5 Common Mistakes That Delay Your Green Card Application

Mistake #1: Incomplete or inconsistent documentation. Every form, letter, and piece of evidence must be accurate and consistent. Discrepancies between your resume, petition letter, and supporting documents can raise red flags with USCIS.

Mistake #2: Weak recommendation letters. Generic letters that don't speak to your specific contributions are a missed opportunity. Strong letters should come from independent experts who can attest to the significance of your work.

Mistake #3: Missing deadlines. Immigration timelines are strict. Missing a filing deadline or failing to respond to an RFE within the allotted time can result in automatic denial of your case.

Mistake #4: Not understanding the criteria. Each visa category has specific requirements. Applying under the wrong category or failing to address all the necessary criteria is a common and costly error.

Mistake #5: Going it alone. While self-petitioning is possible, the process benefits enormously from expert guidance. An experienced immigration partner can identify the strongest arguments for your case and avoid common traps.