5 Reasons Why USCIS Will Reject Your Case

Every year USCIS rejects thousands of cases because of mistakes that people make when submitting their application.

In this guide, I’m going to go over 5 of the top mistakes that people make which cause USCIS to reject their case. I’m also going to go over some tips that you can use to avoid making these mistakes.

If you have any questions, I invite you to schedule a free consultation by clicking this link or you can call me at +1-818-741-1117.

Difference Between USCIS Denying a Case vs. Rejecting a case

To get started, I’d like to explain the difference between USCIS denying a case and USCIS rejecting a case. People are often surprised to know that there is a major difference between these 2 USCIS actions.

Denial

A denial is when USCIS fully evaluates your case, and basically determines that you do not qualify for the immigration benefit that you’re applying for.

Rejection

A rejection is much different than a denial, and it typically results in a USCIS rejection notice explaining the filing error. When USCIS rejects a case, they do not review the case to determine whether or not you qualify. Basically, when USCIS rejects a case, it means that you filed something incorrectly. So rather than reviewing the case to see if you qualify, USCIS sends your application back to you with a USCIS rejection notice and does not cash your filing fee check. They do not review your case. It’s almost like you never even filed your case.

So why does USCIS reject cases? And what can you do to avoid having this happen to you?

Here are 5 of the top reasons why USCIS will reject a case:

1. Filing Your Application Using an Outdated Immigration Form

One common reason applicants receive a USCIS rejection notice is filing a case using an outdated immigration form.

When you apply for an immigration benefit with USCIS, you usually have to submit a USCIS form with your application. The form asks multiple questions, such as your name, address, date of birth, and other important information.

USCIS regularly updates these forms! If you file your application using an outdated immigration form, USCIS will reject your case.

To avoid making this mistake you should make sure to access the USCIS webpage for the specific form for your case and make sure to download the most current version of the form. Working with an experienced immigration lawyer can also help you to avoid making costly mistakes.

2. Filing Your Case Using the Incorrect Filing Fee

Another common reason for receiving a USCIS rejection notice is submitting an application with the incorrect filing fee.

For many types of immigration applications filed with USCIS, a filing fee is required. The fee is how USCIS funds its operation.

USCIS regularly updates their fees for various services. So if USCIS increases its fee for a particular application, and you file your application using the old fee, USCIS will reject the application.

To avoid this, make sure to access the USCIS website, login to the correct page for the form you are submitting, carefully read the directions to make sure you are sending the correct filing fee for your case. Working with an experienced immigration lawyer can also help to avoid making costly mistakes.

2 Important Points:

• Sometimes USCIS uses the same form for multiple types of applications – for example a Form I-131 is used for advance parole, reentry permits, and refugee travel documents. Each of these services have different fees. So make sure that you are looking at the fee for the specific service that you are applying for.

• Sometimes USCIS charges different fees depending on the age of the applicant applying for the immigration benefit. So make sure to look at the correct fee based on the age of the applicant.

3. Sending Your Application to the Wrong USCIS Address

Another reason why USCIS may reject your case is if you send your application to the wrong USCIS address.

When you file an immigration application with USCIS, you have to submit your application to the correct address.

The tricky part is that, in many cases, USCIS has different addresses to submit your application depending on where you live.

In addition, in many cases, USCIS has different addresses depending on which mail carrier your send your application with (such as FedEx, USPS, or UPS).

To avoid making mistakes when sending your application, check the USCIS instructions for the specific application you are submitting.

4. Leaving Blank spaces on immigration form

The fourth reason why USCIS may reject an immigration application is if you leave blank spaces on your immigration forms.

We’ve been seeing more and more instances of USCIS rejecting cases based on blank spaces being left on the immigration forms.

To avoid this, it’s best not to leave spaces blank on the forms. Instead, if something does not apply to you, it’s best to mark “N/A” in the space that does not apply instead of leaving the form blank.

5. Page missing on the form

Missing pages from an immigration form can also result in a USCIS rejection notice.

When you submit an immigration form, every single page of the form needs to be included. If a single page is missing, USCIS can reject the case.

To avoid this, make sure to flip through the immigration forms to make sure that all pages of the relevant form are included and that you didn’t accidentally leave a page out.

USCIS forms usually have numbers on the bottom right corner of the form (for example page 1 of 20, 2 of 20, etc.) make sure that all pages are included.

Conclusion

You should now have a much better understanding of some of the common mistakes people make which cause their case to get rejected by USCIS.

If you have any questions, or if you need assistance with your immigration case, feel free to give us a call at +1-818-741-1117 or you may request a free consultation here.