Want to know why marriage-based Green Cards get denied? Stay with us, and we’ll tell you everything.
Hello Alvva community! Today, let’s talk about a super important topic: common mistakes when applying for a Green Card for you or your spouse. As immigrants, we dream of a better life in the United States, and getting permanent residency is often the first step toward making that dream a reality.
But this process shouldn’t be taken lightly. In fact, a big part of success in this journey is understanding the requirements for getting a Green Card and, more importantly, knowing why your application might get denied. Surprisingly, more than 10% of people who meet all the criteria still see their applications rejected.
At Alvva, we want to make sure you’re well-prepared for the road ahead. We’re here to help you avoid potential setbacks and ensure your paperwork is error-free. Remember, even a small mistake can catch you off guard, and we don’t want that to happen.
You’re not just someone trying to fill out forms—you’re part of our community, and we want you to succeed. If you’d like help preparing your Green Card documents, start today.
Common Reasons a Green Card Gets Denied
Not Meeting Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for a Green Card, you must fall into one of the following categories—the main ones are listed below. Otherwise, you could face an immediate denial. In this article, we’ll focus on people applying through marriage.
- Having close relatives who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents
- Being sponsored by an employer
- Being a refugee or seeking asylum
- Being a victim of trafficking or abuse in your home country
- Living in the U.S. continuously since before January 1, 1972
No Proof of a Genuine Relationship
A key part of the I-130 form is proving that your marriage is real. If you don’t provide enough proof, your Green Card can be denied. For marriage-based visas, make sure you also have the following:
- A marriage certificate issued by a government agency
- If you were married before, proof that the previous marriage ended (divorce decree or death certificate)
If you’re asked to attend an interview, the interviewer’s main goal is to find out if your marriage is genuine. They’ll ask about your relationship, your daily life together, and your future plans. It’s important to answer honestly, and make sure your answers are consistent. It’s also helpful to bring additional evidence, like shared finances, photos of your time together, and birth certificates of any kids.
Breaking Immigration Laws
As an applicant, you need to follow immigration laws because being subject to deportation can lead to a denial. Remember, using or submitting false documents or lying is considered immigration fraud. For example, if you’re already in the U.S. on a tourist visa, you might be asked to show proof that you’re not using the tourist visa to speed up your Green Card process. Finally, make sure any travel plans don’t interfere with your Green Card application. Generally, if you’re already in the U.S., you can’t leave the country while your application is being processed, but you’re free to travel within the U.S.
Criminal Activities and Security Concerns
This is a common reason for Green Card denials. A history of crime, drug use, or terrorism leads to an immediate “no” from USCIS. If you think you can dispute these charges or offer clarification, we recommend seeking specialized legal advice for immigration right away.
Health Issues
If an applicant has a contagious disease that’s a public health concern, like active tuberculosis, gonorrhea, or syphilis, or a history of serious mental health problems or addiction, it could result in a Green Card denial.
Mistakes During the Application Process:
Missing Scheduled Appointments
Missing an appointment for biometrics or an interview without rescheduling can lead to your Green Card application being denied.
Not Sending Additional Documents When Requested
After submitting your application with the forms and evidence, you might be asked to send more documents to prove your eligibility. Not responding within the given time frame could result in a rejection.
Avoidable Errors in Forms and Documents
Your Green Card application can be rejected for any of the following reasons, so it’s really important to double-check everything before submitting:
- Not submitting birth or marriage certificates with certified English translations
- Leaving required spaces blank on the forms (if something doesn’t apply, write “N/A”)
- Missing handwritten signatures on forms
- Photos that don’t meet official specifications
- Incomplete payment of USCIS fees
Lastly, Consider Your Finances
The sponsoring spouse must show they have enough financial resources to support their spouse, which usually means earning at least 125% of the Federal Poverty Level. It’s also important to make sure you have enough money to cover not only the government fees but also other costs, like document preparation, legal fees, and travel expenses.
With Alvva, you have a partner at every step of your immigration journey. Together, we can make your dreams come true. Through our Case Center, you can collect all your information and documents in one place, and we’ll take care of the rest to make sure your forms are filled out correctly, backed by our Approval Guarantee. Take a couple of minutes to see if you’re eligible today.
