Immigration Waiver Attorney in Chicago
Immigration waivers provide a path to overcome grounds of inadmissibility that would otherwise prevent you from obtaining a visa, green card, or entry to the United States. At Liberum Law, our immigration waiver attorneys in Chicago help clients obtain waivers for unlawful presence, misrepresentation, criminal grounds, and other bars to immigration benefits.
Common immigration waivers include the I-601 Application for Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility, the I-601A Provisional Unlawful Presence Waiver (available before departing for consular processing), and the I-212 Application for Permission to Reapply for Admission After Deportation or Removal. Most waivers require demonstrating extreme hardship to a qualifying U.S. citizen or permanent resident relative.
Our waiver practice includes eligibility assessment and hardship analysis, evidence compilation demonstrating qualifying hardship factors, waiver application preparation and filing, and waiver denials and appeals.
Contact our immigration waiver attorneys at Liberum Law for a free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an immigration waiver?
A waiver forgives a specific ground of inadmissibility or deportability so the applicant can obtain a visa, green card, or remain in the U.S. Common waivers: I-601 (extreme hardship), I-601A (provisional unlawful presence), I-212 (re-entry after removal), 212(h) (criminal grounds).
What is the I-601A provisional waiver?
For unlawful presence applicants who would otherwise need to leave the U.S. for consular processing and face the 3- or 10-year bar. The waiver is filed and approved while you remain in the U.S., before you depart for the interview. Reduces family separation from years to weeks.
Who qualifies for I-601 extreme hardship waiver?
Applicants inadmissible for unlawful presence, fraud/misrepresentation, or certain criminal grounds, who can show extreme hardship to a U.S. citizen or LPR spouse or parent. "Extreme hardship" is a high bar — we build documentation of medical, financial, emotional, country-condition, and educational hardship factors.
How long do waiver applications take?
I-601A: 9–18 months. I-601: 6–24 months. I-212: 6–18 months. Times fluctuate with USCIS workload. We file with comprehensive evidence packages to minimize RFEs and avoid delays.
What happens if my waiver is denied?
For most waivers, you may appeal to the Administrative Appeals Office (AAO) within 30 days, or file a motion to reopen/reconsider. Some denials can be challenged in federal court. We evaluate appeal viability before deciding the path forward.
