For many immigrants, the hardest part of the process isn’t the application itself — it’s the fear that something in their past will close the path to a green card or visa. Maybe it was time spent in the U.S. without papers. Maybe it was a mistake made years ago. Maybe someone gave you the wrong information, and now you’re worried it will follow you forever.

At Rebecca Kitson Law, we help you understand whether a waiver can give you another chance. Immigration waivers are a legal way to request forgiveness for certain problems, and when used correctly, they can protect families from long separations and open the way toward lawful status.

You don’t have to guess which waiver applies to you — we explain it clearly and create a plan based on your real life, not on fear.

What Is an Immigration Waiver?

An immigration waiver is a request asking the U.S. government to forgive certain violations so you can continue with your case.

People request waivers for reasons like:

• living in the U.S. without papers
• using a different name or incorrect information in the past
• a prior immigration order or issue
• certain criminal or legal problems
• leaving the U.S. and facing a 3- or 10-year bar

A waiver tells your story, shows your family’s hardship, and explains why you should still be allowed to stay with or return to your loved ones.

Waivers are approved when the government understands the full picture — your family, your responsibilities, and the real impact separation would cause.

When a Waiver May Be Right for You

If any of these situations sound familiar, you may need a waiver before continuing your immigration process:

You lived in the U.S. without papers for many years

Leaving the country could trigger a 3- or 10-year bar. A provisional waiver (I-601A) may allow you to complete your process with much less time away from your family.

You used a different name or false information at some point

Misrepresentation is serious, but some people still qualify for a waiver if they can show strong family hardship.

You are applying through consular processing but fear long separation

Waivers can reduce the time you spend outside the U.S. and help your family stay stable during the process.

You have a complex immigration history

Maybe you crossed more than once, had previous cases denied, or have old records you don’t fully understand. A waiver may help repair those issues.

Your family depends on you financially or emotionally

Hardship waivers focus on the U.S. citizen or resident spouse or parent — their health, income, children, medical needs, and emotional well-being.

If you’re unsure which category fits you, that’s completely normal. We walk through your history step by step and explain what is possible.

Real Situations That May Feel Like Yours

Many clients from Mexico, Guatemala, and El Salvador come to us with similar concerns. These examples show how waivers work in real life:

A spouse afraid to leave the U.S. for their interview

A mother of two fears leaving for her consular interview because her family cannot manage without her. We prepare a hardship waiver showing the real emotional and financial impact her absence would cause.

A father who once used the wrong information

Years ago, he used a different name to get work. Now he wants to fix his status. We help him gather evidence, explain his history clearly, and build a waiver focused on keeping his family united.

A family with a long, complicated immigration history

Crossings, returns, and old mistakes make them think there is no hope. We review every detail and create a strategy so their story is understood — not judged.

A spouse supporting a partner with a medical condition

A lawful permanent resident depends on their spouse for daily support. We prepare a waiver showing medical and emotional hardship if they were separated.

When clients hear stories like these, they often say, “That sounds like us.”
That’s why we share them — so you know you are not alone.

How We Help You Through the Waiver Process

1. We review your entire history.

We look closely at your immigration record, past entries, old applications, and any issues that might affect your case.

2. We identify the correct waiver.

Not everyone needs the same type of waiver. We explain the differences and help you understand which one fits your situation.

3. We prepare a strong hardship package.

This can include medical reports, financial records, psychological evaluations, family statements, and proof of your role at home. We build the case in a way that is easy for immigration officers to follow and understand.

4. We support you until your case is approved.

You will never be left guessing. We keep you updated, explain every notice, and prepare you for what comes next.

Common Questions About Immigration Waivers

Do I always need a waiver?

Not always. It depends on your history and the type of case you are filing. We help you understand if a waiver is necessary.

Will a waiver fix everything?

No waiver fixes all problems, but the right one can remove major barriers and allow your case to move forward.

How long does it take?

Processing times vary, but we give you a realistic timeline based on your type of waiver.

Is hardship only about money?

No. Hardship includes medical issues, emotional stress, learning struggles for children, family responsibilities, and more.

Can a criminal issue be waived?

Some can, some cannot. We must review your specific situation to know for sure.

When You’re Ready, We’re Here to Help

You don’t have to live in fear of one mistake defining your future. If you’re ready for clear guidance and a plan you can trust, we’re here to walk with you.