Immigration Waiver Lawyers for I-601A, I-601 and I-212
An immigration waiver is not a general pardon and no single waiver fixes every immigration problem. Each application addresses a specific ground of inadmissibility. Before recommending a filing, M.C. Law Group reviews the person’s entries and departures, prior visa and immigration filings, family relationships, removal history, arrests or convictions, and any possible fraud or misrepresentation issue.
That review matters because filing the wrong waiver—or leaving out a separate ground of inadmissibility—can delay a case and may create serious problems at a consular interview. No lawyer can guarantee approval, issuance of an immigrant visa, or admission to the United States.
I-601A Provisional Unlawful Presence Waiver
Form I-601A is for certain immigrant-visa applicants who are physically present in the United States and expect to trigger a three-year or ten-year unlawful-presence bar when they leave for a consular interview. It permits eligible applicants to ask USCIS for a provisional waiver of that unlawful-presence ground before departure.
General requirements include being at least 17 years old, having an immigrant-visa case pending with the Department of State through an approved qualifying petition or Diversity Visa selection, and showing that refusal of admission would cause extreme hardship to a qualifying U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse or parent. A child may be central to the family’s hardship evidence, but a child is not the statutory qualifying relative for this particular hardship requirement.
An approved I-601A does not give lawful status, work authorization, protection from removal, or permission to remain permanently in the United States. The applicant must still leave for the immigrant-visa interview. The waiver covers unlawful presence under INA section 212(a)(9)(B) only; it does not waive every possible issue and does not guarantee a visa or admission.
Read our detailed I-601A eligibility and extreme-hardship guide.
When I-601 or I-212 May Matter
Form I-601 may be used to request a waiver of certain grounds of inadmissibility in situations allowed by law, including some unlawful-presence, fraud or misrepresentation, criminal, and health-related grounds. Eligibility and the required evidence depend on the precise ground and the benefit being sought.
Form I-212 is a request for permission to reapply for admission after certain removal or deportation grounds. Some cases require I-212 together with another waiver; others do not. Prior removal orders, departure after unlawful presence, and reentry without inspection can produce different and sometimes permanent bars. Multiple entries without inspection require especially careful analysis before a person files anything or leaves the United States.
A Careful Review Before Filing or Traveling
Bring copies of passports, visas, I-94 records, petitions, consular notices, immigration-court papers, removal documents, criminal dispositions, and a written timeline of every entry and departure. The correct strategy depends on the complete record—not only on a family petition or the amount of time spent in the United States.
M.C. Law Group represents clients in Connecticut and in federal immigration matters throughout the United States when representation is available. A free telephone evaluation can identify the general issue and whether a paid attorney consultation is appropriate. Call (203) 373-9080, email info@uslegalvisa.com, or use the consultation form on this page.
Reviewed October 20, 2026. This page provides general information and does not create an attorney-client relationship.