prior removal files I-192 to request permission to reapply
- An applicant in the B-1/B-2 category files I-192 as part of their immigration process
Common misconceptions (What misconceptions surround Form I-192?)
#- A waiver is routinely granted if you meet the filing requirements — Waivers are discretionary. You must demonstrate that the qualifying relative would suffer extreme hardship if the waiver is not approved.
- I-192 has more than one fee component (e.g. Filing Fee and Biometrics Services Fee); paying only one or paying the wrong amount can result in rejection of the entire filing.
- A fee waiver for I-192 is not automatic — only specific qualifying categories are eligible, and a waiver request can be denied while the underlying form is still expected to be filed.
- I-192 can be rejected before substantive review for technical errors such as “Submitting the form without a valid signature.”
- A complete I-192 can still be denied on the merits — issues like “Not fully disclosing all grounds of inadmissibility” are evaluated by the reviewer even when paperwork is clean.
- Submitting I-192 is the start of the process — applicants should expect follow-up steps such as “Receive a Receipt Notice (a related form) confirming the application has been received.”
Edge cases and variations
#- If you are asked to submit or update I-192, treat it as a package update: check every place the same details appear and keep them consistent.
Scenarios
#A software engineer submitted their petition with all supporting documents
The case was approved within the standard timeline
Prepare all evidence before filing to avoid delays
Key differentiators
#- Unlike Form DS-160: Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application: Filed together: Nonimmigrant visa application if waiver approved
- Unlike Form I-914: Application for T Nonimmigrant Status: Filed together: Waiver for T visa applicants who are inadmissible
- Unlike Form I-918: Petition for U Nonimmigrant Status: Filed together: Waiver for U visa applicants who are inadmissible
Why it matters
#What happens after you submit
#- Receive a Receipt Notice (a related form) confirming the application has been received.
- Attend a biometrics appointment if required for fingerprints, photo, and signature.
- Await a decision from USCIS, which could include requests for additional information.
- Receive a notice of action indicating approval or denial.
- If approved, proceed with entry plans as per the terms of the permission granted.
Verification
#This guide is derived from official USCIS instructions for I-192 and is updated when form editions or filing rules change. Always verify current requirements at the official USCIS website.
Resources
#Free United States planning tools
#Itemize the government fees that go alongside Form I-192.
United States eligibility checker
See which United States visas your profile fits before you finalize Form I-192.
United States processing times
Get the typical wait time for the visa associated with Form I-192.
United States interview practice
Practice United States interview questions if your filing route includes one.