Few essential tips for Immigration

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1. Read and follow the instructions on the forms carefully. Remember that the immigration forms are considered part of the regulations, therefore they are the law. Read the instructions on the forms carefully for specific information regarding the requirements for each petition or application. Then, after the forms have been completed, double-check everything to make sure that you didn’t leave anything out. If you are unsure about how to answer a specific question, check with a competent immigration attorney or appropriate government employee for help. Never answer a question on a form unless you know all of the consequences of your answer.

2. Send the correct filing fees with each petition or application, and make sure you have enclosed all of the required documents. If an incorrect filing fee is sent, the Immigration Service will return the documents to you and your case will not be accepted for processing. Since it often takes the Immigration Service 30 days or more to return the forms, you may now be out of status and, even if you return the forms with the proper fees, your case may be denied because it was filed late. Also, if you do not enclose all of the documents requested, an additional request will be made to you, which will significantly delay the processing of your case.

3. Mail or deliver the application or petition to the correct address. Just as above, if the Immigration Service does not receive the application at the correct office, it will not accept your case and the forms will be returned to you. Once again, you may now be out of status and your case can be denied because it was filed late. Since government addresses are constantly changing, it is a good idea to check with the appropriate government agency prior to submitting your application.

4. Make sure everything is timely filed. Do not procrastinate. Nearly everything that is filed has a deadline. If you miss the deadline, it is very likely that your application or petition will be denied and, depending on the type of application or petition, there may be no opportunity to appeal. In addition, if you fall out of status, you may become subject to the three and ten year bars, and/or any visas you have will be considered void.

5. Make sure your priority date is current. You can obtain a copy of the most current priority dates on our site. Before filing your case, please refer to the list to make sure that the date has been reached in your preference category. If you file your petition or application before the date is current, it will be rejected by the Immigration Service or State Department, and not only will you have wasted your time, but some of the documents may have become outdated and will have to be obtained again.

6. Get a receipt for everything you mail or deliver to INS, the Immigration Court, the Department of Labor, US Consuls, etc. These agencies have an uncanny way of losing or misplacing your documents. If you don’t get a receipt, and if there is no cancelled check or money order, it will be impossible to prove that your documents were received. These government agencies will not take your word for it. They want to see a receipt.

7. Never send original documents unless they are absolutely required. As stated above, government agencies have a way of losing things. Also, when a case is finished they do not return the original documents to you. Some of these documents are one of a kind and cannot be replaced, or are extremely hard to replace. In most cases, you will be permitted to certify on your application or petition that the document is a true copy of the original. If the original document is required, please be sure to send both the original and a copy. Also, supply a stamped self-addressed return envelope and ask the agency to return the original to you when they are completed with it. While this will not guarantee that you will get it back, it will significantly improve your chances.

8. If a case is returned to you for more information, make sure you respond to each point, even if you have already provided the information. If Immigration or another agency took the time to write you back for specific information, it is because they obviously were not satisfied with what you originally provided, or because they didn’t see it. So answer each point in detail. If you don’t supply the information requested, there is a very good chance your case will be denied. If you are not sure how to respond to the inquiry, seek competent legal assistance.

9. Follow-up on your case frequently. If you just sit and wait for a response, you could wait forever, because, as stated above, your documents could be lost or misplaced. If your receipt gives normal processing times, then do not check before the time given. However, if you have not received any type of response within the normal time frame, check on your case immediately. Make sure you get a response to your request, and keep a record of all contacts you make with the government agencies.

10. Check references and ask questions when deciding which immigration attorney to use. Remember that the “cheapest” is not usually the best. If an immigration attorney is much less expensive than anyone else, there is probably a reason. Usually, if you want quality, you have to pay a little more for it. Obtaining a visa or permanent residence in the United States is often a once in a lifetime opportunity. Don’t ruin your chances just because you want to save a few dollars.