What is Next After I-601A Waiver Approval?
Updated: Sep 27
Receiving the approval of your I-601A waiver is a significant milestone in the process of obtaining legal status in the United States. However, it’s not the final step. Here’s a comprehensive guide on what to expect and what to do after your I-601A waiver has been approved.
Understanding the I-601A Waiver Process
The I-601A waiver is specifically designed for individuals who are inadmissible to the U.S. due to unlawful presence. It allows eligible applicants to waive the 3- or 10-year reentry ban they would otherwise face upon leaving the country to complete their immigration process.
What is the I-601A Waiver?
In short, the i601A waiver forgives unlawful presence. Without this waiver, certain immigrants face severe reentry penalties, potentially being banned from returning to the U.S. for several years. With the approval, these penalties are waived, but the applicant must still complete several important steps to attain permanent residency.
Who is eligible to file Form I-601A?
Typically, you can use Form I-601A to file for a waiver if:
You are physically present in the United States.
You must be at least 17 years old when you file.
Have an immigrant visa case pending with the U.S. Department of State.
What Does Waiver I-601a Approval Mean?
Once the i601a waiver is approved, USCIS has decided to forgive your period of unlawful presence in the U.S. The waiver prevents you from being subjected to the typical penalties for unlawful presence, but it doesn’t grant you legal status immediately.
Impact on Green Card Application Process
With the waiver in hand, you can move forward in the process of securing a green card. The waiver allows you to leave the U.S. for a consular interview without facing the 3- or 10-year reentry bar.
Next Steps After I-601A Waiver Approval
The approval of the I-601A waiver is the beginning of the final phase in your immigration journey. However, there are still several important steps ahead.
Notification from USCIS:
What to ExpectAfter your waiver is approved, USCIS will notify the National Visa Center (NVC), which will begin preparing your case for consular processing.
Preparing for the Visa Interview Abroad
You will receive an appointment notification for an interview at the U.S. consulate in your home country. This is where your green card application will be reviewed. Ensure you have all required documents, including:
o The approval notice for the I-601A waiver
o Your passport
o Medical examination results
o Police clearance certificates
o Affidavit of support from your sponsor
Immigrant Visa Requirements
The immigrant visa is your ticket to reenter the U.S. legally. Be sure to prepare for the consular interview by reviewing the visa requirements and gathering all necessary documents.
Not sure what documents you need? Reach out to us for personalized guidance.
Why Is My I-601a Taking So Long?
Form I-601A typically takes 42.5 months to be processed on average once it is submitted as 80% of the cases are completed within the aforementioned duration.
Note: When you are applying for this waiver, you need to make sure that you read the instructions for the section of the Form I-601A that pertains to your immigration status very carefully.
How to Check I-601A Status?
Keeping track of your I-601A waiver status is essential during your immigration process. Here's a simple guide to check the status of your application online.
Step 1: Visit the USCIS Case Status Online Page
Start by visiting the official USCIS Case Status Online page on the USCIS website. This tool allows you to track the progress of your I-601A waiver and other immigration forms.
Step 2: Enter Your Receipt Number
You’ll need the receipt number from your USCIS notice (Form I-797C). It’s a 13-character code starting with three letters, followed by numbers (e.g., EAC, LIN, WAC). Enter it correctly in the provided field.
Step 3: Submit and Review Updates
Click “Check Status” after entering the receipt number. You’ll see your current status, which could include updates like “Case Received,” “Request for Evidence Issued,” or “Case Approved.”
Step 4: Create a USCIS Account (Optional)
For convenience, you can create a USCIS online account. This allows you to receive case updates automatically, track multiple cases, and avoid manual checks
Common Status Messages
Case Received: USCIS has started processing your application.
Request for Evidence (RFE): More documentation is needed.
Case Approved: Your waiver has been approved, and you can move forward with your visa process.
Why It’s Important?
Regularly checking your I601A status ensures you’re updated on the progress and any necessary actions, helping avoid delays in your immigration journey.
For further guidance, working with an immigration attorney can streamline the process and increase your chances of success or visit our website melendezlegal.com.
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