⚠️ Not legal advice. Processing times change frequently. Always verify at USCIS.gov. Consult a licensed immigration attorney for your case.
I-212 Processing Times by Service Center
| Service Center | Category | Processing Range | Data Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| No data available — check USCIS.gov | |||
Source: USCIS.gov. Data updated regularly.
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About I-212 — Application for Permission to Reapply
Form I-212 is used for: Admission after Deportation. Processing times vary by USCIS service center and petition volume.
Premium processing (Form I-907) is available for many I-212 petitions — it guarantees a decision within 15 business days for an additional fee (currently $2,965).
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long does I-212 processing take in 2026?
As of April 2026, I-212 processing takes 6–18 months depending on the service center and the complexity of your case. National Benefits Center (NBC) handles most I-212 applications and typically processes them in 8–14 months. Cases with older deportation/removal orders or complex prior immigration histories may take longer due to the need to retrieve and review Federal Records Center files. There is no premium processing option for I-212. Check current service center times at usvisastack.ai/processing-times/i-212.
When do I need to file I-212?
You need I-212 (Application for Permission to Reapply after Deportation or Removal) if: (1) You were previously deported or removed from the US and want to return before the bar period expires; (2) You received an order of removal and want to re-enter legally; (3) You filed for adjustment of status but have a prior removal order that needs to be reopened or resolved. I-212 can be filed to seek consent to reapply from USCIS before you attempt to return or file a new immigration application. It is often filed concurrently with other forms like I-601A or I-485.
What is the difference between I-212 and a visa waiver?
I-212 is a request for permission to reapply for admission after a prior deportation or removal. If granted, it allows you to proceed with a visa application or adjustment of status that would otherwise be barred. The visa waiver program (ESTA for VWP countries) is for people who have NOT been deported or removed — VWP travelers with a prior deportation/removal are ineligible and must apply for a visa. People subject to the 3/10-year bars from a prior removal must either wait out the bar period OR obtain an I-212 waiver before re-entering.
Can I file I-212 simultaneously with I-601A?
Yes — I-212 and I-601A can be filed simultaneously or in sequence depending on your immigration situation. If you have a prior removal order AND also face the unlawful presence bar, you may need both: I-212 (permission to reapply) plus I-601A (waiver of the unlawful presence bar). If your only bar is unlawful presence (no removal order), you may only need I-601A. Consult an immigration attorney if you have both prior removal and unlawful presence issues — the strategy and sequencing matter significantly for your overall case.