Form I-192: Application for Advance Permission to Enter as Nonimmigrant

What is the purpose of this form?

Form I-192 allows inadmissible nonimmigrant aliens to apply for advance permission to temporarily enter the United States.

Grounds of inadmissibility can be found in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) section 212(a). The statutory and regulatory basis for this form can be found in INA section 212(d)(3)(A)(ii) and Title 8 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), part 212.4(b); and INA section 212(d)(13) and (14); 8 CFR 212.16 and 17, and 8 CFR 214.11 and 214.14 for T and U visa applicants.
 

Who should file this form?

Form I-192 should be filed if you are an inadmissible alien in one of the following categories:

• Inadmissible nonimmigrant already in possession of appropriate documents;
• Applicant for T nonimmigrant status; or
• Applicant for U nonimmigrant status.

Note: If you are seeking admission under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) under INA section 217, you should NOT file this form. Aliens from VWP countries who are inadmissible must apply for a nonimmigrant visa at a U.S. Embassy or consulate for authorization to travel. You should contact the appropriate U.S. Embassy or consulate if you have any questions regarding your admissibility under VWP.

Note: Do not file this form if you are a T visa applicant who is inadmissible under INA section 212(a)(4)(Public charge) because you are exempt from this ground of inadmissibility.
 

Where to file?

1. Inadmissible Nonimmigrant Already in Possession of Appropriate Documents: File the application with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in advance of the date of intended travel to the United States. Filing of this application is generally done in person at a CBP - designated port of entry or a CBP - designated preclearance office. At this time, CBP-designated Preclearance & Offices are no longer accepting Form I-192 and Form I-212 applications for processing.
2. Special Instructions for Citizens of Palau, the Federated States of Micronesia, or the Marshall Islands: You may contact the nearest consulate of the U.S. Department of State to receive instructions on where and how to submit this form. You may also receive filing instructions by e-mailing the CBP/Admissibility Review Office (ARO) at aroinquiry.waiver@cbp.dhs.gov. Attorneys should address their inquiries to: aroattorneyinquirywaiver@cbp.dhs.gov. Beginning Mid-2019 you will be able to file and pay for your Form I-192 application online using the Electronic Secured Adjudication Forms Environment (e-SAFE). Nonimmigrants who electronically filed via e-SAFE and completed biometrics at ports of entry will receive a confirmation email when the application is submitted to CBP. e-SAFE will allow you to check the status of your application, receive electronic communications, and receive electronic notification of a decision. Processing times will range from 90 to 120 days from the day the biometrics are completed.
3. Applicant for T Nonimmigrant Status: If you are an applicant for T nonimmigrant status but you are inadmissible, you must file Form I-192 with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) at the Vermont Service Center. The address is: USCIS-Vermont Service Center, 75 Lower Welden Street, St. Albans, VT 05479-0001.
4. Applicant for U Nonimmigrant Status: If you are an applicant for U nonimmigrant status, regardless of whether you are currently present in or outside the United States, and if you are inadmissible, you must file Form I-192 with USCIS at the Vermont Service Center. The address is: USCIS-Vermont Service Center, 75 Lower Welden Street, St. Albans, VT 05479-0001.

What must be submitted with the application?

The Form I-192 application package must include the following documentation:

1. Evidence of your Citizenship.
2. Completed Form I-192 signed and submitted by you (no copies).
3. A properly executed Form G-28 must be included with the application if you have retained an authorized person to represent you on this specific application.
4. U.S. Fingerprint card FD-258 or an electronically captured fingerprints that will be completed by a U.S. CBP Officer at the time of submission of your application.
5. Form G-325A is not needed when filing the most recent version of the Form I-192. However, the ARO will continue to accept older versions that still require a Form G-325A completed and signed by you.
6. If you have a criminal record in any other country's court system, you must obtain a copy of the applicable record or an official letter from the court of jurisdiction stating the reason why a copy of the record is not available.
7. Canadians: To obtain verification of your criminal record or evidence of a lack thereof from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) by submitting your fingerprints on Form C216C. The returned Civil Product and any accompanying records must be dated and endorsed by the RCMP within 15 months of submission with your Form I-192. For instructions, addresses and payment information, please visit the RCMP website.
   Do not submit the Form I-192 application until you have obtained the documents from the RCMP. Incomplete packages will not be processed.
8. A copy of the official court record from the actual court of conviction indicating plea indictment, conviction and disposition for each and every crime committed anywhere in the world.
9. If you are inadmissible to the United States because of a criminal conviction, you should submit a statement in your own words, signed by you, explaining the circumstances of each arrest, conviction, and sentence or fine imposed. In addition, you should submit any evidence or explanation of your reformation of character or rehabilitation such as counseling or rehabilitation programs completed, current employment, marital status, community service etc. or any other information you wish to be considered and you believe strengthens your request.
10. If you are inadmissible for one of the Health Related grounds identified in the INA, e.g., drug user or addict, you will need to provide evidence of treatment/rehabilitation. Such evidence shall include, but may not be limited to, the following: A recent drug test; credible, verifiable evidence related to rehabilitative history; statement from the applicant making clear his/her commitment to refrain from unlawful use of controlled substances, credible, verifiable evidence outlining subject's program for substitution therapy/treatment and/or continued care relative to his/her drug use/addiction if allowed to enter the United States.
11. If you have been found inadmissible under section 212(a)(9)(B) of the INA (unlawfully present in the United States) please submit detailed information regarding:
    • Current foreign employment.
    • Previous U.S. employment.
    • Family members presently living in the United States.
    • Past and current United States and/or foreign business investments.
    • Any and all ties you have to your present foreign country/residence.

Application Filing Fee

Bank drafts, cashier's checks, certified checks, personal checks and money orders must be drawn on U.S. financial institutions and payable in U.S. funds. The fee should be made payable to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). CBP accepts credit cards at all CBP ports of entry that accept payment. Accepted cards include Visa®, Mastercard®, American Express®, and Discover® Network. Updated application fee information can be found at U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website or by contacting the port of entry or preclearance office where you will be submitting your application.
 

Application Status Inquiries

The CBP Admissibility Review Office (ARO) is currently receiving a high volume of applications. Please allow at least 180 days from the date of submission of your Form I-192 before making an inquiry about the status of your application. A full review of your circumstances can take up six months or longer. You may ask for an update by emailing aroinquirywaiver@cbp.dhs.gov. Attorneys or a properly designated representative may ask for an update by emailing aroattorneyinquirywaiver@cbp.dhs.gov. Be sure to provide your full name, DOB.
 

Address Changes

Please note that CBP decisions and requests for evidence or additional information will be sent to the address you provide on your application. Failure to respond to a CBP request can result in an application being denied. Hence, if you change your address while a Form I-192 application is pending with CBP, you should inform CBP of your new address. You can accomplish this update by sending a letter with your biographic information and both your old and new addresses to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Admissibility Review Office, 22685 Holiday Park Drive, Suite 10, Sterling, Va. 20598-1234. You can also email updated information to aroinquiry.waiver@cbp.dhs.gov. Attorneys and other accredited representatives can notify the ARO on behalf of their clients by regular mail or by e-mail via aroattorneyinquirywaiver@cbp.dhs.gov.