How Long Does a Medical Inadmissibility Waiver Take?
Quick Answer
Processing times for Form I-601 (medical waiver) vary by USCIS service center and case complexity, but typically range from several months to over a year. Current processing times are published on the USCIS website. Building a complete, well-documented waiver record from the start can help avoid delays from Requests for Evidence.
USCIS Processing Times for Form I-601
USCIS publishes current processing times for Form I-601 on its website (uscis.gov/forms/i-601). Processing times vary by service center and change over time. As of mid-2026, processing times for Form I-601 at most service centers range from several months to over a year.
Check the USCIS website for the most current processing time estimates. Processing times are updated regularly and reflect the actual time it is taking USCIS to process cases at each service center.
What Affects Processing Time
Several factors can affect how long your waiver takes to process: (1) the complexity of the medical finding — straightforward vaccination waivers are generally processed more quickly than complex mental disorder or substance use disorder waivers; (2) the completeness of your initial submission — a well-documented, complete submission is less likely to generate an RFE that adds months to the timeline; (3) USCIS workload at the service center handling your case; and (4) whether USCIS requests additional evidence.
An RFE (Request for Evidence) is one of the most common causes of delay. Responding to an RFE adds at least 87 days to the timeline (the standard response period) plus additional processing time after USCIS receives the response.
How to Check Your Case Status
After filing Form I-601, USCIS will send you a receipt notice with a receipt number. You can use this receipt number to check your case status online at uscis.gov/casestatus.
You can also sign up for case status updates by email or text message through the USCIS website. If your case has been pending longer than the published processing time, you may be able to submit a case inquiry through the USCIS website.
Expedited Processing
USCIS may grant expedited processing of Form I-601 in certain circumstances, such as severe financial loss, urgent humanitarian reasons, or a USCIS error. Expedited processing requests are evaluated on a case-by-case basis and are not guaranteed.
To request expedited processing, contact USCIS through the USCIS Contact Center and explain the basis for the expedite request. Provide documentation supporting the request.
Planning for the Waiver Timeline
The waiver process adds significant time to the overall immigration timeline. Applicants who anticipate a Class A finding should begin building the waiver record before the exam — gathering medical documentation, treatment records, and hardship evidence — so the waiver application can be filed promptly after the finding is made.
Work with an immigration attorney to plan the waiver timeline and ensure that all documentation is ready when needed. A well-prepared waiver application filed promptly after the Class A finding is the most efficient path to a decision.
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