Quick answer
What is USCIS Form I-191 used for?
Use this form if you are a lawful permanent resident and wish to request 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 Congress repealed former INA section 212(c) effective April 1, 1997.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.
I-191 concerns relief under former INA section 212(c)
Form I-191 is tied to relief under former section 212(c) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. It is not a general-purpose inadmissibility waiver and should not be selected merely because a person faces an immigration consequence. The threshold question is whether the applicant’s procedural and immigration history places the case within the limited circumstances where former-section relief remains available.
Assemble the prior admission, lawful permanent resident, conviction, charging, immigration-court, and decision records needed to understand that history before preparing the application. Do not substitute I-191 for I-601, I-601A, I-602, I-690, or another waiver form without comparing the statutory basis. Because eligibility depends heavily on dates and prior proceedings, this is a form where qualified immigration counsel is especially important.
What to prepare before filling I-191
- 01
Confirm that Form I-191, Application for Relief Under Former Section 212(c) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), matches the specific benefit, request, verification, or record you need.
- 02
Download the current Form I-191 and its separate instructions from USCIS, then compare the edition date before typing any answers.
- 03
For Form I-191, collect the identity records, receipt or account numbers, dates, addresses, and prior immigration documents that support your answers.
- 04
Follow the official Form I-191 filing method and address; do not assume it can be submitted through a USCIS online account.
Current official filing details
The details below are condensed from the USCIS page reviewed on 2026-07-26. Follow the official page and instructions if they differ from this snapshot.
Edition date
01/20/25. You can find the edition date at the bottom of the page on the form and instructions.
Where to file
U.S. Postal Service (USPS), FedEx, UPS, and DHL deliveries: USCIS ATTN: I-191 3 Intake Way Minneapolis, MN 55438-1455
Filing fee
You can find the filing fee for Form I-191 by visiting our Fee Schedule page.
USCIS filing tips
Don’t forget to sign your form. We will reject and return any unsigned form.
Official I-191 downloads and filing links
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What is Form I-191 used for?
Use this form if you are a lawful permanent resident and wish to file for relief under former INA section 212(c).
How much does Form I-191 cost?
You can find the filing fee for Form I-191 by visiting our Fee Schedule page.
Can I file Form I-191 online?
The USCIS all-forms directory does not list a general online filing option for this form. Follow the official page for the required filing method.
Related USCIS form guides
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Form I-90
Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)
Green Card
Form I-131A
Application for Carrier Documentation
Green Card
Form I-407
Record of Abandonment of Lawful Permanent Resident Status
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Form I-485
Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status
Green Card
Form I-485 Supplement A
Supplement A to Form I-485, Adjustment of Status Under Section 245(i)
Green Card
Form I-601
Application for Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility
Source: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Independent guide by Clerks AI; not affiliated with USCIS and not legal advice.
Last researched 2026-07-26. Recheck the official page before filing.