When people begin the process of applying to legally travel or immigrate to live in the United States, there are many types of paperwork and processes that need to be completed. This inevitably leads to problems, hurdles, and struggles… but all of these can be avoided if you know how to navigate the process properly from the start.

Here we’ll detail the three most common mistakes that people make and teach you how to accomplish your goals without the stress.

Trying to Navigate the Process without an Attorney or with Someone Unlicensed

Due to the influx of people trying to gain visas or residency in the United States over the past decades, there has also been an increase in people offering their services by pretending to be “immigration law experts.” These people may harm your case if they are not qualified to do the job or fill out the paperwork incorrectly. All too often, unassuming people are swindled out of thousands of dollars from non-qualified or unlicensed individuals and sometimes the harm is too great to clean up.

Make sure that you are hiring a licensed attorney to help you with your case so that you don’t end up in a situation that is even worse than what you were in to begin with.

In the process of applying to legally live, visit or work in the United States, the details are so important. If there is the slightest error or missing piece of information on your paperwork, your application could be severely delayed or even denied. People have been known to have to wait years because of tiny mistakes! Make sure that you are hiring someone experienced in the field who will prepare your paperwork properly for you and set you up for success.

Submitting Late Paperwork to Attorneys or USCIS

If you file late responses or paperwork to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or the Immigration Court, a case can be denied. There is always the possibility that they will no longer accept your filing. This can permanently affect some applications for visas, asylum, green card and other applications for residency. It may also cause clients to lose filing fees or have to start an entire process over again.

Better to hire an attorney who can make sure that everything is going smoothly and on time from the very beginning.

Omitting Answers to USCIS Questions

The USCIS is very detail-oriented when they are reviewing forms for US residency. If there is any information or any questions that are not answered properly, honestly, or fully, an application can be denied, or additional documents may be requested.

This can either delay a process or make it so that your claim is denied. If you are serious about living in the United States, make sure that all your paperwork is filled out completely, truthfully, and within the timeframe required.

Hiring an attorney who is familiar with the forms and who completes them often will ensure that your paperwork is filed properly and completely and that the proper supporting documentation is submitted with the applications.

Final Thoughts

The visa and residency processes are often complicated. It has only become more so over the last two years due to the pandemic.

Hiring an attorney is not only smart, as it will alleviate much of the stress that comes along with this oft-muddy and frustrating process, but it will probably save you money in the long run.

Do yourself a favor and hire an attorney’s office that specializes in immigration law. They know all the ins and outs and all the ways to make this process even easier on you.