At the consulate's discretion?

I have an I-130 approved but was deported from the US with a 10 year bar on re-entry for overstayed visa and an asylum case been denied. Denial resulted in a final order of deportation issued in absentia.

My spouse is a USC. I don't have a criminal record. Currently I'm going through a consular processing for an immigrant visa (I-824 is still pending).

I heard that I might not need an I-601 waiver as it is at the consulate's discretion to issue me a visa without a waiver. Is it true?

I have an I-130 approved but was deported from the US with a 10 year bar on re-entry for overstayed visa and an asylum case been denied. Denial resulted in a final order of deportation issued in absentia.

My spouse is a USC. I don't have a criminal record. Currently I'm going through a consular processing for an immigrant visa (I-824 is still pending).

I heard that I might not need an I-601 waiver as it is at the consulate's discretion to issue me a visa without a waiver. Is it true?

nope, you will need an I 212 (for the deporation) and an I 601