Application for Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility

Instructions for Application for Waiver of
Grounds of Inadmissibility
Department of Homeland Security
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

USCIS
Form I-690

OMB No. 1615-0032
Expires 03/31/2017

What Is the Purpose of This Form?
An applicant for adjustment of status under section 210 (Special Agricultural Workers) or 245A (Legalization) of the
Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) uses this form to apply for a waiver of inadmissibility.

Who Does NOT Need to File Form I-690?

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The following inadmissibility grounds do not apply and a waiver is not needed:
1.

INA section 212(a)(5)(A), Workers entering the United States without labor certification;

2.

INA section 212(a)(7)(A)(i)(I), Immigrants not in possession of a valid entry document; and

3.

INA section 212(a)(7)(A)(i)(II), Visas issued without compliance with Section 203 of the INA.

Which inadmissibility grounds cannot be waived by filing this Form I-690?
You should not file this form if you require a waiver of inadmissibility for:

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1.

INA section 212 (a)(2)(A)(i)(I), Crimes involving moral turpitude, an act or behavior that violates the acceptable
moral standards of a community;

2.

INA section 212(a)(2)(A)(i)(II), Crimes involving controlled substances; exceptions to this can be found later in these
instructions;

3.

INA section 212(a)(2)(B), Multiple criminal convictions;

4.

INA section 212(a)(2)(C), Controlled substance traffickers;

5.

INA section 212(a)(3), Security and related grounds; and

6.

INA section 212(a)(4), Public charge; exceptions to this can be found later in these instructions.

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Who May File Form I-690?

1. Applicants Who Require a Waiver for Tuberculosis (TB)

The physician or medical facility that will provide the required treatment to you must fill out Section C. of Supplement 1,
Applicants With a Class A Tuberculosis Condition (As Defined by Health and Human Services Regulations). A
state health department official in the jurisdiction where you will reside must also complete and sign Section D. If you are
outside of the United States, a relative in the United States must complete this process for you.
After the Supplement 1 is completed, attach the supporting documents and file with your waiver application. If you
are inadmissible because of TB and do not include a properly completed Supplement 1, your waiver application will
be returned to you.
2. Applicants Requesting a Waiver of the Vaccination Requirements of INA section 212(a)(1)(A)(ii)
If your waiver application is based on religious or moral objections to vaccinations, you must establish that:
A. You object to vaccinations in any form;
B. You object because of your religious beliefs or moral convictions (you do not need to be a member of a
"mainstream" or recognized religion); and
C. Your beliefs are sincere.
At a minimum, you must submit a personal statement describing the basis of your objection.
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NOTE: You can apply for a waiver of the vaccination requirements without filing this form and without
paying a fee if:
A. You initially did not submit proof that you have received the required vaccinations, but you are now vaccinated; or
B. It is not medically appropriate for you to receive one or more of the required vaccinations. The physician will make
this certification according to the applicable regulations published by the Department of Health and Human Services
(HHS) and the technical instructions for physicians designated to perform the required medical examination. These
instructions are published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). According to the technical
instructions, the phrase "not medically appropriate" covers the following situations:
(1) The vaccination is not recommended by the Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices for your age
group;

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(2) The vaccination is medically inadvisable;

(3) There is an insufficient amount of time between doses for vaccines requiring a series of doses; or
(4) It is not the flu season (for the flu vaccine only).

3. Applicants Who Have a Physical or Mental Disorder With Associated Harmful Behavior - INA section
212(a)(1)(A)(iii)(I) or (II)
If the examining physician determines that you have a physical or mental disorder with associated harmful behavior,
or a past history of a physical or mental disorder with associated harmful behavior that is likely to recur, the medical
examination report completed by the designated physician will, at a minimum, contain the following information, as
required by HHS regulations at 42 CFR Part 34 and the technical instructions published by the CDC:

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A. A complete medical history, including the details of any previous or current hospitalization, treatment or care;
B. The current findings, diagnosis and prognosis; and

C. Any other information necessary for USCIS to determine, in consultation with HHS, the terms and conditions that
should be imposed on the waiver, if it is granted.
4.

Applicants Who Are Inadmissible Because of Substance or Drug Abuse or Substance or Drug Addiction - INA
section 212(a)(1)(A)(iv)
The designated physician will determine whether you are currently using, or have used in the past, any controlled
substance. The examining physician will make this determination during the required medical exam, according to the
applicable HHS regulations at 42 CFR Part 34 and the technical instructions published by the CDC.

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If you are inadmissible under INA section 212(a)(1)(A)(iv) due to drug abuse or drug addiction, you may apply for a
waiver. After consulting with HHS, USCIS will exercise discretion to determine whether to grant a waiver. To be
eligible for a substance or drug abuse or addiction waiver, you must not be inadmissible on any other grounds that
cannot be waived.
NOTE: You are not inadmissible under INA section 212(a)(1)(A)(iv) if the designated physician determines that you
are in remission for previous drug use or abuse, based on the applicable HHS regulations and the technical instructions
published by the CDC.
A. If you engaged in the use of any controlled substance, and your use of this substance was illegal at the place
where it occurred, your admission to the examining physician may be sufficient to make you inadmissible on
criminal grounds under INA section 212(a)(2)(A)(i)(II) relating to any controlled substance violation (regardless
of whether your use of the controlled occurred in the United States or in another country).
B. The USCIS officer reviewing your primary benefit application (Form I-687, Application for Status as a
Temporary Resident Under Section 245A of the INA, Form I-698, Application to Adjust Status From Temporary
to Permanent Resident (Under Section 245A of the INA) and/or Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent
Residence or Adjust Status) will determine whether this admission to the designated physician makes you
inadmissible under INA section 212(a)(2)(A)(i)(II).
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C. The only drug offense under INA section 212(a)(2)(A)(i)(II) that can be waived is a single offense related to a
single offense of simple possession of 30 grams or less of marijuana.
5. Applicants Who Are Inadmissible Based on Public Charge under INA section 212(a)(4)
In general, inadmissibility based on public charge under INA section 212(a)(4) cannot be waived. However, INA
section 212(a)(4) may be waived for applicants who are a certain age, blind, or have a disability (as defined in section
1614(a)(1) of the Social Security Act). Public charge does not apply to applicants who are exempt as specified in
INA section 245A(d)(2)(B)(ii).
6. Other Inadmissibility Grounds
A. INA section 212(a)(6)(A)(i) Aliens Present Without Admission or Parole;

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B. INA section 212(a)(6)(C)(i) or (ii) Misrepresentation - False Claim to US Citizenship;
C. INA section 212(a)(6)(D) or (E) Stowaways or Smugglers;

D. INA section 212(a)(8)(A) or (B) Permanently Ineligible for Citizenship;

E. INA section 212(a)(9)(A)(i) or (ii) Aliens Previously Removed - Arriving or Other;
F. INA section 212(a)(9)(B)(i)(I) or (II) Aliens Unlawfully Present - 180 days but less than one year or one year or
more;
G. INA section 212(a)(9)(C)(i)(I) or (II) Aliens Unlawfully Present after Previous Immigration Violations - More
than one year or ordered removed and enters or reenters; and

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H. INA section 212(a)(10)(A),(B),(C),(D) Miscellaneous - Practicing Polygamist or Guardian required to accompany
helpless alien or International Child Abductor or Unlawful Voters.
Inadmissibility grounds not otherwise addressed in these instructions may be waived at USCIS' discretion for
humanitarian purposes, family unity, or in the public interest.

General Instructions

USCIS provides forms free of charge through the USCIS website. In order to view, print, or fill out our forms, you should
use the latest version of Adobe Reader, which you can download for free at http://get.adobe.com/reader/. If you do not
have Internet access, you may call the USCIS National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283 and ask that we mail
a form to you. For TTY (deaf or hard of hearing) call: 1-800-767-1833.

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Signature. Each application must be properly signed and filed. For all signatures on this application, USCIS will not
accept a stamped or typewritten name in place of a signature. If you are under 14 years of age, your parent or legal
guardian may sign the application on your behalf. A legal guardian also may sign for a mentally incompetent person.
Filing Fee. Each application must be accompanied by the appropriate filing fee. (See the What Is the Filing Fee section
of these instructions).
Evidence. At the time of filing, you must submit all evidence and supporting documentation listed in these instructions.
Biometric Services Appointment. USCIS may require that you appear for an interview or provide fingerprints, photograph,
and/or signature at any time to verify your identity, obtain additional information, and conduct background and security
checks including a check of criminal history records maintained by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), before making
a decision on your application. After USCIS receives your application and ensures it is complete, we will inform you in
writing if you need to attend a biometric services appointment. If an appointment is necessary, the notice will provide you
the location of your local or designated USCIS Application Support Center (ASC) and the date and time of your appointment
or, if you are currently overseas, instruct you to contact a U.S. Embassy, U.S. Consulate, or USCIS Office outside the United
States to set up an appointment. If you fail to attend your biometric services appointment, USCIS may deny your application.

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Acknowledgement of Appointment at USCIS Application Support Center. Review the USCIS ASC Acknowledgement
that appears in Part 3. of the application. The purpose of this ASC Acknowledgement is to confirm that you have completed
your application, reviewed your responses, and affirmed that the information was provided by you and is complete, true, and
correct. If someone helped you fill out your application, that person must review the ASC Acknowledgement with you to
make sure you understand it.
Copies. You may submit legible photocopies of documents requested, unless the instructions specifically state that you
must submit an original document. USCIS may request an original document at the time of filing or at any time during
processing of an application. If you submit original documents when not required, the documents may remain a part of
the record, and USCIS will not automatically return them to you.
Translations. If you submit a document with information in a foreign language, you must also submit a full English
translation. The translator must sign a certification that the English language translation is complete and accurate, and
that the translator is competent to translate from the foreign language into English.
How To Fill Out Form I-690

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1.

Type or print legibly in black ink.

2.

If you need extra space to complete any item within this application, use the space in Part 6. Additional
Information or attach a separate sheet of paper; type or print your name and Alien Registration Number (A-Number)
(if any) at the top of each sheet; indicate the Page Number, Part Number, and Item Number to which your answer
refers; and date and sign each sheet.

3.

Answer all questions fully and accurately. If a question does not apply to you (for example, if you have never been
married and the question asks "Provide the name of your current spouse"), type or print "N/A," unless otherwise
directed. If your answer to a question which requires a numeric response is zero or none (for example, "How many
children do you have" or "How many times have you departed the United States), type or print "None," unless
otherwise directed.

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4. USCIS Online Account Number (if any). If you have previously filed an application, petition, or request using the
USCIS online filing system (previously called USCIS Electronic Immigration System (USCIS ELIS)), provide the
USCIS Online Account Number you were issued by the system. You can find your USCIS Online Account Number
by logging in to your account and going to the profile page. If you previously filed certain applications, petitions, or
requests on a paper form via a USCIS Lockbox facility, you may have received a USCIS Online Account Access
Notice issuing you a USCIS Online Account Number. If you received such a notice, your USCIS Online Account
Number can be found at the top of the notice. If you were issued a USCIS Online Account Number, enter it in the
space provided. The USCIS Online Account Number is not the same as an A-Number.

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5.

Part 3. Applicant's Statement, Contact Information, Acknowledgement of Appointment at USCIS Application
Support Center, Certification, and Signature. Select the appropriate box to indicate that you either read this
application yourself or someone interpreted this application for you from English to a language in which you are
fluent. If applicable, select the box to indicate if someone prepared this application for you. You must also affirm
that you have read and understand or that an interpreter or preparer read to you, and you understand the
Acknowledgement of Appointment at USCIS Application Support Center in Part 3. Further, you must sign and
date your application and provide your daytime telephone number, mobile telephone number (if any), and email
address (if any). Every application MUST contain the signature of the applicant (or parent or legal guardian, if
applicable). A stamped or typewritten name in place of a signature is not acceptable.

6.

Part 4. Interpreter's Contact Information, Certification, and Signature. If you used anyone as an interpreter to
read the instructions and questions on this application to you in a language in which you are fluent, the interpreter
must fill out this section, provide provide his or her name, the name and address of his or her business or organization
(if any), his or her daytime telephone number, and his or her email address (if any). The interpreter must also certify
that he or she has read the Acknowledgement of Appointment at USCIS Application Support Center in Part 3. to
you in the same language in which you are fluent. The interpreter must sign and date the application.

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7.

Part 5. Contact Information, Statement, Certification, and Signature of the Person Preparing this Application,
If Other Than the Applicant. This section must contain the signature of the person who completed your
application, if other than you, the applicant. If the same individual acted as your interpreter and your preparer, that
person should complete both Part 4. and Part 5. If the person who completed this application is associated with a
business or organization, that person should complete the business or organization name and address information.
Anyone who helped you prepare this application MUST sign and date the application. A stamped or typewritten
name in place of a signature is not acceptable. Anyone who helped you prepare your application must also certify
that he or she has read the Acknowledgement of Appointment at USCIS Application Support Center in Part 3. to
you, and that you informed him or her that you understood the ASC Acknowledgement. If the person who helped
you prepare your application is an attorney or accredited representative, he or she must also submit a completed Form
G-28, Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney or Accredited Representative, along with your application.

8.

Part 6. Additional Information. If you need extra space to provide any additional information within this
application, use the space provided in Part 6. Additional Information. If you need more space than what is
provided in Part 6. you may make copies of Part 6. to complete and file with your application, or attach a separate
sheet of paper. Include your name and A-Number (if any) at the top of each sheet; indicate the Page Number, Part
Number, and Item Number to which your answer refers; and sign and date each sheet.

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We recommend that you print or save a copy of your completed application to review in the future and
for your records. We recommend that you review your copy of your completed application before you
come to a biometric appointment at a USCIS ASC. At your appointment, USCIS will permit you to complete
the application process only if you are able to confirm, under penalty of perjury, that all of the information in
your application is complete, true, and correct. If you are not able to make that attestation in good faith at
that time, you will be required to return for another appointment when you are able to do so.

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What Evidence Should You Submit?

You must submit all evidence requested in these instructions with your application.

If you fail to submit required evidence, USCIS may reject or deny your application for failure to submit requested
evidence or supporting documents in accordance with 8 CFR 103.2(b)(1) and these instructions

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What Is the Filing Fee?

The filing fee for Form I-690 is $715.

You do not need to submit a biometric fee at the time you are filing this application; however, if USCIS determines that you
are required to submit biometrics, USCIS will inform you how to pay the biometric services fee. If you file this application
with an agency other than USCIS, please check with that agency to determine if and when you must submit biometric
services fees.
NOTE: The filing fee is not refundable, regardless of any action USCIS takes on this application. DO NOT MAIL
CASH. You must submit all fees in the exact amount.

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Use the following guidelines when you prepare your check or money order for the Form I-690 filing fee:
1.

The check or money order must be drawn on a bank or other financial institution located in the United States and
must be payable in U.S. currency; and

2.

Make the check or money order payable to U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
NOTE: Spell out U.S. Department of Homeland Security; do not use the initials "USDHS" or "DHS."

3.

If you live outside the United States, contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate for instructions on the
method of payment.

Notice to Those Making Payment by Check. If you send us a check, USCIS will convert it into an electronic funds
transfer (EFT). This means we will copy your check and use the account information on it to electronically debit your
account for the amount of the check. The debit from your account will usually take 24 hours and your bank will show it
on your regular account statement.

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You will not receive your original check back. We will destroy your original check, but will keep a copy of it. If USCIS
cannot process the EFT for technical reasons, you authorize us to process the copy in place of your original check. If your
check is returned as unpayable, USCIS will re-submit the payment to the financial institution one time. If the check is
returned as unpayable a second time, we will reject your application and charge you a returned check fee.
How to Check If the Fees Are Correct
Form I-690's filing fee is current as of edition date in the lower left corner of this page. However, because USCIS fees
change periodically, you can verify that the fees are correct by following one of the steps below.

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1.

Visit the USCIS website at www.uscis.gov, select "FORMS," and check the appropriate fee; or

2.

Call the USCIS National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283 and ask for fee information. For TTY (deaf or
hard of hearing) call: 1-800-767-1833.

NOTE: If your Form I-690 requires payment of a biometric services fee for USCIS to take your fingerprints, photograph,
and/or signature, you can use the same procedure to obtain the correct biometric services fee.

Where To File?

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Please see our website at www.uscis.gov/I-690 or call our National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283 for the
most current information about where to file this application. For TTY (deaf or hard of hearing) call: 1-800-767-1833.
If you are in proceedings in Immigration Court (that is, if you have been served with Form I-221, Order to Show Cause and
Notice of Hearing; Form I-122, Notice to Applicant for Admission Detained for Hearing Before an Immigration Judge;
Form I-862, Notice to Appear; or Form I-863, Notice of Referral to Immigration Judge, that were served on the Immigration
Court), file this application with the Immigration Court having administrative control over your case.

Address Change
You must notify USCIS of your new address within 10 days of moving from your previous residence. For information on
filing a change of address go to the USCIS website at www.uscis.gov/addresschange or contact the USCIS National
Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283. For TTY (deaf or hard of hearing) call: 1-800-767-1833.
NOTE: Do not submit a change of address request to USCIS Lockbox facilities because these facilities do not process
change of address requests.

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If you are already in proceedings in Immigration Court, you must notify the Immigration Court on EOIR Form 33/IC,
Alien's Change of Address Form/Immigration Court, of any changes of address within five days of the change in address.
The EOIR Form 33/IC is available on the EOIR website at http://www.justice.gov/eoir/formslist.htm. You must also
mail Form AR-11, Change of Address, to the address on the form or complete "Step 1" of "USCIS Online Change of
Address" at http://www.uscis.gov, within 10 days of moving.

Processing Information
An application is not considered properly filed until accepted by USCIS.
Initial Processing. Once USCIS accepts your application, we will check it for completeness. If you do not completely
fill out this application, you will not establish a basis for your eligibility, and USCIS may reject or deny your application.

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Requests for More Information. We may request that you provide more information or evidence to support your
application. We also may request that you provide the originals of any copies you submit. USCIS will return any
requested originals when they are no longer needed.
Requests for Interview. We may request that you appear at a USCIS office for an interview based on your application.
At the time of any interview or other appearance at a USCIS office, we may require that you provide your fingerprints,
photograph, and/or signature to verify your identity and/or update background and security checks.
Decision. The decision on Form I-690 involves a determination of whether you have established eligibility for the
immigration benefit you are seeking. USCIS will notify you of the decision in writing.

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USCIS Forms and Information

To ensure you are using the latest version of this application, visit the USCIS website at www.uscis.gov where you can
obtain the latest USCIS forms and immigration-related information. If you do not have Internet access, you may order
USCIS forms by calling our toll-free number at 1-800-870-3676. You may also obtain forms and information by calling
the USCIS National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283. For TTY (deaf or hard of hearing) call:
1-800-767-1833.
Instead of waiting in line for assistance at your local USCIS office, you can now schedule an appointment through the
USCIS Internet-based system, InfoPass, at infopass.uscis.gov/. Use the InfoPass appointment scheduler and follow the
screen prompts to set up your appointment. InfoPass generates an electronic appointment notice that appears on the screen.

Penalties

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If you knowingly and willfully falsify or conceal a material fact or submit a false document with your Form I-690, we will
deny your Form I-690 and may deny any other immigration benefit. In addition, you will face severe penalties provided
by law and may be subject to criminal prosecution.

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USCIS Privacy Act Statement
AUTHORITIES: The information requested on this application and the associated evidence, is collected under the
Immigration and Nationality Act, Section 210 and 245A, the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, and section
902 of the U.S. Department of State Authorization Bill of 1987.
PURPOSE: The primary purpose for providing the requested information on this application is to determine if you have
established eligibility for the immigration benefit for which you are filing. DHS will use the information you provide to
grant or deny the immigration benefit you are seeking.
DISCLOSURE: The information you provide is voluntary. However, failure to provide the requested information, and
any requested evidence, may delay a final decision or result in denial of your request for a waiver of inadmissibility.

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ROUTINE USES: DHS may share the information you provide on this application with other Federal, state, local, and
foreign government agencies and authorized organizations. DHS follows approved routine uses described in the
associated published system of records notices [DHS/USCIS-007 - Benefits Information System and DHS/USCIS-001 Alien File, Index, and National File Tracking System of Records] which you can find at www.dhs.gov/privacy. DHS
may also share the information, as appropriate, for law enforcement purposes or in the interest of national security.

Paperwork Reduction Act

An agency may not conduct or sponsor an information collection, and a person is not required to respond to a collection of
information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. The public reporting burden for this collection of
information is estimated at 3 hours per response in paper format, including the time for reviewing instructions, gathering the
required documentation and information, completing the application, preparing the statement, attaching necessary
documentation, and submitting the application. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this
collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden to: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services,
Regulatory Coordination Division, Office of Policy and Strategy, 20 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC 20529-2140;
OMB No. 1615-0032. Do not mail your completed Form I-690 to this address.

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