While every specific case is different, there are some general tips that can help with any type of visa or green card application, helping these applications to move forward without unnecessary complications. Whether you need to apply for a visa, are waiting for a response to your green card application, or if you want to maintain an immigration status, some of these tips could be helpful for your case.
1. The first thing to be aware of is that you can rely on there being numerous delays. So if you are in the United States right now on a work permit or student visa, for instance, and you need to renew your current status, then you need to be aware that the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) gets very, very backlogged with applications. In order to make sure that your application makes it through those giant stacks of paperwork on time, you have to apply early. Otherwise you could run the risk of your status expiring, and even of the risk of running into trouble with immigration officials.
2. If you are a lawful permanent resident, that is, if you have a green card, you should really think about applying to become a U.S. citizen as soon as you can. Usually this means you can apply after five years have passed since the day that you get your green card, but there are some exceptions that would allow you to turn in your application earlier. With status as a citizen, you would be safe from deportation, and you could use your status to get immigration benefits such as green cards for your immediate relatives.
3. When you enter the United States, you need to make sure that you arrive with nothing that makes it appear as if you are preparing to stay in the country on a permanent basis, otherwise, a border official could force you to leave before you step foot in the country. This could happen, for example, if you want to enter the United States with a student visa, but you brought a wedding dress with you, or if you are on a tourist visa and you bring a job application. Such items could make an official think that you were not being honest in your visa application.
4. If you will stay in the U.S. for more than 30 days, then you have to let the USCIS know whenever your address changes. You have ten days from your relocation to notify officials. If you have relatives who came with you, then you must all submit your own notifications. This means sending Form AR-11 in the mail, a form which you can download from the USCIS website, or you can simply change your address online with the USCIS. You would still have to send a written message to every single office at the USCIS that has your paperwork, else they might not get the notification.
5. Sometimes, it will be a good strategy to submit as many visa petitions as you can. Let's say, for example, that you are trying to get a family-based green card. If you have both a brother and a mother who are U.S. citizens, then they can each submit an application on your behalf. Some waiting lists will be longer than others, so if you try all available avenues of getting a certain immigration status, your chances are better of getting one application through as soon as possible.
6. One really big tip is to always be on time. If you have an appointment at an embassy, consulate, or a USCIS office, you need to be there early or on time. If you are a no-show, or if you are late, then at the very least you have pushed back your application by months. Worst case scenario: you could get deported. Of course, the consequences will depend on the type of appointment that was missed.
7. You do not want to break a term of your visa or green card on accident. You need to understand the conditions of your visa, else serious consequences could result. Even getting a job while you are here on a tourist visa could get your visa revoked, and you could even be deported. You need to know the rules so you can keep them. If in doubt, you can always consult an experienced immigration lawyer.
8. Unfortunately, the USCIS is pretty good at losing documents. This means that when you submit paperwork, always keep a copy of the paperwork for yourself. You can then prove that you submitted the necessary forms, and you can replace missing documents as necessary.
9. You need to educate yourself on immigration law. Every person's case is different, and immigration law is complex. A lot of misinformation and bad advice gets spread around. Unfortunately, you could get incorrect information from USCIS officials themselves. You do not want to rely on just one person's legal advice. It is always advisable to research matters on your own, and when necessary, to consult an immigration attorney.
10. If absolutely nothing is going through, you could always reach your U.S. congressperson. If they look into your case, this will be a great motivator for immigration officials to work through your case in a timelier manner.
For legal advice on your specific case, do not hesitate to contact a skilled immigration lawyer today. You can use our directory to find the legal expertise you deserve.