A fuel injector an internal combustion engine includes a filter for filtering fuel flowing into the control valve, the filter includes multiple filter orifices, provided on a sleeve surrounding the control valve, or on a filter element integral to the sleeve, or a filter element or plate located between an entry to the INO (inlet orifice) from a main fuel supply passage and the control valve, thereby filtering fuel contaminant particles from the flow of fuel entering the control valve, thereby reducing or eliminating control valve seat wear and subsequent leakage.