The United States is a country composed largely of immigrants. According to the Migration Policy Institute, more than 44 million legal immigrants were living in the United States as of 2019. One million people obtained permanent residency that year alone. The dream of moving to the United States and building a life in a new country is one so many people long to achieve. But if you are going through the process yourself, it can all feel a little overwhelming. The good news is, it doesn’t have to be. US citizenship is achievable, and with diligence and careful attention, it is one you can achieve.
At Stephenson, Chavarri & Dawson, LLC, we work every day to help our clients achieve their goals of US citizenship. Your dreams are within reach. That said, simple mistakes can cause a delay in your application or may result in your application being denied. If you are going through the immigration process, we may be able to help. Contact our office at 504-523-6496 or visit us online to speak to a member of our legal team. Below, we’ll discuss the top 5 mistakes applicants make when applying for US citizenship.
Missing or incomplete paperwork
If you are seeking citizenship within the United States, you will need to fill out an initial application and file it with the US Citizenship and Immigration Services. The form will ask you about your family, employment and criminal history, and other questions that will help administrators determine whether you should receive permanent citizenship in the United States.
One of the biggest mistakes applicants make during the process relates directly to the application itself. The application is long, and it is easy to miss something or make a mistake. When you complete the application, it is important to be thorough and answer every question and sign where indicated. Something as simple as a missing signature can hold up your application, or result in an automatic denial. Check the application before you send it in. Even better, have a second set of eyes review the application as well. If you notice a mistake, do not cross it out. Instead, start over and fill out a new form.
Within the application, you will also be asked to provide supporting documents. Make sure to provide photocopies of any and all documents requested, unless the original document is requested. Other common mistakes when it comes to filling out and submitting the actual application include:
- Using an outdated form;
- Send the form to the incorrect address;
- Failing to have supporting documents translated to English (this is required)
Incorrect or missing payments
Throughout the course of the application process, you will be required to submit payments for various services. Unfortunately, the exact payment amounts may change. For this reason, it is extremely important to verify the amount of any payment and when it is due. Current information can be found on the USCIS website.
As of this writing, payments are accepted in the form of check, money order, or credit card. Be sure to make any checks or money orders addressed specifically as outlined in the application materials. Checks containing spelling errors, abbreviations, or made out to the wrong agency will not be accepted and can cause a delay. Remember, the application is non-refundable, regardless of whether you withdraw your application or are denied.
Failure to meet all eligibility requirements
Depending on the path to naturalization you choose to pursue, there are various requirements you must meet to have your application approved. Do not submit your final application until you meet all requirements for the specific program you are applying for. Even if you meet the basic qualifications for citizenship, your application may be sent back if you do not provide sufficient proof of your eligibility. For example, if you are seeking citizenship through marriage, you will need to prove the marriage is not only legal but should also provide proof that your spouse is indeed a US citizen and the marriage is valid. Other eligibility requirements you need to be aware of include:
- Continuous US residency
- The ability to prove “good moral character”
- An unexpired visa, with no less than 6 months remaining on the visa
- Work or education requirements
If you are unsure whether you meet the requirements of your specific program, contact an experienced immigration attorney.
Providing false information
If you do not meet the specific requirements for naturalization or are unsure how to answer some of the questions on your application, it may be tempting to guess or embellish. Do not do this. The USCIS will thoroughly evaluate your application, check for any inconsistencies, and verify information. Providing false information will likely result in denial of your application and may preclude you from submitting any further applications. Wait until you meet all the necessary requirements before you start the application process.
Not seeking the help of a qualified attorney
Whether this is your first time applying for US citizenship or you have had a previous application denied, one of the best things you can do is talk to an experienced immigration attorney. An attorney can review your file, help you gather documents, and make sure everything is in order before you submit your final application. Things you can expect your attorney to do include:
- Verify your application for completion and accuracy;
- Verify you meet eligibility requirements;
- Obtain and make copies of supporting documents;
- Collect and send required payments to the appropriate agency;
- Submit your final application;
- Provide status updates and next steps
Don’t leave your future up to chance
Immigration laws are constantly changing. At Stephenson, Chavarri & Dawson, LLC, our job is to monitor these changes. Our team of experienced legal professionals works hard to help our clients achieve their dreams. Immigration is a big change and can provide you and your family with a wealth of opportunities. You are not alone. Let us help. If you have questions or would like to have your case reviewed, our bilingual legal team is standing by. Our office is located at 400 Poydras Street Suite 1990, New Orleans, LA 70130. Call our office at 504-523-6496 or fill out our online contact request to schedule an initial consultation.
