In Pennsylvania, as in the rest of the United States, the process of obtaining a green card demands meticulous attention to detail and a deep understanding of immigration law, as errors during the application process can lead to delays, rejections, or even legal complications. Therefore, it is crucial to be aware of common pitfalls. Please continue reading and reach out to a dedicated Montgomery County immigration lawyer from Cohen & Patel to learn more about the most important green card mistakes to avoid and how our legal team can help you.

Five Common Green Card Mistakes to Avoid

Unfortunately, we see clients make a variety of common mistakes when applying for their green cards, some of which can have drastic impacts on their future here in the United States. Some of the most common mistakes to avoid are as follows:

  1. Incomplete or Inaccurate Application: A frequent mistake is submitting an incomplete or incorrect Form I-485, the Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. Every question must be answered accurately; leaving blanks can cause processing delays or a denial. Providing false information, even unintentionally, can lead to serious legal consequences.
  2. Missing Supporting Documents: Applicants often overlook the importance of supplementary documents. Essential documents include birth certificates, marriage certificates, and evidence of a legal entry into the United States. Failure to submit these can result in an automatic denial of the application.
  3. Not Following Public Charge Rules: The public charge rule is a critical aspect of the green card application process. It requires applicants to prove they won’t become a financial burden to the U.S. government. Lack of sufficient financial documentation or evidence of financial stability can be a significant hindrance.
  4. Ignoring Deadlines and Application Updates: Timeliness is key in immigration processes. Missing deadlines for submitting additional information or failing to update changes in personal circumstances (like a change of address) can derail the entire application.
  5. Attempting to Navigate the Process Alone: The complexity of immigration law often necessitates professional guidance. Many applicants underestimate this and proceed without legal assistance. An experienced immigration attorney can provide invaluable advice, prevent costly errors, and overall work to ensure the process moves along as smoothly as possible.

By avoiding these errors, applicants can improve their chances of a successful green card application. If you have any questions about the green card application process or you’d like help through it, please don’t hesitate to contact Cohen & Patel. We’ve successfully guided countless clients on their immigration journies over the years, and we’re prepared to do the same for you.