FORM I-601 APPLICATION FOR WAIVER OF GROUNDS OF INADMISSIBILITY

COVER LETTER AND EVIDENCE CHECKLIST

Filing Overview

• Applicant: [NAME], A#: [A-NUMBER]
• Grounds to waive: [212(a)(9)(B) unlawful presence / 212(a)(9)(A) removal order / 212(h) CIMT, etc.]
• Qualifying relative(s) for extreme hardship: [USC/LPR spouse/parent]; Relationship: [DETAIL]
• Filing context: [AOS with USCIS / Consular processing with NVC/Post]; Case number: [RECEIPT/IV CASE]
• Concurrent filings: [I-485/I-212/other]; Fee/waiver: [AMOUNT or I-912]

Packet Order (suggested)

1) Cover letter (this document) summarizing grounds, qualifying relative(s), and hardship theory.
2) Form I-601 (signed).
3) Filing fee or I-912 fee waiver (if applicable).
4) Evidence of qualifying relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificate).
5) Hardship declaration(s) from qualifying relative(s) with exhibits.
6) Applicant declaration (remorse, rehabilitation, equities).
7) Medical evidence (diagnoses, treatment plans, provider letters).
8) Mental health evaluations (if relevant).
9) Financial evidence (tax returns, pay stubs, budgets, debts, support obligations).
10) Country conditions (DOS reports, human rights, health care access, security).
11) Education/employment disruption evidence.
12) Community ties and good moral character evidence (letters, records, volunteer proof).
13) Criminal records and certified dispositions (if applicable) with legal analysis of eligibility.
14) Prior removal/immigration history records (NTAs, orders, I-94, FOIA excerpts).
15) Any additional positive equities or discretionary factors.

Cover Letter Body (sample)

text
Date: [DATE]

USCIS [LOCKBOX/ADDRESS]

RE: Form I-601 - Application for Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility
Applicant: [NAME, A#]
Basis: [212(a)(9)(B)/212(a)(9)(A)/212(h)] - Extreme Hardship to [QUALIFYING RELATIVE]

Dear Sir/Madam:

Please find enclosed Form I-601 and supporting documentation. The qualifying relative(s) will suffer extreme hardship upon (1) relocation and (2) separation. Medical, financial, psychological, and country-conditions evidence is provided. The applicant merits favorable discretion based on rehabilitation, family unity, and community ties.

Enclosures are organized as listed.

Sincerely,
[NAME/ATTORNEY]
[ADDRESS]
[PHONE] | [EMAIL]

Hardship Mapping (tailor to facts)

• Health: [Diagnosis], treatment dependency, insurance coverage, specialist availability, travel constraints.
• Financial: Loss of income, debt load, caregiving costs, employability in home country, currency risk.
• Education/Career: Impact on studies, licensing barriers abroad, career interruption.
• Family/Social: Caregiving for children/elderly, special needs, lack of support network abroad.
• Country Conditions: Safety, healthcare availability, economic instability, discrimination risks.
• Cumulative Analysis: Explain combined effect; contrast relocation vs. separation scenarios.

Practice Notes

• Attach certified translations for non-English documents.
• Address inadmissibility elements directly (legal memo optional but recommended for complex grounds).
• Ensure consistency with I-485/consular filings and any parallel I-212 requests.
• For criminal grounds, map statutory elements to waiver eligibility and rehabilitation evidence.
• Keep copies; track receipt and biometrics as applicable.