We’re going to start a new, shorter video each week with an immigration tip of the week (TOTW). This week’s tip is five tips in one, about how to save yourself time and money when filing an application with the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

We know that immigration fees are not small now, and they will only be going up. Hiring an experienced immigration attorney is not cheap either. However, hiring an attorney can save you money in the long run, so it’s always recommended to do so if it’s possible.

It might seem strange that an immigration attorney is sharing how to save money when trying to get a legal status, but there are some steps you can take that will save you money.

1. File as soon as possible. Fees haven’t gone up so get your application in before they do.
2. Use the current USCIS forms. Make sure when you file, or your attorney does, use the most current version of the form. You can go to USCIS.gov and check for the most current version of the form.  Just google the form number. If you don’t file the correct form, your application will be rejected.
3. Gather your supporting documents. Make sure when you file your documents, you also submit all the required evidence that the government requires. If you don’t, you may get a Request for Evidence or even worse, a Notice of Intent to Deny. If you have an attorney, they will do this for you. 
4. Sign your application. If you do not sign it, it will be rejected and returned to you. Again, do everything you can to NOT delay the acceptance and processing of your application. 
5. Don’t leave blanks in the form. If you are filing yourself, make sure that you fill out every line in the application. Even the lines that don’t apply to you should be filled out with N/A which means Not Applicable. If you do not do this, sadly, USCIS can reject (or deny) the application.

If there are topics that you would like to know more about, don’t hesitate to contact us at Andres Mejer Law.