Applying for a green card is an important place for many immigrants to begin their journey to citizenship in the U.S. The process isn’t an easy one, however, and mistakes can cause your application to be rejected. A rejected application can mean unnecessary time and expense while the issue is corrected. Here are some of the most common mistakes that are made on green card applications.
Missing Forms
There is a specific set of 8 to 12 government forms and supporting documents that are required for your application. Together, these documents make up the green card application. Missing forms can cause a delay in you application’s processing, which can run between 6 months and 2 years. It also can cost you up to $500 in fees.
Missing Translations
Unless your documents are already written in English, you will need to supply certified translations of all your supporting documents. These additional documents can include your:
- Driver’s license
- Birth certificate
- Marriage license
- Passport
- Visa
- Bank account and financial information
If your documents aren’t translated, it may cost your application another 6 months of processing time.
Forgetting Signatures
There are many forms, and they may require signatures from immigrant applicant or from the U.S. citizen sponsor, who is also sometimes referred to as the applicant. Getting these signatures wrong, singing in the wrong places, or failing to sign all the correct documents can cause your application to be rejected. This can require another 6 months of filing time to correct the issue, resubmit the application, and wait for review. You may also need to spend between $50 and $100 in filing fees.
Missing a Deadline
Once you enter the U.S., you have a limited amount of time to apply for your green card. There are several important deadlines throughout the application process, which you will need to be aware over. Your attorney can help you meet these deadlines and reassure the USCIS of your interest in becoming a permanent resident.
Supplying False Information
Even small mistakes can be construed as fraud, so it is important to have every date, locations, and criminal record in your history completely accurate. If it is determined that the errors were only mistakes you may be set back for 6 months to a year. If the USCIS believes the mistake is actually fraud, you may be banned from ever entering the U.S. again and be forced to leave.
Get Help from Our San Jose Immigration Attorneys – (408) 560-4622
Applying for a green card isn’t something you need to handle on your own. At Verma Law Firm, we have helped many clients successfully receive their green cards. Backed by more than 19 years of legal experience, our San Jose immigration attorneys are prepared to help you with any immigration need.
Contact our team to learn how we can help. Schedule a case evaluation by calling us today.