The process of obtaining a green card in the United States is difficult enough without introducing preventable mistakes of your own. You can increase your chances of realizing your immigration dreams by avoiding common errors.
Faulty form submission
There are many forms that must accompany your green card application and they all must be handled with care. Common mistakes in submitting forms include:
- Forgetting to sign documents
- Failing to have documents translated into English
- Sending the incorrect fee
- Filing at the wrong location
Making an error when submitting a form can result in the filing be sent back to you or delays in your adjustment of status case by several months and even years. By getting it right the first time, you can avoid such delays.
Getting the facts wrong
An erroneous entry on a form can not only result in delays but also put you at risk of even harsher consequences depending on the question.
The task of compiling information for your application is a heavy one, but worth it in the end. It may take weeks to go through your past history and record old addresses, occupations, affiliations with groups, and other items, but the process of filling out paperwork will be much easier once you have all of this information in front of you.
Hire an experienced immigration attorney
There is no shortage of immigration services offering help in obtaining a green card, but how many of them can you trust? Many services, such as “immigration consultants” and “notarios” promise results that are fast and inexpensive. While these offers may seem attractive at first, hiring one of these services can actually put your immigration goals in jeopardy.
Non-attorney services also fall short in that only a licensed attorney can accompany you to your green card interview. When you add the possibility of paperwork mistakes and missed deadlines, the act of hiring an inexpensive service can actually end up costing you more.
If you are seeking a green card in the United States, careful planning and execution can help you avoid issues while putting your immigration goals within reach.