By Parviz Malakouti-Fitzgerald, Esq.
Immigration paperwork requires accuracy and precision.
Article Outline:
Sometimes, even small errors can lead to your application's rejection or delays in processing, so you should proofread your submission carefully before sending it to USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services). Doing this gives you peace of mind knowing that all necessary information has been accurately filled out, thus increasing your chances for a successful outcome.
Note: this article only covers applications made to USCIS, not to department or state or other U.S. immigration agencies.
Nevertheless, accidents happen, and if you find a mistake in your application, you may wonder what steps you can take to make that immigration application correction.
Here's what you need to know about making a USCIS application correction, including when and how to do it.
When Can You Make a Correction to Your
USCIS Application?
You can make corrections to your USCIS application up to and including in the interview. Thus, it's essential that you go over everything one last time before meeting with an immigration officer, so you don't miss any key details.
Don't panic if you discover an error while reviewing your application. It's very common for applicants to have minor mistakes, like misspelling their name or entering the wrong date of birth. Nevertheless, these errors should be identified before your interview so that you can then correct them at the interview.
If you discover a mistake on your immigration application before you receive an interview notice, you may need to write a letter to USCIS to request the change to your application.
How to Make Corrections to Your USCIS Application
When you receive your application interview notice, you can review the answers you gave on your interview application. If you spot any changes that should be made, write down a list on the piece of paper.
When you show up at your USCIS interview, let the officer know that there are a few corrections to make concerning your application. You can say something along the lines of "Officer, I have some changes to report. Would it be possible for us to do so now?" I suggest announcing this intention to make changes at the very beginning of the interview so that you’re on the record about wanting to make a change.
In cases in which I am present at the interview with my client, I announce the intention at the beginning of the interview.
You can tell the officer which changes need to be made. At the end of the interview, you’ll be asked to sign an updated application including the changes you made. Make sure the new version you are signing at the interview contains the changes you asked to be made. USCIS officers are humans and make mistakes just like anyone else.
What Type of Changes Can You Make
in Your Application?
You can attempt to make any change to your application at your interview, but it’s important to understand that some changes can have important consequences for your eligibility.
Minor changes such as spelling errors and address corrections can generally be made at the interview without concern. But, making other changes to your application could pose a problem because they could impact your eligibility. In some cases, these changes could be so important that it might actually be better to withdraw your immigration application.
If you’re not sure whether a change to your immigration application will cause a problem for you, you should consult with a qualified immigration lawyer.
When Should You Talk to an Immigration Attorney?
If you're in doubt about the magnitude of your mistake or how to fix it on your application, consulting with an immigration attorney is your best option.
With their counsel, they can evaluate the mistake's gravity and suggest what will be best for you. Additionally, they have the expertise to guide you throughout your naturalization process and make sure that you avoid mistakes fatal to your citizenship case.
To book a consultation with Malakouti Law, click here.
Each immigration and citizenship case is particular and you should consult with a qualified, licensed immigration lawyer about your case before taking any steps. The Law Office of Parviz Malakouti does not guarantee the accuracy of information presented nor assume responsibility for actions taken in reliance of this information. The information in this page could become outdated. Attorney marketing.