After the approval of the I-601A waiver, which forgives certain immigration violations, there are still several steps that must be taken in order to obtain legal permanent residency in the United States. These steps include attending a visa interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate, undergoing a medical exam, and submitting additional documentation to demonstrate eligibility for the visa. In this process, it is important to work closely with an experienced immigration attorney to ensure the best possible outcome.
Understanding the I-601A Waiver
The I-601A Provisional Unlawful Presence Waiver allows individuals who have accrued unlawful presence in the United States to apply for a waiver of inadmissibility due to that unlawful presence. The waiver is granted to individuals who can demonstrate that their removal would cause extreme hardship to their U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse or parent. The I-601A waiver is only available to individuals who are already in the United States and have an approved immigrant visa petition.
Approval of the I-601A Waiver
When an individual’s I-601A waiver is approved, they will receive a Notice of Approval from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This approval means that the individual has been granted a waiver of inadmissibility due to their unlawful presence, and they can proceed with their immigrant visa application at a U.S. consulate abroad.
Key Takeaway: The I-601A Waiver allows individuals who have accrued unlawful presence in the US to apply for a waiver of inadmissibility due to that unlawful presence, and is granted to individuals who can demonstrate that their removal would cause extreme hardship to their US citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse or parent. Approval of the waiver means individuals can proceed with their immigrant visa application at a US consulate abroad, attend an immigrant visa interview, and if approved, travel to the US as a lawful permanent resident.</div>
## Immigrant Visa Application and Interview
After the I-601A waiver is approved, the individual must attend an immigrant visa interview at a U.S. consulate in their home country. At the interview, the consular officer will review the individual’s immigrant visa application and supporting documents, and ask questions about their eligibility for the visa. The consular officer will also review the individual’s criminal history and medical records, and may request additional documentation if necessary.
Key Takeaway: The I-601A waiver is granted to individuals who can demonstrate extreme hardship to their family members and have been approved for an immigrant visa petition. After the waiver is approved, the individual must attend an immigrant visa interview at a U.S. consulate in their home country, and if approved, they can travel to the United States as a lawful permanent resident.
Travel to the United States
If the individual’s immigrant visa is approved at the consular interview, they will receive their visa and can travel to the United States as a lawful permanent resident. Upon arrival, they will be inspected by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and admitted to the United States as a lawful permanent resident.
FAQs for what follows after the approval of i601a waiver
What happens after i601a waiver gets approved?
Once your i601a waiver gets approved, the National Visa Center (NVC) will receive your file from USCIS. NVC will then work on your immigrant visa application, including collecting necessary documents and scheduling your visa interview with the US embassy in your home country.
How long does it take to receive the visa after i601a waiver approval?
The processing time for the immigrant visa application varies widely depending on the embassy and the complexity of the case. You can check the estimated processing time on the US Department of State’s Visa Bulletin. Once you receive the interview notice, you will have to attend the visa interview and complete any additional steps required by the embassy. After that, it may take several days to several weeks or even months to receive your visa.
What can I do while waiting for my visa after i601a waiver approval?
During the waiting period, you can start preparing for your move to the US. You can look for housing, gather documents, and start planning your travel. It is also recommended that you keep in touch with the embassy and update them if there are any changes or updates to your contact information, employment, or travel plans.
Can I enter the US while waiting for my visa after i601a waiver approval?
No, you cannot enter the US until you receive your immigrant visa. Once you receive your visa, you can enter the US and become a lawful permanent resident. It is strongly advised not to attempt to enter the US without a valid visa, as it may result in inadmissibility and other legal consequences.
What happens if my i601a waiver gets denied?
If your i601a waiver gets denied, you can choose to reapply or file an appeal. You will also have to work with an immigration lawyer to understand why the waiver was denied and how to address the issues in your next application or appeal.
