I-601 waiver/Panama

[panamania79]

My fiance's visa was denied last week.He was given the option to file a I-601.How do we go about it ? I am planning to go visit him in May to see if we can resolve this.How long does this usually take ?

[joy&pain]

panamania79, for us it took 8 months. Others have waited longer though...

Do some searching around here, because everything you need to know about waiver preparation is on this site. Check all of the stickies because there are examples of Hardship Letters that accompany the I-601 and that will give you an idea. Between now & when you go see him in May, start collecting evidence of your hardships (doctor's records, copies of your debts, etc.) so that you can take all this to him next month.

[Jardinera]

Welcome Panama - what was he denied for? Illegal presence, misrepresentation, criminal?

If it was just an entry without inspection followed by illegal presence they are usually pretty straightforward and you can put together the I-601 and the accompanying hardship packet yourself.

Here are some resources:

Tips for writing the hardship letter - I-601 Mexico Forum

Tips from Laurel Scott, member Spouse and an example critiqued by Laurel Scott.

Read the posts here.


I-601 Memo - Laurel Scott - visacentral.net

What is the I-601 waiver? Who is eligible? Who is a qualifying relative? Levels of arguments to prove extreme hardship.

Read the memo here.


Supporting Document Tips - Laurel Scott - Resources Forum

"I posted this on the AILA forum after reviewing a couple of thick attorney-prepared waiver packets that got referred through the Pilot Program. My comments are written for lawyers, but you can read them, too.

I'm seeing more clients come to me who have had their I-601s referred through the Pilot Program in CDJ to the regular process who had attorneys and thick waiver packets. What I'm seeing in these referred cases with thick waiver packets is that the packets are full of the wrong documents and inadequate documents, even though the facts of the case are strong. So, here are some tips."

See the full post.


Examples of Approved Hardship letters through Ciudad Juarez, Mexico - I-601 Mexico forum

This is a huge thread where many members of I2US have posted their approved hardship letters. Please keep in mind that the evidence you submit is equally (if not more) important than what you write in the letter when proving extreme hardship.

Please do not copy passages from these letters. 1 - It's not cool! People spend a lot of time on these letters and while it's good to read approved letters to get an idea of what is expected, it's simple laziness to copy someone else's letter. 2 - CDJ officials read this forum. They are not going to memorize everything on this forum, but if they start seeing the same passages in multiple letters they are going to notice!

Every person's case and life situation are different. The most unique arguments are likely to stand out to the adjudicator. Everything you state should be backed up with evidence and documentation.

Go to the Examples of Approved CDJ Letters.

[panamania79]

He was denied for a robbery he did 12 years ago.They said we had nothing to worry about but since I don't trust anybody,we paid a lawyer to expunge his record anyway.They saw it and denied him.I will get letters from my congressman also,hopefully it will help.

[Jardinera]

Robbery? Yikes. Having the record expunged doesn't really mean much for immigration. I think you need to hire an immigration attorney. Robbery is something very serious to overcome. I realize that 12 years ago was a long time but they are very, very strict about stuff like this.

I would strongly recommend you at the very least consult with attorney Laurel Scott to talk about your situation.

visacentral.net

[panamania79]

Robbery? Yikes. Having the record expunged doesn't really mean much for immigration. I think you need to hire an immigration attorney. Robbery is something very serious to overcome. I realize that 12 years ago was a long time but they are very, very strict about stuff like this.

I would strongly recommend you at the very least consult with attorney Laurel Scott to talk about your situation.

visacentral.net

We found that out the hard way.They told him they would interview him again and gave him the option of doing the waiver.

[Jardinera]

Yeah, I am not trying to be judgmental. You'll need to submit the waiver and wait 8 months or so, just so you know. You really should consult with Laurel. You need a very strong packet to overcome this.

[panamania79]

It wasn't armed robbery or nothing of the sort.He just stole something.He got a suspended sentence.