Application for Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility Under Sections 245A or 210 of the Immigration and Nationality Act

Instructions for Application for Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility
Under Sections 245A or 210 of the Immigration and Nationality Act
Department of Homeland Security
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

USCIS
Form I-690

OMB No. 1615-0032
Expires 12/31/2018

What Is the Purpose of Form I-690?
An applicant for adjustment of status under Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) section 210 (Special Agricultural
Workers) or 245A (Legalization, including LIFE Act Legalization) uses Form I-690 to apply for a waiver of
inadmissibility.

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Who Should Not File Form I-690?

You do not need to file Form I-690 for any inadmissibility ground that does not apply to Special Agricultural
Worker (SAW) or Legalization applicants. The following inadmissibility grounds do not apply:
1. INA section 212(a)(5)(A) – Workers entering the United States without labor certification;
2. INA section 212(a)(6)(A)(i) – Aliens present without admission or parole; and
3. INA section 212(a)(7)(A)(i) – Documentation requirements (immigrants).

The following inadmissibility grounds cannot be waived. You should not file Form I-690 if any of the following
inadmissibility grounds apply to you:
1. INA section 212(a)(2)(A)(i)(I) – Crime involving moral turpitude (CIMT);

NOTE: You are not inadmissible for having committed a CIMT if the crime was a purely political offense; the crime
was a CIMT but you committed only one CIMT, were under 18 years of age at the time you committed the crime, and
were released from any confinement to a prison or correctional institution imposed for the crime more than 5 years
before you filed you application for adjustment of status; or the crime was a CIMT but you committed only one CIMT,
for which the maximum possible sentence is 1 year or less of imprisonment, and the actual sentence you received was
6 months or less.
2. INA section 212(a)(2)(A)(i)(II) – Controlled substance violation of the laws and regulations of any country or U.S.
state, except that a violation related to a single offense of simple possession of 30 grams or less of marijuana may be
waived;
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; or
6. INA section 212(a)(4) – Public charge, except that Form I-687 applicants who are applying for Temporary Resident
Status under INA section 245A may seek a waiver of the public charge ground, and the public charge ground of
inadmissibility does not apply to Legalization (INA section 245A) applicants who are aged, blind, or disabled
as defined by the Social Security Act. Form I-700 applicants, LIFE Act Form I-485 applicants, and Form I-698
applicants applying for lawful permanent resident status may not seek a waiver of the public charge ground of
inadmissibility.
NOTE: As a SAW or Legalization applicant, you are not inadmissible under INA section 212(a)(4) even if your
income is below the poverty level as long as you demonstrate a consistent employment history that shows the ability
to support yourself without public cash assistance.

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Who May File Form I-690?
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) may waive the following inadmissibility grounds at our discretion for
humanitarian purposes, family unity, or in the public interest.
1. Applicants Who Require a Waiver of Inadmissibility Due to a Communicable Disease of Public Health
Significance – INA Section 212(a)(1)(A)(i)
You must file this application if you seek a waiver of inadmissibility based on a communicable disease of public
health significance as defined in 42 CFR 34.2(b) which include, but are not limited to:
A. Class A Tuberculosis condition (as defined by Health and Human Services (HHS) regulations);
B. Chancroid;
C. Gonorrhea;

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D. Granuloma inguinale;

E. Lymphogranuloma venereum;
F. Syphilis, infectious stage;
G. Leprosy, infectious; or

H. Any other communicable disease as determined by the U.S. Secretary of HHS and as defined at 42 CFR 34.2(b).
If you have a Class A Tuberculosis condition, you and the physician or medical facility providing you with the
required treatment must complete Supplement 1, Applicants With a Class A Tuberculosis Condition (As Defined
by Health and Human Services Regulations). Additionally, a state health department official in the jurisdiction
where you will reside must complete and sign Part 5. Endorsement of State Health Department Official. If you
are outside of the United States, a relative in the United States must complete this process for you.
2. Applicants Requesting a Waiver of the Vaccination Requirements of INA Section 212(a)(1)(A)(ii) on Account of
Religious or Moral Objection
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.
Additional Information About Vaccination Requirements Waivers
You are eligible for a blanket waiver of the vaccination requirement and do not need to file Form I-690 if:
A. You did not initially submit proof you received the required vaccinations, but you subsequently submitted proof
that you are now vaccinated; or
B. The civil surgeon or the panel physician certified that one or more of the required vaccinations is not medically
appropriate for you. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 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;
(2) The vaccination is medically inadvisable;
(3) There is not enough time between doses for vaccines requiring a series of doses; or
(4) It is not the flu season, or the vaccine for the specific flu strain is no longer available (for the flu vaccine only).
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C. USCIS determines after consultation with the CDC that there is a nationwide vaccination shortage (for applicants
in the United States) or that the vaccine is not available in the applicant’s country (for applicants overseas).
3. Applicants Who Have a Physical or Mental Disorder With Associated Harmful Behavior Under INA Section
212(a)(1)(A)(iii)(I) or (II)
If the designated 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 HHS
regulations in 42 CFR 34 and the technical instructions published by the CDC require the medical examination report
completed by the designated physician to contain at least the following information:
A. A complete medical history, including the details of any previous or current hospitalization, treatment, or care;

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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 Drug Abuse or Addiction Under INA Section 212(a)(1)(A)(iv)
You must file this application if you seek a waiver of inadmissibility because you have been determined to be a drug
abuser or drug addict. The designated physician determines whether you are currently using or in the past have used
any controlled substance. The designated physician makes this determination during the required medical exam,
according to the applicable HHS regulations at 42 CFR 34 and the Technical Instructions published by the CDC.
In addition to this application, you must submit:

A. A copy of the immigration medical examination report and documentation (Form I-693 or Form DS-2054 and its
related worksheets);
B. A copy of any medical documentation related to Form I-693 or DS-2054 that provides details of the diagnosis,
including: the specific substance or substances involved; the level of severity of the abuse or addiction; time
periods of abuse or addiction; and any therapy administered, rehabilitation, remission, counseling, or referrals;
and
C. A copy of all other relevant medical reports, laboratory tests and results, and evaluations related to the drug abuse
or addiction.
After consulting with HHS/CDC, USCIS will exercise its discretion to determine whether to approve a waiver.
USCIS will not approve this waiver if you are inadmissible under any other grounds that are not waivable.
NOTE: You are not inadmissible under INA section 212(a)(1)(A)(iv) (and so do not need to file this waiver
application) if the designated physician determines you are in remission from previous drug abuse or addiction.
5. Applicants Who Are Inadmissible Due to a Controlled Substance Violation Related to a Single Offense of
Simple Possession of 30 grams or Less of Marijuana – INA Section 212(a)(2)(A)(i)(II)
You must file this application if you seek a waiver for a controlled substance violation related to a single offense of
simple possession of 30 grams or less of marijuana. This is the only waivable controlled substance offense under INA
section 212(a)(2)(A)(i)(II). Other controlled substance offenses are not waivable.
NOTE: If you admit to use of any controlled substance in violation of any law or regulation you may be
inadmissible on criminal grounds under INA section 212(a)(2)(A)(i)(II) relating to any controlled substance violation.
See Item 4. above.
6. Applicants Who Are Inadmissible Based on Public Charge Under INA Section 212(a)(4)
USCIS cannot waive inadmissibility based on public charge under INA section 212(a)(4) except for Form I-687
applicants who apply for Temporary Residence under INA section 245A. You are not eligible for a waiver of the
public charge ground if you are a Form I-700, LIFE Act Form I-485, or Form I-698 applicant applying for lawful
permanent residence.

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But, you are not inadmissible, even if your income is below the poverty level, as long as you demonstrate a consistent
employment history that shows the ability to support yourself without public cash assistance.
And the public charge ground of inadmissibility does not apply to Legalization (INA section 245A) applicants who
are aged, blind, or disabled as defined by the Social Security Act.
7. Other Inadmissibility Grounds
You may file Form I-690 if you are inadmissible under the following sections of law:
A. INA section 212(a)(2)(D) – Prostitution and Commercialized Vice;
B. INA section 212(a)(2)(E) – Asserted Immunity from Prosecution;

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C. INA section 212(a)(2)(G) – Particularly Severe Violations of Religious Freedom;
D. INA section 212(a)(2)(H) – Significant Traffickers in Persons;
E. INA section 212(a)(2)(I) – Money Laundering;

F. INA section 212(a)(6)(B) – Failure to Attend Removal Proceedings

G. INA section 212(a)(6)(C)(i) or (ii) – Misrepresentation - False Claim to U.S. Citizenship;
H. INA section 212(a)(6)(D) or (E) – Stowaways or Smugglers;
I. INA section 212(a)(6)(F) – Subject of Civil Penalty;
J. INA section 212(a)(6)(G) – Student Visa Abusers;

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

L. INA section 212(a)(9)(A)(i) or (ii) – Aliens Previously Removed - Arriving or Other;

M. 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;
N. 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
NOTE: If you are applying for LIFE Act legalization, you may apply for a waiver of inadmissibility to overcome
INA section 212(a)(9)(A) and INA section 212(a)(9)(C) (Aliens Unlawfully Present after Previous Immigration
Violations) even if your removal order has been reinstated (under INA section 241(a)(5)).
See 8 CFR 245a.18(c)(1).
O. INA section 212(a)(10)(A), (B), (C), (D), (E) Miscellaneous – Practicing Polygamist or Guardian Required
to Accompany Helpless Alien or International Child Abductor or Unlawful Voters or Former Citizens Who
Renounced Citizenship to Avoid Taxation.

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 order USCIS forms by calling the Forms Request Line at 1-800-870-3676. The Forms
Request Line provides information in English and Spanish. For TTY (deaf or hard of hearing) call: 1-800-767-1833.
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.

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Validity of Signatures. USCIS will consider a photocopied, faxed, or scanned copy of the original, handwritten signature
valid for filing purposes. The photocopy, fax, or scan must be of the original document containing the handwritten, ink
signature.
Filing Fee. Each application must be accompanied by the appropriate filing fee. (See the What Is the Filing Fee section
of these Instructions).
Biometric Services Appointment. USCIS may require that you appear for an interview or provide biometrics
(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 or petition. After USCIS receives your application and
ensures it is complete, we will inform you 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.

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If you are required to provide biometrics, at your appointment you must sign an oath reaffirming that:
1. You provided or authorized all information in the application;

2. You reviewed and understood all of the information contained in, and submitted with, your application; and
3. All of this information was complete, true, and correct at the time of filing.

If you fail to attend your biometric services appointment, USCIS may deny your application.

Copies. You should 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 or petition. If USCIS requests an original document from you, it will be returned to you after
USCIS determines it no longer needs your original.
NOTE: If you submit original documents when not required or requested by USCIS, your original documents may be
immediately destroyed after we receive them.
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 he or she is competent to translate from the foreign language into English. The certification must also include the
translator’s signature, printed name, the signature date, and the translator’s contact information.
How To Fill Out Form I-600A
1. Type or print legibly in black ink.
2. If you need extra space to complete any item within this application, use the space provided 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 or petition 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 or petitions on a
paper form through a USCIS Lockbox facility, you may have received a USCIS Online Account Access Notice issuing
you a USCIS Online Account Number. You may find your USCIS Online Account Number at the top of the notice.
The USCIS Online Account Number is not the same as an A-Number. If you were issued a USCIS Online Account
Number, enter it in the space provided.
5. Part 3. Applicant’s Statement, Contact Information, Certification, and Signature. Select the appropriate box to
indicate whether you read this application yourself or whether you had an interpreter assist you. If someone assisted
you in completing the application, select the box indicating that you used a preparer. 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.

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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 his or her name, the name and address of his or her business or organization (if any),
his or her daytime telephone number, his or her mobile telephone number (if any), and his or her email address
(if any). The interpreter must sign and date the application.
7. Part 5. Contact Information, Declaration, 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 complete this application MUST sign and date the application. A stamped or typewritten
name in place of a signature is not acceptable. If the person who helped you prepare your application is an attorney or
accredited representative, he or she may also need to submit a completed Form G-28, Notice of Entry of Appearance
as Attorney or Accredited Representative, or Form G-28I, Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney In Matters
Outside the Geographical Confines of the United States, along with your application.

We recommend that you print or save a copy of your completed application
to review in the future and for your records.

What Evidence Must You Submit?
You must submit evidence showing that a grant of the waiver would serve humanitarian purposes, family unity,
or otherwise be in the public interest. In all cases, you must show that the approval of your application is
warranted as a matter of discretion with the favorable factors outweighing the unfavorable factors in your case.
If you fail to submit evidence with your application, USCIS may deny your application 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.
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.
Payments by Check or Money Order
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

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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 Paying by Check. If you send USCIS a check, we 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.
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, we 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.
Payments by Credit Card

If you are filing your application at a USCIS Lockbox facility, you can pay your filing fee using a credit card. Please see
Form G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Transactions, at www.uscis.gov/G-1450 for more information.
How to Check If the Fees Are Correct

Form I-690’s filing fee is current as of the edition date in the lower left corner of this page. However, because USCIS fees
change periodically, you can verify that the fee is correct by following one of the steps below.
1. Visit the USCIS website at www.uscis.gov, select “FORMS,” and check the appropriate fee; or
2. Visit the USCIS Contact Center at www.uscis.gov/contactcenter to get answers to your questions and connect with a
live USCIS representative. The USCIS Contact Center provides information in English and Spanish. For TTY (deaf
or hard of hearing) call: 1-800-767-1833.

Where To File?
Please see our website at www.uscis.gov/i-690 or visit the USCIS Contact Center at www.uscis.gov/contactcenter to
connect with a USCIS representative for the most current information about where to file this application. The USCIS
Contact Center provides information in English and Spanish. For TTY (deaf or hard of hearing) call: 1-800-767-1833.

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Address Change
An applicant who is not a U.S. citizen must notify USCIS of his or her 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 reach out to the USCIS Contact Center at www.uscis.gov/contactcenter for help. The
USCIS Contact Center provides information in English and Spanish. For TTY (deaf or hard of hearing)
call: 1-800-767-1833.
NOTE: Do not submit a change of address request to the USCIS Lockbox facilities because the Lockbox does not
process change of address requests.

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Processing Information

You must have a United States address to file this application.

An application is not considered properly filed until USCIS accepts it.

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.
Requests for More Information. USCIS may request that you provide more information or evidence to support your
application. We may also request that you provide the originals of any copies you submit. If we request an original
document from you, it will be returned to you after USCIS determines it no longer needs your original.
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 biometrics 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.

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 the Forms Request Line at 1-800-870-3676. The Forms Request Line offers services in English
and Spanish. 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 schedule an appointment online at
www.uscis.gov. Select “Tools,” then under “Self Service Tools,” select “Appointments” and follow the screen prompts to
set up your appointment. Once you finish scheduling an appointment, the system will generate an appointment notice for
you.

Penalties
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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DHS Privacy Notice
AUTHORITIES: The information requested on this waiver, and the associated evidence, is collected under the
Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) section 210 and 245A, the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986,
and U.S. Department of State Authorization Bill of 1987 section 902.
PURPOSE: The primary purpose of this form is to apply for a waiver of inadmissibility for adjustment of status under
INA section 210 or 245A. DHS will use the information you provide to grant or deny the waiver you are seeking.
DISCLOSURE: The information you provide is voluntary. However, failure to provide the requested information,
including your Social Security number, 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 waiver, and any additional requested evidence,
with other Federal, state, local, and foreign government agencies and authorized organizations. DHS follows approved
routine uses, as described in the associated published system of records notices [DHS-USCIS-001 - Alien File, Index,
and National File Tracking System, DHS/USCIS-007 - Benefits Information System, and DHS/USCIS-018 Immigration
Biometric and Background Check] and the published privacy impact assessment [DHS/USCIS/PIA-016(a) Computer
Linked Application Information Management System and Associated Systems], which you find at www.dhs.gov/privacy.
DHS may also share this 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 Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number. The public
reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated at 3 hours per response, including the time for reviewing
instructions, gathering the required documentation and information, completing the application, preparing statements,
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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