Waivers:
File the application with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in advance of the date of intended travel to the United States. Filing of this application is generally done in person at a CBP-designated port of entry. Check payable to U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
What Must Be Submitted With the Application?
The Form I-192 application package must include the following documentation:
- Evidence of your Citizenship.
- Completed Form I-192 signed and submitted by you (no copies).
- Fingerprint card FD-258. This fingerprint card will be completed by a U.S. CBP Officer at the time of submission of your application.
- Form G-325A completed and signed by you. Please ensure that all copies of this form are legible.
- If you have a criminal record in any other country’s court system, you must also obtain a copy of the applicable record or an official letter from the court of jurisdiction stating the reason why a copy of the record is not available.
- Canadians: To obtain verification of your criminal record or evidence of a lack thereof from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) by submitting your fingerprints on Form C216C. The returned Civil Product and any accompanying records must be dated and endorsed by the RCMP within 15 months of submission with your Form I-192. For instructions, addresses and payment information, please visit the RCMP website.
Do not submit the Form I-192 application until you have obtained the documents from the RCMP. Incomplete packages will not be processed. - A copy of the official court record from the actual court of conviction indicating plea indictment, conviction and disposition for each and every crime committed anywhere in the world.
- If you are inadmissible to the United States because of a criminal conviction, you should submit a statement in your own words, signed by you, explaining the circumstances of each arrest, conviction, and sentence or fine imposed. In addition, you should submit any evidence or explanation of your reformation of character or rehabilitation such as counseling or rehabilitation programs completed, current employment, marital status, community service etc. or any other information you wish to be considered and you believe strengthens your request.
- If you are inadmissible for one of the Health Related grounds identified in the INA, e.g., drug user or addict, you will need to provide evidence of treatment/rehabilitation. Such evidence shall include, but may not be limited to, the following: A recent drug test; credible, verifiable evidence related to rehabilitative history; statement from the applicant making clear his/her commitment to refrain from using controlled substances in the United States, credible, verifiable evidence outlining subject’s program for substitution therapy/treatment and/or continued care relative to his/her drug use/addiction if allowed to enter the United States.
- If you have been found inadmissible under section 212(a)(9)(B) of the INA (unlawfully present in the United States) please submit detailed information regarding:
- Current foreign employment.
- Previous U.S. employment.
- Family members presently living in the United States.
- Past and current United States and/or foreign business investments.
- Any and all ties you have to your present foreign country/residence.
What Must Be Submitted With the Application?
In addition to the required evidence stated on the revised Form I-212 Instructions, the following additional documentation should be submitted with the Form I-212:
- Evidence of Citizenship.
- Any supporting documentation.
- U.S. Fingerprint card FD-258. This fingerprint card will be completed by a U.S. CBP Officer at the time of submission of your application.
- Form G-325A completed and signed by the applicant. Please ensure that all copies of this form are legible. A properly executed Form G-28 must be included with the application if the alien has retained an authorized representative.
- Each application, regardless of the ground of inadmissibility, must be accompanied by a copy of an official police record or evidence that no record exists, from the applicant’s country of residence or nationality. This record is valid for 15 months. Canadians: You can obtain verification of their criminal record or evidence of a lack thereof from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) by submitting their fingerprints on Form C-216C. The returned Civil Product and any accompanying records must be dated and endorsed by the RCMP within 15 months of submission with the Form I-212. For instructions, addresses and payment information, please visit the RCMP website. Do not submit the Form I-212 application until you have obtained the documents from the RCMP. Incomplete packages will not be processed.
Application Filing Fee
Bank drafts, cashier’s checks, certified checks, personal checks and money orders must be drawn on U.S. financial institutions and payable in U.S. funds. The fee should be made payable to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). CBP accepts credit cards at all CBP ports of entry that accept payment. Accepted cards include Visa®, Mastercard®, American Express®, and Discover® Network. Updated application fee information can be found at U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website or by contacting the port of entry or preclearance office where you will be submitting your application.
Application Status Inquiries
Please allow at least 120 days from the date of submission of your Form I-212 before making an inquiry about the status of your application. A full review of your circumstances can take up to six months or longer. You may ask for an update by emailing inquiry.waiver.aro@dhs.gov. Attorneys or a properly designated representative may ask for an update by emailing attorneyinquiry.waiver.aro@dhs.gov. Be sure to provide your full name, DOB, and your number.
Address Changes
Please note that CBP decisions and requests for evidence or additional information will be sent to the address you provide on your application. Failure to respond to a CBP request can result in an application being denied. Hence, if you change your address while a Form I-212 application is pending with CBP, you should inform CBP of your new address. You can accomplish this update by sending a letter with your biographic information and both your old and new addresses to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Admissibility Review Office, 12825 Worldgate Drive, Herndon, VA 20598-1340. You can also email updated information to inquiry.waiver.aro@dhs.gov. Attorneys and other accredited representatives can notify the ARO on behalf of their clients by regular mail or by e-mail via attorneyinquiry.waiver.aro@dhs.gov.