Question: I am in the process of applying for a green card through marriage. I entered the U.S. without inspection, so I have to file a Form I-601A waiver. My I-130 was approved, but I’m afraid to move onto the next step. I have to file a waiver, and I don’t want to be separated from my wife and children. Do I have to depart the U.S. while my I-601A waiver is pending? Or can I wait here in the U.S. with my family while my I-601A waiver is processing?

Answer: No person wants to be separated from their loved ones. When it comes to immigration, there are times when a temporary separation cannot be avoided. However, with the I-601A provisional waiver, you will not have to depart the U.S. while your application is pending. If your I-601A is approved, you will be able to leave the U.S. and attend an immigrant visa interview abroad. At that stage, you will have peace of mind knowing that you have the approved waiver in your hands, and you will be able to return to the U.S. to be reunited with your family soon.   

Should I wait in the U.S. while my I-601A waiver application is pending?

In the past, waiver applicants had to depart the U.S. and wait outside the U.S. until a final decision was made on their waiver application. 

Under the current rules, a I-601A waiver applicant can wait in the U.S. while USCIS processes the waiver application. To many, this is a great benefit. But while the I-601A application is pending, please note that:

• A pending waiver application does not qualify you for employment authorization;
• A pending waiver application does not qualify you for advance parole;
• A pending waiver application is not a lawful immigration status;
• A pending waiver application does not stop accrual of unlawful presence;
• A pending waiver application does not protect against removal or deportation;
• A pending waiver application does not allow you to apply for a green card or immigrant visa inside the U.S.;
• You are not guaranteed an immigrant visa will be issued at your interview abroad; and
• An approved I-601A waiver does not guarantee admission into the U.S. after receiving your immigrant visa abroad.

Please note, a waiver may take two years or longer to be adjudicated. 

Can USCIS revoke my waiver after approving my waiver?

Yes, USCIS may still revoke an approved waiver if:

• You attempt to reenter the U.S. without inspection, admission or parole after your I-601A waiver is approved or before your immigrant visa is issued; 
• The interviewing consular officer determines at the interview that you are ineligible for the immigrant visa because you are inadmissible on grounds other than the 3-year or 10-year unlawful presence bars;
• Your immigrant visa petition is revoked, withdrawn, or rendered invalid; or
• The Department of State (DOS) terminates your immigrant visa registration.