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PrintI-191, Application for Relief Under Former Section 212(c) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA)
You may file Form I-191 if you are a lawful permanent resident and you believe you are eligible for relief under former INA section 212(c).
Congress repealed former INA section 212(c) effective April 1, 1997. However, the U.S. Supreme Court decided in 2001 that the repeal does not apply to lawful permanent residents who pleaded guilty to a crime before April 1, 1997 (INS v. St. Cyr, 533 U.S. 289). In Matter of Abdelghany, 26 I&N Dec. 254 (BIA 2014), the Board of Immigration Appeals held that relief under former INA section 212(c) is also available to otherwise eligible lawful permanent residents even if they were convicted following a trial before April 1, 1997.
Note: The form was previously titled, "Application for Advance Permission to Return to Unrelinquished Domicile".
Number of Pages
Form 17; Instructions 11.
Edition Date
12/23/16. We will publish a new edition of this form soon. In the meantime, you may file using the 12/23/16 edition. You can find the edition date at the bottom of the page on the form and instructions.
Where to File
For regular postal delivery:
USCIS
Texas Service Center
P.O. Box 850965
Dallas, TX 75185
For express or courier delivery:
USCIS
Texas Service Center
4141 N. St. Augustine Road
Dallas, TX 75227
Filing Tips for Form I-191, Application for Relief Under Former Section 212(c) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA)
Complete all sections of the form.
Sign the form in Part 9, Item Number 6., Applicant’s Signature. The fillable version of Form I-191 now includes a “Don’t forget to sign!” message and an arrow pointing to the signature box as a reminder for when you print the completed form for mailing. If there is no signature in Part 9, USCIS will reject the form and return it for correction and re-filing.
Filing Fee
$930.
