Tips when filing USCIS Immigration forms

Most people will think they can work through the application without instructions, but that could be a costly mistake. The USCIS offers detailed instructions for filling out immigration forms or USCIS forms. There is specific information expected for each answer and an incorrect answer will delay the application process. Some important tips when filing USCIS forms or immigration forms are as follows:

•    You must use the most current edition of the USCIS forms.
•    Respond to all questions and provide information in the answer blanks and check boxes in  the USCIS forms..
•    Print or type information using black ink only. IMPORTANT: Do NOT “highlight” or “background shade” entries in USCIS forms.
•    Make sure the applicant or petitioner signs the USCIS forms as instructed.
•    Include the correct fee specified in the immigration forms instructions. Attach the fee or fee waiver by paper clip in the upper left corner of the completed immigration forms.
•    Provide all requested documentation and evidence with the immigration forms.
•    Follow the instructions on the notice you receive for biometrics/fingerprinting. The date, time, and location of your appointment will be provided. Take all receipt notices you have with you to your appointment.

Take the following steps to avoid delays in processing the immigration forms.

•    Do NOT send original passports or other valuable personal documents with your immigration forms. Make sure that copies of original passports or personal documents are made on standard white letter-sized paper (8.5 inches x 11 inches)
•    Use paper clips when attaching supporting personal documents to USCIS forms (do NOT use “ACCO” fasteners; staples are acceptable when attaching fees).
•    If a payment is submitted, attach it to the first primary USCIS form by paper clip or staple, and make sure the name of the applicant is indicated on the payment document (i.e., in the memo field). IMPORTANT: If more than one USCIS forms are filed using a single check, and any of the USCIS forms are found to be improperly filed, ALL USCIS forms will be rejected.
•    Make checks or money orders payable to “U.S. Department of Homeland Security.” or Treasurer, Guam (If you live in Guam) or Commissioner of Finance of the Virgin Islands (If you live in the U.S. Virgin Islands).
•    Always use the same name and the same version of the name on all immigration forms that pertain to the same person (I-485, I-765, I-131, etc.).
•    In the address section of any document, the “care of” line is for names only, such as an attorney, firm/organization, or a building. Do not put a street address in the “care of” section.
•    “Place of Birth” always means country of birth.
•    Include the date of birth on all USCIS forms in the designated field in MM/DD/YYYY format.
•    The applicant or petitioner must sign each Immigration forms submitted.

You must pay your USCIS form fee with a personal check, money order, or cashier’s check. DO NOT send cash.

Read the I-797 Receipt Notice carefully. Wait the amount of time listed before inquiring on the status of your case. The processing time is different for each USCIS form type.

All foreign language documents must be submitted with a corresponding English translation.  This English translation must be certified by a translator who is competent to translate and who must verify in writing that “the translation is true and accurate to the best of the translator’s abilities.”

When you have completed filling immigration forms, have a family member or friend look over the immigration forms to make sure every question is answered. Immigration forms might be a long and detailed application/petition and it is easy to miss an answer, or perhaps put the answer to one question under a different question.  Any errors or missing information will result in a delay of your application process. Someone else looking over your immigration forms is more likely to find errors you don’t see.