Last Updated: Feb. 7, 2020.

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Do you have a family member that is applying for legal permanent residency?

Are you going to be the sponsor? Do you meet all the requirements to be a sponsor?

This guide will help you figure out if you meet the requirements for being a sponsor.

What is a financial sponsor?

Being a financial sponsor to an immigrant means the U.S. Government will consider your income and assets (such as checking and savings accounts, stocks, bonds, or property) as available to support the potential immigrant.

Who can sponsor? Who needs a sponsor?

You may sponsor a relative, an employee, or a prospective or currently adopted child wishing to immigrate to the United States. If you filed an immigrant visa petition for your relative, you must be the sponsor.

Anyone applying to be a permanent resident through a family member must have a financial sponsor. A sponsor is also required for a family member coming to work for a relative, or for a company in which a relative owns 5 percent or more of the company.

Am I eligible to become a sponsor?

To qualify to be a financial sponsor for a green card applicant, you must meet the following requirements:

1. You must be at least 18 years old and a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
2. You must have a domicile in either the U.S. or a U.S. territory or possession (i.e. you must live there).
3. You must prove an income level at or above 125 percent of the Federal poverty level (100 percent for active duty military personnel).
4. You must submit an affidavit of support, which can be done by submitting Form I-864.

Income requirement to be a financial sponsor?

You must prove an income level at or above 125 percent of the Federal poverty level. (For active duty military personnel, the income requirement is 100 percent of the poverty level when sponsoring a husband, wife, or children.) Federal poverty levels are updated each year by the Department of Health and Human Services.

You can check current minimums at their website at www.aspe.hhs.gov.

What is Form I-864?

Form I-864 acts as an affidavit of support, which is a document an individual signs to accept financial responsibility for another person, usually a relative, who is coming to the United States to live permanently. The form proves that the immigrant has the financial means to live in the United States without needing welfare or financial benefits from the U.S. government. The person who signs the affidavit of support becomes the sponsor of the relative (or other individual) coming to live in the United States. The sponsor is usually the petitioner of an immigrant petition for a family member.

As the sponsor, you should fill out Form I-864 when your relative is about to submit an application for adjustment to permanent resident status with the USCIS or with an Immigration Court in the United States.

What if I don't meet the financial requirements?

If your income alone does not meet the requirement, your assets (such as checking and savings accounts, stocks, bonds, or property) may be considered in determining your financial ability. You may also submit the I-864 as a joint sponsor or a substitute sponsor.

What is a joint sponsor?

A joint sponsor is someone who is willing to accept legal responsibility for supporting your immigrating family member with you. A joint sponsor must meet all the same requirements as you; however, the joint sponsor does not need to be related to the immigrant.

The joint sponsor (or his or her household) must reach the 125% income requirement alone. You cannot combine your income with that of a joint sponsor to meet the income requirement.

Does a joint sponsor also need to fill out I-864?

Yes, a joint sponsor must also fill out Form I-864. Additionally, if you are using the income of other household members to qualify, then each household member must complete a separate Form I-864A.

What documentation do I need to fill out Form I-864?

You must provide the following documentation to fill out Form I-864:

• Your U.S. federal income tax return for the most recent tax year.
• Proof of current employment.

How do I submit Form I-864

Upon completing Form I-864, compiling the necessary documentation, and having the affidavit (or form I-864) notarized in the United States or before a U.S. consular or immigration officer, you should provide this packet of information to your relative to submit with his or her application for permanent resident status. If you are given specific instructions to file your affidavit of support directly with the National Visa Center, you should follow those instructions.

What is the cost to submit Form I-864?

There is no filing fee. However, the National Visa Center (NVC) does send the sponsor a processing fee before the case will be processed.

How long am I responsible for the immigrant?

The sponsor's legal financial responsibility usually lasts until the immigrant either becomes a U.S. citizen, can be credited with 40 quarters of work (usually 10 years), leaves the U.S. permanently, or dies.

Do I need to inform USCIS if I move or change addresses as a sponsor?

Yes, by legal requirement. If you change your address, you will need to file a Form I-865, Sponsor’s Notice of Change of Address, within 30 days after the date of your move.

What if I fail to provide financial support?

An affidavit of support is legally enforceable against a sponsor. If a sponsor does not provide basic support to the immigrants they sponsor, the individuals sponsored may receive “means-tested public benefits.” If the individual you sponsored receives any of these public benefits, you are responsible for repaying the cost of those benefits to the agency that provided them. If you do not repay the debt, the agency or sponsored immigrants can sue you in court to receive the money owed. When the immigrant sues, he or she can collect enough money to bring his or her income up to 125% of the amount listed in the U.S. government’s Poverty Guidelines.

Additionally, bankruptcy does not necessarily terminate a sponsor’s I-864 obligations. While most debts and contractual obligations are dischargeable in bankruptcy, “domestic support obligations” are not dischargeable. Such obligations are defined as alimony, maintenance, or support owed to or recoverable by one’s spouse, former spouse, or child. By United States court decisions, these also include I-864 support obligations.

Forms for Financial Sponsorship

• Form I-864 | Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the INA
• Form I-864A | Contract Between Sponsor and Household Member
• Form I-864EZ | Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the Act
• Form I-864P | HHS Poverty Guidelines for Affidavit of Support
• Form I-864W | Request for Exemption for Intending Immigrant's Affidavit of Support

Additional Facts and Data

• Of all 2015 accepted Green Card applicants, 44% were immediate relatives of U.S. citizens, 20% were other family members of citizens and lawful permanent residents, 14% were individuals in employment-related cases, 11% were refugees, and 3% were individuals granted asylum, according to a Pew Research Center study.
• Each year, the USCIS receives and processes about 6 million immigration applications from individuals and employers. According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the United States issued green cards to nearly 1 million applicants in 2013. This number has remained relatively constant throughout the following years.

Last Updated: January 15, 2020.

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If you're applying for a green card, chances are you're going to need the sponsor Form I-864.

To prove that your sponsor meets all the requirements, you need to submit the Form I-864 along with your application.

According to USCIS, the official purpose of the form is:

"This form is required for most family-based immigrants and some employment-based immigrants to show that they have adequate means of financial support and are not likely to rely on the U.S. government for financial support."

- USCIS.gov

Mistakes made on this form are one of the most common reason why applicants get RFE's (Request for Evidence) from USCIS. To avoid an RFE, it's very important to make sure that your sponsor meets all the requirements and that you fill out the form correctly.

Do you know what the requirements are for a sponsor? Are you sponsoring an applicant? This article will provide answers to some of the most common questions about financial sponsors, income requirements, and submitting the right forms.

Scroll to the bottom to learn how to actually fill out the form and attach it to your application.

Most Common Questions About Form I-864

Do I need to attach the Form I-864 to my application?

The Form I-864 should be attached to the application if, the intending immigrant (green card applicant) is:

• The immediate relative of a U.S. citizen (spouse, unmarried child under 21, or parent of a U.S. citizen 21 or older).
• A family-based preference immigrant (married or unmarried son or daughter of a U.S. citizen, spouse or unmarried son or daughter of a lawful permanent resident, or the brother or sister of a U.S. citizen 21 or older).
• An employment-based preference immigrant whose immigrant visa petition was filed by a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, U.S. national relative, or such a relative has an ownership interest of 5% or more in the entity that filed your petition.

Form I-864 is supported and included with SimpleCitizen.

Can the I-864 be used for more than one immigrant?

An I-864 must be submitted for each intending immigrant sponsored.

The principle immigrant, the recipient of the immigrant visa petition, may bring a spouse and/or children into the U.S. In such cases, the sponsor need only to photocopy the original I-864 for each dependent if they are based on the same visa petition, as long as they are immigrating at the same time. (Note: The sponsor will not need to provide copies of the supporting documents for each of the photocopied I-864s.)

However, if the principle immigrant’s family is immigrating more than 6 months after the principle immigrant, another Form I-864 will need to be filled out when they apply for their immigrant visas.

Is there a filing fee?

There is no filing fee. However, the National Visa Center (NVC) does send the sponsor a processing fee before the case will be processed.

When do sponsor obligations end?

Sponsor responsibilities end when one of these situations occurs:

• The immigrant becomes a U.S. citizen.
• The immigrant can be credited with 40 qualifying quarters of work in the U.S.
• The sponsor or the immigrant dies.
• The immigrant does not remain a lawful permanent resident.

Please note: divorce does not end a sponsor’s responsibilities.

What supporting documents are required with the I-864?

All sponsors must submit a copy of their Federal income tax return for the most recent tax year. If you were not required to file provide a statement and/or evidence of why. Also include every copy of Form 1099, Schedule, and any other evidence of reported income.

If you are:

• currently self-employed,
• sponsoring more than one intending immigrant,
• sponsoring a spouse while on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces or U.S. Coast Guard,
• using the income of persons in your household or dependents to qualify,
• joint sponsor, substitute sponsor, or the relative of an employment-based immigrant,
• or the legal guardian signing the Form I-864

Supporting Document upload & support are included with SimpleCitizen.

you will need to file more supporting documents as proof that you qualify to be a sponsor. These may include a Form I-864A, or papers to establish your income, active military status, residency, lasting employment, assets, status in the U.S., or legal guardianship.

Note: if you make a change of address, you must inform USCIS of your new address within 30 days. If you are a lawful permanent resident sponsor, you must file a change of address within 10 days. To do this file Form I-865.

What are the requirements of being a sponsor?

The sponsor must be 18 years or older and reside in the U.S., its territories, or its possessions.

In order to qualify as a sponsor, the sponsor must also meet certain financial requirements:

Income Requirements:

To qualify as a sponsor, you must show that your annual income is at least 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. These guidelines are updated annually and are calculated according to household size.

Search the USCIS website to see if you qualify. The 2017 guidelines will remain in affect until the 2018 ones are published.

What if my sponsor is on active duty?

If you are on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces and are sponsoring a spouse or child under 18, you only need to have an annual income of 100% the Federal Poverty Guidelines. This does not apply to joint or substitute sponsors.

What if a sponsor doesn’t meet the financial requirements?

If a sponsor does not meet the financial requirements the intending immigrant will be ineligible for an immigrant visa or adjustment of status.

However, if the 125% requirement can be met by any combination of the following 4 options, you may still qualify to be a sponsor.

• The income from any relatives or dependents living in your household currently or listed in your most recent Federal income tax return and who have signed Form I-864A.
• The income from the intending immigrant, if that income will continue from the same source after they immigrate and they are currently living in your residence. (If the intending immigrant is your spouse, their residence does not matter as long as they continue to receive their income from the same source.)
• The value of assets yours, the intending immigrants, or any member of the household who has signed the I-864A.
• The income and/or assets that equal at least 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines of a joint sponsor.

Can a sponsor use assets to qualify?

If the consular or immigration officer is convinced that the sponsor’s assets could be converted into money within one year, they may be used to supplement the sponsor’s income. However, this conversion must take place without undue harm coming to the sponsor or their dependents. And it cannot include automobiles unless the sponsor owns at least 1 working automobile that was not included as an asset.

What is a joint sponsor?

A joint sponsor is someone who can meet the financial requirements necessary to be a sponsor and is willing to be held jointly liable with the original sponsor, the petitioner, for the support of the intending immigrant(s).

The joint sponsor must be 18 or older and a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or U.S. national domiciled in the U.S., its territories, or its possessions.

The joint sponsor does not have to be related to the petitioner or intending immigrant(s).

If the I-864 being filed by the petitioner includes more than the principle immigrant, the joint sponsor may choose to sponsor all intending immigrants or some of them. A secondary joint sponsor is then necessary to sponsor the remainder of the family. There may be no more than 2 joint sponsors.

Joint Sponsorship is supported by SimpleCitizen.

Can relatives and dependents be a joint sponsor?

A spouse and/or other relative living with the sponsor or unrelated dependents listed on the sponsor’s Federal income tax return even if they don’t live with the sponsor, may help sponsor intending immigrants, if they are willing to be jointly responsible with the sponsor. They must be 18 or older and complete Form I-864A.

Ways To Fill Out Form I-864

Here are a few options available to you for filling out the affidavit of support.

Fill Out On a Computer

Download and view in a PDF viewer.

Download PDF

SimpleCitizen's Application Builder

Form I-864 is included with SimpleCitizen.

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Print & Fill Out Paper Form

Print the PDF and fill by hand with black pen.

Print PDF

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Última actualización: 15 de enero de 2020.

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Para inglés, haga clic aquí.

El Formulario I-485 es el formulario utilizado por la USCIS para ajustar el status a residente permanente legal.

Este formulario fue actualizado por última vez el 06/26/17. Asegúrese de descargar la versión más reciente en el sitio web de la USCIS.

Usted puede llenar el formulario I-485 de estas tres formas:

1. Puede descargar el PDF y rellenarlo en su ordenador.
2. Puede imprimir el PDF y rellenarlo a mano. Si elige esta opción, asegúrese de llenar de forma legible y con tinta negra.
3. Puede utilizar la aplicación SimpleCitizen’s Green Card app. Con nuestro sitio de auto gestión puede crear una cuenta, responder a algunas preguntas simples, y estará listo en 20 minutos. El software va a rellenar todos los formularios que usted necesita para obtener una Green Card.

Instrucciones para el Formulario I-485

La siguiente es una guía paso a paso para rellenar de forma completa y precisa el Formulario I-485 si decide hacerlo por su cuenta:

Part 1. Información personal.

Página 1

1.a. - 1.c. - Esta sección es sólo para pedir su nombre legal. Asegúrese de incluir su nombre legal completo. Si tienes dos apellidos, debe incluir ambos.

2.a. - 4.c. - Esta sección está pidiendo otros nombres que usted ha utilizado en su vida. Esto podría incluir su nombre, el nombre de soltero (a) con cónyuges anteriores, nombre familiar al nacer, apodos, alias o nombres supuestos.

5. Esta es su fecha de nacimiento en el formato MM/DD/AA.

6. Su género.

7. Su lugar de nacimiento. No hay necesidad de incluir direcciones.

8. País de nacimiento.

9. País de nacionalidad o ciudadanía.

10. Este es su número de registro de extranjero, si usted tiene uno. Puede encontrar este número en su tarjeta de autorización de trabajo (EAD).

11. Este es su número de registro online de la USCIS. Usted tendrá solamente esto si has creado una cuenta en USCIS.gov

12. Número de seguro social de los EE.UU. si es que posee uno.

13.a. - 13.f. - Este es su actual dirección postal en los EE.UU. Si alguien está recibiendo el correo por usted, su nombre será incluido en la 13.a.

14.a. - 14.f. - Esta sección es para una dirección segura para los inmigrantes que soliciten su Green Card bajo el Acta de Violencia Contra la Mujer (VAWA),  inmigrantes menores especiales, víctima de la trata de personas (no inmigrante T), o víctima de un delito de calificación (U-inmigrante). Usted debe rellenar esta sección si no desea que el USCIS envie avisos a su casa.

15 - 19 - Usted va a contestar estas preguntas si usted entró en los Estados Unidos con un pasaporte o documento de viaje.

15. Número de pasaporte.

16. Si ingresó con un permiso de viaje debe de incluirlo aquí.

17. Esta es la fecha de expiración de su pasaporte o documento de viaje.

18. País emisor del pasaporte o documento de viaje.

19. Si posee una visa de no-inmigrante en su pasaporte agréguela aquí.

20.a. - 20.b. Esta es la ciudad o pueblo donde entraron a Estados Unidos la última vez que voló hacia el país, será la ciudad con el aeropuerto dónde pasó por la Oficina de Aduanas y Protección Fronteriza. Por ejemplo, si había una parada o escala en los EE.UU. antes de llegar a su destino final, se habría sido a través del Servicio de Aduanas y Protección Fronteriza antes de su destino final. Si usted entró en el país por tierra o por mar, usted pondrá a la ciudad con el cruce de la frontera o la ciudad con la frontera más cercana donde haya llegado.

21. Fecha del último ingreso a los Estados Unidos.

22.a. - 22.d. Aquí podrá verificar si fueron inspeccionado por un oficial de inmigración. De ser así significa que un oficial de inmigración ha estampado su pasaporte la última vez que se llegó a los EE.UU. si ha sido inspeccionado por un oficial también podrás poner tu estado de admitido como F-1 (de estudiante) o B-2 (visitante de placer). Si no conoce el código de designación de la visa, usted puede describir su estado con un término como el de "estudiante" o "visitante" o "asilado". También puedes encontrar el código en la visa EE.UU. en su pasaporte. Si su estado es "libertad condicional humanitaria" o la de "libertad condicional de Cuba", utilize 22.b. Si usted entró en el país sin permiso, usted utiliuzará 22.c. Si se tratara de cualquier otra circunstancia la 22.d. y explicar la circunstancia.

Si usted no recuerda ninguna de esta información, usted puede encontrar la mayoría de esta en su Formulario I-94 más reciente en el sitio web del Departamento de Seguridad del Territorio Nacional (DHS). A menos que usted llegara antes del 30 de abril de 2013, de ser así usted encontrará el formulario I-94 en su pasaporte.

23.a. Aquí debe de indicar el número de registro de llegada-salida I-94. Puede accesar al I-94 en el link anterior.

23.b. Aquí podrás poner el "admitir hasta la fecha encontrada" en tu I-94. Casi siempre esto es diferente a la visa de Estados Unidos en su pasaporte, así que asegúrese de poner la fecha de I-94. Bajo alguna condición, principalmente estudiantes y un programa de intercambio de visitantes, usted no tendrá ninguna fecha de caducidad exacta. En su lugar, el I-94 dirá "D/S" significa la duración del estado. Si tu I-94 dice "D/S", usted comprenderá que en lugar de una fecha de caducidad específica.

23.c. Aquí debe de ingresar el status indicado en su formulario I-94. Este puede ser su clase de admisión o de ingreso condicional de tener uno.

Si actualmente no tienen condición jurídica, debe indicarlo. Si I-94 ha expirado debe de poner "permanecencia pasado el plazo legal". Si usted entró sin permiso, debe poner "EWI" (entrada sin inspección). Si esta es su situación, no puede ser elegible para un ajuste de estatus si es pariente inmediato de un ciudadano estadounidense. Independientemente, es posible que desee buscar asesoría jurídica si esta es su situación.

24. Si su estatus migratorio ha cambiado desde su llegada, es aquí donde debe de incluir su estatus migratorio actual.

25.a. - 25.c. Aquí debe de poner su nombre EXACTAMENTE  a como se encuEntra en su I-94.

Parte 2. El tipo de aplicación o presentación de categoría.

Página 3

La parte 2 pide detalles sobre su elegibilidad para el ajuste de estatus. Si previamente le han aprobado un petición de inmigrante debe de incluir el recibo del Formulario I-797 o el aviso de aprobación junto con el formulario I-485.

1.a. - 1.g. Aquí hay una lista de las distitntas categorias de elegibilidad. Seleccione una que aplique para usted.

2. Probablemente esto no se aplique a usted. La Ley de Inmigración y Nacionalidad (INA) de la sección 245(i); es una antigua ley que se aplica solamente a un grupo selecto de personas que entraron en el país sin permiso. Para averiguar si esto se aplica a usted, visite USCIS.gov.

Información acerca de su categoría de inmigrante.

3. Si usted tiene una petición aprobada, usted debe incluir su número de recibo aquí. Una petición puede ser un formulario I-130, el formulario I-140, el formulario I-360, el formulario I-526 o I-918. El número de recepción será incluido en el Formulario I-797 en el aviso de aprobación que El USCIS le enviará por correo electrónico.

Si usted está presentando simultáneamente (es decir, rellenar la petición al mismo tiempo como el I-485), la pregunta 3 y 4 no se aplican a usted. Déjelo en blanco.

4. Si usted tiene una petición aprobada, usted debe incluir su fecha de prioridad aquí.

5 - 9. Esta sección sólo se aplica a un derivado del solicitante. Un derivado del solicitante es un inmigrante que no necesita una petición separada, en lugar de eso depende de la petición del solicitante principal. Probablemente este sea uno de los padres o cónyuge. En esta sección, se incluirá la información del solicitante principal.

Parte 3. Información adicional acerca de usted

Página 4

1 - 4. Si has solicitado una visa de inmigrante (Green card) en una embajada o consulado de EE.UU, tendrá que rellenar esta sección. En la pregunta 3 puede escribir: aprobado, rechazado, negado o retirado. No se preocupe por explicar por qué se tomó la decisión. No es necesario.

5 - 7. Aquí podrá proporcionar su dirección física historia durante los últimos cinco años. Proporcionar su dirección actual en primer lugar. Si usted ha tenido más de dos direcciones, puede incluir información adicional en la parte 14. Información adicional. Esta información se proporciona para el USCIS puede realizar una comprobación de antecedentes, por lo tanto, asegúrese de que es tan exacta como sea posible.

9.a. - 10.b. Aquí usted debe proporcionar su dirección más reciente fuera de los EE.UU. donde vive desde hace más de un año. Sin embargo, si ya ha proporcionado anteriormente, no es necesario incluirlo aquí.

11 - 18.b. - Esto es también para un chequeo de antecedentes de la USCIS. Debe proporcionar a los 5 años de historial de empleo. Una vez más, asegúrese de que es tan exacta como sea posible. Si usted tiene información adicional, puede proporcionarla en la parte 14. Información adicional. Si usted no ha estado trabajando, escriba "Ninguno" o "N/A".

19 - 22.b. Aquí usted debe proporcionar su empleo más reciente (incluso si estuviera allí menos de un año) fuera de los EE.UU. si usted no ha proporcionado hágalo en 11-18.

Parte 4. Información acerca de sus padres

Página 6

En la parte 4 se solicita información básica acerca de sus padres. Si han fallecido, usted debe contestar fallecido en 7,8,15 y 16.

Parte 5. Información acerca de su historial matrimonial.

Página 7

1 - 16.c. La parte 5 recopila información sobre su historial matrimonial. Esta sección es particularmente importante para aquellos solicitantes que inmigran a través del matrimonio. El USCIS quiere verificar que realmente son elegibles.

Se proporcionará información acerca de matrimonios anteriores. Si se queda sin espacio, una vez más, utilice la parte 14.

Parte 6. Información acerca de sus hijos(as).

Página 8

La parte 6 es donde puede proporcionar información acerca de sus hijos. En primer lugar, se indicará el número total de hijos vivos. Entonces usted podrá proporcionar información básica sobre ellos. Usted debe incluir tanto a los niños y los hijastros adultos aquí. Al no hacerlo podría crear dudas sobre su relación si quieren inmigrar a los Estados Unidos en el futuro. Si necesita más espacio, vaya a la Parte 14. Información adicional.

Parte 7. Información biográfica.

Página 8

1. En esta sección, va a agregar algunos datos biográficos. Esto es así para que el USCIS pueda confirmar su identidad. Primero usted colocará si son o no hispanos. Hispano o latino es una persona de orígenes cubanos, mexicanos, puertorriqueños, Centro o Sudaméricanos, u otra cultura española.

2. En esta pregunta, usted pondrá su raza. Esto puede ser confuso porque hay sólo unas pocas categorías. Aquí hay una guía para el USCIS:

• Blanco es una persona con orígenes en cualquiera de los pueblos originales de Europa, Oriente Medio y África del Norte.
• El asiático es una persona con orígenes en cualquiera de los pueblos originales del Lejano Oriente, el sudeste de Asia o el subcontinente indio, incluyendo, por ejemplo, Camboya, China, India, Japón, Corea, Malasia, Pakistán, las Islas Filipinas, Tailandia y Vietnam.
• Negro o africano americano es una persona con orígenes en cualquiera de los grupos raciales negros de África.
• Los Indios americanos o nativos de Alaska son personas con orígenes en cualquiera de los pueblos originales de Norte y Sudamérica (incluyendo America Central), y que mantiene la comunidad tribal o accesorio.
• Nativo de Hawai o de otra isla del Pacífico es una persona con orígenes en cualquiera de los pueblos originales de Hawai, Guam, Samoa u otras islas del Pacífico.

3 - 6. Para el resto de preguntas, usted pondrá su altura, peso, color de ojos y color de cabello.

Parte 8. Requisitos generales y causales de inadmisibilidad.

Página 9

Esta sección es larga, no se preocupe.. El propósito de esta sección es para asegurarse de que no ha hecho nada para ser considerado inadmisible a los EE.UU, ser inadmisible significa que no serían elegibles para ingresar a los EE.UU. debido a crímenes, violaciones de inmigración, o por otras razones. Si usted ha estado involucrado en cualquier organización que promueve la violencia, usted debe buscar el asesoramiento de un abogado.

1 - 13.b. En esta sección, podrá incluir cualquier organización, asociación, fondo, fundación, partido, club, sociedad, etc., en los que ha participado. Esto es principalmente para determinar si usted ha estado involucrado en una organización violenta, pero incluidos los voluntarios o las organizaciones religiosas pueden ayudar a mostrar el USCIS oficial que usted es una persona de bien moral.

14 - 80.b. La mayoría de estas respuestas deben ser "no". Sin embargo, tienes algunas "sí". Si ha expirado la visa, usted debe contestar "sí" a la pregunta 17. A continuación, puede explicar las circunstancias en la parte 14. Información adicional. Sobre la pregunta 24.a. -24.c. también puede responder sí y explicar las circunstancias en torno a la visa J-1 el requisito de dos años.

Usted también debe revelar todos los arrestos, incluso si fue un error o un delito menor, deben de ser incluidos. No tiene que incluir multas de buceo a menos que drogas o alcohol estuvieran involucrados o si fueron multados con más de 500 dólares. Si usted tiene cualquier detención, deberá adjuntar la documentación con el formulario I-485.

Si usted ha recibido asistencia pública, usted podría ser considerado inadmisible. Si esta es su situación, usted debe consultar con un abogado antes de enviar su formulario I-485.

Recuerde: nunca mienta en ningún formulario de inmigración. Si el USCIS descubre que usted ha mentido sobre un formulario, puede ser declarado inadmisible.

Parte 9. Alojamiento para Individuos con Discapacidades y/o impedimentos.

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La parte 9 le pregunta si tiene alguna discapacidad o impedimento que necesite de alojamiento para su entrevista. Esto podría ser un intérprete de lengua de signos. Usted debe explicar su necesidad en esta sección.

Parte 10. Declaración del solicitante.

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Felicidades, se acerca a completar el formulario! Aquí es donde debe firmar el formulario I-485. También podrá comprobar que puede leer y comprender el inglés, de modo que sepan entender lo que está firmando. También podrá incluir su información de contacto.

Parte 11. Información de contacto del intérprete, certificación y firma.

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Si usted no habla inglés y ha utilizado un intérprete para rellenar el formulario I-485, este es el lugar donde él o ella va a firmar. Usted no necesita saber inglés para obtener una green card, pero necesitará un intérprete en su entrevista de la USCIS.

Parte 12. Información de contacto, certificación y firma.

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Aquí es donde un abogado incluiría sus credenciales. Probablemente usted deje esto en blanco, considerando que ha estado utilizando esta guía paso-a-paso.

Parte 13. Firma en la entrevista

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Esta es la sección quese firmará en su entrevista en el USCIS. Hasta su entrevista, déjelo en blanco. ¡Felicidades, has terminado!

Last Updated: January 15, 2020.

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What does good moral character mean?

Congratulations on working toward becoming a citizen of the United States! In addition to meeting residency requirements as a legal permanent resident and other elements of the Form N-400 Application for Naturalization, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services must deem you a person of “good moral character” (or GMC) to be granted citizenship. According to the USCIS Policy Manual, good moral character means that a person’s conduct “measures up to the standards of average citizens of the community in which the applicant resides.”  The goal is to assure that only law-abiding, productive members of society receive the benefits and responsibilities of U.S. citizens.

How to become a United States Citizen

Rather than sit down to dinner with you to discuss your moral convictions, the USCIS has its own system, which mostly defined in the negative (like proving that you haven’t committed crimes and don't lie). Your good moral character is based on USCIS officers’ assessment of your personal legal record, your application for naturalization and your oral interview, according to laws that Congress has passed. This article answers some key questions about how GMC is determined.

What time period is good moral character based on?

5 years (or 3 years if you are applying under the special rules as a spouse of a U.S. citizen) immediately before filing for citizenship. This is the “statutory period.” It is the same as the number of years as you were required to live as a legal permanent resident with a green card before filing for citizenship. This is the time period that the USICS will thoroughly examine any immoral conduct that could threaten your citizenship application. However, the USICS has the freedom to examine activities during your entire life. The time between filing for naturalization until your oath of citizenship can also affect eligibility.

What doesn’t help to prove good moral character?

Past crimes and other negative activities can set up “bars” to your naturalization process. These bars can delay or permanently block naturalization, depending on the seriousness of the crime. Many of these have to do with “crimes of moral turpitude,” or crimes that demonstrate a lack of moral character. Some more serious ones are also grounds for deportation. Here are several to be aware of:

• Any crime against a person with intent to harm
• Fraudulent green card activity or false testimony for the purpose of obtaining an immigration benefit
• Violation of controlled substance (drug) laws
• Habitual drunkenness
• Gambling offenses
• Shoplifting or theft
• Prostitution
• Failing to pay court-ordered child support or alimony payments,
• Failing to complete any probation, parole, or suspended sentence before applying for naturalization.
• Smuggling aliens into the U.S.
• Not registering with the U.S. Selected Service System while between the ages of 18 and 25 if you are male.
• Two or more of any crimes for which 5 or more years were spent in jail
• Jail time of 180 days or more during the past 5 years

People who have been convicted of murder at any time cannot become U.S. citizens. The same goes for those convicted of another aggravated felony (including drug trafficking and armed bank robbery, as well as lesser crimes like bribery or counterfeiting) after November 29, 1990. These are permanent bars.

What does help to prove good moral character?

• Honesty. Tell the truth in your answers on the N-400 application and when asked any questions by USCIS personal, especially regarding your history with law enforcement. Be thorough in reporting even incidents like a simple traffic ticket. Failure to tell the truth can become a much more serious concern than the violation itself. Lying shows a lack of moral character.
• This is optional, but it may be useful to provide letters from people such as neighbors, church or other religious leaders, and employers who can vouch for your good moral character. Letters should positive examples of how you live your life and contribute to U.S. society.

Concerned about your GMC?

• Remember that you don’t need to be a saint to be considered “of good moral character.” Your moral character and personal standards likely exceed the necessary qualifications. If you don’t have criminal convictions, and are generally a law-abiding member of your neighborhood, it shouldn’t be too difficult to show good moral character. Just be sure to honest in all of your descriptions.
• If a minor crime or activity that may show a lack of good moral character applies to you, you may consider waiting until the statutory 5 years have gone by with a “clean” record before applying. You should also be prepared to prove solid employment and family and community involvement within those 5 years to show reformed character and conduct.
• Seek additional help from legal experts or attorneys before submitting your application for naturalization if you have more concerns.

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Last Updated: January 15, 2020.

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In April of 2017, the Trump administration stated that it will continue to uphold the 2002 executive order that facilitates the citizenship process for noncitizen military members.

Those persons serving honorably in active-duty status in the Armed Forces of the United States at any time on or after September 11, 2001 are eligible to apply for naturalization in accordance with the statutory exception to the naturalization requirements, as provided in section 1440(b) of title 8, United States Code.
- Executive Order 13269 signed by President George W. Bush on July 3, 2002.

Recently however, among Trump's several regulations aimed at tightening immigration, the Department of Defense released two updates that affect noncitizen individuals entering the military and those who are currently serving with noncitizen status.

The Washington Post also reported that the Army is turning away people or putting on hold those who wish to serve based on their immigration status.

Voices across the Internet immediately responded with heated criticisms to the announcement. One online critique said that the move is potentially unlawful and founded on biases. Another wrote about how immigrants ought to be thanked for their service and recognized for their dedication because these men and women are putting their life on the line for the "vast majority of us who never put on uniform."

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Trump's immigration policies cause enough controversy no doubt, but more recent news regarding the president offending a fallen soldier's wife, combined the two topics for a perfect storm.

With Trump declaring a ban on something new everyday in a world filled with alternative facts; It's safe to say we would be wise to learn the truth and double check the news we read.

So the question still stands. Is it possible to apply for Citizenship while serving in the military? Let's find out.

Updated Military & Immigration Policies

As of October 13, The Department of Defense released two updates:

1. Updated Screening For Lawful Permanent Residents.

The DoD requires all military recruits who are legal permanent residents to go through a thorough background investigation. These individuals should receive a favorable military security suitability determination (MSSD) report before any participation in the service, whether active or on reserve.

The change overthrows previous policy which states that as long as such an individual initiated his or her background check and if he or she had cleared other designated entry screenings, he or she may begin military training.

2. Changes to the Expedited Naturalization for Military Personnel.

In order to proceed to naturalization, noncitizen recruits are required to complete at least 180 consecutive days of active service in the branch of the military they are serving, or they must receive a satisfactory evaluation in their selected reserve for at least one year.

The Department of Defense stated in this news release that the set probation period is aimed to eliminate the “one day service” occurrence where recruits serve for a brief period, just enough to obtain the certification of honorable service for expedited naturalization.

How to Apply for Citizenship in the Military

Typical naturalization process from permanent resident status requires the individual to have lived in the United States consecutively for at least three to five years. However, for members of the Armed Forces (that includes anyone in active duty, on reserve, or in the national guard), they may file for naturalization within one year of their military service.

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This section in the Immigration and Nationality act of 1952 (INA) also excuses these applicants from having the required period of residence or physical presence within the United States. Lastly, USCIS offers the benefit of waiving the application fee for those who fulfilled an honorable service.

What are the Requirements?

Legal Status: Lawful Permanent Resident (Green Card Holder)

Noncitizen recruits must be lawful permanent residents while they’re applying for naturalization. Any other immigration status is currently not allowed to enlist.

Candidate’s Moral Character: Good Moral Standing

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) look at two main components to determine a candidate’s moral character.

First, his or her criminal record.

When filling out the application for naturalization: Form N-400, the candidate should report all crimes committed, including those that occurred before his or her 18th birthday and/or those that have been removed from record.

Second, they look at the candidate's honesty during their interview with the officer who oversees the candidate's naturalization process.

USCIS has the rights to conduct further background checks. If they find inconsistency between the candidate’s response during the interview and the background check, they have the right to reject the application.

Language: English Proficiency

All naturalization candidates should have the ability to communicate in English both in writing and speaking. The law requires them to demonstrate their language proficiency in simple phrases for ordinary usage.

American History, Law, & Government: Civics Test

Candidates should also acquire knowledge and understanding of basic American history, common principles of law, and forms of government.

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Where Do I Apply for Citizenship?

Because military candidates may move physically throughout the application process, every military branch has a designated personnel and/or a department for handling applications. Different military divisions have different designations. For a list of different contact points, see below:

The Department of the Army:

Battalion (BN), Brigade Combat Team (BCT) S-1s, Personnel Services Battalion (PSB), Personnel Service Centers (PSC), Military Personnel Divisions (MPD), and Military Personnel Offices (MILPO) are all available points of contact. Each of them has the capacity to coordinate with the U.S. Army Human Resources Command (USAHRC) to facilitate the application process.

The Air Force:

Military Personnel Flights (MPFs), or applicants may also complete documents online through virtual Military Personnel Flight.

The Navy:

Naval candidates who are seeking naturalization should establish a citizenship representative through the program NAVADMIN 251/04. At this time, the Navy SEAL is not accepting noncitizen applicants.

The Marine Corps:

A Legal assistance officer is the designated representative within the Marines.

When to Apply for Citizenship

Noncitizen recruits may apply anytime either during their enlistment or after they have fulfilled their service. However, the recent changes, as mentioned above, delay noncitizen recruits from applying while in training due to background check time.

How to Prepare my Citizenship Packet

Make sure to always use the most up-to-date USCIS forms. You may receive your application packet through your branch’s citizenship representative, request it from the USCIS, or use SimpleCitizen's online Citizenship Software.

Please be advised that your application officer during the interview may ask you questions regarding information on your forms. Always stay consistent and be as clear and detailed as possible with the information you provide.

Once you have gathered all the required documents, translations, and passport photos for the N-400; bring everything to your branch’s designated point of contact for naturalization. Your representative will verify your application and complete the Request for Certification of Military or Naval Service form. Your branch representative or commander has the authority to indicate your characterization of service, and deem whether or not your service was honorable if you were being discharged.

Your representative will then mail your application packet to USCIS.

What happens after Submitting Form N-400

First, you will receive a letter with the Form I-797 from the USCIS with your case status number. You can use this number to track the progress of your applications. The letter usually arrives within the first two to three weeks.

Second, you need to go to your biometrics service appointment. Your branch’s military citizenship representative has the authority to schedule this appointment with the nearest USCIS facility. The same representative must fill out a Fingerprint Notice and you will take this form with you on the date of the appointment. If you are physically overseas, then you should contact the nearest military police unit or security manager. They will send you FD-258 fingerprint cards where you may fulfill a set of dark and a set of clear fingerprints.

Third, after four months or so. You will be notified of your interview date. This will include the place and specific time of your appointment. If you are unable to attend your interview on the appointed date, you may write on the interview notice your reason for why you cannot attend and the next availability. For example, if you are unavailable due to deployment, then you should attach the deployment order with the notice as you return them to the USCIS.

Note: You may ask your representative to follow up with the USCIS if the receipt (I-797) did not come within 60 days of your application being mailed. You may also follow up with him or her if you don't receive your interview notice within five months.

Fourth, Your interview officer may give you one of these three decisions: granted, continued, or denied. In some cases, the officer may tell you if you will be granted your citizenship at the end of your interview. In most cases, you will receive a formal notice stating when and where you will attend the oath ceremony. If you’ve been told that the officer is continuing your case, then you may be asked to come back for a second interview or to provide the missing documents. If your form was denied, USCIS will send you a written notice stating why. You may request a hearing from the officer who denied your application and you may file an appeal with the Form N-336.

Lasty, is the Oath Ceremony. Here, you will take the Oath of Allegiance to the United States.

Congratulations!

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Photo Credit: Spencer Imbrock

Last Updated: January 7, 2022.

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If you are inside the U.S. for an allowed reason and are currently trying to adjust your status to permanent resident, then you can use Form I-485.
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Form I-485 Sample Download:

Download a sample of the I-485 here.

Fill out the I-485 Online Here.

*Please note that USCIS forms frequently change. Please refer to the USCIS I-485 form page for the most up-to-date version.

Who can submit the Form I-485?

Relatives of United States citizens:

spouses, children, parents, and siblings of U.S. citizens who used the Form I-130 and received a visa can use Form I-485 to ask for a Green Card. For immediate family cases (like spouses) you can submit all the forms together in one packet.

Relatives of Green Card holders:

spouses and unmarried children of Green Card holders who used Form I-130 and received a visa can use Form I-485 to ask for a Green Card. You can prepare a family based green card application here.‍

Workers:

If you are in the U.S. with a temporary work visa and have been offered a permanent job while you're in the U.S., you could use Form I-485 to ask to stay in the U.S. permanently. Your U.S. employer can start the process for your Green Card using Form I-140, Petition for Alien Worker.‍

Refugees and Asylees:

Refugees and Asylees can use Form I-485 to ask for a Green Card. In the Form I-485, you must prove that you are still an asylee, refugee, or refugee’s spouse or child and that you’ve been inside the U.S. for 1 year since were allowed to enter for that reason.

Helpful Links:

Form I-485 Step by Step Instructions

The Comprehensive Guide on How to Get a Green Card

Are you eligible to apply for a Green Card?

Take the quiz

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Last Updated: January 15, 2020.

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Recently, the Trump administration changed a policy that places foreign nationals under advanced scrutiny.

If a foreign national takes any actions within 90 days of entering the country that are not compliant with his/her visa status, it will likely be presumed that they willfully made a misrepresentation about their motives for entering the country.

This new rule is called the 90-day rule and it replaces the 30/60-day rule. It marks a small yet significant change in immigration policy.

The change became official on September 1, 2017, when the Department of State updated the Foreign Affairs Manual (FAM). It is important to note the rule is not a statute, nor is it an official regulation; it is better seen as an advisory principle created to help consular officers if a subsequent violation of visa status qualifies as a “ willful misrepresentation” in the initial visa application.

The new rule is found in 9 FAM 302.9-4. To better understand the significance of this rule and the recent change, let’s take this rule section-by-section.

9 FAM 302.9: Discusses some of the many reasons aliens can be inadmissible for various reasons

So the FAM is a extensive handbook Department of State officials use to, among other things, make immigration decisions. Chapter 9 of the FAM deals with visas. Section 302 outlines all the myriad ways an alien can become ineligible for a visa. Section 302.9 outlines the reasons aliens can be ineligible for entry under INA 212(a)(6).

The INA is the Immigration and Nationality Act. It is codified in §1182 of the United States Code, which is basically a very large book containing all the laws of the U.S. INA 212(a)(6)(C) says:

Any alien who, by fraud or willfully misrepresenting a material fact, seeks to procure (or has sought to procure or has procured) a visa, other documentation, or admission into the United States or other benefit provided under this chapter is inadmissible.

In layman’s terms, this means anyone who has lied — or willfully misrepresented — about something important — a material fact — in a visa application may not receive a visa.

To mere people like ourselves, it may seem like common sense is all that is needed to determine whether something is a “misrepresentation.” However, when money and people's lives are on the line, “common sense” doesn’t cut it. That’s why the State Department wrote a whole section on how to determine whether an action is a “misrepresentation.” That section is 9 FAM 302.9–4.

9 FAM 302.9-4(B)(1): Provides four criteria for finding a misrepresentation

9 FAM 302.9-4 discusses reasons for an alien’s inadmissibility due to a misrepresentation. 9 FAM 302.9-4(B)(1) outlines four criteria required for finding misrepresentation. For an alien to be inadmissible because of a misrepresentation it must be determined that:

1. There has been a misrepresentation made by the applicant;
2. The misrepresentation was willfully made;
3. The fact misrepresented is material; and
4. The alien by using fraud or misrepresentation seeks to procure, has sought to procure, or has procured a visa, other documentation, admission into the United States, or other benefit provided under the INA.

In plain English, the misrepresentation must be made by the person applying for the visa, it must have been done willfully, it must have been about something important, and it must have been for purpose of obtaining a visa or other benefit.

Let’s see what each of these criteria entail.

(B)(3): Defining misrepresentation

Section (B)(3) defines “misrepresentation.” First, it provides a basic definition: a misrepresentation is an assertion or manifestation not in accordance with the facts. Misrepresentation requires an affirmative act taken by the alien. A misrepresentation can be made in various ways, including in an oral interview or in written applications, or by submitting evidence containing false information.

Let’s look at this more closely.

a misrepresentation is an assertion or manifestation not in accordance with the facts. This provides for a broader definition than a lie — a lie being a false statement made with the intention to deceive — this encompasses a statement that was purposefully made, that is untrue, but was not made with the intent to deceive. As is discussed below, a misrepresentation must be made willfully, which means its lower limit is set somewhere above a mere mistake. Additionally, (B)(2) defines the upper limits of misrepresentation: it is something less than fraud. Fraud must be shown by evidence of the intent to deceive and an officer must actually believe the lie.

Misrepresentation requires an affirmative act taken by the alien.This statement differentiates between a statement and a silence. Here, silence, or failure to volunteer information, does not by itself amount to a misrepresentation.

A misrepresentation can be made in various ways, including in an oral interview or in written applications, or by submitting evidence containing false information.This statement suggests a few additional points. The misrepresentation must be made by the alien — or the aliens agent or attorney so long as the alien was aware of the action. The misrepresentation must be made before a U.S. Official, which means it could be made orally or in written form most likely before a consular officer or a Department of Homeland Security officer. The misrepresentation must be made on the alien’s own application, not in regards to someone else’s application.

It should be noted that a “timely retraction” could remedy the misrepresentation. Timeliness depends on the circumstances of the particular case; a retraction should be made at the first opportunity to be safe.

(B)(3)(g): States that activities that are inconsistent with an alien’s visa status are a red flag.

(B)(3)(g) dives into a tricky topic, one that is at the center of the 90-day rule: activities inconsistent with visa status. It states: In determining whether a misrepresentation has been made, some of the most difficult questions arise from cases involving aliens in the United States who conduct themselves in a manner inconsistent with representations they made to consular officers concerning their intentions at the time of visa application or to DHS when applying for admission or for an immigration benefit. Such cases occur most frequently with respect to aliens who, after having obtained visas as nonimmigrants and been admitted to the United States, either: Apply for adjustment of status to lawful permanent resident; or fail to maintain their nonimmigrant status (for example, by engaging in unauthorized study or employment).

This passage states that immigration officers are sometimes faced with the difficult task of interpreting an alien’s inconsistent behavior. Oftentimes this occurs when an immigrant applies for lawful permanent residence or fails to maintain her nonimmigrant status.

Since it’s difficult for immigration officers to know what to do in this case, the Administration created the 90-day rule.

(B)(3)(g)(2) & (3): Shows when the 90-day rule should be used

The 90-day rule is mostly about a legal concept called presumption. A presumption is an idea that is taken to be true, and often used as the basis for other ideas, although it is not known for certain. It’s similar to an assumption but not quite as strong. It is most easily exemplified in the phrase “innocent until proven guilty.” In murder trials in the U.S., a suspect is presumed innocent until proven guilty. That means it is the prosecution’s job to prove the defendant is guilty, not the defendant’s job to prove that she is innocent.

It is the same case here: an alien that behaves inconsistently with the representations made in her visa application is presumed to have made the representations not willfully — unless those inconsistent actions are made within 90 days of her entry into the U.S. This is because if inconsistent action is taken so quickly after arriving in the U.S. it is arguably likely the alien lied about her intentions for coming in the first place.

Previously, under the 30/60 day rule, if an alien made inconsistent actions within 30 days of entry, the misrepresentations made in her application were presumed to be willful. Now, under the 90-day rule, that time period has been extended from 30 days to 90 days. As the names imply, that is the primary substantial change made to the rule.

The new rule states:However, if an alien violates or engages in conduct inconsistent with his or her nonimmigrant status within 90 days of entry . . . you may presume that the applicant's representations about engaging in only status-compliant activity were willful misrepresentations of his or her intention in seeking a visa or entry.

The rule also requires the immigration officer to request an advisory opinion on the case.

So, if inconsistent conduct is made, the presumption shifts against the alien, and the alien now has the responsibility to prove she did not make the misrepresentations willfully.

The section continues to list some specific conduct that would be inconsistent or in violation of an alien’s nonimmigrant status:

• Engaging in unauthorized employment;
• Enrolling in a course of academic study, if such study is not authorized for that nonimmigrant classification (e.g. B status);
• A nonimmigrant in B or F status, or any other status prohibiting immigrant intent, marrying a United States citizen or lawful permanent resident and taking up residence in the United States; or
• Undertaking any other activity for which a change of status or an adjustment of status would be required, without the benefit of such a change or adjustment.

So, becoming employed, enrolling in school, marrying a citizen, or doing other activities that require an adjustment of status could put an alien at risk of coming under the 90-day rule.

If inconsistent conduct only occurs after 90 days have passed, then the presumption does not shift against the alien.

(B)(4) & (5): Defines “willfully” and “material fact”

For an alien to be inadmissible under INA §212(a)(6), which the 90-day rule applies, she must make a misrepresentation willfully. Willful is a definable legal concept and the FAM states:

In order to find the element of willfulness, it must be determined that the alien was fully aware of the nature of the information sought and knowingly, intentionally, and deliberately made an untrue statement.

In other words, the alien must knowingly make the untrue statement, which is notably different from making an untrue statement with intention to deceive.

The misrepresentation must also be material. Materiality, like willfulness, is another legal concept. In this case a misrepresentation is material if:

• The alien would have been inadmissible if the true facts were revealed, or
• The misrepresentation cut off a line of questioning that would have lead to the determination that the alien was inadmissible.

So, in other words, most topics an applicant might have an interest in hiding are material.

Key Takeaways

For aliens submitting visa applications: Do not lie about your motives for application. For visiting aliens interested in changing your status: Do so very carefully, probably only after 90 days have passed since your entry.

Top 5 Reasons Green Card Renewal Applications are Denied

Before you know it, 10 years have flown by and it’s time to submit your Green Card renewal application.

According to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), green card holders can renew their 10-year Green Card within 6 months of its expiration date.

As you probably know, getting a Green Card is not easy.

Link: The Comprehensive Guide on How to Get a Green Card

Fortunately, the Green Card renewal process is often much simpler than the initial Green Card application. We know this because hundreds of immigrants have used SimpleCitizen to create and submit their own Green Card renewal applications. Preparing your application with the support of immigration professionals can help you avoid expensive and/or time-consuming mistakes, and can even help you avoid an application denial. 

While a Green Card Renewal denial is fairly rare, it does happen. If you choose to prepare your application on your own, please consider avoiding these 5 most common mistakes that can lead to a potential rejection or denial:

5. You were “Ordered Removed”

If you were ordered removed from the United States, your green card renewal is more likely to be denied. You are ordered removed if at least one of the following has happened to you:

• A judge ordered you deported or removed
• You signed a stipulated removal order
• You were at the border, and immigration officials completed Expedited Removal paperwork on you
  (Note: This is not simply being refused entry)

Also note that you are not considered “ordered removed” simply if your visa category is Z11, Z13, Z14, or Z15. These categories are based on a “suspension of deportation” or “suspension of removal” which is different from being ordered removed.

4. You’ve committed a crime

If you have committed a felony or misdemeanor, the best course of action is to seek advice from a licensed immigration attorney before filing to renew your green card. If you speak with an immigration attorney, you are much more likely to successfully obtain a renewed green card.

3. You submitted an incomplete application

Be careful to read all the instructions. These 4 parts of the green card renewal application are often missed:

• Remember to sign in all the right places.
• Be sure to attach all required evidence (requested photocopies of official documents).
• Make sure to pay the I-90 filing fee.
• Be sure to attend your scheduled biometrics appointment.

As long as you read and follow the instructions carefully, you shouldn’t have to worry.

A few weeks after submitting, you should receive an I-797 form from USCIS with information about your scheduled biometrics appointment. Failing to attend a scheduled biometrics appointment may result in the application being denied. 

2. You gave incorrect information

Make sure everything on your application is filled out as accurately as possible.

At your biometric services appointment, USCIS will ask you to re-affirm under penalty of perjury that the information you provided is complete and true. Your application  may be denied if USCIS finds any false information.

1. You submitted the wrong Green Card renewal form

There is a big difference between a regular Green Card, and a Green Card with conditions. Most notably, the length of validity each of the two cards has, as well as which form/application should be used for the card’s renewal. 

Here’s a brief summary: 

• Green Card (regular): Valid for 10 years;  must be renewed using Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Residency  ‍
• Conditional Green Card: Valid for 2 years, must be renewed  using Form I-751, Application to Remove Conditions. Renewal approval results in a 10-year card being issued. A conditional permanent resident should only submit the I-90 if their 2-year green card is lost, stolen, or damaged.

Click here if you want to learn more about conditional permanent residents.

Other Common Worries

Many applicants worry about financial problems, including bad credit scores or unpaid taxes, but it is uncommon for USCIS to deny a renewal Green Card application because of these issues.

However, unpaid taxes may lead to other problems. You could be fined and prosecuted which can make it more difficult to become a U.S. citizen.

What can I do if my application is denied?

You are not allowed to appeal a negative decision, but you may submit a motion to reopen or reconsider your case. By filing the motion, you’re requesting that the USCIS office reevaluate their decision.

If you file a motion to reopen, you must state the new information you will provide and include appropriate evidence. If you file a motion to reconsider, you instead must show that USCIS’s decision to deny your application was an incorrect application of law or policy and that USCIS’s decision was incorrect based on the evidence you provided when you filed your application. For more information, see this page.

Note: If the USCIS denies your application because of an error by SimpleCitizen, subject to certain conditions, we will refund your government application fees and the SimpleCitizen purchase price 100%. Here’s our refund policy.

How to avoid these mistakes

If you have any questions, you can contact us here.

If you want to learn more about how to renew your green card, read this guide: A Guide to Renewing Your Green Card. If you’re ready to jump right in and apply, get started here!

After you’ve successfully renewed your Green Card, we would love to hear your story. Please leave a review here and tell us about your experience.

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Are you an international student that just graduated and not sure what to do next?

Do you want to stay in the United States? If so, this article covers 3 options that may be available for you.

If you came to the United States with an F-1 student visa, you have 3 way to stay in the United States:

1. OPT - Optional Practical Training

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is an option for F-1 Visa students who have recently graduated.

OPT is temporary employment authorization, and your employment must be related to your F-1 area of study. Students who are eligible may apply to receive up to one year of OPT employment authorization.

If your degree is in certain science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields, you may apply for a two-year extension of your OPT.

2. Apply for a Non-Immigrant Work Visa

H-1B Specialty Occupations

The H-1B visa is a nonimmigrant visa that allows immigrants to temporarily work in high-skilled occupations. Immigrants applying for an H-1B visa are required to have specialized knowledge and a bachelor’s degree or higher or its equivalent.

Most H-1B occupations are in fields such as science, engineering, and information technology.

E-1/E-2 Treaty Trader and Investor

The E-1 visa is a treaty trader visa, and it is for immigrants who come from countries that have a treaty of commerce with the United States. Applicants must have "substantial" trade in goods between the United States and their home country.

The E-2 visa is also for immigrants who are from countries that have a treaty of commerce with the United States. They must have invested, or are actively in the process of investing, a "substantial" amount of capital in a U.S. enterprise.

L-1 Intracompany Transferee Visa

The L-1 is another nonimmigrant visa, and it is for workers who are employed outside of the U.S. and are transferring to the U.S. This visa also allows a foreign company to send an executive or manager to the United States to establish a U.S. office.

While these visas will allow you to remain in the United States, they will not allow you to stay permanently. If you wish to stay in the U.S. longer, obtaining a Green Card may be necessary.

3. Apply for a Green Card

Adjustment of status is the process through which temporary immigrants in the United States (such as students, tourists, foreign employees, etc.) can become lawful permanent residents (Green Card holders) without ever having to leave the U.S. (If you are outside of the United States, the only path to immigrate to the country is through consular processing).

The best options for obtaining a Green Card as an international student are through immediate family sponsorship, asylum status, the Green Card lottery, employment sponsorship, or select military service.

For more info about getting a green card, go to our Comprehensive Guide on How to Get a Green Card.

Photo Credits:

Billetto EditorialHelloquenceJuan Ramos

Last Updated: September, 2017.

The travel ban just got bigger.

President Trump added three new countries to the travel ban list: Chad, North Korea, and Venezuela.

"Making America Safe if my number one priority. We will not admit those into our country we cannot safely vet."
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 24, 2017

Let’s rewind a bit and figure out why these new countries were added.

In March 2017, President Trump issued Executive Order 13780. The order initiated the Department of Homeland Security to conduct a review of 200 countries to determine which countries pose the largest security threat to the United States.

In July, the DHS review was completed, and then on September 24, 2017, President Trump announced indefinite travel restrictions on the three new countries: Chad, North Korea, and Venezuela. The five original countries remained on the list: Iran, Libya, Syria, Somalia and Yemen. However, Sudan, an original member of the group, was removed.

The ACLU announced that it will challenge President Trump’s new travel ban. Originally, the Supreme Court was going to hear arguments regarding the legality of the travel ban on October 10. However, the Supreme Court announced that they are postponing hearing any arguments until both the government and those opposed, file new briefs addressing the new restrictions.

Critics have noted that this new ban doesn't seem to really address its anti-terrorism and public safety goals entirely, as countries like Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Afghanistan, and Pakistan remain off the list.

In this article we'll break down this much-discussed presidential proclamation, section-by-section:

• Section 1: Establishes baseline requirements countries have to meet.
• Section 2: Lists suspended countries Section 3: Provides some exceptions and limitations.
• Section 4: Countries can get off the list.
• Section 5: DHS will report to the President.
• Section 6: Provides various rules for enforcement.
• Section 7: Ban starts on October 18.
• Section 8: Ban will continue even if one section is invalid.
• Section 9: Ban will not impede the executive agencies.

SECTION 1: Establishes baseline requirements for countries

From the get-go, the executive order states that the purpose of the reinvigorated travel ban is to protect United States citizens from terrorist attacks and public safety threats. In order to determine which country poses a terrorist or security threat, DHS assessed each country under the following categories:

• Identity-management information: the country in question will need to have thorough in-country security processes that ensure the integrity of documents. For example, Homeland Security will assess whether the country issues electronic passports and how the government detects fraudulent documents.
• National security and public-safety information: the country in question will need to inform the United States as to whether a citizen posses a security threat by providing the U.S. background information on the traveler.
• National security and public-safety risk assessment: the U.S. will conduct an overall assessment of whether a country is a terrorist or security threat.

After assessing the 200 countries using the above-mentioned criteria, 47 countries were deemed to be “inadequate” and “at-risk.” They were given 50 days to improve their security procedures by applying the security protocols above.

Following the 50-day trial period, countries which failed were placed on travel ban due to their “inadequate” traveling security protocols in place.

After the trial period, the Secretary of Homeland Security recommended a list of countries that require travel restrictions. Not all restrictions are created equal though. Some countries such as Iran will still permit student visas, but all nonimmigrants and immigrants will be barred entry from North Korea and Syria.

SECTION 2: Chad, Iran, Libya, North Korea, Syria, Venezuela, Yemen, Somalia are suspended

Nationals from the following countries have restricted entry into the United States because they have not adequately addressed the security criteria listed in section 1. Highlights from the Executive Order detailing why certain countries were included are found below:

1. Chad
   • “Chad does not adequately share public-safety and terrorism-related information and fails to satisfy at least one key risk criterion.”
2. Iran
   • “Iran regularly fails to cooperate with the United States Government in identifying security risks, fails to satisfy at least one key risk criterion, is the source of significant terrorist threats, and fails to receive its nationals subject to final orders of removal from the United States.”
3. Libya
   • “Libya fails to satisfy at least one key risk criterion and has been assessed to be not fully cooperative with respect to receiving its nationals subject to final orders of removal from the United States.”
4. North Korea
   • “North Korea does not cooperate with the United States Government in any respect and fails to satisfy all information-sharing requirements.”
5. Syria
   • “Syria has significant inadequacies in identity-management protocols, fails to share public-safety and terrorism information, and fails to satisfy at least one key risk criterion.”
6. Venezuela
   • “Venezuela has adopted many of the baseline standards identified by the Secretary of Homeland Security and in section 1 of this proclamation, but its government is uncooperative in verifying whether its citizens pose national security or public-safety threats.”
7. Yemen
   • “The government of Yemen fails to satisfy critical identity-management requirements, does not share public-safety and terrorism-related information adequately, and fails to satisfy at least one key risk criterion.”
8. Somalia
   • “Somalia has significant identity-management deficiencies.  For example, while Somalia issues an electronic passport, the United States and many other countries do not recognize it. A persistent terrorist threat also emanates from Somalia's territory.”

SECTION 3: Provides some exceptions and limitations

The ban only applies to foreign nationals who:

• Live outside the United States
• Do not have a valid visa as per section 7
• Do not qualify for a visa as per section 6(d)

Exceptions to the ban include:

• Lawful resident of United States
• Documentation that is not a visa, such as a transportation letter
• Dual nationality
• Diplomatic passports
• Those with asylum

Waivers can be granted to those seeking entry on a case-by-case basis. For example, if the individual seeking entry can prove that she is not a security risk, has been issued visas previously for work or study, and if the person’s entry would be in the United State’s interest. Several more exceptions are listed under section 3(c).

SECTION 4: Countries can get off the list

Every 180 days, the Secretary of Homeland Security, in consultation with the Secretary of State, will reassess whether or not a country should remain on the banned list, using criteria from section 1. The restrictions placed on the country can be modified in various ways, whether that be by removing all restrictions or only maintaining limited restrictions on the country.

SECTION 5: DHS will report to the President

The Secretary of Homeland Security will send periodic reports and updates to the President on the United State’s procedures implemented for vetting foreign nationals, such as:

• The biometric and biographic data is the government collecting;
• The number of errors made in collecting this information;
• The procedures related to screening and vetting set forth by the Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs.

SECTION 6: Provides various rules for enforcement

The ban will comply with applicable laws and regulations, working with both domestic and international organizations, “to ensure efficient, effective, and appropriate” implementation. This section also notes that foreign nationals who have a credible claim of fear or persecution will have an opportunity for entry. This section addresses a slew of miscellaneous enforcement measures such as:

• The Secretary of State and the Secretary of Homeland Security will comply with all applicable laws and regulations.
• No immigrant or nonimmigrant visa issued before the applicable effective date under section 7 will be revoked.
• Any individual whose visa was marked revoked or marked canceled as a result of Executive Order 13769 of January 27, 2017 (Protecting the Nation from Foreign Terrorist Entry into the United States) will be permitted to have a traveling document.
• This proclamation shall not apply to an individual who has been granted asylum by the United States, to a refugee who has already been admitted to the United States, or to an individual granted withholding of removal or protection under the Convention Against Torture.

SECTION 7: Ban starts on October 18

On October 18, 2017, all foreign nationals from Iran, Libya, Syria, Yemen, Chad, North Korea, and Venezuela will have restricted entry into the United States.

SECTION 8: Ban will continue even if one section is invalid

This section essentially states that if any portion of the ban is held to be invalid, barring the invalid sections, the remainder of the ban will still remain in place.

SECTION 9: Ban will not impede the executive agencies

This proclamation will not be read in any way that impairs the function of the executive department or its agencies.

Key Takeaways

• Unlike the 120-day refugee ban, this travel restriction could remain indefinitely.
• Most of the countries included are primarily Muslim.
• This ban implements a more methodological framework explaining why certain foreign nationals are banned, more so than the previous travel ban.
• Countries will continuously be added or removed from the banned list depending on whether they improve their in-country security protocols.