Los Angeles Immigration Waiver Lawyers

What is an Immigration Waiver?

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If you’ve overstayed your visa, are undocumented, or committed other types of immigration violations, you may still be eligible for an immigration waiver in Los Angeles. An immigration waiver is basically a form of immigration violation forgiveness for individuals who are otherwise inadmissible to the U.S.

Typically, if a person violates immigration laws, they’re not eligible for certain benefits such as visas or permanent residency. However, if the person receives an immigration waiver for past violations, then they can receive benefits so long as there are no other violations rendering them inadmissible. Confusing? It can be due to the complexity of immigration laws.

The world of immigration waivers is vast and complicated. Determining if there is an applicable waiver for your specific set of circumstances often requires the help of an experienced immigration waiver lawyer in Los Angeles.

At Best Immigration Lawyer in Los Angeles, our immigration waiver attorneys have an in-depth understanding of immigration law. If there’s a waiver for your situation, we will find it and make a strong argument on your behalf.

What Are the Different Types of Immigration Waivers?

Generally, there are two types of waivers; automatic immigration waivers and waivers that require an application. The kind of immigration waiver that applies to your case depends on many factors like your specific violation, the number of violations and more.

Furthermore, there are no immigration waivers available for certain types of violations. If you’re unsure if your situation qualifies for a waiver, it’s in your best interest to consult with a Los Angeles lawyer for immigration waivers before proceeding in the process.

Learn more about the most common types of immigration waivers below.

Automatic Immigration Waivers

Some immigration waivers are automatically applied to your case. So, you don’t have to worry about filing them yourself. For instance, waivers are available for certain types of marijuana offenses that violate both criminal and immigration law.

Speak with your LA immigration attorney to learn more about automatic waivers.

Waivers That Require Application

Most immigration waivers require an application. With that in mind, there are immigration waivers available for all types of situations. Some of the most common types of waivers that require an application include:

• I-601 Hardship Waiver: Offers undocumented people an opportunity to come back to the U.S. They must prove that their removal from the U.S. would cause an “extreme hardship” to a close relative who is a U.S. citizen. The I-601 Hardship waiver can be used for criminal waivers, fraud waivers, unlawful presence waivers, and more.
• I-601A Provisional Waiver: A waiver specifically for relatives of U.S. citizens who are inadmissible due to staying in the U.S. unlawfully. You must be physically present in the U.S. to file this waiver.
• Criminal Conviction Waiver: For individuals who are convicted of crimes, and as a result, are inadmissible. Criminal conviction waivers are only for specific crimes and circumstances. If you’re unsure if you qualify for a criminal conviction waiver in LA, you should consult with an immigration attorney for guidance.

There are many other types of immigration waivers to fit a variety of circumstances. Having a skilled and knowledgeable immigration lawyer on your case is essential.

Who Qualifies for an Immigration Waiver?

The qualifications are different for each type of immigration waiver. Additionally, many crimes and immigration violations are not eligible for an immigration waiver.

If you’re unsure if your circumstances meet the requirements, you should speak with an immigration lawyer. It’s essential to note that all immigration waivers are “discretionary.” That means that USCIS can deny your application for just about any reason.

How Long Does It Take for an I-601 Waiver to Be Approved?

The processing time for an immigration waiver in Los Angeles depends on the type of waiver you file. If you file the I-601A “stateside” waiver form, you can expect to wait 3 to 6 months for it to be processed.

However, if you file Form I-601, you can expect to wait 2-3 years for it to be processed. Mistakes, omissions, and the like can dramatically increase the wait time.

While an immigration waiver attorney can’t force USCIS to move faster, they can ensure that your application is submitted correctly and without error.