Immigration Waiver Lawyer Serving Los Angeles County

Certain immigration violations may prevent an applicant from obtaining lawful permanent residence or returning to the United States. In some situations, individuals may request relief through an immigration waiver, which asks the government to forgive a specific ground of inadmissibility.

Marat Law APC assists clients in Glendale and throughout Los Angeles County with immigration waiver cases, including unlawful presence waivers and other waiver applications submitted to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Careful preparation and supporting documentation are essential when pursuing an immigration waiver.

What Is an Immigration Waiver?

An immigration waiver is a legal request asking the U.S. government to overlook a specific immigration violation that would otherwise make an applicant inadmissible.

Waivers may be available in certain circumstances when the applicant can demonstrate qualifying hardship to a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident family member.

Each waiver application must be carefully documented and supported with evidence explaining the circumstances of the case.

Common Immigration Waivers

Our office assists with several types of immigration waiver cases, including:

I-601 Waiver (Application for Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility)
Often used when an applicant is found inadmissible during consular processing or certain adjustment cases.

I-601A Provisional Unlawful Presence Waiver
Allows certain applicants to apply for a waiver of unlawful presence before departing the United States for a visa interview abroad.

These waivers are commonly used in family-based immigration cases, particularly when a spouse of a U.S. citizen or permanent resident previously accrued unlawful presence.

I-601A Provisional Waiver

The I-601A provisional waiver allows certain applicants who are otherwise eligible for a family-based immigrant visa to request forgiveness for unlawful presence before leaving the United States for consular processing.

If approved, the applicant may proceed with the visa interview abroad with reduced risk of being barred from returning due to unlawful presence.

Eligibility requirements and documentation must be reviewed carefully before filing this type of waiver.

Proving Extreme Hardship

Many waiver applications require demonstrating extreme hardship to a qualifying U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident relative.

Evidence used to support hardship claims may include:

Medical conditions affecting the qualifying relative
Financial hardship and employment considerations
Family ties and caregiving responsibilities
Educational disruption
Conditions in the applicant’s home country

Building a strong waiver application typically requires detailed documentation and a clear explanation of how the hardship affects the qualifying relative.

When an Immigration Waiver May Be Needed

Immigration waivers may be required in situations involving:

Unlawful presence in the United States
Prior immigration violations
Certain criminal issues
Misrepresentation in prior immigration filings

Each situation must be carefully reviewed to determine whether a waiver may be available.

Family-Based Immigration and Waivers

Waivers are often connected to family-based immigration cases, including marriage-based green card applications.

Applicants who cannot complete their case through Adjustment of Status may need to pursue consular processing along with a waiver request.

You can learn more about family-based immigration and adjustment of status through the resources available on our site.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an I-601 waiver?

An I-601 waiver asks USCIS to forgive certain immigration violations that would otherwise prevent an applicant from receiving a visa or green card.

What is an I-601A provisional waiver?

The I-601A waiver allows certain applicants to request forgiveness for unlawful presence before leaving the United States for a visa interview abroad.

What does “extreme hardship” mean?

Extreme hardship generally refers to serious financial, medical, emotional, or family consequences that would affect a qualifying U.S. citizen or permanent resident relative.

How long do immigration waivers take?

Processing times vary depending on the waiver type and USCIS workload.

Can everyone apply for an immigration waiver?

No. Waiver eligibility depends on the specific immigration violation and the applicant’s circumstances.

Speak With an Immigration Attorney

Immigration waiver cases can be complex and require detailed documentation and legal analysis. Scheduling a consultation can help determine whether a waiver may be available and how to prepare the strongest possible application.

For an overview of our immigration services, you can also learn more about working with an immigration lawyer in Los Angeles.

If you believe you may need an immigration waiver, our office can assist with reviewing your situation and planning the next steps.