What is a Form I-690?

Form I-690 is an application form provided by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that is used to request a Waiver of the Two-Year Foreign Residence Requirement. This form is typically used by foreign nationals who received a J-1 or J-2 visa to waive the requirement that they must reside outside of the United States for a period of two years before they can be eligible to apply for a U.S. visa in another category.

Who is Eligible for Form I-690?

Form I-690 is an application for adjustment of status to become a permanent resident based on refugee or asylum status. To be eligible for this form, an individual must have entered the United States as a refugee and been granted asylum. They must also have a Form I-94 that shows their current refugee/asylee status, and they must have been physically present in the United States for at least one year since being granted asylum.

What is the Latest Form I-690 Edition?

The current edition of Form I-690, Application for Alien and Employment Certification, is dated November 30, 2020.

What are the Required Documents for Form I-690?

1. Passport
2. Form I-94
3. Evidence of Immigration Status
4. Evidence of Eligibility for Relief
5. Supporting Documentation
6. Two (2) Identical Photographs
7. Money Order or Personal Check for the Filing Fee
8. Supporting Documents for Immigration Status or Eligibility for Relief

How to Submit Form I-690?

Form I-690 must be completed and filed with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) in order to apply for a Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition.

Step 1: Gather Required Documents

Before submitting the application, gather the necessary documents such as:

• Proof of Refugee or Asylum Status (Form I-94 or documentation from USCIS indicating that the foreign-born family member has been granted asylum or refugee status)

• Evidence of Relationship (birth certificates, marriage certificates, etc.)

• Certificate of Medical Examination

• Photographs of the applicant and the beneficiary

• Proof of payment of the filing fee (if applicable)

Step 2: Complete Form I-690

Form I-690 must be completely filled out in order to be accepted by USCIS. Make sure to answer all questions accurately and completely. If needed, additional forms may need to be filled out.

Step 3: Submit the Application

The application can be submitted either online or through the mail. For online submissions, visit the USCIS website and create an online account. The application and all supporting documents should be submitted online.

For mail submissions, the form should be mailed to the appropriate address listed on the USCIS website. It is important to use a trackable delivery service to ensure delivery of the application.

Step 4: Wait for a Decision

After submitting the application, it can take several months to receive a decision from USCIS regarding your Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition.

What are the Filing Tips for Form I-690?

1. Make sure all the information provided on the form is accurate and up-to-date.

2. Include all required documents with your application.

3. Make sure to sign and date the form before submitting it.

4. Make sure to include a cover letter with your application. This should include a brief summary of why you are filing for an adjustment of status.

5. File all the forms together; do not split them into separate parts.

6. Submit all documents in the same format (for example, electronic or hard copy).

7. Submit all forms and documents to the appropriate government office, as indicated in the instructions for Form I-690.

8. Keep an extra copy of everything you submit for your records.

Are There Special Instructions for Form I-690?

Yes, there are special instructions for Form I-690.

1. Fill out the form completely and accurately.
2. Make sure to sign and date the form in the appropriate space.
3. Submit all requested documents with the form.
4. Include a filing fee of $680, either by check payable to the “U.S. Department of Homeland Security” or a credit card payment.
5. Make sure to include a valid mailing address where you can receive correspondence from USCIS.
6. Mail the completed form and all required documents to the appropriate address listed on the USCIS website.

What is the Form I-690 Fee?

The Form I-690, Application for Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility, is a fee that must be paid to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services to request a waiver of certain grounds of inadmissibility. The fee is currently $930.

Can I Apply for Form I-690 Fee Waiver or Reduction?

No, you cannot apply for a form I-690 fee waiver or reduction. The Form I-690, Application for Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility, is only applicable to immigrants who have been found inadmissible and wish to waive the grounds of that inadmissibility. If you are not an immigrant, the form does not apply to you.

What is the Form I-690 Processing Time?

Unfortunately, since you are not a US citizen, you cannot submit Form I-690. This form is only for people who are the beneficiaries of an approved Form I-140 Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker. The processing time for this form varies depending on the specific circumstances and can take several months or longer.

Form I-690 Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is Form I-690?
A: Form I-690 is an application used by certain individuals who are seeking to become legal permanent residents of the United States. It is used specifically for applicants who are already in the United States and wish to apply for an adjustment of status, or for those who have been granted a waiver of inadmissibility and are seeking permission to enter the United States.

Q: Who can use Form I-690?
A: Generally, Form I-690 can be used by individuals who have been granted a waiver of inadmissibility or who have entered the United States on a nonimmigrant visa and are now seeking to adjust their status to become a lawful permanent resident.

Q: What documents do I need to submit with my Form I-690 application?
A: The documents required vary depending on your individual circumstances. However, generally speaking, you will need to submit copies of your passport, proof of current immigration status, evidence that any criminal activity or security grounds for inadmissibility do not apply to you, and any other relevant documents that may be required.

Q: How much does it cost to file Form I-690?
A: The filing fee for Form I-690 is currently $1,225. This fee includes the biometric services fee.

Q: How long does it take for Form I-690 to be processed?
A: Processing times for Form I-690 can vary greatly depending on your individual situation and the workload of USCIS at any given time. Generally speaking, however, it can take several weeks or even months for your application to be processed.

Q: What happens after I file my Form I-690?
A: After you have filed your Form I-690 application, you will receive a receipt notice from USCIS that confirms that your application has been received. Once you receive the receipt notice, you may be asked to attend an interview at a USCIS office and provide additional information or documentation as needed. After the interview is complete, USCIS may approve or deny your application based on the information provided.