If necessary, Form I-601A, or Application for Provisional Unlawful Presence Waiver, is for individuals that have accrued more than 180 days unlawful presence in the U.S. and who require a waiver of inadmissibility to go through the consular process and obtain their immigrant visa abroad. Approval of this waiver is dependent on demonstrating extreme hardship to a qualifying relative (such as a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse) if the beneficiary were not permitted back into the country. This waiver allows applicants to apply for forgiveness of their unlawful presence before departing the U.S., reducing the risk of prolonged separation from their spouse and loved ones.