Admission into the US After Deportation or Removal: Help with I-212

This application is for anyone who has been removed from the United States, or who has voluntarily left the U.S. to reapply for admission if they meet eligibility requirements. 

The following people can apply for admission into the U.S. without filing this particular form:  anyone who left the U.S. voluntarily and at no expense to the U.S. government, people who were excluded from admission and lived outside the U.S. for at least one year, and people who have been outside the U.S. for the past five successive years following removal from the U.S.

Readmission Process Tips

If you are abroad, and intend to apply for immigrant visas, submit this form to the Local Office in which your deportation proceedings were held. If you are concurrently applying for a waiver of grounds of excludability, file this application with the Consul at the USA Consulate with whom you are filing your application for waiver.

If you are in the United States and are applying for adjustment of status under Section 245 of the INA, or are seeking advance permission to reapply prior to your departure from the U.S., submit the application to the Local Office having jurisdiction.

You will need to send all correspondence you have in your possession which relates to your removal.  You will need to include details surrounding your removal and it is very important that you be honest and clear in your answers.

Form I-212 Filing Information

If your application is accepted, you will be notified in writing.

If the USCIS needs more information or has questions, you may be asked to participate in a personal interview

Providing any false information can result in serious immigration consequences including a finding of inadmissibility

Get Legal Help with the Readmission Process

If you are filing form I-212, it is because you have already been in the U.S. and either left voluntarily or were asked to leave.  It is recommended that your contact an immigration attorney to assist you in making the strongest case possible for why you should be allowed to return to the U.S. following the circumstances of your departure.  It is important that your application is complete and that your arguments or information do not put you in a position where you may face harsh consequences for failure to follow immigration laws. If you have questions about the form or what more information without consulting an attorney, you can look online at www.uscis.gov.