What is the waiting period for an arriving non-U.S. citizen who has been previously removed and is seeking re-entry?

The waiting period for a non-U.S. citizen who has been previously removed and is seeking re-entry is 5 years. This is a key component of U.S. immigration law, which establishes different timelines for re-entry based on the nature and circumstances of the prior removal.

Specifically, under U.S. immigration regulations, if a non-U.S. citizen is removed from the country, they generally face a re-entry bar that lengthens depending on the reasons for their removal. A bar of 5 years primarily applies when an individual has been ordered removed and subsequently seeks to return to the U.S.

Understanding this waiting period is essential for non-U.S. citizens planning to re-enter, as it impacts their eligibility and the process they must undertake, such as applying for a waiver depending on their circumstances.