Reasons why you can be denied a Green Card

Avoid mistakes! Do not let an oversight keep you from your dream of permanent residence. Learn the main reasons why you can be denied a Green Card.

We immigrants have big dreams, but also important responsibilities behind us. Obtaining permanent residence to live in the United States is one of the goals when arriving in this country, so starting the process to get a Green Card is the first step to making it a reality.

This immigration procedure should not be taken lightly, knowing the requirements to obtain a Green Card is very important, but also identifying the reasons why you can be rejected. Because even if you meet all the requirements, this possibility exists for 16% of the applicants.

Make your documents error-proof. Review every detail and take note of the reasons why you may be denied a Green Card. Do not let a mistake catch you off guard.

Definite Reasons Why a Green Card Will Be Denied

You do not meet any of the eligibility criteria

If an applicant for residency does not identify with any of the following groups, they will not be eligible and will be immediately rejected:

• Have close family members who are US citizens or permanent residents.
• Be sponsored by your employer.
• Be a refugee or asylee.
• Being a victim of trafficking or abuse in their country of origin.
• Reside in the United States since a date prior to January 1, 1972.

No verification of genuine or bona fide relationship

One of the requirements within the package of documents of Form I-130, is proof of family ties, employment, refugee status, or whatever the reason for the request. If this information cannot be validated, the Green Card will be denied.

Immigration law violations

Failure to comply with immigration laws is sufficient reason to deny the Green Card. In particular, when the applicant has been subject to deportation. Keep in mind that using and presenting false documents or lying would imply committing immigration fraud.

Crimes and security reasons

This is one of the main reasons why a Green Card can be rejected. Having a history of crime, drugs or terrorism represents an immediate 'No' by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). If there is a possibility of refuting the charges or clarifying them, it is necessary to request legal advice specialized in immigration procedures.

Health reasons

If an applicant has transmittable diseases relevant to public health, the Green Card application may be denied. Examples are: active-phase tuberculosis, gonorrhea, and syphilis. As well as mental illness or a history of addictions.

Errors during the process for which the Green Card can be rejected

Failure to attend scheduled appointments

During the approval process, USCIS sets up appointments for biometric data collection as well as for an interview. In case of not rescheduling or missing one of these appointments, the Green Card will be rejected.

Failure to submit additional information

After submitting the package with the documents requested by Form I-130, you may be asked for additional information to prove the eligibility criteria. If you do not respond to this request within the established period, the USCIS may reject the Green Card, so be sure to check your contact information carefully.

Documentation errors

Reasons to reject the Green Card are considered if you present your documentation package with any of these errors:

• You did not present birth or marriage certificates with certified English translations.
• You left blank spaces when filling out the forms. If it does not apply, you must write N/A (Not Applicable).
• If your handwritten signature is missing on the forms.
• Photos do not meet official requirements.

Lack of money

The USCIS requests an affidavit of support, in which the applicant agrees to support the sponsored upon arrival in the United States. If your financial records do not meet the requirements, the Green Card will be denied.

Another aspect that may be a factor in rejecting a Green Card is the lack of financial resources to pay the fees established by the government. The filing fees of a process to obtain permanent residence can reach $2,000 USD, without even taking into account other expenses like legal fees.