A Comprehensive Guide: What Is Form I-193?
Form I-193 is an Application for Waiver of Passport and/or Visa issued by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
It’s used to obtain permission to enter the United States without a valid passport or visa. It can be used for those who are lawful permanent residents of the United States who do not have a valid passport from their country of origin due to various circumstances such it being lost or stolen or if the applicant’s home country does not issue passports to persons residing in another country.
The form is an application to waive the requirement of a visa or a passport. If approved, this would allow individuals admission into the U.S. without having them. To be eligible to file Form I-193, applicants must demonstrate that they are admissible to the U.S., either through an existing immigration status or through other forms of eligibility.
Simply put, Form I-193 allows lawful permanent residents of the United States to enter the U.S. without presenting a passport or visa upon entry at a port of entry.
Why Would I Need Form I-193?
Form I-193 is required by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for any non-citizen, legal resident who must re-enter the U.S. after departing. It is necessary for travelers who do not possess a valid visa or passport, and it serves as evidence of their legal status to be allowed back into the United States.
When to File Form I-193?
Form I-193 must be filed before departing the United States for any period. Individuals should ensure that they file in advance so that their application can be processed before they attempt re-entry into the U.S. It’s important to note that the form itself will not guarantee that admission will be granted.
In addition, the form must be accompanied by supporting documents to be considered valid. These documents include a copy of their birth certificate, a passport or other proof of identity, as well as evidence of legal entry into the United States. Failure to provide these documents can result in delays and possibly even denial.
How Do I Complete And File I-193 Form?
Basic Information
Provide your complete mailing address in the United States. Additionally, double-check to ensure that your address on the form matches both the address on your driver’s license and other forms of identification.
Address Abroad (If Applicable)
Provide a permanent address abroad, if applicable. It is important to ensure that the form is completed accurately and completely, as any errors can delay processing and may result in a denial of the application.
Country Citizenship
Provide information about the country where you are a citizen, subject, or national. This includes the full name of the country as well as its official two or three-letter abbreviation (if applicable). Additionally, if you have dual citizenship or nationality in two or more countries, make sure to list them all.
Place and Date of Birth
Provide your place of birth which is usually the city, state, or country in which you were born. Before starting the application process, you should ensure you have all requested documents including a copy of your birth certificate or other official documentation verifying your place of birth. Additionally, you will provide your date of birth in the mm/dd/yyyy format.
Date Of Arrival
Provide your date of arrival in the United States. This information can be found on your I-94 arrival/departure record or on your travel documents such as a plane ticket or train ticket.
Your Port Of Arrival
You will need to provide the exact name and location of the port you are entering into the United States. This should include any other applicable information for your particular port of entry. Additionally, you’ll provide information about how you will be arriving in the United States. This includes providing your name of the vessel or airline, as well as other relevant details regarding your mode of transportation.
The Place Your Visa Was Previously Issued
Provide information on the place your visa was previously issued from. Include the date that it was issued, its classification (such as a tourist or student visa, for example), and the date it was valid. Applicants must make sure not to submit outdated documents since a visa’s expiration period may vary depending on country of origin and other criteria. Submitting an expired document could result in significant delays in processing your application or it could even result in denial.
The Place Your Passport Issued
Provide the place of initial issuance of their passport, including the date it was issued, your passport number, and the date it is valid until.
Reason You Do Not Have a Passport Or Visa
Provide a detailed explanation for why you do not have a visa or passport, along with supporting documentation that corroborates your reasoning. If you are filing the form due to an emergency or extenuating circumstance, you must provide proof of this as well.
Form I-193 Best Practices
When filing Form I-193, make sure to take your time and fill out the form using black ink. It is important to ensure that you use the most recent version of the form available on the USCIS website for accuracy and completeness.
Before filling out the form, read through the entire document so you can answer each of the questions correctly. This step will help you avoid any potential errors and will help you prepare accurate information and avoid accidental omissions later in the application process.
It is important to make sure that you are staying within the boundaries of each field provided on the form; going over these areas may lead to an ineligible form and a denial of your request. Once you have completed all sections of Form I-193, sign and date it before submitting it following USCIS instructions.
Make sure to print out the form single-sided and avoid using any highlighter or correction fluid or tape as these will not be accepted by the USCIS when you submit your form. If you make a mistake, start over with a clean form rather than attempting to fix it.
It is always best practice to send your application via a traceable delivery method since this will help you keep track of when the USCIS will receive it. It may be helpful to make copies of your application before submitting it to have additional records in case something happens during transit or processing.
If someone else is helping you prepare the form, they must sign the form as well. This will verify that they have completed the form at the applicant’s request and have provided accurate information. Furthermore, all signatures should be legible and include a full name and date.
How Much Does Form I-193 Cost?
The cost associated with Form I-193 is a non-refundable fee of $585 that must be paid when you submit it, regardless of the outcome of the application. To ensure the fee is accurate, check the USCIS website for Form I-193 under filing fees.
This fee is a direct payment for government services rendered and is not tied to a successful outcome. Even if you choose to withdraw your application or it is denied, no portion of this fee will be refunded. This fee pays for the USCIS to review and process your form and covers all administrative expenses.
It is essential to make sure that the fee paid is exact. Any amount that is higher or lower than what is required by USCIS will result in the rejection of the payment and form.
Your money order or check must be made payable to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Payments. There are other approved payment methods, such as ACH and credit cards. However, cash should not be mailed, and any checks or money orders must be issued from banks or institutions in the United States. The check or money order should not have any abbreviations like “USDHS” or “DHS” or it will be rejected.
Scott D. Pollock and Associates Can Help With Your Immigration Case
At Scott D. Pollock and Associates, we can assist in filing Form I-193 and help you navigate the U.S. immigration system. We understand how complex the application process can be and are available to answer any questions and provide additional resources.
Form I-193 is a crucial form for legal residents seeking permission to re-enter the United States after a temporary absence without a passport or visa. It is important to have an accurate and up-to-date form, as any errors or omissions can lead to the denial of your request.
Successfully completing forms and documents can take time, and making mistakes can cost you both time and non-refundable fees.
An experienced immigration lawyer can provide sound advice and guidance throughout the entire process so that you can submit a complete and accurate form. Contact us today for more information on how we can help with your immigration case.
Contact us through our online contact form today. We look forward to hearing from you.
