Application for Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility Under Sections 245A or 210 of the Immigration and Nationality Act

Instructions for Application for Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility
Under Sections 245A or 210 of the Immigration and Nationality Act
Department of Homeland Security
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

USCIS
Form I-690

OMB No. 1615-0032
Expires 03/31/2027

What Is the Purpose of Form I-690?
An applicant for adjustment of status under Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) section 210 (Special Agricultural
Workers) or 245A (Legalization, including LIFE Act Legalization) uses Form I-690 to apply for a waiver of
inadmissibility.

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Who Should Not File Form I-690?

You do not need to file Form I-690 for any inadmissibility ground that does not apply to Special Agricultural
Worker (SAW) or Legalization applicants. The following inadmissibility grounds do not apply:
1. INA section 212(a)(5)(A) – Workers entering the United States without labor certification;
2. INA section 212(a)(6)(A)(i) – Aliens present without admission or parole; and
3. INA section 212(a)(7)(A)(i) – Documentation requirements (immigrants).

The following inadmissibility grounds cannot be waived. You should not file Form I-690 if any of the following
inadmissibility grounds apply to you:
1. INA section 212(a)(2)(A)(i)(I) – Crime involving moral turpitude (CIMT);

NOTE: You are not inadmissible for having committed a CIMT if the crime was a purely political offense; the crime
was a CIMT but you committed only one CIMT, were under 18 years of age at the time you committed the crime, and
were released from any confinement to a prison or correctional institution imposed for the crime more than 5 years
before you filed you application for adjustment of status; or the crime was a CIMT but you committed only one CIMT,
for which the maximum possible sentence is 1 year or less of imprisonment, and the actual sentence you received was
6 months or less.
2. INA section 212(a)(2)(A)(i)(II) – Controlled substance violation of the laws and regulations of any country or U.S.
state, except that a violation related to a single offense of simple possession of 30 grams or less of marijuana may be
waived;
3. INA section 212(a)(2)(B) – Multiple criminal convictions;
4. INA section 212(a)(2)(C) – Controlled substance traffickers;
5. INA section 212(a)(3) – Security and related grounds; or
6. INA section 212(a)(4) – Public charge, except that Form I-687 applicants who are applying for Temporary Resident
Status under INA section 245A may seek a waiver of the public charge ground, and the public charge ground of
inadmissibility does not apply to Legalization (INA section 245A) applicants who are aged, blind, or disabled
as defined by the Social Security Act. Form I-700 applicants, LIFE Act Form I-485 applicants, and Form I-698
applicants applying for lawful permanent resident status may not seek a waiver of the public charge ground of
inadmissibility.
NOTE: As a SAW or Legalization applicant, you are not inadmissible under INA section 212(a)(4) even if your
income is below the poverty level as long as you demonstrate a consistent employment history that shows the ability
to support yourself without public cash assistance.

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Who May File Form I-690?
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) may waive the following inadmissibility grounds at our discretion for
humanitarian purposes, family unity, or in the public interest.
1. Applicants Who Require a Waiver of Inadmissibility Due to a Communicable Disease of Public Health
Significance – INA Section 212(a)(1)(A)(i)
You must file this application if you seek a waiver of inadmissibility based on a communicable disease of public
health significance as defined in 42 CFR 34.2(b) which include, but are not limited to:
A. Class A Tuberculosis condition (as defined by Health and Human Services (HHS) regulations);
B. Chancroid;
C. Gonorrhea;

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D. Granuloma inguinale;

E. Lymphogranuloma venereum;
F. Syphilis, infectious stage;
G. Leprosy, infectious; or

H. Any other communicable disease as determined by the U.S. Secretary of HHS and as defined at 42 CFR 34.2(b).
If you have a Class A Tuberculosis condition, you and the physician or medical facility providing you with the
required treatment must complete Supplement 1, Applicants With a Class A Tuberculosis Condition (As Defined
by Health and Human Services Regulations). Additionally, a state health department official in the jurisdiction
where you will reside must complete and sign Part 5. Endorsement of State Health Department Official. If you
are outside of the United States, a relative in the United States must complete this process for you.
2. Applicants Requesting a Waiver of the Vaccination Requirements of INA Section 212(a)(1)(A)(ii) on Account of
Religious or Moral Objection
If your waiver application is based on religious or moral objections to vaccinations, you must establish that:
A. You object to vaccinations in any form;

B. You object because of your religious beliefs or moral convictions (you do not need to be a member of a
mainstream or recognized religion); and
C. Your beliefs are sincere.
Additional Information About Vaccination Requirements Waivers
You are eligible for a blanket waiver of the vaccination requirement and do not need to file Form I-690 if:
A. You did not initially submit proof you received the required vaccinations, but you subsequently submitted proof
that you are now vaccinated; or
B. The civil surgeon or the panel physician certified that one or more of the required vaccinations is not medically
appropriate for you. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) instructions, the phrase
“not medically appropriate” covers the following situations:
(1) The vaccination is not recommended by the Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices for your age
group;
(2) The vaccination is medically inadvisable;
(3) There is not enough time between doses for vaccines requiring a series of doses; or
(4) It is not the flu season, or the vaccine for the specific flu strain is no longer available (for the flu vaccine only).
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C. USCIS determines after consultation with the CDC that there is a nationwide vaccination shortage (for applicants
in the United States) or that the vaccine is not available in the applicant’s country (for applicants overseas).
3. Applicants Who Have a Physical or Mental Disorder With Associated Harmful Behavior Under INA Section
212(a)(1)(A)(iii)(I) or (II)
If the designated physician determines that you have a physical or mental disorder with associated harmful behavior,
or a past history of a physical or mental disorder with associated harmful behavior that is likely to recur, the HHS
regulations in 42 CFR 34 and the technical instructions published by the CDC require the medical examination report
completed by the designated physician to contain at least the following information:
A. A complete medical history, including the details of any previous or current hospitalization, treatment, or care;

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B. The current findings, diagnosis, and prognosis; and

C. Any other information necessary for USCIS to determine, in consultation with HHS, the terms and conditions that
should be imposed on the waiver, if it is granted.
4. Applicants Who Are Inadmissible Because of Drug Abuse or Addiction Under INA Section 212(a)(1)(A)(iv)
You must file this application if you seek a waiver of inadmissibility because you have been determined to be a drug
abuser or drug addict. The designated physician determines whether you are currently using or in the past have used
any controlled substance. The designated physician makes this determination during the required medical exam,
according to the applicable HHS regulations at 42 CFR 34 and the Technical Instructions published by the CDC.
In addition to this application, you must submit:

A. A copy of the immigration medical examination report and documentation (Form I-693 or Form DS-2054 and its
related worksheets);
B. A copy of any medical documentation related to Form I-693 or DS-2054 that provides details of the diagnosis,
including: the specific substance or substances involved; the level of severity of the abuse or addiction; time
periods of abuse or addiction; and any therapy administered, rehabilitation, remission, counseling, or referrals;
and
C. A copy of all other relevant medical reports, laboratory tests and results, and evaluations related to the drug abuse
or addiction.
After consulting with HHS/CDC, USCIS will exercise its discretion to determine whether to approve a waiver.
USCIS will not approve this waiver if you are inadmissible under any other grounds that are not waivable.
NOTE: You are not inadmissible under INA section 212(a)(1)(A)(iv) (and so do not need to file this waiver
application) if the designated physician determines you are in remission from previous drug abuse or addiction.
5. Applicants Who Are Inadmissible Due to a Controlled Substance Violation Related to a Single Offense of
Simple Possession of 30 grams or Less of Marijuana – INA Section 212(a)(2)(A)(i)(II)
You must file this application if you seek a waiver for a controlled substance violation related to a single offense of
simple possession of 30 grams or less of marijuana. This is the only waivable controlled substance offense under INA
section 212(a)(2)(A)(i)(II). Other controlled substance offenses are not waivable.
NOTE: If you admit to use of any controlled substance in violation of any law or regulation you may be
inadmissible on criminal grounds under INA section 212(a)(2)(A)(i)(II) relating to any controlled substance violation.
See Item 4. above.
6. Applicants Who Are Inadmissible Based on Public Charge Under INA Section 212(a)(4)
USCIS cannot waive inadmissibility based on public charge under INA section 212(a)(4) except for Form I-687
applicants who apply for Temporary Residence under INA section 245A. You are not eligible for a waiver of the
public charge ground if you are a Form I-700, LIFE Act Form I-485, or Form I-698 applicant applying for lawful
permanent residence.

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But, you are not inadmissible, even if your income is below the poverty level, as long as you demonstrate a consistent
employment history that shows the ability to support yourself without public cash assistance.
And the public charge ground of inadmissibility does not apply to Legalization (INA section 245A) applicants who
are aged, blind, or disabled as defined by the Social Security Act.
7. Other Inadmissibility Grounds
You may file Form I-690 if you are inadmissible under the following sections of law:
A. INA section 212(a)(2)(D) – Prostitution and Commercialized Vice;
B. INA section 212(a)(2)(E) – Asserted Immunity from Prosecution;

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C. INA section 212(a)(2)(G) – Particularly Severe Violations of Religious Freedom;
D. INA section 212(a)(2)(H) – Significant Traffickers in Persons;
E. INA section 212(a)(2)(I) – Money Laundering;

F. INA section 212(a)(6)(B) – Failure to Attend Removal Proceedings

G. INA section 212(a)(6)(C)(i) or (ii) – Misrepresentation - False Claim to U.S. Citizenship;
H. INA section 212(a)(6)(D) or (E) – Stowaways or Smugglers;
I. INA section 212(a)(6)(F) – Subject of Civil Penalty;
J. INA section 212(a)(6)(G) – Student Visa Abusers;

K. INA section 212(a)(8)(A) or (B) – Permanently Ineligible for Citizenship;

L. INA section 212(a)(9)(A)(i) or (ii) – Aliens Previously Removed - Arriving or Other;

M. INA section 212(a)(9)(B)(i)(I) or (II) – Aliens Unlawfully Present - 180 Days but Less than One Year or One Year
or More;
N. INA section 212(a)(9)(C)(i)(I) or (II) – Aliens Unlawfully Present after Previous Immigration Violations, More
than One Year or Ordered Removed and Enters or Reenters; and
NOTE: If you are applying for LIFE Act legalization, you may apply for a waiver of inadmissibility to overcome
INA section 212(a)(9)(A) and INA section 212(a)(9)(C) (Aliens Unlawfully Present after Previous Immigration
Violations) even if your removal order has been reinstated (under INA section 241(a)(5)).
See 8 CFR 245a.18(c)(1).
O. INA section 212(a)(10)(A), (B), (C), (D), (E) Miscellaneous – Practicing Polygamist or Guardian Required
to Accompany Helpless Alien or International Child Abductor or Unlawful Voters or Former Citizens Who
Renounced Citizenship to Avoid Taxation.

General Instructions
We provide free forms through the USCIS website. To view, print, or complete our forms, you should use the latest
version of Adobe Reader, which you can download for free at http://get.adobe.com/reader/. If you do not have internet
access, you may call the USCIS Contact Center and ask that we mail a form to you.
Signature. You (or your signing authority) must properly complete your application. USCIS will not accept a stamped
or typewritten name in place of any signature on this application. If you are under 14 years of age, your parent or legal
guardian may sign the application on your behalf. A legal guardian may also sign for a mentally incompetent person. If
your application is not signed, or if the signature is not valid, we will reject your application. See 8 CFR 103.2(a)(7)(ii)
(A). If USCIS accepts a request for adjudication and determines that it has a deficient signature, USCIS may deny the
request.

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Validity of Signatures. USCIS will consider a photocopied, faxed, or scanned copy of the original, handwritten signature
valid for filing purposes. The photocopy, fax, or scan must be of the original document containing the handwritten ink
signature.
Filing Fee. See Form G-1055, Fee Schedule, available at www.uscis.gov/g-1055, for all information on filing fees.
Biometric Services Appointment. USCIS may require you to appear for an interview. Every individual who is an
applicant, petitioner, derivative, beneficiary, or sponsor of an immigration benefit request or other request submitted to
USCIS is required to submit biometrics, unless USCIS exempts the requirement. Each individual will be notified of
the time, date, and location of their biometric services appointment, unless USCIS exempts the requirement to submit
biometrics.

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Department of Homeland Security (DHS) may store the biometrics submitted by an individual and use or reuse biometrics
to conduct background and security checks, including a check of criminal history records maintained by the Federal
Bureau of Investigation (FBI), verify identity, produce documents, determine eligibility for immigration and naturalization
benefits, or to perform any other functions necessary for the administration and enforcement of the immigration and
naturalization laws, or any other legal authority.
In some situations, USCIS may require the submission of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) or DNA test results as part of the
biometrics submission requirement. In such instances, DNA test results will be used as primary evidence to determine
eligibility for the benefit sought by demonstrating the existence or absence of a genetic relationship or biological sex as
applicable to the respective form. USCIS will only accept DNA test results from laboratories accredited by the AABB
(formerly the American Association of Blood Banks). A list of laboratories can be viewed at
aabb.org/sa/facilities/Pages/RTestAccrFac.aspx.
If you are required to provide biometrics at your biometric services appointment, you must sign a statement, under
penalty of perjury, attesting that your submitted application, petition, or request, one that you provided on behalf of your
derivative beneficiary, or one submitted on your behalf, and all documents filed with and in support of the application,
petition, or request, were complete, true, and correct at the time of filing.
If you fail to submit biometrics or fail to appear for your scheduled biometric services appointment, absent extraordinary
circumstances, USCIS may deny your application. For applicants and dependents who appear before an immigration
judge, failure to attend a biometric services appointment may result in the immigration judge finding that your application
was abandoned, and USCIS may also deny any other application you filed with USCIS.
Copies. You should submit legible photocopies of requested documents unless the Instructions specifically instruct you to
submit an original document. USCIS may request an original document at any time during our process. If we request an
original document from you, we will return it to you after USCIS determines it no longer needs the original.
NOTE: If you submit original documents when they are not required or requested, USCIS may destroy them after we
receive them.
Translations. If you submit a document with information in a foreign language, you must also submit a full English
translation. The translator must sign a certification that the English language translation is complete and accurate, and that
they are competent to translate from the foreign language into English. The certification must also include their signature,
printed name, the signature date, and their contact information.
USCIS Contact Center. For additional information on the application and Instructions about where to file, change of
address, and other questions, visit the USCIS Contact Center at www.uscis.gov/contactcenter or call 800-375-5283
(TTY 800-767-1833). The USCIS Contact Center provides information in English and Spanish.
Disability Accommodations/Modifications. To request a disability accommodation/modification, follow the instructions
on your appointment notice or at www.uscis.gov/accommodationsinfo.

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How To Complete Form I-690
1. Type or print legibly in black ink.
2. If you need extra space to complete any item within this application, use the space provided in Part 6. Additional
Information or attach a separate sheet of paper. Type or print your name and Alien Registration Number (A-Number)
(if any) at the top of each sheet; indicate the Page Number, Part Number, and Item Number to which your answer
refers; and date and sign each sheet.
3. Answer all questions fully and accurately. If a question does not apply to you (for example, if you have never been
married and the question asks, “Provide the name of your current spouse”), type or print “N/A” unless otherwise
directed. If your answer to a question which requires a numeric response is zero or none (for example, “How many
children do you have” or “How many times have you departed the United States”), type or print “None” unless
otherwise directed.

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4. USCIS Online Account Number. You will only have a USCIS Online Account Number (OAN) if you previously
filed a form that has a receipt number that begins with IOE. If you filed the form online, you can find your OAN in
your account profile. If you mailed us the form, you can find your OAN at the top of the Account Access Notice we
sent you. If you do not have a receipt number that begins with IOE, you do not have an OAN. The OAN is not the
same as an A-Number.
5. Part 3. Applicant’s Contact Information, Certification, and Signature. You must sign and date your application
and, if applicable, provide your daytime telephone number, mobile telephone number, and email address. The
signature of a parent or legal guardian, if applicable, is acceptable. A stamped or typewritten name in place of a
signature is not acceptable.
6. Part 4. Interpreter’s Contact Information, Certification, and Signature. If you used anyone as an interpreter
to read the Instructions and questions on this application to you in a language in which you are fluent, the interpreter
must fill out this section and sign and date the application.
7. Part 5. Contact Information, Declaration, and Signature of the Person Preparing this Application, If Other
Than the Applicant. The person who completed your application, if other than the applicant, must sign this section.
If the same individual acted as your interpreter and your preparer, then that person should complete both Part 4. and
Part 5. A stamped or typewritten name in place of a signature is not acceptable.

We recommend that you print or save a copy of your completed application for your records.

What Evidence Must You Submit?
You must submit evidence showing that a grant of the waiver would serve humanitarian purposes, family unity,
or otherwise be in the public interest. In all cases, you must show that the approval of your application is
warranted as a matter of discretion with the favorable factors outweighing the unfavorable factors in your case.
If you fail to submit evidence with your application, USCIS may deny your application in accordance with
8 CFR 103.2(b)(1) and these Instructions.
Where To File?
Please see our website at www.uscis.gov/i-690 for the most current information about where to file this application.

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Address Change
If you are not a U.S. citizen, you must notify USCIS of your new address within 10 days of moving from your previous
residence. For information on changing your address, go to our website at www.uscis.gov/addresschange or contact the
USCIS Contact Center.
NOTE: Do not submit a change of address request to the USCIS Lockbox.

Processing Information

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You must have a United States address to file this application.

An application is not considered properly filed until USCIS accepts it.

Initial Processing. Once USCIS accepts your application, we will check it for completeness. If you do not properly
complete this application, you will not establish a basis for your eligibility and we may reject or deny your application.
Requests for More Information. USCIS may request that you provide more information or evidence to support your
application. We may also request that you provide the originals of any copies you submit. If we request an original
document from you, we will return it to you after USCIS determines it is no longer needed.
Requests for Interview. We may request that you appear at a USCIS office for an interview based on your application.
During your interview, USCIS may require you to provide your biometrics to verify your identity and/or update
background and security checks.
Decision. The decision on Form I-690 involves a determination of whether you have established eligibility for the
immigration benefit you are seeking. USCIS will notify you of our decision in writing.

USCIS Forms and Information

To ensure you are using the latest version of this application, visit www.uscis.gov.

Penalties
If you knowingly and willfully falsify or conceal a material fact or submit a false document with your Form I-690, we will
deny your application and may deny any other immigration benefit. In addition, you will face severe penalties provided
by law and may be subject to criminal prosecution.

FBI Privacy Notice
USCIS may use your biometrics to obtain the criminal history records of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), for
identity verification, to determine eligibility, to create immigration documents (for example, Permanent Resident Card,
Employment Authorization Document), or any purpose authorized by the Immigration and Nationality Act. You may
obtain a copy of your own FBI record using the procedures outlined at 28 CFR 16.30-16.34. For more information, please
visit: fbi.gov/services/cjis/compact-council/guiding-principles-noncriminal-justice-applicants-privacy-rights. For
information regarding how the FBI will use your fingerprints, please visit

fbi.gov/services/cjis/compact-council/privacy-act-statement.
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DHS Privacy Notice
AUTHORITIES: The information requested on this waiver, and the associated evidence, is collected under the
Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) section 210 and 245A, the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986,
and U.S. Department of State Authorization Bill of 1987 section 902.
PURPOSE: The primary purpose of this form is to apply for a waiver of inadmissibility for adjustment of status under
section 210 or 245A of the INA. DHS will use the information you provide to grant or deny the waiver you are seeking.
DISCLOSURE: The information you provide is voluntary. However, failure to provide the requested information,
including your Social Security number, and any requested evidence, may delay a final decision or result in denial of your
request for a waiver of inadmissibility.

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ROUTINE USES: DHS may share the information you provide on this waiver, and any additional requested evidence,
with other Federal, state, local, and foreign government agencies and authorized organizations. DHS follows approved
routine uses, as described in the associated published system of records notices [DHS-USCIS-001 - Alien File, Index,
and National File Tracking System, DHS/USCIS-007 - Benefits Information System, and DHS/USCIS-018 Immigration
Biometric and Background Check] and the published privacy impact assessment [DHS/USCIS/PIA-016(a) Computer
Linked Application Information Management System and Associated Systems], which you find at www.dhs.gov/privacy.
DHS may also share this information as appropriate for law enforcement purposes or in the interest of national security.

Paperwork Reduction Act

An agency may not conduct or sponsor an information collection, and a person is not required to respond to a collection
of information, unless it displays a currently valid Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number. The
public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated at 2.697 hours per response, including the time
for reviewing instructions, gathering the required documentation and information, completing the application, preparing
statements, attaching necessary documentation, and submitting the application. The collection of biometrics is estimated
to require 1.17 hours. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information,
including suggestions for reducing this burden to: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Office of Policy and
Strategy, Regulatory Coordination Division, 5900 Capitol Gateway Drive, Mail Stop #2140, Camp Springs, MD 205880009; OMB No. 1615-0032. Do not mail your completed Form I-690 to this address.

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