More than 1 million people apply for a green card every year, and many of them make mistakes. These mistakes can result in delays, rejections and even denials.
It is essential to get all the forms, fees and documents in order for your green card application to be processed as quickly as possible. This is a long process that involves multiple steps. Getting everything done right the first time can help to ensure that you don’t have any issues.
1. Not Supplying the Requisite Forms
The Green Card process is a major milestone for many people. However, it is a daunting task with many forms and requirements to follow.
It is important to know the most common mistakes made when applying for a Green Card so that you can avoid them. These errors can result in delays in processing your application or even rejections.
Mistakes like these can be difficult to deal with on your own, and hiring an immigration attorney can make the entire process much easier and less stressful. A good attorney can help you make sure that you are following all of the required deadlines and avoiding any mistakes that could lead to delays or a rejection of your application.
One of the most common mistakes that applicants make is failing to supply the required forms. These forms can include birth certificates, marriage certificates and other important documents that will prove your identity.
These forms are required to be filled out completely. If you do not fill out a section completely, it may seem like you are hiding something or trying to avoid the truth.
Another common mistake that applicants make is providing false information. This is a serious issue that can lead to a denial of your application and could be a criminal offense.
A common example of this is marriage fraud. You can be denied your Green Card if you have married a person who does not qualify as a spouse.
In addition, if you are not currently married but have been previously, you will need to provide legal proof of the divorce, such as a death certificate or a divorce decree.
Not providing the required documents can delay your application by up to six months, and you must provide both the original and the certified translation of your documents.
2. Not Having the Supporting Documents
If you’re applying for a green card, there are many documents you’ll need to submit. These can include birth certificates, marriage certificates, utility bills, bank statements, and other documentation that proves your information is accurate.
If any of these documents are missing or incorrect, your application can be denied. This could add weeks or even months to your processing time.
One of the most common mistakes that people make when applying for a green card is not providing all the necessary supporting documents. This can be a huge mistake and often leads to a denial.
For example, if you are applying for a spouse’s green card, you will need to provide copies of the couple’s birth certificates as well as their marriage certificate. Having these documents can show that the couple was married in good faith and not to evade immigration laws.
Additionally, you’ll need to provide evidence of the couple’s shared financial liabilities, assets, insurance policies, tax filings, and the birth certificate of any children born during the marriage. This can demonstrate that the couple is a committed and loyal family.
This is a particularly important piece of evidence for family-based green card applications. It shows that the family member who is sponsoring you has the financial ability to support you for a period of time in the U.S.
If you have questions about the green card process, it is best to call the USCIS Contact Center. They can answer your question and can also schedule you an in-person appointment if you would like to visit a local field office. However, this is a very time-consuming process and should be avoided unless you have specific questions about your case.
3. Not Having a Lawyer Help You
One of the most common mistakes people make when applying for a green card is not having a lawyer help them. While lawyers are not allowed to attend consular interviews, they can help you prepare for them and make sure you understand what to expect. They also can answer questions you might have on the day of your interview and ensure that you don’t miss anything important.
Not having a lawyer to help you navigate the immigration process can lead to many complications, including being denied an application or losing your filing fee and having to start all over. This can be especially frustrating if you are overseas and have to apply for a visa before coming to the United States.
Another mistake people make is not supplying the correct information on their application. For example, a lot of green card forms ask you about your criminal history. This can include any arrests and citations you have had, as well as your final disposition. In addition, some forms are more specific than others, so be sure to fill out every section of the form.
The most important part of this type of application is getting all of the information on the forms right, including the financial aspects. This means preparing the appropriate affidavit of support and making sure that you are paying the correct amount of fees.
Having the wrong information on your application can be an expensive mistake and can cost you your green card, so it is best to get it right the first time. Taking the time to fill out the forms correctly and submit them on time will save you a great deal of headache and heartache later on.
4. Not Following Deadlines
The US government requires applicants to meet certain deadlines throughout the green card process. These include their visa expiry date, application processing time, interview date and renewal deadline 2 years after that. If you miss any of these dates, your application will likely be denied.
Deadlines can be either concrete (e.g., “by Friday at 5”) or abstract (e.g., “by the end of the week”). The decision to set a deadline is made for a variety of reasons. They may be based on the time that it takes to achieve something, the goal of accomplishing something, or they may be based on other factors that influence people’s behavior, such as an associated reward or punishment.
Another common mistake is not following up on Requests for Evidence (RFE). These notices typically list out the evidence that you submitted in your application and any missing evidence. They also give you a deadline to submit any missing evidence. Failure to respond within the given time frame can result in a denial of your green card application.
Finally, it’s important to check that all of the documents that you need to provide are properly translated into English. This includes all birth certificates and marriage certificates that are not originally in English, as well as any other documents that are required for your green card application.
It’s also important to make sure that all of the right people sign all of the required forms in the correct places. This can be tricky if you’re dealing with someone who doesn’t speak English, but it’s critical to ensure that your paperwork is properly signed in all the places that it needs to be.
5. Not Having a Written Plan
One of the most common mistakes that people make when applying for a green card is not having a written plan. This is a huge mistake because it can cause the USCIS to reject your application outright, which will be very costly. It’s very important to have a written plan that includes your interview and any other information you may need. It’s absolutely imperative that you know how to answer the uscis marriage interview questions. This will help you to get everything in order and avoid making any mistakes. You will also need to be sure that you have all of your travel documents, passports, and anything else that is relevant to your application.
Another common mistake is not filling out the forms correctly. Leaving information in that does not apply to you and your spouse can appear as if you are trying to deceive the USCIS. This can be particularly common when you are applying for a family preference green card. You should always be completely honest with the USCIS on every form that you fill out and never leave any part of the application blank. This will ensure that you do not lose out on your green card and avoid any unnecessary delays in the process. Be sure to take your time when filling out the forms and don’t be afraid to ask for help from a lawyer if you are having trouble with the forms.