It can be very hard to get a green card. Many people who apply make mistakes that can slow down or even stop the process. These mistakes include missing papers and providing wrong information.
Houston is home to a broad group of immigrants, and many of them are seeking permanent residency. The immigration offices in the city process tens of thousands of green card requests every year. A Houston green card lawyer can help you make sure your application is complete and accurate.
You can improve your chances of success and achieve your goal of permanent residency by not making these mistakes.
Providing Wrong or Inconsistent Information
Even small mistakes in your application can cause issues. The USCIS checks your application against other immigration records. If there are any inconsistencies, the application can be red-flagged.
- Make sure that all of the names, dates, and addresses are correct.
- When you write down personal information, use the same spelling and format across all forms.
- Keep copies of your completed application in case you need them again in the future.
Not Meeting Important Deadlines
Not meeting deadlines can cause delays or even the denial of your green card. The USCIS has strict timelines for turning in forms, submitting evidence, and going to appointments.
- Write down important dates and times on your calendar.
- Before the due date, submit all forms and documents.
- As soon as possible, please answer USCIS’s requests for more information.
Submitting Forms or Documents that Aren’t Complete
Before USCIS can process an application, it checks to see if it has all the necessary information and documents. Requests for Evidence (RFE) occur when forms aren’t fully filled out, which slows down the process.
- Use USCIS checklists to make sure you send all the documents they need.
- Provide legible copies of the documents that are needed.
- Include certified translations of documents that aren’t written in English.
Forgetting to Sign Forms
It is very easy to make the mistake of not signing, but if you do, the document could be rejected immediately. USCIS will send back forms that haven’t been signed, thereby delaying the process.
- Before sending in any forms, check them all to make sure they are signed.
- Check every page that needs to be signed.
- If you’re not sure where signatures are needed, talk to an attorney.
Not Understanding the Affidavit of Support Requirement
All immigrants have to be sponsored by an individual who is a resident of the United States. The affidavit of support, also known as Form I-864, is essential for this. This is a contract signed by an individual, otherwise known as the sponsor, who takes financial responsibility for the immigrant.
Most people who want to get a green card must submit an affidavit of support. The application could be turned down if this document is missing or incomplete.
- Make sure that your financial sponsor meets the income requirement.
- As evidence, you should include all the necessary documents, like tax reports and pay stubs.
- If necessary, you might want to use a joint sponsor.
The duration of this financial responsibility depends on one of the two following factors.
- Until the applicant becomes a citizen of the United States
- The applicant has gone through 40 qualifying quarters of work as described under the Social Security Act. In simple words, the applicant must have been a part of the US workforce for approximately 10 years.
Ignoring Medical Examination Requirements
Most applicants require a medical check by a doctor approved by the USCIS. Some, on the other hand, don’t have to go through the medical examination unless they have a specific condition.
If you don’t send in the doctor’s report, the processing may be held up.
- Make an appointment with a licensed USCIS doctor for your medical check.
- Make sure you have all of your vaccinations up to date.
- You can either send the sealed medical report with your application or bring it with you to your interview.
It is also important to note that the immigration officer has the final say in conducting a medical examination. If they feel that the applicant is medically inadmissible, they have the right to conduct one, regardless of the type of immigration the applicant is seeking.
How Missing or Incorrect Documentation Can Delay or Invalidate the Application
Missing or incorrect documentation can significantly delay or even invalidate a Green Card application. Proper documentation is essential in proving eligibility and ensuring that the application is complete. Here’s a detailed explanation of how missing or incorrect documentation can affect the process:
1. Increased Processing Time
- Delays in Review: When an application is incomplete or contains errors, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) cannot fully process it. As a result, the application may be delayed while USCIS requests the missing or corrected documentation.
- Request for Evidence (RFE): If any essential documents are missing, USCIS may issue a Request for Evidence (RFE), asking the applicant to submit the missing items. This can add several weeks or even months to the overall processing time.
2. Possible Denial of the Application
- Inability to Prove Eligibility: Incomplete or incorrect documentation may prevent the applicant from proving that they meet the eligibility criteria for a Green Card. For example, missing proof of family relationships (e.g., marriage certificate or birth certificate) in family-based applications can lead to the denial of the application if USCIS cannot verify the relationship.
- Failure to Meet Requirements: Certain categories of Green Card applicants are required to submit specific documentation to show they meet certain requirements (e.g., financial support, legal status, or employment). Missing these documents could result in an outright denial if the applicant fails to meet the necessary standards.
3. Increased Risk of Fraud Concerns
- Incomplete or Inaccurate Information: Submitting incomplete or incorrect documents might raise suspicion about the applicant’s intent or honesty. For instance, inconsistencies between submitted documents or failure to provide requested information might lead the USCIS officer to believe the applicant is trying to hide information or commit fraud.
- Misrepresentation: Providing false or incorrect information—whether intentional or unintentional—can lead to severe consequences, including permanent disqualification from obtaining a Green Card or even deportation.
4. Impact on Family Members
- If the primary Green Card applicant fails to submit the correct or complete documentation, it could impact any family members (spouse, children, etc.) who are included in the application. For example, a missing birth certificate for a child might result in that child being excluded from the application, causing delays or even requiring a separate petition for that family member.
5. Request for Resubmission
- In some cases, if the documentation provided is not sufficient, USCIS may ask for the documents to be resubmitted. This can be time-consuming and frustrating for applicants who may have already spent a considerable amount of time gathering the correct paperwork.
- Multiple requests for resubmission or document updates may cause the application to be put on hold, extending the wait time and making the process more cumbersome.
6. Impact on the Applicant’s Status
- If the Green Card application is delayed because of missing or incorrect documentation, the applicant may experience uncertainty regarding their immigration status. For applicants in the U.S. on temporary visas, missing or incorrect documentation may mean a loss of legal status, which could lead to problems such as overstaying or being out of status.
- Additionally, certain benefits tied to the Green Card process, such as work authorization or travel permits, may be delayed or put on hold until the application is completed.
7. Additional Fees and Effort
- Resubmission Costs: If an applicant needs to resubmit documents or file a new form due to missing information, they may have to pay additional fees.
- Time and Effort: Collecting the right documents and responding to RFEs can be exhausting and time-consuming, which can cause frustration and further delays.
8. Ineligibility to Appeal or Reapply in Some Cases
- Depending on the nature of the error, if an application is denied due to missing or incorrect documentation, it may not always be possible to appeal or reapply. For example, suppose a form is filled out incorrectly or a critical document is missing and not rectified in a timely manner. In that case, the applicant might have to start the application process over, leading to additional costs and delays.
Conclusion
The United States is called the Land of the Immigrants, and for good reason; it is a country made up of immigrants. The changing geopolitical landscape and the increase in the number of people trying to enter the US illegally have led to the rise of the stringent rules mentioned in this article.
As harsh as the rules may seem, they are important to the US, not just to maintain a diverse workforce but also to ensure that the values it holds true are not threatened.
