Required Documents for I-601

If you are looking to file an I-601, you may be wondering what the required documents for I-601 are that you need to collect. Here is everything that you need to know.

Required Documents for I-601 | To Show Hardship to you, your U.S. Citizen Spouse:

• Notarized affidavit from USC spouse.
• Notarized affidavit from you.
• Photos of family (birthday parties, holidays, pets, babies, etc.).

Required Documents for I-601 | Evidence of Status and Relationship:

• Evidence of your relationship to your spouse: birth records, marriage certificates, etc.
• Evidence of your spouse’s immigration status: copy of naturalization certificates, birth certificates, green cards, and passports.

Required Documents for I-601 | Evidence of Medical Hardship:

• Original Doctor’s letter regarding ANY medical, emotional, mental/physical incapacity/condition of your spouse (or a close relative in your spouse’s care) and the treatment the doctor’s letter must include nature of condition (chronic or acute, or long or short term), ongoing treatment needed, specialized treatment needed, duration of treatment, and availability and quality of treatment abroad (if known).
• Copy of medical and hospital records of your spouse (or a close relative in your spouse’s care).

Required Documents for I-601 | Evidence of Financial Hardship:

• Letters or documents showing financial contributions to your family.
• Proof of paying (provide copies):

• • Rent/mortgage—if you do not have a lease/mortgage.
  • Utility bills.
  • Child support to any children (including from previous relationships).
  • Childcare.
  • Alimony/Pension (including previous relationships).
  • Groceries.
  • Education related expenses: private school, tutors, school books and supplies, transportation.
  • Vehicle titles and insurance policy.
  • Medical bills, hospital bills, prescription bills, health insurance bills.

Required Documents for I-601 | Proof of Income:

• If you are employed, an original letter from your current employer. It should include information regarding the nature/duration of your employment, and your earnings.
• Copy of documents regarding ownership of property, business, assets, stock, etc.
• Original Letter of Employment for spouse. It should include information regarding the nature and duration of employment, and hours and earnings.

Required Documents for I-601 | Evidence of Emotional Hardship:

• Original Psychological evaluation of USC spouse stating how your spouse would be affected by your departure. Ask an immigration attorney for a recommendation.

Required Documents for I-601 | Evidence of Education:

• Copy of School Records of you, your spouse, and your children that include:

• • Grades.
  • Participation in any Special Needs Program.
  • Participation in Advanced Placement Program.
  • Letters/Documents confirming participation in sports, and extracurricular programs.

Required Documents for I-601 | Evidence of Hardship if spouse relocates to foreign country:

• Newspaper articles/documents regarding violence, war, natural disasters, living conditions, etc.

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Required Documents for I-601 | To Show Good Moral Character

• 2- 3 Notarized Affidavits of witnesses attesting to your good moral character. These must come from U.S. Citizens/Legal Permanent Residents: family members, friends, coworkers, landlord and priest/pastor.
• Letters/documents showing participation and volunteer work in your community.  For example:  any help that you have given to neighbors, such as yard work, rides, etc.
• Original letters of recommendation from past employers.
• Original letters of recommendation from religious organizations you belong to.
• Original police clearance letters from every city where you have lived since age 15.
• Copy of driving record (if applicable).
• Copy of tax records (evidence that you have paid taxes for every year you have worked) (Including: IRS Letter 1722 (call 1.800.829.1040 and ask the agent to fax the form to you).
• Copy of school records (college or vocational or English language training, etc.).
• If you have ever been arrested:

• • Original certified disposition for every arrest (if applicable)
  • Copy of certificates of completion of rehabilitation programs (AA, NA, Life Skills, domestic violence, driving under the influence, or controlled substance).
  • Original letter to probation/parole officer.

If you are hoping to obtain a green card and are experiencing extreme hardship, our law firm can help you do it. We have had many cases where we have had to prove extreme hardships. This usually involves applying for an I-601 provisional waiver.

I-601 Provisional Waiver | Example

This past week I was contacted by a potential client and we were discussing a solution for her husband to obtain a Green Card: it was the I-601 Provisional Waiver. The main theme of our conversation was as follows: how can she demonstrate extreme hardship in order for her husband’s waiver to be approved? These were some of my thoughts. Extreme hardships must be demonstrated to the US citizen, not the foreign-born spouse. Some examples of extreme hardship are medical hardship; if someone routinely sees doctors here and needs ongoing treatment, that could be considered medical hardship. If the spouse were to be separated and living in another country or if the US citizen were to be forced to follow them to the other country.

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Proving Extreme Hardship

Also, financial hardship could be taken into consideration if the spouse is the primary bread winner. Also, psychological hardship, that was a big factor. Suppose someone has suffered throughout their life, possibly because of prior relationships that were very difficult or a childhood that was very difficult. If the spouse were to be separated from them and stuck abroad that would be extreme psychological hardship. Those are some examples of hardship. There are many others, but those are typical examples. Once extreme hardship can be demonstrated there is a very good possibility that the 601 waivers will be approved, your spouse that came across the border will be able to travel to the US embassy back home, successfully obtain a visa, re-enter the US, and the Green Card comes in the mail.

Contact Our Jersey City Immigration Attorneys Today

If you have any questions about extreme hardship or any other immigration questions, please feel free to contact my office in Morristown, New Jersey. I will be happy to talk to you and hopefully resolve your question.

If you have any further questions, please call our New Jersey immigration attorney Susan Scheer today for strong legal guidance.