Three Common Mistakes Made in Family-Based Green Card Applications
If you are an American citizen or lawful permanent resident in the U.S. and want to keep your family together, applying for a family-based green card is an important step. When petitioning for a green card through family sponsorship, it is of the utmost importance that all information in your application is accurate. There is little room for error in immigration law. An outdated document, wrong address, or even one missing signature can result in months or possibly even years of delays.
Truthfully, the majority of denials are not based on the fact that the family relationship is not legitimate. Denials are often the result of mistakes that could have been avoided. Below, our Atlanta family immigration attorney explains three of the most common mistakes made.
Selecting the Wrong Process
There are two ways to process a family-based green card application. These include consular processing and an adjustment of status. Consular processing is necessary if your family member lives in a foreign country. The consulate or U.S. Embassy in their home country will handle the application. If your family member is already in the United States, they can apply for a green card without leaving the country.
Choosing the wrong process can result in long delays and more. For example, if you choose consular processing but your family member is already in the U.S., they may have to return to their home country to apply, resulting in unnecessary separation, additional expenses, and months of delays.
Incomplete or Missing Documentation
Submitting applications with incomplete or missing documents is another very common mistake. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will require proof of your familial relationship, your status as a lawful permanent resident or green card, and your eligibility to apply. Marriage certificates, divorce decrees, birth certificates, and proof of green cards or American citizenship are some of the most common types of missing documents.
The USCIS will likely send you a Request for Evidence (RFE) if there are documents missing from your petition. If you fail to respond within the deadline or do not respond properly, the USCIS may deny your application.
Failing to Inform USCIS of a Change of Address
Updating your address with USCIS may seem like a minor issue but it can be very damaging to your case. USCIS will communicate with you primarily through the mail and so you must notify them any time you move. If you fail to do this you may not receive an RFE, notice of biometrics appointment, your interview appointment, or notices of decisions. Missing just one of these can derail your entire case.
Our Family Immigration Attorney in Atlanta Can Help You Avoid Mistakes
Applying for family-based green cards can become quite complex and our Atlanta family immigration attorney can ensure no mistakes are made with your application. For a consultation to discuss your needs and case, please call Shirazi Immigration Law, Inc. today at 404-523-3611. We serve clients in Atlanta, Moultrie, and Dalton, GA and Chattanooga, TN.
Source:
uscis.gov/i-130
