Avoid Common Immigration Mistakes

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MUST KNOW TIPS FOR FILING IMMIGRATION PAPERS .com

Transcript of Avoid Common Immigration Mistakes

Page 1: Avoid Common Immigration Mistakes

MUST KNOW TIPS FOR FILING IMMIGRATION PAPERS

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Page 2: Avoid Common Immigration Mistakes

FileRight is the easy, affordable way to complete and file your U.S. immigration forms. Whether it’s an application for citizenship, family-based green card, or another U.S. immigration form, our online technology walks you through each immigration form step by step, reviews every answer to make sure no questions are skipped, and provides a set of detailed instructions on how to properly file your papers with the U.S. government.

Published byFileRightwww.fileright.com© 2015 by FileRight

File Right is not affiliated with the USCIS or any government agency. We are not a law firm, do not provide legal advice, and are not a substitute for the advice of an attorney. Technical support is for technical and billing issues only, and will not answer legal questions. Some forms that can be completed online using our service are available and come with written instructions for free from the USCIS. File Right purchase price does not include any government application, biometric or filing fees. Access to and use of the FileRight.com website, as well as all cancellation, termination or refund/return policies, are subject to FileRight’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. The “File Right” mark and File Right logo are service marks registered with the United States Patent and Trademark Office under the laws of the United States of America.

COMPLETE YOUR IMMIGRATION FORMS ONLINE WITH FileRight.com

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Every immigration process requires at least one government form. But what many people don’t know is that you’re often required to submit additional paperwork called “supporting evidence.”

Supporting evidence is paperwork that proves something about you. Utility bills prove you have a U.S. address. A marriage certificate proves your marriage is legitimate. An arrival-departure record proves you entered the U.S. legally.

When you’re getting ready to submit an immigration application, be sure to include all the necessary supporting evidence. It’s a good idea to have a checklist specific to your situation so that you don’t miss anything.

Be prepared for paperwork beyond the government form1.

FileRight Advantage!

FileRight provides customized filing instructions including a detailed checklist to make sure you don’t forget any documents.

IMPORTANT NOTE! Send the USCIS copies of your supporting documents and keep the originals. Only in rare cases does the USCIS require you to submit original documents.

FileRight immigration software takes intimidating immigration paperwork and makes it easy to complete. To learn more visit www.FileRight.com.

Learn more about the easy way to complete immigration paperwork at www.FileRight.com

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I [typed name] , certify that I am fluent (conversant) in the English and ____________ languages, and that the above/attached document is an accurate translation of the document attached entitled ______________________________.

Typed Name ______________

Signature ____________

Address ______________________________________

Date ______________

The USCIS requires that all supporting documents be in English. If you are required to submit official documents that are not in English — like a foreign birth certificate — you must include translations.

Translations need to be certified. “Certified” means the translator promises that (1) their translation is complete and correct and (2) that he or she is able to translate that foreign language into English.

This promise must be made in writing and signed.The certification must include the date, signature and address of the translator. It could look something like this:

Translate foreign documents2.

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Don’t forget to sign your application3.

Applications that aren’t signed are immediately rejected. Unsigned applications are one of the top reasons for rejection year after year.

It’s important to note that a “rejection” is NOT a “denial.” When an application is rejected, it’s returned to you with your money. In the case of a denial, you will have to resubmit the entire application, including fees.

With a rejection, you can fix your mistake but you’ve now wasted time and lengthened the immigration process.

Learn more about the easy way to complete immigration paperwork at www.FileRight.com

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Be sure to submit the correct fee4.Just like a forgotten signature, applications with the wrong fee amount are immediately rejected . Be sure to double check you’re paying the right fee amount and keep proof of your payment (such as a copy of the check) for your records.

Filing fees are listed on the application instructions, near the end.

IMPORTANT NOTE! The USCIS only accepts payment in the form of a check or money order from a U.S. institution. The USCIS does NOT accept cash or checks issued from foreign banks.

Learn more about the easy way to complete immigration paperwork at www.FileRight.com

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If you’re applying to renew or extend your immigration benefit, be sure to apply before your current status expires. Immigration applications sometimes take months or even years to process. Losing your status while your application is pending could result in you having no legal status for a period of time. It’s illegal to be living in the U.S. without a valid immigration status and the longer you do it, the more penalties there are.You could be forced to leave the U.S. and, depending how long you are here without status, you could be forced to stay out of the country for three years or more.

The application instructions will tell you how early you can apply. It’s best practice to apply as early as possible.

Apply before your current status expires5.

APPLICATION

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) Renewal

Extend/ change nonimmigrant (temporary visa) status

Green card renewal

Remove conditions of residence (for 2-year green cards)

RENEWAL / EXTENSION WINDOW

120 Days(4 Months)

120 Days(4 Months)

6 Months

90 Days(3 Months)

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Make copies of everything6.

Sometimes things get lost in the mail. With how much time it takes to complete an immigration application, it would be a real headache to have to do it all over — especially gathering all the supporting documents.

Make copies of your entire application . And make copies of all supporting evidence. Keep these in your records in case something goes wrong, or in case you apply for another immigration benefit down the line.

FileRight Advantage!

FileRight keeps copies of your applications for you, so you can access them to review or print anytime.

FileRight immigration software takes intimidating paperwork and makes it easy to complete. To learn more visit www.FileRight.com

Learn more about the easy way to complete immigration paperwork at www.FileRight.com

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Use certified mail7.When dealing with important papers, it’s a good idea to keep detailed records. Using certified mail to send your immigration application to the USCIS will give you proof of the date you sent it out and will let you know when they receive it.

Not only is this good information for your personal records, but it can also help you calculate the processing time for your immigration application. If you know when the USCIS received your application, you can do some simple math to figure out the approximate time you’ll receive your immigration benefit.

Learn more about the easy way to complete immigration paperwork at www.FileRight.com

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Know your criminal record8.When the USCIS is reviewing your immigration application, they might check your criminal record. You should be aware of all crimes you may have committed — from traffic violations to drug offenses.

You can easily request a copy of your criminal record from the FBI. All you need is a set of your fingerprints, the $18 application fee and the FBI form. You can get your fingerprints taken at your local police station or check for private companies in your area that provide this service. Visit www.fbi.gov to get a copy of the application. It takes about 30 days to process.

If you have a criminal record, it’s a good idea to have it reviewed by an immigration attorney before you submit your application. They can advise you on how best to answer questions on the application and what to do if the USCIS asks more questions about your crimes.

Learn more about the easy way to complete immigration paperwork at www.FileRight.com

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Avoid notarios9.Immigration is one of the most complicated aspects of U.S. law. People often need help completing their applications. It’s extremely important to understand the different types of help available and what exactly they are qualified to do.

A notario is not an attorney.

In the United States, a notario or “notary public” is only qualified as a “document preparer.” They do NOT have the authority to advise you on what forms to file, how to answer questions or more complicated aspects of immigration like how to help a friend or relative who is living in the U.S. without papers.

Many notary publics try to convince people that they have the same power as attorneys. They might lie about their knowledge and ability and charge you similar fees as attorneys — but they cannot offer the same quality of help .

Learn more about the easy way to complete immigration paperwork at www.FileRight.com

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Explore all your options10.There IS affordable immigration help.

Before you submit your application alone or spend money you don’t have on an attorney, explore all your options.

To view a list of free legal service providers by state, visit the Department of Justice website at

www.justice.gov/eoir/probono/states.htmTo view a list of nonprofit, accredited immigration help providers by state visit the United We Dream website at www.unitedwedream.org/groups/

Learn more about FileRight’s online immigration help at www.fileright.com/aboutus/

Learn more about FileRight’s online immigration help at : www.fileright.com

And there is FileRight.comFileRight is an affordable way to help with your immigration needs. Our simple to use technology provides explanations of tricky definitions and our FileRight Customer Success Team is available to help 24/7. Visit www.fileright.com to learn more.

FileRight immigration software takes intimidating immigration paperwork and makes it easy to complete. To learn more visit www.FileRight.com.

Learn more about the easy way to complete immigration paperwork at www.FileRight.com

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FileRight Is the Easy, Affordable Way to File and Complete Your U.S. Immigration FormsFileRight online software allows you to quickly and simply complete your U.S. immigration forms. For more information, visit www.FileRight.com.

You can use FileRight Online Software to Complete the Following Immigration Applications.

Citizenship Apply for U.S. Citizenship FileRight for Form N-400

Replace Naturalization Certificate

FileRight for Form N-565

Certificate of Citizenship FileRight for Form N-600

Green CardsRenew Your Green Card

FileRight for Form I-90

Replace Your Green Card FileRight for Form I-90

Apply for a Family-Based Green Card

FileRight for Forms I-130 & I-485

Remove Conditions on Green Card

FileRight for Form I-751

Apply for a Green Card FileRight for Form I-485

Travel & VisasReplace Arrival-Departure Record

FileRight for Form I-102

Apply for a Travel Document FileRight for Form I-131

Apply for an Advance Parole Document

FileRight for Form I-131

Apply for a Refugee Travel Document

FileRight for Form I-131

Apply for a Re-Entry Permit FileRight for Form I-131

File an Affidavit of Support FileRight for Form I-134

UndocumentedDeferred Action for Childhood

Arrivals (DACA) FileRight for Form I-821D

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) Expansion

Coming Soon

Deferred Action for Parents (DAPA) FileRight for I-821P (Coming Soon)