What are the Dos and Don’ts of the Green Card Process?

The green card process can feel daunting, which is why it is helpful to know the dos and don’ts of this process. Continue reading to learn more and reach out to an experienced family immigration attorney in New York City today.

What are the dos of the green card process?

• DO follow the instructions on your Bureau of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) forms precisely. Failure to provide all of the information requested could result in substantial processing delays.
• DO include all the documents required in the forms and provide proper translations where needed. In most instances, the USCIS will not process the forms if documents are missing.
• DO follow the USCIS photograph instructions. Your local USCIS office may even have an onsite photographer.
• DO contact your local USCIS office, or visit the office personally if you have inquiries. You can also use the USCIS website.
• DO request an interpreter if you have problems understanding English. Many USCIS offices have interpreters available.
• DO retain the services of an immigration attorney if you have been previously refused entry to the United States, deported, convicted of a crime, made misrepresentations to the USCIS, overstayed a visa, or are currently in the country illegally.
• DO tell your attorney about any earlier denied entries to the United States, deportations, convictions, misrepresentations made to the USCIS, unauthorized employment, or overstayed visas. With the help of an experienced New York City green card immigration lawyer, he or she will be able to decide whether any of these problems can be fixed or whether they are important compared to your current immigration plans.

What are the don’ts of the green card process?

• DON’T commit any crimes. Your green card will not keep you from being deported.
• DON’T engage in politically subversive activities.
• DON’T smuggle other foreign nationals into the United States.
• DON’T charge others for legal advice. Even though your experience of obtaining a green card may have made you an expert, it is not legal to practice law without a license.
• DON’T create the impression that you are not living in the United States once you have obtained your green card. If you leave the United States for too long, you may lose your green card.
• DON’T lie on any USCIS form.
• DON’T lie to USCIS officers.
• DON’T leave parts of your forms blank or assume that a part of the form is unimportant. If the information really does not apply to you, insert “N/A” or “none.”

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