Hey VJs! The CO told me to file I-601, cos i lived there illegaly for 6 months after i reached the age of 18 and now i am banned for 10 years. There was an order of removal on me an my mother while i was a minor but i dont really know when and how. So since i had deportation papers on me, do i file I-212? I really dont want to lose time on this.

I I-601 will be for the overstay, the I-212 will be for the deportation.

Good luck, I am sorry for your situation

Hello there;

Yes you need to file both and it has to be with the consulate. Now, make sure you prepare yourself for both forms. Each form will run you approximately $545.00 (each). The I-601 requires that you show that you and your family would face "Extreme Hardship" if you were not allowed to come back to the US. The I-212 (which I had to file) requires that you show all documentation pertaining to your deportation preceedings.

I'm going to warn you to be patient. The letter I received from USCIS once they received my I-212 stated that it took a year to process. Now, because of strinuating circumstances, mine took less than a month to get approved, but then again we had to file it at USCIS and not at the Consulate like you.

I wish you the best of luck. This process is not easy, but if you prepare yourself accordingly, it's also not impossible. Be as upfront and honest as possible. Best of luck to you.

An overstay of 6 months but less than a year is a 3 year ban. Were you formally deported or did you leave before deportation proceedings began? The consulate will tell you what you need to file. Some will not accept the waiver on at the visa interview appointment, they make you come back, while others will take it the same day. Go to immigrate2us and read up on the process. It is the best site for waivers.