Making mistakes through the citizenship process can lead to delays or cause your application to be rejected. Avoiding common mistakes can get you citizenship much faster.
1. Filling Out the Application Illegibly
Your application will get sent back if no one can read it. USCIS.gov recommends that anyone who writes out their application by hand so do neatly. It is also important to write only in the spaces provided.
2. Forgetting to Double-Check the Application
Many people forget to double-check their applications, according to a post on the USA.gov’s blog. Leaving areas blank, writing in gray areas, or making errors on an application will cause it to be rejected. You should go over the application yourself, particularly if someone filled it out for you. Make sure that you sign it and send in all pages.
3. Using Incorrect Materials on Forms
Applicants should fill out their forms using pens with blue or black ink only. Using other colors, like red, or highlighters can make your application materials undetectable when they are scanned, according to USCIS.gov. White out can cause problems too.
4. Providing Untruthful Answers
Immigration defense attorney Meredith Brown said on SaberHacer.com that many applicants may be unaware of the consequences of “fudging” some information on their forms. Leaving out important information, like an old arrest, can then lead to problems during the interview with an immigration officer. Lying in an interview is perjury.
5. Not Submitting Evidence and Translations
Along with an application, you must submit evidence and documentation. People sometimes forget to enclose documents, or do so in a foreign language. If your documents are in a language other than English, you must submit a translation, according to USCIS.gov.
6. Failing to Pay the Correct Fee
One of the most common mistakes people make is sending in a fee for the wrong amount or not including a fee at all, according to a post on USA.gov. This leads to a rejection. Make out checks to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and submit a separate check for each application.
7. Forgetting to Follow the Letter
Some people are given a letter by their immigration officer at the end of their interview. This letter could be asking for more documents. Not following the instructions in the letter could delay the application, according to USA.gov.
8. Sending in Information Too Soon
In a rush to get the process started, people sometimes send in their applications before they meet the requirements, according to USA.gov. Even if you are about to qualify, wait. Your application will be returned without the fee if you submit it too early.
9. Refiling Before Determining Errors
Some people refile before they understand why their application was rejected, often leading to a new rejection. USCIS.gov states that people should write to Lockboxsupport@dhs.gov before refiling.
10. Missing the Interview Without Notification
Something may come up that makes it impossible for you to make your interview. Do not simply fail to show as this leads to your case being cased, according to USCitizenship.info. Write to the office where your interview is scheduled to get a new meeting time.
The citizenship process can be long and you may want to rush to get it over as quickly as possible. However, rushing can lead to more delays and a longer process overall.
Where to Get Help if You Want to Become a U.S. Citizen
Your next step is to contact our office: 513-791-1673 or Thomasjr@geygan.com. We will gently walk you through the naturalization process, helping you to become a U.S. Citizen. In addition, we explain immigration laws; represent you in front of the Department of State, as needed; and aggressively fight for your legal rights. Contact us if you or a loved one want to become a U.S. citizen.