Applying for citizenship in the United States is possibly one of the most important things you will ever do, and there is a lot of paperwork and questions involved in your application, so it’s important to get it right the very first time. That being said, mistakes can sometimes slip through the cracks, which is why it’s a good idea to be prepared and be aware of some of the most common mistakes people make when applying for citizenship so that you can try and avoid them. In today’s post, we will discuss five of the most common mistakes that you should look for.
One of the biggest mistakes many people make when applying for citizenship is trying to do it themselves. While filling out the paperwork may seem straightforward, there are many different documents you need to include in order for your application to meet the necessary requirements. That’s where having an immigration lawyer on your side can help! At the Law Office of Raymond of Griffith, our team of attorneys has years of experience helping people just like you apply to be citizens of the United States. We know exactly what documents and paperwork are needed to get your application approved. Explore our website to learn about our immigration services and how we can help you, and when you’re ready, give us a call to schedule a meeting with one of our expert immigration lawyers in Baltimore!
Failing to Double-Check the Application
Because the citizenship application takes a long time to complete and collect all the necessary documents, it’s understandable that once you’re done, you want to send it in and breathe a sigh of relief. However, it’s vital that you take a few minutes to double-check your application before you send it in. If you accidentally leave questions blank, write in the gray areas, or add incorrect information, it could result in your application being rejected. Additionally, you should also check to make sure that your handwriting is legible. If you want to be certain that your application is completely and correctly filled out, it doesn’t hurt to run it past one of our immigration lawyers at the Law Office of Raymond O. Griffith.
Using the Wrong Writing Utensils
Filling out the application correctly and legibly is the most important part of applying for citizenship. Unfortunately, all the time and care you put into filling out your application won’t matter if you fail to use the correct writing utensils.
When your application is received, it is run through a machine that checks your answers. That being said, the machine can only read certain types of writing materials. For example, if you use pencil or marker on your application, the machine won’t be able to read it, and your application will be rejected. For this reason, applicants should fill out their application with only a pen that has either black or blue ink.
Applying Too Early
In order to apply for citizenship, the applicant first needs to meet the eligibility requirements. That being said, some people are too eager to apply and they end up submitting their application before they are eligible. In order to be eligible to apply for citizenship, the applicant must have been a permanent resident in the U.S. for five years. If the applicant is married to someone who has been a U.S. citizen for at least three years, they can apply for citizenship after being a permanent resident for three years. Additionally, you must have lived in the same state for at least three months before you apply.
Forgetting the Supporting Documents
Along with the actual application for citizenship, applicants are also required to submit supporting documents. These documents may include a copy of your green card, two passport-style photos, marriage certificate, and more. One way to avoid forgetting the necessary documents is to work with an immigration lawyer who has experience with applying for citizenship. However, if you do forget some of the support documents, the U.S. Citizenship and Immegration Services (USCIS) will request that you send those documents before they proceed with your application. If you fail to provide those documents, your application will not be processed.
Providing Untruthful Answers
The goal of applying for citizenship is to become a citizen of the United States. For this reason, it’s understandable that some applicants may want to make their applications look a little more appealing, so they might decide to exaggerate some of their responses or “fudge” their answers. However, leaving out important information or exaggerating some facts could lead to problems during the interview portion of the application. During the interview, it’s important to note that the applicant is under oath, and any lies they tell are considered perjury and may result in your application being denied.
Need Help With Your Application?
If you’re getting ready to apply for citizenship in the United States, let our team of experts at the Law Office of Raymond O. Griffith lend a hand. We have years of experience helping people just like you apply for citizenship, and we can provide you with a second set of eyes to ensure that your application is free of mistakes. Explore our website to learn more about our immigration lawyer services, and schedule an appointment at our office in Baltimore today!
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