An immigration case does not get resolved overnight. It is a lengthy process that requires a lot of patience, especially since most cases take months or even years to complete. While many aspects of the procedure do take time, a lot of the delays in a USCIS case are caused by the petitioners themselves.
The small details matter when it comes to an immigration case. Here are three ways to avoid delaying a USCIS case and speed up the approval of an immigration petition.
3 Ways to Avoid Delaying Your USCIS Case
1. Get Started
As the wise saying goes: “if you don’t start, you will never finish.” While this tip may be pretty obvious, a lot of people make the mistake of taking months or even years to decide whether or not to file their petitions. Procrastinating a USCIS case will make it even harder and take longer before a case is resolved.
Make the decision to get started, finish the required paperwork, and submit them to immigration as soon as possible. Applicants should put their paperwork in line to allow immigration to adjudicate and resolve their case.
2. Fill In the Forms Correctly
The biggest causes of delays in USCIS cases are mistakes in the paperwork. If there is an error or inconsistency in the forms, immigration will have to write the petitioner back and ask them additional questions or to supply supporting documents. When immigration asks questions to clarify information in the forms, the processing time is paused and naturally, the case will take longer to finish.
When it comes to immigration forms, applicants must make sure to completely and correctly fill in the blanks with legible handwriting. They must provide the right addresses, list all family members’ information, give updated and correct contact details, etc.
3. Submit the Right Documents and Forms
Lastly, petitioners must make sure to submit the right documents and forms. Otherwise, immigration will once again have to reach them to request the submission of documents or to correct pieces of information. Lengthy delays can be avoided with this simple due diligence.
For example, if the application is for a marriage-based green card, some of the forms needed would include the I-130, I-130A, I-864, I-485, travel permit form, work permit form, possibly a co-sponsor form, etc.
There is a lot to think about to speed up a USCIS case and avoid causing delays. A lawyer can help make sure that all documents, forms, and paperwork are filled out and accomplished correctly and completely, as well as navigate the process as smoothly and as quickly as possible.