The USCIS has announced its decision to begin stateside processing of the I-601 application by individuals who are determined to be ineligible for admission to the United States by U.S. consulate officials overseas. The change is meant to make for a more consistent and efficient processing of the applications.
Currently, if a person is determined to be ineligible for entry into the United States, they can seek a waiver of their ineligibility by filing form I-601 overseas. However, the waivers are adjudicated at different places and at different speeds (varying from one month to over one year). With its announcement, the USCIS seeks to speed up the process.
It is important to note that, although the I-601 will be processed stateside, the applicant will still need to wait outside of the United States while the application is processed.
The change in procedure is set to begin June 4th.