Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility

In certain circumstances, individuals who have been found ineligible for an immigrant visa under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) may file an Application for Waiver of Ground of Inadmissibility (Form I-601) with the USCIS office.

If you are eligible to apply for a waiver, you will be given a Notice for Waiver Application Procedure. Such applicants must complete the required procedures described on the form and submit the waiver application and all the required supporting documentation to the USCIS office in Guangzhou for a decision.  If the waiver is approved by USCIS, the Consulate will proceed with the remainder of the visa process.  If the waiver is denied, the applicant will be notified in writing of that decision and the immigrant visa will not be issued. Individuals who have not been given a Notice for Waiver Application Procedure(PDF #K) should not submit waiver documents.

Important: All applicants applying for a waiver at the USCIS office in Guangzhou must submit both an Application for Waiver of Ground of Inadmissibility (Form I-601) and an Application for Waiver Part II(PDF #K).

If an applicant previously has been excluded, deported or removed from the United States, he or she must also file an Application for Permission to Reapply for Admission into the United States after Deportation or Removal (Form I-212). Only those applicants who have the appropriate box marked on their Notice for Waiver Application Procedure form must submit Form I-212.  Applicants who need to submit Form I-212 also are required to submit Form I-601 and the Application for Waiver Part II.

Upon receipt of your waiver application, it can take USCIS as long as six months to process the waiver application and making a decision. We ask that you please refrain from contacting the Consulate while your application is pending.   You will be notified as soon as a decision has been made.

Links to Waiver Application Forms:

• Application for Waiver of Ground of Inadmissibility (Form I-601)

• Application for Waiver Part II (PDF #K)

• Application for Permission to Reapply for Admission into the United States after Deportation or Removal (Form I-212)