Though many individuals qualify for a United States green card, the application process is the single most critical step in immigrating to the U.S. on a permanent basis.

The immigration attorneys in the Ask Ellis network have seen many green card application mistakes that have destroyed the chances of someone ever getting a green card. Avoid making the following mistakes; consult an attorney and protect your green card application.

Taking Advice from Non-Professionals

Failing to consult an experienced immigration attorney during the application process often has wide-ranging implications. Individuals often believe they can consult coworkers or family members who have gone through the process. However, each application is unique and advice from family members or internet chat forums can lead to bad ideas that have the potential to destroy a green card application.

Immigration is a complex area of law and very few attorneys outside of the immigration field are familiar with the regulations and intricacies that apply to green card applications. Don’t take advice from anyone who is not an experienced immigration attorney. It could be the difference between someday becoming a U.S. citizen and getting deported or removed when your green card application fails.

Not Meeting USCIS Deadlines

Green card applications require extensive paperwork and multiple follow-up interactions with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Filing forms and responding to information requests from the immigration authorities is one of the key components of a successful green card application. Many applications fail because the requests for supporting documents, affidavits and other documents are not responded to in a timely manner.

There is no guarantee that USCIS will consider late documents during their decision making process. Meeting deadlines during adjustment of status proceedings is critical.

Criminal Convictions, Crimes and Offenses

Any type of a criminal conviction can compromise a green card application. It is important that before, after and during the green card application process, criminal activities are avoided and all pending prosecutions addressed.

It is also important to remember that when submitting your green card application everything about your criminal past should be included. You should disclose sealed criminal records, visits to jail or a holding cell (even if they were short and/or resulted in no criminal action), and expunged misdemeanors. However, you do not need to disclose basic traffic violations, like speeding tickets.

Giving You the Best Chance to Become a Permanent Resident

At Ask Ellis, our goal is to make sure that your application has the greatest chance of being approved. We are a resource for you and your family and we invite you to review our network and connect with an immigration lawyer that’s right for you and your family.