Approximately 43.3 million foreign-born people live in the United States. Furthermore, two-thirds (67%) of those eligible for citizenship had obtained it by 2015. Of course, obtaining citizenship can be a long and complex process, and without help from the best immigration lawyers, you could end up making some serious mistakes that slow the entire process. Here are just a few mistakes to avoid when applying for a green card.
Not translating the essential information on the documents in your green card application.
First, it’s important to recognize that a green card application is a series of complex forms and documents that need to be submitted and approved of to obtain citizenship. In 2016, Mexicans accounted for approximately 26% of immigrants in the United States, making them by far the largest foreign-born group in the country. But whatever your country of origin may be, it’s important for those from non-English speaking countries to properly translate the essential information on their green card application documents into English. Failing to do this can cause up to a six-month delay in application processing.
Not paying the correct amount for your application.
Fees for green card applications can be difficult to accurately calculate since there’s often a separate fee associated with each form. For this reason, it’s important to make sure you’re paying the right amount for your application. If not, the USCIS will send you an invoice that will just put you at the back of the line and slow your application by several months.
Missing forms in your green card application.
As mentioned, your green card application consists of dozens of forms and documents. Forgetting even one can slow the process significantly. That’s why it’s so helpful to work with the best immigration lawyers who can ensure that your application is complete.
Overall, the number of foreign-born individuals in the U.S. population has more than quadrupled since 1965 and is expected to reach 78 million by 2065. But taking the time to inform yourself of the proper way to file for your green card can ensure that you avoid these mistakes and navigate the process as efficiently as possible.
