Obtaining a Green Card in the United States is no easy task. If you are applying for a Green Card, you should know that thousands of applications are denied each year for a variety of reasons. Here are a few of the most common reasons for Green Card denials in the United States.
Ineligibility
Many Green Card applicants file their applications with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) without first determining whether they are eligible for a Green Card. Before applying for a Green Card, you should make sure that you meet the eligibility requirements for at least one of the categories listed by the USCIS. Some of these categories include:
- Family
- Employment
- Special Immigrant
- Refugee/Asylee Status
- Victim of Abuse
Application mistakes
It is easy to miss something when filing your Green Card application. Common mistakes made on Green Card applications include:
- Failure to provide all necessary information.
- Failure to pay all filing fees and costs.
- Failure to provide legitimate signature.
- Failure to provide proper photos.
- Failure to include translations of submitted documents.
Missed appointments and deadlines
A biometrics appointment and interview are essential parts of the application process. Failing to schedule or attend these appointments often results in a Green Card denial. Additionally, failing to respond to the USCIS’ request for evidence (additional information) by the assigned deadline, is also a common reason for denial.
What should I do if my application was denied?
If your application was denied, you will have 30 days from the date you received the initial decision to file an appeal. To proceed with your appeal, you will file the “Notice of Appeal or Motion” form and pay the filing fee of $675. An immigration attorney in your area can help file your initial application and assist with the appeals process if your application is denied.
