Are you getting ready to prepare an immigration form for yourself or your relative? In most cases, you can do it without the aid of an immigration lawyer. But an inaccurate or carelessly prepared form can delay an application or result in a denial. Likewise, a poorly prepared application package can cause unnecessary delays and trigger additional questions. In fact, certain mistakes when preparing USCIS immigration forms can potentially tarnish a person’s immigration record forever.
Table of ContentsIn the fiscal year 2020, USCIS rejected 11 percent of the 9.5 million applications filed at lockbox facilities. That's over 1 million applications rejected! (It is also up over 300,000 from the previous year.) See how CitizenPath can help you file correctly, guaranteed.
Here are some helpful tips for preparing USCIS immigration applications and petitions:
First, answer every relevant question honestly. Even small deviations in the truth can create problems for you if USCIS learns the true facts later. In the long run, it's always better to provide the truth. If you feel the truth may create a problem for you, speak to an immigration attorney before filing the form.
In some cases, "unknown" is an acceptable answer. For example, a question may ask, "where was your immigrant visa approved?" If you do not know, do not remember, and have exhausted a reasonable search for the information, entering "unknown" is a valid answer.
If a question does not apply, you still need to respond. Write “N/A” (not applicable) instead of leaving the space blank. For example, if you are asked “What is your current spouse’s nationality,” but you do not have a spouse, you should answer “N/A” because the question does not apply to your situation.
