When completing an immigration form, it is critical to ensure that your information is correct and that you are filling out your forms correctly. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when completing your immigration paperwork.

Immigration to the United States, whether for an immigrant visa or an adjustment of status for a non-immigrant visa, is a lengthy process. Among the many trying stages of immigrating to the United States, two of the most difficult are filling out and keeping track of the numerous forms, and the other is the extremely long wait for the petition to be adjudicated. While there is little the petitioner can do about the massive backlogs in green card processing, it can be meticulous about the numerous forms that must be filled out.

The immigration process in the United States is complicated and must be followed with care. Incomplete forms or incorrect information can result in lengthy delays in the form of RFEs or outright denials.

Eight of the most common mistakes petitioners make when filling out their immigration forms:

• The Correct Form

To begin, make sure you have all of the necessary forms. Your immigration petition may be for employment or family reasons. It is critical to select the correct one.

Second, USCIS frequently issues updated versions of the same form. It is critical to identify the correct form before completing it. Filling out an out-of-date form may result in a denial. The most recent forms are available on the USCIS website.

• Colored Pens

When filling out paperwork, USCIS only accepts black ink. While many forms can be completed online, others must be printed before they can be completed. Forms filled out in colored inks are rejected, so always use blank inked pens

• Rectifying Errors

Fill out the applications again if you make an error. Attempting to correct an error by crossing it out or writing over it with correction fluid is unacceptable.

• Incomplete Form

US immigration forms are lengthy and, at times, tedious to complete. Most application forms are divided into several sections, each with its own set of pages. It is critical to certify that you have completed every section and sub-section of the application. Failure to do so will almost certainly result in the petition being rejected.

• Supporting Documents 

Most petitions require the petitioner to attach supporting documents. Identify each requirement and provide all necessary supporting documentation.

Another important consideration is not submitting originals. Only certified photocopies of supporting documents should be used.

• Signatures

The petitioner’s signatures on the form are the final and most important part of the petition. The petitioner may forget to sign it at the end after filling out pages and pages of these forms. If you fail to sign a document, your petition will be returned without an adjudication, further delaying the already lengthy process.

• Fees

Most US immigration petitions require a filing fee. When filling out the forms, it is critical to consider how much to pay and where to make the payment. This amount is frequently upgraded by USCIS. Use the “fee calculator” on the USCIS website to ensure you pay the correct amount.

• Club Different Applications Together

Unless a dependent’s immigration petition is being submitted alongside the primary beneficiary’s petition, it is usually not a good idea to combine multiple petitions. If you end up filing multiple applications at the same time, make sure each one has its own set – the original application, supporting documents, and other documents. If submitting via postal mail, this should be securely separated from other sets (and not electronically). To differentiate them, create an index document with the contents.

Although the USCIS allows for electronic access and submission of most immigration petitions, these can all be completed in one location. However, the US immigration process can be complicated and time-consuming, with many technical terms and requirements that the petitioner may not understand. It is recommended that you hire a reputable immigration lawyer to assist you with the process.

7 Tips Before and During Filling Out the Immigration Form

1. Make sure you have all the information in front of you.
2. Don’t be afraid to ask questions.
3. Be thorough but don’t overdo it.
4. Don’t take too long, especially if there’s a deadline.
5. Make sure your document is legible and organized.
6. Be honest about any mistakes or discrepancies in your application.
7. Check for errors before submitting the application

Can I get another copy of the form if I was filling out the wrong information?

Yes, you can get another copy of the Form if you were filling out the wrong information.

If your form is incomplete and you don’t have any other copies of your application, you might be able to get a copy of the completed form without paying a fee. However, it’s important to keep in mind that this will only be possible if your case has been pending for more than six months.

If you’ve just applied for an adjustment of status or you’re applying for a green card through the lottery program, calling USCIS may help you determine whether or not you qualify for free copies.

The following is a list of documents needed to bring before filling out the form. These are not required, but they will speed up your immigration process.

• Birth Certificate
• Passport
• Baptismal Certificate (if applicable)
• High School Diploma or GED diploma (if applicable)
• College transcript (if applicable)
• Medical Examination Report from Physician’s Assistant (if applicable)
• Police Clearance Certificate (if applicable)
• Statement of Employment or Income for the past three years

Things we must keep in mind after filling out the form: 

• Make sure you are filling out the correct form.
• Check your answers against the instructions on the form to make sure they are correct.
• Always double-check your work. You may have made an error that will cause you problems down the road if it isn’t caught at this point.
• Make sure you understand what is asked for before completing a form; if you don’t, you could end up missing the necessary information or submitting incomplete forms.
• Do not sign any documents with a pen unless it’s specifically stated in the instructions which form needs signatures (usually only one form will need one).

It’s important to remember that the US immigration form is a tool for you, the applicant, to use to better understand the US immigration process. The more information you provide on your application, the better chance you have of getting admitted into the United States.