Senior Associate
Visa applicants face an array of potential hurdles that could jeopardize their ability to live permanently in the United States. Making a simple mistake during the application process is one way that you could cause additional delays. While some mistakes are unusual and perhaps unavoidable, others are so common that simply understanding them can help an applicant avoid them. LaFountain & Wollman P.C. is your trusted immigration law firm. We’re ready to assist with all aspects of the visa application process, including helping you avoid some of the most frequent errors.
Passport Problems
Unless the applicant is exempt by country-specific agreements, he or she must have a valid passport for at least six months beyond the period of stay in the United States. But issues with the passport itself could present a problem. If there are mistakes with the information contained in the passport (i.e. misspelling of a name)t, or it is not in a presentable condition, the visa application could be denied. Review your passport and contact an immigration attorney for assistance with any errors.
Poor Timing
Visa applications are subject to a timeframe that the applicant often has little control over. Processing delays, work stoppages, and staff shortages, difficulties securing a visa interview, and other obstacles require that applicants not cut it too close on the timing. The careful applicant will also be mindful of the fact that some seasons experience peak demand that could cause further delays. Manage your time well and don’t wait too long in submitting your application.
Inaccuracies in the Application
This is perhaps the easiest mistake to catch, yet many applicants still let avoidable inaccuracies slip by them. While filling out your visa application, pay close attention to the information you need to provide. Make sure everything matches between your application and supporting documents. Then, read over the application carefully to check for any mistakes. Next, have a trusted friend or family member review it. Inaccuracies can come in the form of not following the application instructions, so be sure to check those as well.
Bank Account Issues
U.S. authorities generally require the applicant to produce copies of bank statements for the previous six months. These statements are necessary to demonstrate the applicant’s financial stability. Not having sufficient statements or recent ones, could pose a problem. But they also need to evidence reliable income and a healthy account balance to prove the applicant’s ability to afford his or her planned stay in the country.
Applying For the Wrong Visa
There are several different types of visas, all serving unique purposes. Many of them are based on familial relationships and employment status. Make sure you qualify for the visa for which you are applying. Otherwise, your application will not only be denied but it will cause an unnecessary delay in applying for the correct visa.
Not Having the Right Documents
The U.S. Department of State maintains an online list of required documentation for each type of visa. Examples of documents you will need include birth certificates, marriage and divorce certificates, and police clearance certificates. Be sure you have these ready with you for the day of your appointment, and have some backup copies as well in case you misplace them.
Legal Service For Your Visa Application
To minimize the risks of having your application denied, retain a knowledgeable immigration attorney. The experienced team at LaFountain & Wollman P.C. is able to help you with the visa process. We can guide you each step of the way and work to have your application approved. Call us today to get started.