US Immigration News

What Non-Immigrants Need to Know About the I-192 Waiver

3.25 minute read
"The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) may determine that you are inadmissible to enter the United States for several reasons. It may be due to a past criminal record, non-compliance with immigration laws, or even for medical reasons."
Written by My Visa Source Team
Published on:  Sep 19, 2021
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The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) may determine that you are inadmissible to enter the United States for several reasons. It may be due to a past criminal record, non-compliance with immigration laws, or even for medical reasons. Once you have been determined as inadmissible to the US, you will be restricted from temporarily or permanently entering the US.

There is only one way to overcome US Inadmissibility and that is by obtaining an approved Form I-192, Application for Advance Permission to Enter as a Nonimmigrant. 

Who Is the Form I-192 for?

Form I-192 is for nonimmigrants who need advanced permission to enter the US due to inadmissibility. This waiver will only allow the applicant temporary residence in the US. To obtain this form, you must be:

Inadmissible to the US and in possession of the appropriate documents: 

This category includes foreign nationals who either already have a US Visa stamp on their passport or have applied for a nonimmigrant US Visa and were eligible. 

An applicant for the T Nonimmigrant Visa: 

The T Nonimmigrant Visa is for victims of a severe form of human trafficking. This visa will allow the holders up to 4 years of temporary residence in the US, provided they meet certain requirements. To be eligible for this visa, the applicant must demonstrate that:

  • They are a victim of a severe form of human trafficking, for example, sex or labor trafficking
  • They must be in the US or its territories or one of its ports of entry due to such trafficking
  • They must comply and assist the law enforcement in the investigation and prosecution of the traffickers
  • They may suffer extreme hardship or harm if removed from the US

Applicants who meet the above-mentioned criteria and are for some reason inadmissible to the US may apply for this waiver. However, applicants to the T Visa can not be determined as inadmissible based on their possibility to become a public charge. Therefore, since they are exempt from this inadmissibility, they need not file for a waiver to enter the US.

An applicant for the U Nonimmigrant Visa: 

The U Nonimmigrant Visa is for victims of criminal activity who have suffered mental or physical abuse and can assist the law enforcement in the investigation or prosecution of the criminal activity. This visa allows the holder to reside in the US temporarily for up to 4 years. Applicants must demonstrate that:

  • They were helpful or are likely to be helpful to the law enforcement in the investigation or prosecution process
  • The criminal activity took place in the US or its territories

Similar public charge inadmissibility exemption mentioned above applies to the applicants of the U Nonimmigrant Visa.

Canadian citizen: 

While Canadian citizens do not require a US Visa to enter the US, they still may be denied entry due to certain inadmissible reasons. In such cases, Canadian citizens can apply for Form I-192 for a temporary visit to the US.

What Is the Average Processing Time for Form I-192?

The processing time for Form I-192 depends on every case’s unique circumstances. However, the average processing time is around 4 to 6 months since the filing date. The processing time will also depend on the number of applications under consideration and the time taken by other federal agencies to do the necessary background checks. If you have filed for Form I-192 a second time, then it will be processed much faster, generally within 3-4 months.

What Is the Validity Period for Form I-192?

This waiver can be issued for a maximum period of 5 years. Earlier, the US used to offer Canadian Border Crossing Cards, also known as “lifetime waivers.” It was discontinued, however, those issued before the change in the US law remain valid, provided no new inadmissibilities have been determined since then.

First-time waivers are usually issued for a period between 6 months to 1 year. Certain waivers may be issued for 2-3 years. You can apply for a renewal for your waiver once it has expired.  

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