Application for Provisional Unlawful Presence Waiver
Allows certain immediate relatives of U.S. citizens to apply for a waiver of unlawful presence before leaving the U.S. for a consular interview, reducing the time separated from family.
Filing fee
$800
+ $30 biometrics
Typical processing
12-36 months
As of 2026-06-12
Category
humanitarian
USCIS (online or by mail to designated facility)
How Form I-601A compares across PetitionPace forms
Total USCIS fee rank
#5 of 26
total fee $830
Vs median fee
+$290
median $540 across 26 forms
Processing high-end rank
#3 of 19
+18 mo vs median high end
Fee comparisons use only the in-repo PetitionPace USCIS form records and the cited USCIS fee schedule/form pages. They do not imply eligibility, legal strategy, or a guarantee that USCIS will accept a filing.
Processing time
This is a point-in-time estimate. USCIS changes published ranges frequently and the live tool can vary by service center and case type.
Typical range: 12-36 months
Estimate based on USCIS data reviewed 2026-06-12. Always check the live USCIS processing-times tool at egov.uscis.gov/processing-times before making decisions.
Filing fee
Filing fees shown here are based on the USCIS fee schedule effective April 1, 2024. USCIS fees can change; always confirm the current fee at uscis.gov before submitting a form.
Filing fee: $800 + $30 biometrics
Source: USCIS Form G-1055 (effective April 1, 2024); uscis.gov/i-601a
Fees and form details last reviewed June 2026 against the USCIS fee schedule (Form G-1055, effective April 1, 2024). Always confirm the current fee at uscis.gov before filing.
Where to file
Processing times are estimates based on USCIS historical data and change frequently. Always check the live USCIS processing-times tool at egov.uscis.gov/processing-times for current official ranges before making any decisions.
USCIS (online or by mail to designated facility)
Always confirm the current filing location and instructions at uscis.gov official I-601A page .
Common questions
- What is Form I-601A?
- Allows certain immediate relatives of U.S. citizens to apply for a waiver of unlawful presence before leaving the U.S. for a consular interview, reducing the time separated from family.
- How much does it cost to file Form I-601A?
- The USCIS filing fee for Form I-601A is $800, from the fee schedule effective April 1, 2024. A biometric services fee of $30 also applies. Always confirm the current fee at uscis.gov before paying.
- How long does I-601A take?
- USCIS reports a typical processing range of 12-36 months for Form I-601A as of 2026-06-12. Processing times change monthly; always check egov.uscis.gov/processing-times for the current range.