A green card is a document that grants you permanent residency in the United States, allowing you to live, work, study, and travel freely in the country. It also opens up the path to citizenship, if you wish to become a US citizen in the future.
Getting a green card is not easy, however. The process can be complex, lengthy, and costly, depending on your situation and the type of green card you are applying for. There are many rules, requirements, and procedures that you need to follow carefully, otherwise, you may risk delaying, denying, or even losing your green card.
To help you avoid these pitfalls, we have compiled a list of 10 common mistakes that applicants make when filling out their green card application, and how to avoid them.
Mistake #1: Not checking your eligibility
The first step in applying for a green card is to check if you are eligible for one. There are different types of green cards, each with its own eligibility criteria, such as family-based, employment-based, diversity lottery, refugee/asylee, special immigrant, etc.
You need to make sure that you meet the specific criteria for the type of green card you are applying for, such as having a qualifying family member or employer in the US, having a certain level of education or work experience, being from an eligible country, having a valid refugee/asylee status, etc.
Some common situations where applicants may not meet the eligibility requirements are:
- Applying for a family-based green card when they do not have a close relative who is a US citizen or permanent resident.
- Applying for an employment-based green card when they do not have a job offer from a US employer who is willing to sponsor them.
- Applying for a diversity lottery green card when they are from a country that is not eligible for the lottery.
- Applying for a refugee/asylee green card when they do not have a valid refugee/asylee status in the US.
To avoid this mistake, you should:
- Research the different types of green cards and their eligibility criteria on the official website of the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or consult an immigration lawyer or consultant.
- Choose the type of green card that best suits your situation and goals, and make sure you meet all the requirements before applying.
- Gather all the necessary evidence and documents to prove your eligibility, such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, diplomas, transcripts, job letters, etc.
Mistake #2: Filling out incorrect or outdated forms
The next step in applying for a green card is to fill out the required forms. Depending on the type of green card you are applying for, you may need to fill out one or more forms, such as Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative), Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker), Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status), Form DS-260 (Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration Application), etc.
You need to make sure that you fill out the correct and updated forms for your type of green card. Some common errors or omissions on forms are:
- Filling out the wrong form or an outdated version of the form.
- Leaving blank spaces or fields on the form.
- Providing incomplete or inaccurate information on the form.
- Forgetting to sign or date the form.
- Using incorrect or illegible handwriting or fonts on the form.
To avoid this mistake, you should:
- Check the official website of the USCIS or the US Department of State (DOS) for the latest versions of the forms and instructions for your type of green card.
- Download and print the forms from the official sources, or use online tools or software to fill out the forms electronically.
- Follow the instructions carefully and fill out every section and field on the form with complete and accurate information.
- Review your forms before submitting them and make sure they are signed and dated where required.
- Use black ink or clear fonts on the forms and make sure they are readable and neat.
Mistake #3: Submitting incomplete or inaccurate documents
The third step in applying for a green card is to submit the required documents along with your forms. Depending on the type of green card you are applying for, you may need to submit various documents, such as passport, birth certificate, marriage certificate, divorce decree, police certificate, medical examination report, financial affidavit, tax returns, bank statements, employment letter, educational certificates, etc.
You need to make sure that you submit complete and accurate documents that match the information on your forms and prove your eligibility for your type of green card. Some common mistakes or issues with documents are:
- Submitting incomplete or missing documents.
- Submitting expired or invalid documents.
- Submitting documents that are not in English or not accompanied by certified translations.
- Submitting documents that are not original or certified copies.
- Submitting documents that are damaged, altered, or illegible.
To avoid this mistake, you should:
- Check the official website of the USCIS or the DOS for the list of required documents and specifications for your type of green card.
- Gather all the necessary documents well in advance and make sure they are valid and current.
- Obtain certified translations of any documents that are not in English from a reputable translation service or agency.
- Obtain original or certified copies of any documents that are not issued by the US government or authorities.
- Keep your documents in good condition and avoid any damage, alteration, or illegibility.
Mistake #4: Missing deadlines or appointments
The fourth step in applying for a green card is to meet the deadlines or appointments that are involved in the process. Depending on the type of green card you are applying for, you may need to meet various deadlines or appointments, such as filing fees, submission dates, biometrics appointments, interview appointments, medical examination appointments, etc.
Make sure to meet all the deadlines or appointments set by the immigration authorities, otherwise, you may risk delaying, denying, or losing your green card. Some common consequences of missing deadlines or appointments are:
- Paying additional fees or penalties.
- Losing your priority date or place in line.
- Having your application rejected or denied.
- Having your visa revoked or cancelled.
- Having to start the process over again.
To avoid this mistake, you should:
- Check the official website of the USCIS or the DOS for the deadlines or appointments that apply to your type of green card.
- Keep a calendar or a reminder system to track and meet all the deadlines or appointments.
- Pay the filing fees on time and keep the receipts as proof of payment.
- Submit your application and documents as early as possible and keep copies as proof of submission.
- Attend all the biometrics, interview, and medical examination appointments as scheduled and bring all the required documents and identification.
Mistake #5: Not following instructions or answering questions honestly
The fifth step in applying for a green card is to follow the instructions or answer the questions that are given by the immigration authorities. Depending on the type of green card you are applying for, you may need to follow the instructions or answer the questions on the forms, documents, online portals, phone calls, emails, letters, biometrics, interview, test, etc.
You need to make sure that you follow the instructions or answer the questions honestly and accurately, otherwise you may risk delaying, denying, or losing your green card. Some common misunderstandings or misrepresentations are:
- Not following the instructions or answering the questions as they are given or asked.
- Providing false, incomplete, or inconsistent information or evidence.
- Hiding or omitting any relevant information or facts.
- Lying or exaggerating about your personal, family, educational, professional, or financial background or situation.
- Using fraud, deception, or manipulation to obtain a green card.
To avoid this mistake, you should:
- Read and understand the instructions or questions carefully and follow them or answer them as they are given or asked.
- Provide true, complete, and consistent information or evidence that matches your forms and documents.
- Disclose any relevant information or facts that may affect your eligibility or application.
- Be honest and realistic about your personal, family, educational, professional, or financial background or situation.
- Avoid any fraud, deception, or manipulation to obtain a green card.
Mistake #6: Not updating your information or notifying changes
The sixth step in applying for a green card is to update your information or notify changes that may occur during the process. Depending on the type of green card you are applying for, you may need to update your information or notify changes to the immigration authorities, such as change of address, change of name, change of marital status, change of employment, change of country of residence, etc.
You need to make sure that you update your information or notify changes promptly and correctly, otherwise, you may risk delaying, denying, or losing your green card. Some common scenarios where applicants fail to update or notify changes are:
- Not updating their address or contact information when they move or travel.
- Not notifying their name change when they get married or divorced.
- Not notifying their marital status change when they get married, divorced, or widowed.
- Not notifying their employment change when they start, quit, or change jobs.
- Not notifying their country of residence change when they leave or enter the US.
To avoid this mistake, you should:
- Check the official website of the USCIS or the DOS for the procedures and forms to update your information or notify changes for your type of green card.
- Update your address or contact information online or by mail within 10 days of moving or traveling.
- Notify your name change online or by mail within 10 days of getting married or divorced.
- Notify your marital status change online or by mail within 10 days of getting married, divorced, or widowed.
- Notify your employment change online or by mail within 10 days of starting, quitting, or changing jobs.
- Notify your country of residence changes online or by mail within 10 days of leaving or entering the US.
Mistake #7: Not preparing for the interview or the test
The seventh step in applying for a green card is to prepare for the interview or the test that may be required for your type of green card. Depending on the type of green card you are applying for, you may need to attend an interview or take a test with the immigration authorities, such as a consular interview, an adjustment of status interview, a naturalization interview, a civics test, an English test, etc.
You need to make sure that you prepare for the interview or the test well in advance and perform well on the day, otherwise, you may risk delaying, denying, or losing your green card. Some common mistakes or failures in the interview or the test are:
- Not preparing for the interview or the test by studying the relevant topics, questions, and answers.
- Not bringing all the required documents and identification to the interview or the test.
- Not dressing appropriately or professionally for the interview or the test.
- Not arriving on time or at the right location for the interview or the test.
- Not being polite, respectful, or confident during the interview or the test.
- Not answering the questions clearly, correctly, or completely during the interview or the test.
To avoid this mistake, you should:
- Check the official website of the USCIS or the DOS for details and tips on how to prepare for the interview or the test for your type of green card.
- Study the relevant topics, questions, and answers that the interview or test may ask, such as your personal information, eligibility criteria, application details, background checks, knowledge of US history and government, and English language skills.
- Bring all the required documents and identification to the interview or the test, such as passport, green card application receipt, appointment notice, birth certificate, marriage certificate, divorce decree, police certificate, medical examination report, financial affidavit, tax returns, bank statements, employment letter, educational certificates, etc.
- Dress appropriately or professionally for the interview or the test, such as wearing clean and neat clothes that suit the occasion and show respect to the interviewer or examiner.
- Arrive on time or at least 15 minutes early for the interview or the test at the right location and check in with the staff.
- Be polite, respectful, and confident during the interview or the test and greet and thank the interviewer or examiner before and after.
- Answer the questions clearly, correctly, and completely during the interview or the test and avoid any false, incomplete, or inconsistent information.
Mistake #8: Not hiring a qualified immigration lawyer or consultant
The eighth step in applying for a green card is to consider hiring a qualified immigration lawyer or consultant who can help you with your application. Depending on the type of green card you are applying for, you may benefit from hiring a professional who can advise you on your eligibility, guide you through the process, prepare and review your forms and documents, represent you in the interview or the test, handle any issues or complications that may arise, and protect your rights and interests.
You need to make sure that you hire a qualified immigration lawyer or consultant who has the experience, expertise, and ethics to assist you with your green card application, otherwise, you may risk wasting your time, money, or green card. Some common problems or risks that can be avoided or solved by hiring a professional are:
- Not knowing your eligibility or options for different types of green cards.
- Not understanding the rules, requirements, and procedures for your type of green card.
- Not filling out the forms correctly or submitting the documents properly.
- Not meeting deadlines or appointments or responding to requests or notices.
- Not following the instructions or answering the questions honestly or accurately.
- Not updating your information or notifying changes.
- Not preparing for the interview or the test.
- Not appealing a denial or a revocation.
To avoid this mistake, you should:
- Check the official website of the USCIS or the DOS for information and resources on how to find and hire a qualified immigration lawyer or consultant for your type of green card.
- Look for a licensed immigration lawyer or an accredited immigration consultant who has the relevant education, training, and experience in handling green card cases similar to yours.
- Ask for referrals, reviews, or testimonials from previous clients who have used their services and were satisfied with the results.
- Compare the fees, services, and reputation of different immigration lawyers or consultants and choose the one that suits your budget, needs, and expectations.
- Communicate clearly and regularly with your immigration lawyer or consultant and follow their advice and instructions.
Mistake #9: Not checking the status of your application or responding to requests
The ninth step in applying for a green card is to check the status of your application or respond to requests that you may receive from the immigration authorities. Depending on the type of green card you are applying for, you may need to check the status of your application or respond to requests online, by phone, by mail, or in person.
You need to make sure that you check the status of your application or respond to requests promptly and appropriately, otherwise you may risk delaying, denying, or losing your green card. Some common requests or notices that you may receive from the immigration authorities are:
- Request for evidence (RFE): A request for additional evidence or information to support your application.
- Notice of intent to deny (NOID): A notice that your application may be denied unless you provide a satisfactory response.
- Notice of action (NOA): A notice that your application has been received, accepted, rejected, approved, denied, or revoked.
- Notice of appointment (NOA): A notice that you have an appointment for biometrics, interview, or test.
- Notice of decision (NOD): A notice that your application has been approved, denied, or revoked.
To avoid this mistake, you should:
- Check the official website of the USCIS or the DOS for the methods and tools to check the status of your application or respond to requests for your type of green card.
- Check the status of your application online or by phone regularly and keep track of the progress and updates.
- Respond to any requests or notices that you receive from the immigration authorities within the specified time frame and manner.
- Provide any additional evidence or information that is requested or required to support your application.
- Follow up with the immigration authorities if you do not receive any confirmation or feedback on your application or response.
Mistake #10: Not appealing a denial or a revocation
The tenth and final step in applying for a green card is to appeal a denial or a revocation if you receive one. Depending on the type of green card you are applying for, you may have the option to appeal a denial or a revocation of your application to a higher authority, such as the Administrative Appeals Office (AAO), the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA), or the federal court.
You need to make sure that you appeal a denial or a revocation effectively and timely, otherwise, you may lose your chance to obtain or keep your green card. Some common reasons for denials or revocations are:
- Not meeting the eligibility criteria for your type of green card.
- Not filling out the forms correctly or submitting the documents properly.
- Not meeting deadlines or appointments or responding to requests or notices.
- Not following the instructions or answering the questions honestly or accurately.
- Not updating your information or notifying changes.
- Not preparing for the interview or the test.
- Committing fraud, deception, or manipulation to obtain a green card.
- Violating the terms and conditions of your green card.
To avoid this mistake, you should:
- Check the official website of the USCIS or the DOS for the procedures and forms to appeal a denial or a revocation of your type of green card.
- Review the reasons for the denial or the revocation and gather any evidence or information that can refute or explain them.
- File your appeal within the specified time limit and manner and pay the required fee.
- Hire a qualified immigration lawyer or consultant who can represent you and argue your case in the appeal process.
- Follow up with the immigration authorities or the court on the status and outcome of your appeal.
Conclusion
Applying for a green card is a major step in your life and career, and it can be rewarding and fulfilling if you do it right. However, it can also be challenging and frustrating if you do it wrong. To avoid making common mistakes that can cost you your green card, you should follow these 10 tips:
- Check your eligibility before applying.
- Fill out the correct and updated forms.
- Submit complete and accurate documents.
- Meet deadlines and appointments.
- Follow instructions and answer questions honestly.
- Update your Information or notify changes.
- Prepare for the interview or the test.
- Hire a qualified immigration lawyer or consultant.
- Check the status of your application or respond to requests.
- Appeal a denial or a revocation.
By following these tips, you can increase your chances of getting your green card successfully and smoothly. We hope this article has been helpful and informative for you. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. Thank you for reading and good luck with your green card application!
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions that you may have about applying for a green card:
How long does it take to get a green card?
The processing time for a green card varies depending on the type of green card you are applying for, the category and preference level you fall under, the country of origin you come from, the availability of visas, the workload and backlog of the immigration authorities, and other factors. Generally, it can take anywhere from several months to several years to get a green card.
How much does it cost to apply for a green card?
The cost of applying for a green card depends on the type of green card you are applying for, the forms and documents you need to submit, the fees and expenses you need to pay, and other factors. Generally, it can cost anywhere from hundreds to thousands of dollars to apply for a green card.
How can I check if I won the diversity lottery?
The diversity lottery is a program that randomly selects eligible applicants from certain countries with low rates of immigration to the US to apply for a green card. If you applied for the diversity lottery, you can check if you won by visiting the official website of the DOS and entering your confirmation number, name, and date of birth. You will be notified if you have been selected or not.
What is an adjustment of status?
An adjustment of status is a process that allows eligible applicants who are already in the US on a nonimmigrant visa (such as student, tourist, worker, etc.) to change their status to permanent resident without having to leave the country. To apply for an adjustment of status, you need to file Form I-485 with USCIS.
What is consular processing?
Consular processing is a process that allows eligible applicants who are outside the US or cannot adjust their status in the US to apply for an immigrant visa at a US embassy or consulate in their home country. To apply for consular processing, you need to file Form DS-260 with DOS.
What is a priority date?
A priority date is a date that determines your place in line for a green card. It is usually the date when your petition or application was filed with USCIS or DOS. You can check your priority date on your receipt notice or online. Your priority date must be current or earlier than the cut-off date in the monthly visa bulletin issued by DOS for your category and country of origin in order for you to apply for a green card.
What is a biometrics appointment?
A biometrics appointment is an appointment where you need to provide your fingerprints, photograph, and signature to USCIS for identity verification and background checks. You will receive a notice from USCIS with the date, time, and location of your biometrics appointment. You need to bring the notice and a valid photo ID to the appointment.
What is a naturalisation interview?
A naturalization interview is an interview where you need to demonstrate your eligibility and readiness to become a US citizen. The interviewer will ask you questions about your application, your past, your moral character, and your understanding of US history and government. You will also have to take an English and a civics test during the interview. The time, date, and venue of your naturalization interview will be provided to you in a notice from USCIS. You must attend the interview with the notice, all necessary paperwork, and valid identification.
What is a medical examination?
A medical examination is an examination where you need to prove that you are healthy and do not have any communicable diseases or conditions that may make you inadmissible to the US. You need to undergo a medical examination by a designated civil surgeon (if you are in the US) or a panel physician (if you are outside the US) who will fill out Form I-693 (Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record) or Form DS-2054 (Medical Examination for Immigrant or Refugee Applicant) for you. You need to bring the sealed envelope containing the form and any supporting documents to your interview or submit it with your application.
What is an affidavit of support?
An affidavit of support is a document where you need to show that you have enough income or assets to support yourself and your family members who are applying for a green card with you. You need to have a sponsor who is a US citizen or permanent resident who is willing to sign Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the INA) for you and provide evidence of their income or assets. You need to submit the form and the evidence with your application or bring them to your interview.
