Form I-192: Unveiling the Application Process for a U.S. Entry Waiver

Form I-192 is a legal document utilised by individuals who are deemed inadmissible but seek temporary entry into the United States.

Purpose of Form I-192

The primary purpose of Form I-192, Application for Advance Permission to Enter as a Nonimmigrant, is to provide a way for nonimmigrant aliens who have been found inadmissible to the United States to apply for temporary admission. This form is necessary because inadmissibility can prevent entry into the U.S. for reasons found in section 212(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility for Form I-192 requires the applicant to fall into one of the following categories:

• Inadmissible nonimmigrants who already have the appropriate documents for temporary entry.
• Applicants for T or U nonimmigrant status, where T refers to victims of human trafficking and U refers to victims of certain crimes.

Applying for Form I-192, known as “Application for Advance Permission to Enter as Nonimmigrant,” requires thorough preparation. An applicant must compile the correct documentation, understand the timeline, and prepare for the associated fees.

Required Documentation

The following documents are necessary when applying for Form I-192:

• Identification: Copy of an official passport or other travel documents.
• Evidence of Inadmissibility: Documentation detailing the reasons the applicant is inadmissible to the U.S.
• Supporting Information: Letters of reference or any other documents that support the application.

It is imperative to ensure all documentation is current and valid.

Application Timeline

The timeline for Form I-192 processing can vary; however, applicants should be aware of the following:

1. Application Submission: After compiling all required documents, the applicant submits Form I-192 to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
2. Acknowledgment of Receipt: USCIS will send a notification indicating they have received the form.
3. Processing Time: USCIS processing times can fluctuate, but applicants should be prepared for the process to take several months.

Applicants should plan their travel accordingly and allow ample time for processing.

Filing Fees

As of the latest update, the filing fee for Form I-192 is listed as follows:

• Application Fee: The standard fee is required for all applicants.
• Biometrics Fee: Additional fees may be required for biometric services.

Fees are subject to change, so applicants should verify the current cost on the USCIS website or by contacting USCIS directly before submitting their application. Fee waivers are available for certain categories of applicants, and applicants should determine their eligibility for a fee waiver prior to applying.

The Form I-192 application process involves several critical steps that applicants must follow diligently to apply for advance permission to enter the United States as a nonimmigrant. This section outlines the submission procedures, biometric services appointments, and adjudication process.

Submission Procedures

Applicants must complete Form I-192 and submit it either electronically through the Electronic Immigration System (USCIS ELIS) or by postal mail to the appropriate address as directed by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Supporting documents that evidence the applicant’s eligibility and address grounds of inadmissibility should accompany the form. It is crucial to use the latest version of the form and comply with all the specified instructions.

Biometric Services Appointments

After submission, applicants are required to attend a biometric services appointment at a USCIS Application Support Center (ASC) for fingerprinting and, if necessary, photography. USCIS will notify applicants of their appointment time and location. Failure to attend can result in application delays or denial.

Adjudication Process

Finally, the adjudication process starts once USCIS has received the application and biometric data. During this stage, USCIS officers review the application and determine eligibility based on the provided information and legal criteria. The process’s length can vary depending on individual circumstances, and applicants may be asked for additional information or to attend an interview. Applicants receive a written notice of the decision from USCIS, which may approve or deny the application for advance permission to enter the U.S.

Inadmissibility refers to the legal grounds that prevent an individual from entering or obtaining legal status in the United States. It is codified in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).

Grounds of Inadmissibility

The INA specifies various grounds on which a noncitizen may be deemed inadmissible. These grounds include, but are not limited to:

• Health-related reasons: Individuals with certain communicable diseases.
• Criminal grounds: Convictions for specific crimes, such as drug offenses or crimes involving moral turpitude.
• Security and related grounds: Suspected terrorist activities or threats to national security.
• Public charge: Likelihood of becoming primarily dependent on the government for subsistence.
• Labor certification: If proper labor certification is not obtained when required.
• Illegal entrants and immigration violators: Previous unlawful presence or violation of immigration laws.

Waivers of Inadmissibility

Some individuals may be eligible for waivers which allow them to overcome their inadmissibility under certain conditions. Key details include:

• Form I-192: Nonimmigrants can apply for advance permission to enter the U.S. temporarily using Form I-192.
• Three-year, ten-year, and permanent bars: Waivers can apply to the unlawful presence grounds of inadmissibility typically resulting in three and ten-year bars, or permanent bars.
• Discretionary relief: Waivers are granted at the discretion of immigration authorities and may depend on the severity and circumstances of the inadmissibility grounds.

Once an applicant has submitted Form I-192, they enter the review phase in which United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) processes their application. This phase involves several steps, each important in navigating towards the final decision.

Status Checks

Applicants may check the status of their Form I-192 application through the USCIS online case status tool by entering their receipt number. Additionally, the USCIS Contact Center can be reached for updates if the online system is inconclusive.

Dealing with Delays

Application processing times for Form I-192 vary. If an applicant experiences delays that exceed typical processing times, they are encouraged to:

• Contact USCIS to inquire about the delay.
• Verify that their contact information is current to ensure they receive all correspondence.

Receiving Your Decision

The decision on the Form I-192 application will be mailed to the applicant. It is paramount for applicants to notify USCIS immediately of any address changes to avoid miscommunication. Applicants will receive either an approval or a denial, and in the case of a denial, information on whether there is an option to appeal the decision.

The section discusses the critical legal frameworks relevant to Form I-192, focusing on established legal precedents and the delineation of rights and responsibilities essential for applicants to comprehend.

Legal Precedents

Legal precedents for Form I-192 are largely informed by cases and statutes relating to inadmissibility. Its application process and criteria for permission to enter the U.S. as a nonimmigrant are structured around the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) section 212(a). Applications are influenced by historical rulings, including adjustments from legal actions such as Vangala v. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, impacting fee structures and backdating protocols.

Specific provisions within the INA address scenarios such as unlawful presence and other grounds of inadmissibility, which are directly pertinent to the considerations for granting waivers through Form I-192. Applicants must closely adhere to these legal prerequisites to ensure lawful processing of their applications.

Rights and Responsibilities

Applicants must acknowledge their responsibilities when submitting Form I-192. It is their duty to provide accurate information and disclose all relevant circumstances regarding their inadmissibility. They are also responsible for paying the appropriate filing fee, which may vary depending on historical fee schedules as indicated by settlements such as in Vangala v. USCIS.

Conversely, they retain certain rights during the application process, which include the right to appeal a denial of their application. They are entitled to fair processing in accordance with the INA and current USCIS policies and have the right to legal representation should they choose to seek assistance with their application.

When applying for Form I-192, applicants may require assistance or have questions. Below are specific resources that provide additional support for the application process.

Contact Information

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS):

• Phone: 1-800-375-5283
• For hearing-impaired TTY service: 1-800-767-1833

Note: Applicants seeking advice or information about their specific case should have their receipt number handy for reference.

Support Services

Legal Assistance:

• American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA): Find a lawyer via the AILA’s Immigration Lawyer Search tool at www.ailalawyer.com.

Community-Based Organizations:

• Many non-profit organizations provide free or low-cost immigration legal services. Applicants can search for local organizations that assist with immigration applications.

FAQs and Help Centers

USCIS Help Center:

• Visit the USCIS Help Center for frequently asked questions.

Form I-192 Specific FAQs:

• For a detailed list of frequently asked questions specifically about Form I-192, applicants can refer to the USCIS’s official page dedicated to Form I-192.