When should we apply for the Pilot Program

[jaan]

In what step of the way should we apply for the pilot program?

[kitkat1]

Start by reading about the program. You don't apply for the program -- the program allows you to submit your waiver via an Infopass appointment after a visa denial:

http://www.aila.org/content/default.aspx?docid=22200

New Pilot I-601 Waiver Adjudication Program
Ciudad Juarez, Mexico
American Consulate

Over a month ago, the USCIS Ciudad Juarez Office, in conjunction with the US State Department implemented a new pilot program to provide same day adjudication of many I-601 Waivers of Excludability. For intending immigrants that require consular immigrant visa processing and have also been found inadmissible by a consular officer, they are often allowed to file a waiver to overcome various immigration and criminal violations, and health related inadmissibilites.

Using USCIS’ online appointment system InfoPass, waiver applicants can select a convenient date and time to return to the consulate to file their waiver. InfoPass may be accessed at www.infopass.uscis.gov. An USCIS Adjudications Officer will review the waiver and supporting documentation at the time the waiver applicant files it with the US Consulate. The officer may at his or her discretion approve the waiver at that time or it may be referred for further review and final adjudication. The waiver applicant will need to demonstrate that his or her United States Citizen/Permanent Resident spouse or parent would suffer “extreme hardship” should the applicant not return to the US. All required security checks would be made and reviewed before approving the waiver and issuance of the immigrant visa. .

Warren Janssen, the Officer-in-Charge of the USCIS Cd. Juarez office stated, “this ground making pilot program makes sense and ensures that qualifying immigrants return to their families without unnecessary delays. Those applicants that file a well prepared I-601 and who otherwise do not have any serious adverse issues to be addressed will, in many cases, be approved and be able to receive their visas on the same day.” Approved waiver applicants will normally be issued their immigrant visa on or the next business day depending on US Consulate workloads and schedules. Referred waiver applicants will be advised that a final decision will be made on their waiver at a later time and they will be notified via mail to their U.S. address provided on the waiver. The waiver applicant must remain outside the U.S. while their waiver is pending.

USCIS has also taken steps to eliminate the current I-601 waiver backlog by proving the Cd. Juarez field office with additional resources. Those immigrants that have pending I-601 waivers with the Cd. Juarez field office will be notified via mail of their decision.