I-601A Filing Fee: Understanding Cost And Payment Process

Purpose of Form I-601A

The purpose of Form I-601A is to provide a legal mechanism for eligible individuals to formally request a provisional waiver. This waiver pertains to the grounds of inadmissibility related to unlawful presence under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) section 212(a)(9)(B). The waiver is essential as it minimizes the time applicants would otherwise spend apart from their family during the waiver process.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet specific criteria to be eligible for the I-601A waiver:

• The applicant must be physically present in the United States at the time of filing the waiver application and for biometric data collection.
• They should be at least 17 years old when applying.
• An approved family-based I-130 petition, evidencing their relationship with a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident family member.
• The applicant must demonstrate that a denial of the waiver would cause extreme hardship to their U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse or parents.

It’s essential for applicants to understand that the I-601A waiver process is complex and requires a detailed understanding of immigration law.

Current Fee Amount

The current fee for the I-601A application is $630. Applicants under the age of 79 are also required to pay an additional $85 for biometrics services, making the total fee $715.

Methods of Payment

Applicants can pay the filing fee using:

• Personal checks
• Money orders
• Cashier’s checks Payments must be made payable to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Note: Do not use abbreviations when writing the payee name.

Fee Waiver Eligibility

Fee waivers are not available for the I-601A provisional unlawful presence waiver application. All applicants must pay the full required fee, unless exempted under specific guidelines set by the USCIS.

Required Documentation

Applicants must provide evidence that establishes their eligibility for the provisional unlawful presence waiver. This includes proof of their relationship to a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, and documentation supporting their claim of extreme hardship to their U.S. relative should the waiver not be granted.

Step-by-Step Filing Procedure

1. Complete Form I-601A: The form must be filled out thoroughly, ensuring all the information provided is current and accurate.
2. Gather Necessary Documentation: Assemble all required documents, including proof of relationship and hardship, as mentioned above.
3. Pay the Fees: As of the latest update, the processing fee is $630, plus a biometric processing fee of $85. Applicants 79 years old or older are exempt from the biometric fee.
4. Mail the Application: Applicants should send their completed Form I-601A along with all supporting documents and the correct fees to the USCIS Chicago Lockbox facility.

After an applicant submits their Form I-601A and the accompanying filing fee, the process progresses through several steps. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) provides notifications and facilitates further requirements for the applicant.

Receipt Notice

Once the USCIS accepts the Form I-601A for processing, the applicant receives a Receipt Notice. This document, Form I-797C, confirms the receipt of the application and includes a receipt number, which is critical for tracking the case’s progress.

Biometrics Appointment

Following the acceptance of the application, USCIS schedules a Biometrics Appointment. Applicants under the age of 79 are required to attend this appointment for fingerprinting and other biometric services, with the associated fee already paid at the time of initial filing.

Case Status Tracking

Applicants can monitor the status of their Form I-601A using the receipt number from the Receipt Notice. The USCIS offers case status tracking online or through their customer service hotline, providing transparent updates on the application’s progression.

Understanding Inadmissibility

The I-601A waiver exists to address the legal issue of inadmissibility due to unlawful presence in the United States. Under the Immigration and Nationality Act section 212(a)(9)(B), individuals who have been unlawfully present in the U.S. for more than 180 days but less than one year and then depart voluntarily, face a three-year bar from re-entry. Those unlawfully present for over one year face a ten-year bar from re-entry upon departure. The I-601A provisional waiver allows qualifying applicants to apply for a waiver of these bars before leaving the U.S. for their consular interview.

Role of Legal Representation

Legal representation is often crucial in navigating the complexities of immigration law and ensuring a correctly filed I-601A application. An immigration attorney can provide:

• Guidance on the eligibility criteria for the waiver.
• Assistance in gathering necessary documentation, such as proof of extreme hardship to qualifying relatives.
• Advocacy in the event of any legal complexities that may arise during the process.

Attorneys experienced in immigration law understand the procedural nuances and can help applicants avoid common pitfalls that could lead to delays or denials.

When applying for an I-601A Provisional Unlawful Presence Waiver, applicants have access to a variety of resources and support mechanisms to ease the process. One should leverage official channels and expert legal advice for the most accurate assistance.

USCIS Contact Information

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) provides direct assistance through various means. Applicants may contact USCIS for information regarding the I-601A waiver, including filing fees:

• Phone: Contact the USCIS National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283.
• Mail: Correspondence regarding the I-601A application should be directed to the appropriate USCIS address as listed on their website or on application instructions.
• Online: For updates on fees and forms, the USCIS official website (uscis.gov) remains the authoritative source.

Finding Assistance and Advice

Applicants seeking assistance in the application process for an I-601A waiver should consider:

• Immigration Attorneys: Consult with a licensed immigration attorney for legal advice tailored to your specific case.
• Non-Profit Organizations: There are numerous non-profit organizations that offer support and information on immigration processes at reduced rates or free of charge.
• Official USCIS Guides: USCIS offers instructional materials and guides that provide step-by-step assistance in completing the I-601A application.