I-601A Waiver Guide: Eligibility & Extreme Hardship

Form I-601A Eligibility, Extreme Hardship, Consular Processing & the Three-Year and Ten-Year Bars

Legally Reviewed by: Charles Zavala

Immigration & Criminal Defense Attorney | Zavala Texas Law

Last Legally Reviewed: November 7, 2026

The I-601A provisional unlawful presence waiver allows certain immigrant-visa applicants to request a waiver of the three-year or ten-year unlawful-presence bar before departing the United States for their consular visa interview.

For families navigating the green-card process, this can be an important option. However, Form I-601A does not grant a green card, provide legal status, or guarantee that an applicant will be allowed to return to the United States.

An approved family petition is only one part of the process. Before pursuing an I-601A waiver, applicants must understand their immigration history, the grounds of inadmissibility that may apply, their qualifying family relationships, and the risks associated with leaving the United States.

This guide explains who may qualify, how extreme hardship is evaluated, how Form I-601A fits into consular processing, and which situations require additional legal analysis.

Zavala Texas Law assists individuals and families in Houston and beyond with immigration waivers, family immigration, consular processing, and related permanent-residence matters.

What Is an I-601A Provisional Unlawful Presence Waiver?

Form I-601A is an application requesting a provisional waiver of certain unlawful-presence grounds of inadmissibility under INA §212(a)(9)(B).

These are commonly called the three-year and ten-year bars.

In general, the I-601A process allows certain eligible immigrant-visa applicants who are physically present in the United States to seek a decision on that waiver before departing for an immigrant-visa interview abroad.

The process can reduce one significant uncertainty before departure: whether USCIS will approve a waiver of the applicable unlawful-presence ground.

However, the waiver is provisional.

Its approval does not become effective until the applicant departs the United States, attends the required immigrant-visa interview, and is determined by the Department of State to be otherwise eligible for the immigrant visa.

The applicant must still complete consular processing.

For the official eligibility requirements, see USCIS Form I-601A.

Does an I-601A Waiver Let Someone Adjust Status Inside the United States?

No. An I-601A approval does not authorize Adjustment of Status inside the United States.

It is designed for eligible individuals pursuing immigrant visas through consular processing.

Some applicants do not need an I-601A waiver because they may qualify to apply for a green card without departing the United States. Others may be ineligible for ordinary Adjustment of Status because of their manner of entry or another statutory restriction.

Determining the appropriate route should come before deciding to file a waiver.

Learn more about Adjustment of Status and Form I-485.

Who Qualifies for an I-601A Waiver?

Unsure whether you qualify for an I-601A waiver? Zavala Texas Law can review your immigration history, qualifying relatives, and possible consular-processing risks. Schedule a Consultation.

Eligibility requires more than having a U.S. citizen spouse or an approved immigrant petition.

Under the current regulatory framework, an applicant generally must satisfy the following requirements:

Be physically present in the United States when filing Form I-601A.
Be at least 17 years old when filing.
Have a qualifying immigrant-visa case pending with the Department of State, generally based on an approved immigrant petition with the required immigrant-visa processing fee paid, or an eligible Diversity Visa case.
Intend to depart the United States for an immigrant-visa interview abroad.
Meet the statutory requirements for a waiver of the applicable unlawful-presence ground under INA §212(a)(9)(B)(v).
Demonstrate extreme hardship to a qualifying U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse or parent.
Satisfy the applicable removal-order and immigration-court rules.
Merit a favorable exercise of discretion.

The applicant must also be otherwise eligible for the provisional-waiver process.

A pending Form I-485, an active removal proceeding, or an existing removal order can materially change eligibility.

Is I-601A Only for Spouses of U.S. Citizens?

No.

The provisional-waiver process was expanded to cover additional immigrant-visa categories.

Potential applicants may include qualifying individuals whose immigrant-visa cases arise through:

An approved Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative
An approved Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers
Certain approved Form I-360 petitions
Certain derivative immigrant-visa classifications
An eligible Diversity Visa selection

The petition category does not eliminate the separate requirement to establish extreme hardship to a qualifying spouse or parent.

For example, a person whose immigrant visa is based on an employment petition may still need to establish extreme hardship to a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse or parent.

Likewise, someone whose adult U.S. citizen child filed an I-130 petition may have an immigrant-visa basis but lack a qualifying relative for the ordinary I-601A hardship requirement.

What Is the Three-Year or Ten-Year Unlawful Presence Bar?

INA §212(a)(9)(B) imposes periods of inadmissibility in specified circumstances when someone accumulates unlawful presence in the United States and then departs or is removed.

The Three-Year Bar

The three-year bar can arise when someone accumulates more than 180 days but less than one year of unlawful presence during a single stay and voluntarily departs before the commencement of specified removal proceedings, as provided by the statute.

The person may then be inadmissible for three years following departure.

The Ten-Year Bar

The ten-year bar can arise when someone accumulates one year or more of unlawful presence during a single stay and then departs or is removed.

The person may then be inadmissible for ten years following departure or removal.

Does Being Out of Status Automatically Trigger a Bar?

Not necessarily.

Unlawful presence has specific statutory rules and exceptions. The calculation can involve:

Admission and authorized-stay dates
Previous immigration status
Age
Certain pending applications
Prior periods of unlawful presence
Departures and reentries
Special statutory protections or exceptions

For example, time before a person turns 18 generally is not counted for the unlawful-presence bars under this provision.

Departure is often the event that activates the applicable three-year or ten-year bar.

That is why someone who has lived in the United States without lawful status should not assume departing for an immigrant-visa interview is safe without first reviewing the complete immigration history.

For more detail, see our guide to the unlawful-presence ten-year bar.

Why Would Someone Need an I-601A Waiver After an I-130 Is Approved?

An approved Form I-130 establishes a qualifying family immigration relationship for petition purposes. It does not automatically grant permanent residence or cure inadmissibility.

Consider a common hypothetical situation:

A U.S. citizen is married to a foreign national who entered the United States without inspection and has remained for several years.

The U.S. citizen files Form I-130, and USCIS approves the petition.

Because the foreign national entered without inspection, ordinary Adjustment of Status under INA §245(a) may not be available unless a statutory exception or other qualifying basis applies.

The person may need to pursue an immigrant visa through a U.S. consulate abroad.

But leaving the United States could trigger the ten-year unlawful-presence bar.

In that situation, Form I-601A may provide an opportunity to request a provisional waiver before departure, assuming all eligibility requirements are met.

The waiver does not replace the I-130 or the immigrant-visa application. It addresses the particular unlawful-presence problem associated with the proposed departure.

Learn more about Form I-130 family petitions and family-based green cards.

Who Counts as a Qualifying Relative for an I-601A Waiver?

For the I-601A extreme-hardship requirement, a qualifying relative generally must be the applicant’s:

U.S. citizen spouse
Lawful permanent resident spouse
U.S. citizen parent
Lawful permanent resident parent

The relationship must satisfy the applicable immigration-law requirements.

Does a U.S. Citizen Child Qualify?

A U.S. citizen child is not, by itself, a qualifying relative for the ordinary I-601A extreme-hardship waiver.

This is one of the most important distinctions in the process.

A U.S. citizen child may be the reason a person has an approved immigrant petition, but that child does not automatically satisfy the waiver’s separate qualifying-relative requirement.

However, hardship affecting children may still be relevant if it causes or contributes to the hardship suffered by a legally qualifying spouse or parent.

For example, the effects of separation on a child with significant medical or developmental needs may create additional hardship for a qualifying spouse who would become the child’s sole caregiver.

The application must connect those consequences to the qualifying relative, rather than relying only on the child’s hardship.

What Is Extreme Hardship for an I-601A Waiver?

Extreme hardship means suffering or loss beyond the ordinary consequences commonly associated with inadmissibility, family separation, or relocation.

USCIS evaluates the circumstances of the qualifying relative and considers relevant factors individually and cumulatively.

A hardship case should explain how refusal of the applicant’s admission would affect the qualifying spouse or parent in the particular circumstances.

Merely stating that family separation would be painful is generally insufficient by itself.

Medical Hardship

Medical circumstances may be relevant when a qualifying relative has:

A serious or chronic medical condition
Ongoing treatment requirements
Disability-related needs
Specialized medical-care requirements
Dependence on the applicant for assistance with everyday activities
Limited access to comparable treatment if relocating abroad

Supporting evidence may include medical records, treatment plans, physician statements, medication information, and documentation of caregiving responsibilities.

Psychological and Emotional Hardship

Relevant circumstances may include:

Diagnosed psychological conditions
Anxiety, depression, or other documented vulnerabilities
A history of significant trauma
Reliance on the applicant for daily emotional or practical support
The combined impact of family responsibilities and prolonged separation

A professional mental health evaluation may be helpful when appropriate, but a diagnosis alone does not automatically establish extreme hardship.

The evidence should explain the severity, expected consequences, and individual circumstances.

Financial Hardship

A qualifying relative may face financial difficulties such as:

Loss of income needed for essential living expenses
Inability to maintain housing
Medical or disability-related expenses
Childcare or caregiving costs
Financial obligations that cannot reasonably be met alone
Limited employment opportunities if relocation is foreseeable

Ordinary loss of household income is not automatically enough.

The application should explain why the family’s particular financial circumstances result in hardship beyond the usual consequences of separation or relocation.

Family and Caregiving Hardship

USCIS may consider the demands placed on a qualifying relative who cares for:

Children with special needs
Elderly family members
Relatives with disabilities
Individuals requiring significant medical assistance

A strong application explains the qualifying relative’s actual responsibilities, available alternatives, and consequences if the applicant cannot return.

Hardship Related to Relocation

If a qualifying relative would relocate abroad with the applicant, relevant circumstances may include:

Access to necessary medical treatment
Personal safety
Employment and financial security
Language and cultural barriers
Education
Separation from other family members
Legal or practical barriers to living in another country
Existing ties to the United States

General country conditions should be connected to the qualifying relative’s personal circumstances.

Separation vs. Relocation: Which Situation Does USCIS Consider?

USCIS generally evaluates reasonably foreseeable hardship scenarios.

One possibility is that the qualifying relative remains in the United States while the applicant lives abroad.

Another is that the qualifying relative relocates abroad to remain with the applicant.

The evidence should explain which scenario is realistically expected and what hardship it would cause.

Both scenarios should be considered where the facts reasonably support them, but the applicant is not necessarily required to establish extreme hardship under both scenarios when the evidence supports the applicable reasonably foreseeable outcome.

This is an important reason to prepare individualized declarations rather than relying on a generic hardship letter.

For further guidance, see the USCIS Policy Manual on Extreme Hardship.

What Evidence Should Be Included With an I-601A Waiver?

An effective I-601A application should connect documentary evidence to each legal requirement.

Depending on the circumstances, the supporting package may include:

Proof of the qualifying family relationship
Evidence of U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residence of the qualifying spouse or parent
Approved immigrant-petition documentation
National Visa Center case information and payment evidence, when applicable
Relevant immigration history and prior orders
A declaration from the qualifying relative
A declaration from the applicant
Medical and psychological documentation
Income, tax, employment, and financial records
Documentation of caregiving responsibilities
School or disability-related records
Country-conditions evidence
Proof of family ties and community responsibilities
Evidence supporting favorable discretion

Not every application needs every category.

The strongest hardship packages explain why each document matters and how the combined evidence satisfies the applicable standard.

What Should an Extreme Hardship Declaration Explain?

A useful declaration typically addresses:

The qualifying relative’s background
The family relationship and household circumstances
The responsibilities the applicant performs
The effects of long-term separation
The practical effects of relocation, if reasonably foreseeable
Medical, psychological, financial, and caregiving circumstances
Why available alternatives would not adequately address the hardship
How the evidence supports the statements being made

Declarations should be truthful, specific, and consistent with the documentary record.

The goal is not simply to describe a difficult family situation. It is to show how the facts satisfy the legal standard governing this particular waiver.

What Is the I-601A Waiver Process?

The exact sequence depends on the underlying immigrant-visa category, but a typical family-based case may proceed as follows.

Step 1: Establish a Basis for an Immigrant Visa

For a marriage-based case, this may begin with an approved Form I-130.

Other eligible categories may rely on an approved I-140, certain I-360 petitions, or an eligible Diversity Visa case.

Step 2: Establish the Immigrant-Visa Case With the Department of State

After the underlying petition is approved, the case may proceed through the National Visa Center.

The applicant must satisfy the applicable Department of State case and payment requirements before filing Form I-601A.

An approved I-130 by itself is not always enough.

Step 3: Review Immigration History and Waiver Eligibility

Before filing, review:

Entries and departures
Unlawful-presence periods
Prior removals
Criminal records
Previous immigration applications
Possible fraud or misrepresentation
The qualifying-relative relationship
Whether Adjustment of Status may be available instead

This screening is particularly important because the I-601A waiver addresses only a specific unlawful-presence ground.

Step 4: Prepare Form I-601A and Supporting Evidence

The application must establish eligibility, extreme hardship to the qualifying relative, and favorable discretion.

The correct form edition, filing instructions, and fees should be confirmed with USCIS before submission.

Step 5: Attend Biometrics and Respond to USCIS Requests

USCIS generally schedules an appointment to collect biometrics in the United States.

USCIS may also request additional information, depending on the application.

Step 6: Receive the I-601A Decision

If USCIS approves the provisional waiver, the applicant must continue the immigrant-visa process.

Approval does not itself grant a visa or lawful status.

If USCIS denies the application, the reasons should be reviewed before deciding whether a new application or another legal strategy is appropriate.

Step 7: Complete Consular Processing

Following adjudication of the provisional waiver, the Department of State may proceed with immigrant-visa interview scheduling when the other requirements are satisfied.

The applicant must generally depart the United States and attend the scheduled interview abroad.

The consular officer determines whether the applicant is otherwise eligible for the immigrant visa.

Step 8: Immigrant Visa Issuance and Admission

If the applicant is otherwise eligible and the visa is issued, the applicant may travel to seek admission to the United States as an immigrant.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection makes the admission determination at the port of entry.

There is no guaranteed timeline for this sequence.

What Happens at the National Visa Center?

The National Visa Center (NVC) handles important pre-processing steps for immigrant-visa cases.

Depending on the case, those steps can include:

Assigning an immigrant-visa case number
Collecting applicable fees
Receiving visa applications and civil documents
Reviewing case documentation
Coordinating interview scheduling with the appropriate embassy or consulate

For applicants pursuing I-601A, the required immigrant-visa payment must generally be completed before filing.

NVC can continue processing appropriate documents while USCIS reviews the provisional waiver. However, the Department of State generally will not schedule the immigrant-visa interview while the I-601A remains pending.

Applicants should continue responding to NVC requests rather than assuming the waiver application automatically suspends every other case requirement.

The Department of State’s immigrant-visa scheduling guidance includes information about pending I-601A cases.

What Happens After USCIS Approves Form I-601A?

Approval is an important procedural step, but it does not complete the green-card process.

An approved provisional waiver does not:

Grant lawful permanent resident status
Give the applicant permission to work
Provide advance parole
Protect the applicant from removal
Guarantee a visa
Guarantee readmission
Waive an unrelated ground of inadmissibility
Eliminate the consular-interview requirement

USCIS’s approval is subject to the conditions of the provisional-waiver process.

The applicant must still complete the immigrant-visa application and consular interview.

Do not depart the United States merely because an I-601A approval notice was issued without first reviewing the remaining consular-processing and inadmissibility issues.

Can an Approved I-601A Waiver Be Revoked?

Yes. A provisional waiver can be automatically revoked under specified circumstances.

For example, the waiver can be revoked if the Department of State determines after the immigrant-visa interview that the person is ineligible for a visa for a reason other than the covered unlawful-presence ground.

Other circumstances can include the loss of the underlying immigrant petition, termination of the immigrant-visa registration under applicable rules, or certain unauthorized reentries or attempted reentries.

This is one of the most significant risks in consular-processing cases.

A person could have an approved I-601A and still encounter a separate inadmissibility problem during the visa interview.

What Problems Does an I-601A Waiver Not Fix?

Form I-601A is limited to specified unlawful-presence grounds under INA §212(a)(9)(B).

It does not independently waive:

Fraud or willful material misrepresentation
Criminal inadmissibility
Prior removal-related inadmissibility
The separate permanent bar under INA §212(a)(9)(C)
False claims to U.S. citizenship
Other inadmissibility grounds unrelated to the covered unlawful-presence bar

A previous arrest, criminal disposition, removal order, or immigration filing does not automatically answer whether another ground applies.

The actual records and legal provisions must be reviewed.

If a separate ground is identified, a different waiver may be available in some cases—but not all grounds are waivable.

For a broader explanation, visit our Houston Immigration Waiver Lawyer page.

Can I Apply for I-601A If I Have a Deportation or Removal Order?

Possibly, but a final removal order creates additional eligibility requirements.

Under the governing I-601A regulations, an applicant who is subject to an administratively final removal, deportation, or exclusion order generally must have Form I-212 approved before filing Form I-601A, where the applicable procedure permits.

Form I-212 requests consent to reapply for admission under specified provisions of immigration law.

It does not automatically erase the previous removal order or resolve every separate ground of inadmissibility.

A reinstated removal order can create a different and particularly serious problem.

Before filing or departing, the applicant should review the actual removal order, any departures, later entries, and potential inadmissibility under INA §212(a)(9)(A) or §212(a)(9)(C).

Learn more about deportation defense and removal proceedings.

Can I File I-601A While in Immigration Court?

In limited circumstances.

Under the current I-601A regulations, someone in removal proceedings without a final order generally is ineligible unless the proceedings have been administratively closed and have not been recalendared at the time Form I-601A is filed.

Administrative closure is not the same as termination or dismissal.

A person whose proceedings have been administratively closed remains in removal proceedings unless the case is formally terminated or dismissed.

Even after I-601A approval, unresolved removal proceedings can create significant risks and complications before departure for consular processing.

Cases with existing removal orders require separate consideration of the I-212 rules.

This is why an applicant should not assume that receiving an I-130 approval or filing an I-601A automatically ends an immigration-court case.

What Is the Difference Between the Ten-Year Bar and the Permanent Bar?

The ten-year unlawful-presence bar under INA §212(a)(9)(B) is different from the separate inadmissibility ground often called the permanent bar under INA §212(a)(9)(C).

Section 212(a)(9)(C) can apply when someone enters or attempts to reenter the United States without admission after specified prior immigration violations, including more than one year of aggregate unlawful presence or a prior removal.

In many cases involving this ground, consent to reapply for admission is unavailable until the person has remained outside the United States for the required ten years after the relevant last departure, subject to narrow statutory exceptions.

I-601A does not waive the permanent bar.

That is why a complete history of entries, exits, attempted entries, and prior removal orders is essential before pursuing consular processing.

What Is the Difference Between Form I-601A, I-601, and I-212?

Although these forms may appear in the same immigration matter, they have different purposes.

Form I-601A: A provisional waiver process for the applicable three-year or ten-year unlawful-presence ground before immigrant-visa consular processing.

Form I-601: A waiver application used for specified grounds of inadmissibility, depending on the immigration benefit and governing statute. Some applicants may pursue it after a consular inadmissibility determination.

Form I-212: An application for permission to reapply for admission after certain removal-related or unlawful-reentry grounds.

One form does not necessarily replace another.

Some cases involve multiple immigration issues, while others do not require a waiver at all.

What Happens If USCIS Denies My I-601A Waiver?

USCIS provides a decision explaining the denial.

Under the current I-601A regulations, there is no ordinary administrative appeal, and the applicant generally cannot file a motion to reopen or reconsider the denial under 8 CFR §103.5.

However, a person who remains eligible may be able to submit a new I-601A application with additional or corrected evidence and the required filing fee.

Another possible approach in certain cases is pursuing consular processing and, after a qualifying inadmissibility finding, seeking an applicable Form I-601 waiver from abroad.

That second approach may involve substantial separation and immigration risks.

A denial should be reviewed before filing again or deciding to depart the United States.

How Long Does the I-601A Process Take?

There is no single dependable processing time for all I-601A applications.

The overall process may include:

Approval of the immigrant petition
Department of State case processing
Preparation of the hardship waiver
USCIS review
Biometrics
Requests for additional evidence
Consular interview scheduling
Final immigrant-visa processing

USCIS workloads and processing times can change significantly.

The time spent apart from family after departure also cannot be guaranteed.

For current estimates, review the official USCIS Case Processing Times tool.

How a Houston Immigration Waiver Lawyer May Help With I-601A

For some applicants, the hardest part of an I-601A case is not completing the form. It is determining whether the waiver actually addresses the immigration risk.

Zavala Texas Law may assist with:

Reviewing immigration entries and departures
Determining whether the unlawful-presence bar applies
Evaluating Adjustment of Status before consular processing
Reviewing approved I-130 and other immigrant petitions
Identifying a qualifying spouse or parent
Assessing extreme-hardship factors
Organizing declarations and supporting documentation
Reviewing criminal records and past immigration filings
Identifying possible additional inadmissibility grounds
Evaluating prior removal orders
Coordinating I-601A strategy with the immigrant-visa process
Reviewing USCIS requests and decisions
Evaluating next steps after a denial

We can also evaluate how a provisional waiver fits into a broader green-card application strategy.

Schedule a Consultation

Frequently Asked Questions About the I-601A Waiver

Does I-601A forgive an illegal entry?

No. Form I-601A provisionally addresses specified unlawful-presence inadmissibility under INA §212(a)(9)(B). It does not retroactively create a lawful admission or parole, eliminate an entry-without-inspection problem for Adjustment of Status, or cure every immigration violation.

Can I apply for I-601A if my spouse is a green card holder?

Potentially, yes. A lawful permanent resident spouse can qualify as the required hardship relative. However, the applicant must also have an eligible immigrant-visa case and satisfy every other requirement.

Can I apply for I-601A if I have a U.S. citizen child?

A U.S. citizen child alone does not satisfy the ordinary I-601A qualifying-relative requirement. The required extreme hardship must generally be to a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse or parent. Hardship to children may matter when it contributes to hardship suffered by a qualifying relative.

Do I have to leave the United States after I-601A approval?

Yes, if proceeding through the I-601A immigrant-visa process. The applicant must generally depart the United States and attend the required immigrant-visa interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad. Approval does not authorize Adjustment of Status inside the United States.

Does I-601A approval guarantee I can return?

No. The Department of State still determines immigrant-visa eligibility, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection makes the admission determination. Additional inadmissibility grounds can prevent visa issuance and affect the provisional-waiver approval.

Can I work legally while my I-601A is pending?

A pending or approved I-601A does not itself provide employment authorization. A person would need an independent legal basis for any work authorization.

Does filing I-601A protect me from deportation?

No. Filing or approval of Form I-601A does not provide lawful status or protection against removal. It also does not automatically end immigration-court proceedings.

Can I file I-601A if my I-130 is still pending?

An I-130 that is merely pending generally is not enough. The applicant must satisfy the applicable immigrant-visa-case requirements, including an approved underlying immigrant petition where required and the necessary Department of State processing steps.

Can an employment-based immigrant qualify for I-601A?

Potentially, yes. Certain employment-based immigrant-visa applicants may qualify if they satisfy the other requirements, including having an eligible visa case and proving extreme hardship to a qualifying U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse or parent.

What if I have a prior removal order?

A final removal order may require an approved Form I-212 before filing I-601A. Reinstatement, reentry history, and other grounds of inadmissibility can create additional restrictions. The actual prior orders and immigration records should be reviewed.

What if I have a criminal record?

A criminal record should be evaluated before filing or departing. Not every arrest creates inadmissibility, but some criminal convictions or conduct can produce grounds that an I-601A does not waive. Certified court records may be important.

What if the consulate discovers another inadmissibility ground?

The applicant may be denied the immigrant visa, and an approved I-601A may be automatically revoked under the applicable regulations. A separate waiver may exist for some grounds, but not all. The available next steps depend on the specific finding.

Can I appeal an I-601A denial?

There is no ordinary administrative appeal from an I-601A denial, and the current regulations do not permit the applicant to file a standard motion to reopen or reconsider that denial. Some applicants may qualify to submit a new application with additional evidence.

What is the most important part of an I-601A application?

Two issues are particularly important: determining that the applicant is eligible for the provisional-waiver process and preparing credible evidence of extreme hardship to a legally qualifying spouse or parent. A complete inadmissibility review is also essential because I-601A does not waive unrelated grounds.

Discuss Your I-601A Waiver and Green Card Options

If you or a family member is preparing for consular processing and may face a three-year or ten-year unlawful-presence bar, the appropriate strategy depends on the complete immigration history.

Zavala Texas Law can help evaluate whether Form I-601A is available, what evidence may be relevant, and whether another green-card or immigration-waiver process should be considered.