Form I-602 Guide

USCIS evaluates whether the waiver serves humanitarian purposes, preserves family unity, or is in the public interest. A common mismatch occurs when applicants fail to provide certified court records for convictions, which are crucial for assessing inadmissibility.

• Include certified court records for any criminal history.
• Provide medical documentation if claiming health-related inadmissibility.
• Submit evidence that supports humanitarian reasons for the waiver.
• Ensure all translations are certified and accurate.
• Attach a detailed statement explaining your inadmissibility grounds.

• Missing certified court records for convictions can lead to a request for evidence.
• Incomplete medical history documentation may trigger an RFE as USCIS requires thorough medical records.
• Failure to provide translations for foreign language documents can result in a request for additional information.
• Inconsistencies in personal information, such as name or date of birth, may prompt USCIS to ask for clarification.
• Not providing a valid signature can lead to immediate rejection of the application.

• Must be a refugee or asylee applying for LPR status.
• Provide a complete medical history if applicable.
• Include certified court documents for any arrests or convictions.
• Submit all evidence listed in the Specific Instructions section.
• Sign the application correctly to avoid rejection.
• Pay the filing fee as specified on Form G-1055.
• Provide a statement explaining inadmissibility grounds.

• General Instructions

  Read the general instructions carefully. Ensure you have the latest version of Adobe Reader to complete the form.

• Specific Instructions

  Follow the specific instructions for each part of the form. Pay attention to the evidence required for your inadmissibility grounds.

• Reasons for Inadmissibility

  Select all applicable grounds of inadmissibility. Provide a detailed statement and supporting documents.

• Associated Harmful Behavior

  Submit a complete medical history and any relevant documentation related to your condition.

• Address Change

  Notify USCIS of any address changes within 10 days of moving.

• Processing Information

  Be prepared for a possible biometric services appointment to verify your identity.

• Your Full Legal Name
• Place of Birth
• Mailing Address
• Physical Address
• Alien Registration Number (A-Number) (if any)
• USCIS Online Account Number (if any)
• Date of Birth (mm/dd/yyyy)
• Country of Citizenship or Nationality
• Current Status
• Reasons for Inadmissibility
• Application by Refugee for
• Waiver of Inadmissibility Grounds
• What is the Purpose of Form I-602?
• Who May File Form I-602?
• or child of a refugee);
• refugee);
• Who Should Not File Form I-602?
• 3. Terrorist Activities (INA section 212(a)(3)(B));
• 1. Public charge (INA section 212(a)(4));
• How Long Is a Waiver Valid?

• Evidence of identity (passport, government ID, or USCIS-issued document).
• Evidence of current immigration status or admission/parole.
• Evidence that supports the eligibility category selected.
• Evidence of any required family relationship or sponsorship.
• Evidence supporting the waiver ground and hardship criteria.

• Missing or invalid signature on the application.
• Not providing certified court records for convictions.
• Submitting original documents when not required.
• Failing to include translations for foreign language documents.
• Inaccurate or incomplete information in the application.
• Not following the specific instructions for evidence submission.

• Situation: An applicant is preparing I-602 and must include all required evidence. Task: They submit a complete packet within a 30-day preparation window. Action: They compile identity records, eligibility evidence, and the filing fee before submitting. Result: The petition is accepted without a request for missing items.
• Situation: A filer is close to a deadline for I-602. Task: They submit within the required 90-day timeline. Action: They finalize the packet and file within the stated window. Result: The case proceeds without a late-filing issue.
• Situation: A petitioner must reference a receipt number. Task: They match the receipt number to the underlying petition. Action: They include the exact receipt number on I-602 and attach the notice copy. Result: USCIS can verify the underlying filing quickly.

• A waiver is not needed for public charge inadmissibility; this is a common misunderstanding as public charge does not require a waiver under Form I-602.
• Not all grounds of inadmissibility qualify for a waiver; specifically, certain serious offenses like terrorism do not allow for a waiver.
• A stamped signature is not acceptable; a handwritten signature is required for the application to be valid.
• Some applicants believe they can submit uncertified court records; however, certified records are necessary for any convictions.
• Many think that the waiver granted upon entry as a refugee applies to all future applications; this is incorrect as waivers must be reapplied for under different categories.

This guide is based on the official instructions for Form I-602, ensuring that you have the most accurate and current information. It provides non-legal advice to help you navigate the application process effectively.

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