A new version of Form I-212, Application for Permission to Reapply for Admission into the United States after Removal or Deportation, was introduced by the Department of Homeland Security (“DHS”) in November 2010. The new Form I-212, which used to be a brief one-page form, is now three (3) pages long. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) will accept previous editions of the Form I-212 until January 6, 2011, however, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (“CBP”) will no longer accept previous editions. The filing fee for Form I-212 has also been raised to $585 USD.
The new instructions for Form I-212 are detailed and extensive – most likely due to previous confusion regarding the filing procedure. The new instructions contain a helpful chart at Appendix 1, which sets forth the proper office with jurisdiction to accept Forms I-212, as well as the office with jurisdiction to adjudicate Forms I-212, in nearly every possible scenario.
The instructions also provide information regarding some grounds of inadmissibility under the Immigration and Nationality Act (“INA”), as well as a list of some factors considered by DHS adjudicating officers.
Significantly, individuals filing Form I-212 with CBP at a Port of Entry are now required to submit specific supporting documentation, including Form G-325A and official police records from the applicant’s country of residence or nationality. For Canadians, this means obtaining a record from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (“RCMP”).
Finally, applicants filing Form I-212 with CBP must make their bank draft, check, or money order payable to “U.S. Customs and Border Protection” as opposed to those applying with USCIS, who must make their check or money order payable to the “U.S. Department of Homeland Security.”
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