Hi,

Just a quick question about the 212. I was in the states on an F-1 visa, and was out of status for a year. I do not have any family in the States. Is the I-212 waiver the correct waiver to fill out and take with me to the embassy in London when I reapply for an F-1 visa to complete last year of my degree?

John

A 212 waiver is for deportation. The embassy should tell you at your interview if you need a waiver and which one. Generally a 601 waiver is for overstay but is tied to a relationship with a USC.

See this is just the problem as I do not have a tie to a US person except friends. I did read that 212 can be used if I voluntarally left US without proceedings or deportation hearings which is true for me as I flew back to the UK for Xmas. Any more advice would be grately appriciated. I see on embassy websites that a waiver of ineligbilty for nonimmigrant visas are available when I go to my next f-1 interview. What do I need to submitt as far as forms and documents are concered for this?

Thanks

John

John, you need a "qualifying relationship" for a 601. And I can't see why you would need a 212 for voluntary departure. I have heard of some other type of waiver for a tourist visa overstay but I don't recall the number or name. You may want to try to attend attorney Laurel Scott's free chat on Wednesday mornings at 11:00 am. You can post your question there and hopefully she'll provide an answer. If not, you can do a phone or email consult with her and it would be well worth the small cost to clarify your situation before your interview. Her site is www.visacentral.net. Good luck.

John, you might also find some information here:

http://www.isso.uc.edu/forms/F1/F1_REINSTAT.pdf