Navigating the U.S. immigration system can feel like walking through a legal labyrinth, especially when your family’s future is on the line. If you or a loved one is considered “inadmissible” to the United States, you may have heard of the I-601 and I-601A waivers. While they both address the concept of “Extreme Hardship,” they serve very different purposes.
At AACS Counseling, we help families bridge the gap between legal requirements and clinical proof. Understanding which waiver you need is the first step toward a successful application.
1. Form I-601: The Traditional Waiver
The I-601 Application for Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility is the broader of the two. It is designed for individuals who are either outside the U.S. and have been denied a visa at a consulate, or those inside the U.S. who are applying for an Adjustment of Status.
What it Covers:
- Multiple Grounds: Unlike the I-601A, this waiver covers criminal history, immigration fraud, misrepresentation, and certain health-related grounds.
- Unlawful Presence: It can also waive the 3- or 10-year bar for staying in the U.S. without a visa.
Timing and Location:
Historically, the I-601 is filed after a consular officer has officially determined you are inadmissible. This often means the applicant is already outside the U.S. and must wait abroad for a decision, which can lead to prolonged family separation.
2. Form I-601A: The Provisional Waiver
The I-601A Provisional Unlawful Presence Waiver was created specifically to reduce the time families spend apart.
What it Covers:
- Unlawful Presence ONLY: This is the most critical distinction. If you have a criminal record or a history of fraud, the I-601A cannot help you. It only “forgives” the time you spent in the U.S. without legal status.
Timing and Location:
The I-601A is filed while the applicant is still inside the United States. You wait for the approval here with your family. Once approved, you then travel to your home country for your consular interview with the “provisional” waiver already in hand.
Key Comparison: I-601 vs. I-601A (2026 Data)
| Feature | Form I-601 | Form I-601A |
| Primary Use | Fraud, Criminal, Health, Unlawful Presence | Only Unlawful Presence |
| Applicant Location | Usually Outside the U.S. | Must be Inside the U.S. |
| Qualifying Relative | Spouse or Parent (Citizen/LPR) | Spouse or Parent (Citizen/LPR) |
| 2026 Filing Fee | $1,050 | $715 (Online) / $795 (Paper) |
| Median Processing | ~20.5 Months | 28.5 – 32 Months |
| Where to File | USCIS Lockbox | USCIS (HART Service Center) |
The “Extreme Hardship” Requirement
Both waivers require you to prove that a Qualifying Relative (a U.S. citizen or Green Card holder spouse or parent) would suffer “extreme hardship” if you were not allowed to stay.
Note: Hardship to children is not directly considered as a “qualifying” factor for these waivers, though their suffering can be used to demonstrate the secondary impact on the qualifying spouse or parent.
Why a Clinical Evaluation is Essential
USCIS officers are trained to look for hardship that goes beyond the “normal” emotional distress of separation. This is where AACS Counseling plays a vital role. A professional psychological evaluation provides the objective, clinical evidence needed to prove your case:
- Clinical Diagnoses: Documenting conditions like Major Depressive Disorder or PTSD that would worsen with separation.
- Financial & Functional Stress: Assessing how the loss of a caregiver or provider would lead to a mental health crisis for the qualifying relative.
- Expert Credibility: Moving your case from a “personal story” to a “professional clinical assessment.”
2026 Processing: The HART Service Center
In 2026, most I-601A applications are handled by the HART (Humanitarian, Adjustment, Removing Conditions and Travel Documents) Service Center. While the center is digitizing files to speed up the 30-month backlog, the scrutiny on “Extreme Hardship” evidence has never been higher. A well-documented file at the start can prevent a Request for Evidence (RFE), which can add another 6–12 months to your wait.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I travel while my I-601A is pending?
Generally, no. Leaving the U.S. before the waiver is approved and your interview is scheduled can trigger the very bar you are trying to avoid.
- What if I have an old DUI?
Even a minor criminal record can disqualify you from an I-601A. In this case, your attorney may recommend the I-601 instead.
- Is an evaluation mandatory?
While not a legal requirement, most immigration attorneys highly recommend a psychological evaluation from a specialist like AACS Counseling to meet the high evidentiary bar.
Next Steps for Your Journey
Choosing the wrong waiver can lead to years of unnecessary delay or even a permanent bar from the United States. Always consult with a qualified immigration attorney before filing.