Overview (What is I-690 used for?)
#Form I-690, the Application for Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility Under Sections 245A or 210 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, is used by applicants seeking to waive certain grounds of inadmissibility. This form is essential for individuals applying for adjustment of status as Special Agricultural Workers or under the Legalization program.
The form requires detailed information about the applicant's inadmissibility grounds and the reasons for seeking a waiver. It is important to provide accurate and complete information to support the waiver request.
Applicants must also be aware of the specific inadmissibility grounds that cannot be waived and ensure they meet the eligibility criteria outlined in the instructions. Proper documentation and signatures are crucial for the application to be accepted.
For more details, you can access the full instructions and the form at the USCIS website.
What USCIS is really evaluating (I-690)
#USCIS evaluates the applicant's grounds for inadmissibility and the evidence provided to support the waiver request. Common mismatches include missing signatures or incomplete evidence. It is crucial to provide thorough documentation to demonstrate eligibility for the waiver.
Context & workflow (How does I-690 fit into the case?)
#The form is usually filed alongside supporting evidence listed in the instructions. Verify [fees](/en/united-states/visas/fees) before filing. Check [processing times](/en/united-states/visas/processing-times) for your category. Review [requirements](/en/united-states/visas/requirements) that apply to your status.
Who uses it
Applicants requesting a waiver as part of their case.
When it is used
- When the official checklist or instructions list this form.
- When submitting an initial application or petition.
- When providing updated information requested by the agency.
Evidence strategy (What evidence does USCIS expect for I-690?)
#- Provide documentation of any humanitarian reasons for the waiver.
- Include medical records if applying for a waiver due to health issues.
- Submit proof of vaccinations if applicable.
- Attach any relevant legal documents related to inadmissibility.
- Ensure all evidence is clearly labeled and organized.
- Use affidavits or letters of support from family or community members.
Failure prevention (Why petitions are rejected or delayed)
#Technical rejections
- Ensure the form is the latest edition to avoid processing issues.
- Check that all pages are included in the submission to prevent delays.
- Confirm that the application is signed, as missing signatures will lead to rejection.
Substantive weaknesses
- Avoid inconsistencies in the information provided, as this can trigger requests for further evidence.
- Ensure that all required evidence is submitted to support your waiver request.
- Double-check that all questions are answered fully and accurately to avoid incomplete applications.
RFE triggers and how to pre-empt (What causes RFEs for I-690?)
#- Missing required evidence for waiver eligibility, such as medical documentation or proof of rehabilitation.
- Incomplete or inaccurate information in the application, which can lead to delays or denials.
- Invalid signature or missing signature, as USCIS will reject applications without a valid signature.
- Failure to submit the appropriate filing fee as outlined in Form G-1055, which is necessary for processing.
- Not providing translations for documents in a foreign language, which must include a signed certification.
Eligibility signals
#- Complete Form I-690 accurately.
- Provide evidence of inadmissibility grounds.
- Include a valid signature.
- Submit the appropriate filing fee.
- Attach medical examination reports if applicable.
- Provide translations for any foreign documents.
Form sections (Which sections matter most on I-690?)
#General Instructions
Follow the guidelines for completing the form and submitting evidence.
Who May File Form I-690?
Understand the eligibility criteria for filing this application.
What Evidence Must You Submit?
Gather all necessary documentation to support your waiver request.
Signature
Ensure the application is signed correctly to avoid rejection.
Filing Fee
Refer to Form G-1055 for the current fee schedule.
Biometric Services Appointment
Be prepared to attend a biometrics appointment if required.
What it asks for (What fields and questions appear on I-690?)
#- Department of Homeland Security
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
- Form I-690
- OMB No. 1615-0032
- Expires 03/31/2027
- Your Current Legal Name
- Middle Name (if applicable)
- City or Town of Birth
- Physical Address
- Mailing Address
- Alien Registration Number (A-Number of This Applicant)
- Signature
- What Is the Purpose of Form I-690?
- Who Should Not File Form I-690?
- waived;
- 3. INA section 212(a)(2)(B) – Multiple criminal convictions;
- 4. INA section 212(a)(2)(C) – Controlled substance traffickers;
- Who May File Form I-690?
- Significance – INA Section 212(a)(1)(A)(i)
- B. Chancroid;
- C. Gonorrhea;
- D. Granuloma inguinale;
- E. Lymphogranuloma venereum;
- F. Syphilis, infectious stage;
What you need before you start (What should you gather before I-690?)
#- Evidence showing humanitarian purposes or family unity
- Documentation of inadmissibility grounds
- Provide Medical examination report if applicable
- Proof of vaccinations if seeking a waiver
- Provide Translations of any foreign documents
- Provide Signature of the applicant or authorized representative
- Provide Filing fee as per Form G-1055, Fee Schedule
- Provide Biometric services appointment notice if required
- Provide Accurate identity details that match your supporting documents
- Provide Documents that support the information you enter
- Provide Official instructions for signature and submission rules
- Provide Who Should Not File Form I-690?
- Provide The following inadmissibility grounds cannot be waived. You should not file Form I-690 if any of the following
- Provide file this application if you seek a waiver of inadmissibility based on a communicable disease of public
- Provide are outside of the United States, a relative in the United States must complete this process for you
- Provide A. You did not initially submit proof you received the required vaccinations, but you subsequently submitted proof
Evidence checklist (Which documents should you prepare for I-690?)
#- 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.
Checklist (What are the key steps before filing I-690?)
#- Download the latest version of Form I-690 from the USCIS website.
- Use Adobe Reader to complete the form.
- Review the declarations before signing.
- Include all required evidence as specified in the instructions.
- Ensure the application is signed; a stamped or typewritten name is not acceptable.
- Submit legible photocopies of all documents unless originals are requested.
- Check for completeness before submission to avoid rejection.
- Notify USCIS of any address changes within 10 days.
- Download the current I-690 from the official form page.
- Save the PDF locally and open it in Adobe Acrobat Reader so form features work correctly.
- Follow the form’s signature instructions (some PDFs require printing and hand-signing).
- Complete every required section and review for consistency.
- Follow the signature and submission instructions exactly.
- Keep copies of everything you submit.
Fees (verify before filing)
#Fees change over time and can vary by category. Verify the latest schedule before filing.
USCIS filing feesCommon mistakes (What errors delay I-690 petitions?)
#- Missing or invalid signatures on the application.
- Submitting original documents when not required.
- Not providing translations for foreign language documents.
- Failing to include required evidence for waiver eligibility.
- Inaccurate or incomplete information in the application.
- Not adhering to the filing fee requirements.
Examples (What does a strong I-690 submission look like?)
#- Situation: An applicant is preparing I-690 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-690. 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-690 and attach the notice copy. Result: USCIS can verify the underlying filing quickly.
Common misconceptions (What do people often misunderstand about I-690?)
#- You cannot submit original documents unless specifically requested, as USCIS may destroy them after receipt.
- All signatures must be handwritten; stamped signatures are not accepted, and a valid signature is crucial for application acceptance.
- Not all inadmissibility grounds can be waived; check the specific grounds listed in the instructions to determine your eligibility.
- You must notify USCIS of any address changes within 10 days to avoid processing delays.
- If you have a criminal conviction, you may not be eligible for a waiver, so it's important to understand your specific situation.
How this guide is built (Where this I-690 guidance comes from)
#This guide is built from the latest official instructions and current editions of Form I-690. It provides non-legal advice based on the information available from USCIS, ensuring you have the necessary details for a successful application.
FAQs
What is I-690 used for?
I-690 is used to request a specific immigration benefit based on the eligibility category you select. The form must align with your supporting evidence and any underlying petition.
What happens if I submit an incomplete packet?
USCIS may reject the filing or issue a request for evidence if required documents are missing. Use the official checklist to ensure each required item is included before submission.
Do I need to submit original documents?
Most filings require legible copies unless the instructions specifically request originals. Always follow the official instructions for each document type.
How do I verify I am using the correct edition of the form?
Check the form edition date on the USCIS form page and compare it to your PDF. Submitting an outdated edition can lead to rejection.
Do I need translations for non-English documents?
Yes, USCIS typically requires certified translations for documents not in English. Include translations that meet USCIS requirements.
VisaMind provides informational guidance only and is not a government agency. This is not legal advice. Requirements can change and eligibility depends on your specific facts. If your case is complex or high-stakes, consult a licensed immigration attorney.
Requirements vary by nationality, purpose, timeline, and case details. VisaMind turns uncertainty into a sequenced checklist with official source citations.
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