Applying for permanent residence can be a long and arduous process, but the reward of being able to stay in a country long-term is worth it. Unfortunately, permanent resident applications are sometimes denied due to common mistakes or omissions made during the application process. Knowing what these mistakes are can help you avoid them and ensure your permanent residency application is approved. In this article, we will discuss the most common reasons permanent resident applications get denied so that you can take steps to prevent them from occurring. At Puntier Law, we want you to be prepared so after you read this, reach out to us for a personalized assessment so we can help you identify any other areas of opportunity in your case that may not be as common.
Reason 1: Your health conditions can affect your chances of being approved in the United States
When applying for permanent residency, it is important to consider how your health conditions may affect the outcome of your application. Health issues can be a major factor in whether or not an application is accepted because the United States has requirements when it comes to permanent residents’ physical and mental well-being. For instance, if you have any contagious diseases or chronic illnesses that could pose a danger to public safety or national security, then this could lead to your permanent residence application being denied. If you have an illness that affects your ability to take care of yourself, that can also pose a problem. You can expect to have a physical exam as part of your application process and with the help of our experienced team at Puntier Law, we can assess the strengths and weaknesses of your case so that you are better prepared for what lies ahead.
Reason 2: Being a “public charge” can get your application denied
Immigration policies involving a “public charge” can be complex and intimidating – but understanding them is essential to ensuring your application process is successful.
If due to an illness or any other reason you are not able to prove that you have financial resources and support, you can get denied as a risk of being a “Public Charge.” A public charge is a person who is primarily dependent on the government for their basic needs such as food, housing, and medical care. When applying for permanent residence in the United States, it’s important to know that if you are deemed a public charge then your application can be denied. The U.S. government looks at applicants’ financial resources when determining whether or not they will be able to support themselves financially without relying on government assistance programs like welfare or Medicaid. For this reason, it’s important to have evidence of sufficient funds or other forms of income/assets that demonstrate you will be able to take care of yourself should your permanent resident application get approved. At Puntier Law we understand how complex these situations can be and we are here to help guide you through this process so that you don’t get denied due to being considered a public charge.
Reason 3: Having a Criminal Record
Having a criminal record is by far one of the most common reasons permanent residence applications get denied. If you have been convicted of any crime, even if it was minor and occurred many years ago, you could be deemed ineligible for permanent residency in the United States. This is because the United States government considers applicants with criminal histories to be a risk to public safety or national security, so they are less likely to approve permanent resident applications from people with such records. Additionally, certain types of crimes (such as drug offenses) can result in automatic denial no matter how long ago they were committed or their severity. It’s important to note that even having an arrest record without being found guilty can lead to your application being denied as well due to lack of trustworthiness as it relates to your character. At Puntier Law we understand that mistakes happen and we want to help you determine whether or not these issues will affect your permanent resident application so that you don’t run into any surprises during this process.
Reason 4: Committing fraud can get your application denied
Things like applying for benefits under a false identity, receiving food stamps on behalf of someone else, or voting illegally are considered fraud and can create major problems when it comes to your residence application. The United States government takes any kind of fraudulent activity seriously and will deny permanent residency applications if they find out that an applicant has committed fraud. For this reason, it’s important to disclose all relevant information accurately when filling out your permanent residence application so that you don’t run into any problems down the line. If you have been accused of committing fraud or misrepresenting yourself in any way during your permanent residence application process, contact our experienced team at Puntier Law right away so we can help get you back on track with your immigration goals.
Reason 5: Entering the country illegally or overstaying your visa can affect your
The way you entered the country matters. Entering the United States illegally or overstaying a visa can have serious consequences when applying for permanent residence. The U.S government considers any kind of illegal entry or visa violation a form of inadmissibility and will deny permanent residency applications based on such behavior unless a waiver is approved. Additionally, if you are found to have facilitated someone else’s illegal entry into the United States, you can also be denied for that under alien smuggling. This can include children, relatives, and even strangers. It’s considered alien smuggling and you should consult an attorney if you have had any activity like this in the past.
Reason 6: Polygamy can be a reason to get your permanent resident application denied
Polygamy is defined as the practice of having more than one spouse at the same time. This is a form of marriage that may be accepted in some societies, but it is not permissible in the United States under Federal Law. Polygamy can create many complications when applying for permanent residency in the United States, as it can be considered a form of deception and false representation. If you have questions about whether your lifestyle choices fall under this category it is important to consult with an attorney before submitting your application.
Reason 7: Failing to show up to court
Failure to show up to immigration court hearings is one of the most common and avoidable reasons permanent resident applications are denied. If you have been issued a notice for an immigration hearing, it is important that you attend and present your case in order to avoid having your application rejected. The United States government takes non-compliance very seriously and will not hesitate to deny permanent residence applications if they find out that an applicant has failed to appear in court for their scheduled hearing. Additionally, failure to comply with any other orders from the court can also cause permanent residency applications to be denied, so it’s important that applicants take all instructions seriously and abide by them accordingly. If you are afraid to go to court or have a major scheduling conflict, you should consult an attorney rather than simply miss your court date.
Stop Worrying – We are here for you
Remember, many hopeful immigrants plan to permanently move, but their dreams can become shattered if they’re unaware of the potential pitfalls. We’ve just reviewed the seven common reasons a permanent residence application could be rejected – learn them now so you won’t have any unexpected setbacks!
At Puntier Law, we understand how difficult this process can be which is why our experienced team is here every step of the way – offering legal advice and guidance throughout your permanent residence journey. These are just some of the most common reasons that applications can get denied and there are many more so if you are thinking about applying, or have begun applying, consult with our team to make sure you have the best possible chances of success. Applying for permanent residence can be a difficult and complicated process, but with the right guidance you can increase your chances of success. By familiarizing yourself with some of the most common reasons permanent resident applications are denied and taking steps to avoid them, you will be able to make sure that all the necessary information is provided accurately in order to get approved.
Let the experienced team at Puntier Law breakdown complex immigration law on your behalf. We want to be there with you step of the way offering legal advice and support throughout your permanent residency journey. Contact us today if you have any questions or want help applying for permanent residence!
