Why would a I-601 waiver get denied?
John Castro
Published Jan 16, 2026
One of the most common reasons U.S. immigration authorities deny an I-601 waiver application is insufficient evidence of extreme hardship to qualifying U.S. relatives. Sometimes this is simply due to the applicant not having submitted enough convincing documentation.
What percentage of I-601 waivers are approved?
The 84% approval rate combined with the very dangerous conditions in Mexico right now, especially for "Nortenos" who are subject to a high risk of kidnappings for ransom, makes the I-601A worth pursuing when there is sufficient evidence that the qualifying relative will suffer extreme hardship.Can a waiver get denied?
Your fee waiver application may be denied for 1 of 3 reasons: It is incomplete, or. From your application, the court decided you are not eligible for the fee waiver, or. The court has a substantial question about whether you are eligible for the fee waiver.How do you win a 601 waiver?
- Successful I-601 Waiver Clients Take Responsibility For Their Cases. ...
- Build Your Evidence To Prove Extreme Hardship And Merit Grant Of I-601 Waiver. ...
- You Must Understand Whose Hardship Counts (Hint: Qualifying Relatives) ...
- Highlight The Totality Of Your Qualifying Relatives' Circumstances.
Who qualifies as a qualifying relative for I-601?
To be eligible for an I-601 waiver, you must prove that your qualifying U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident relative will suffer extreme hardship due to your absence. A qualifying relative, under most types of I-601 waivers, is a spouse, parent, or child.Three Hidden Reasons Why I601A Waivers Are Denied | Local I601 Waiver Information
What would be considered extreme hardship?
Extreme hardship has been defined to mean hardship that is greater than what your relative would experience under normal circumstances if you were not allowed to come to or stay in the United States. There has to be something extra at play.What are the grounds of inadmissibility?
The general categories of inadmissibility include health, criminal activity, national security, public charge, lack of labor certification (if required), fraud and misrepresentation, prior removals, unlawful presence in the United States, and several miscellaneous categories.How do you prove extreme hardship?
The legal requirements for proving extreme hardship are:
- You must have a “qualifying relative” who is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
- The USCIS considers extreme hardship to your qualifying relative, not to you. ...
- Your qualifying relative does not have to be the person who sponsored you for immigration.