Do's and Dont's for filling Immigration Forms

The USCIS provides most forms free of charge through its website free of cost. One can view, print or fill out these forms by downloading them off the internet for free. In order to complete these forms, you may have to carefully read notices, warnings and explanations provided in these forms. Before you print out these forms, go through each and every page carefully. Look for the requirements in the form such as supporting documents. Collect all the necessary documents, photos and affidavits if any before you print the forms and mail it to the USCIS.

The following are the DO's you may have to follow to correctly print and fill out a form.

1. Find out the correct number of the application form that you need to apply.
2. Be sure to verify the filing location before you fill the form. The instructions given for this may vary according to circumstances. Immigration forms are marked with (I) and Naturalization forms with (N).
3. Find out the correct fees for the forms you are going to fill. If there are biometrics involved, a separate fee for that has to be paid.
4. Read the special instructions given and make sure you follow them. Failure to fill the correct form or fee will result in rejection.
5. Make checks payable to “Department of Homeland Security.”
6. Check with the USCIS if you are eligible for a fee-waiver.
7. Many immigration forms require photographs to be submitted along with the form. The photographs should be as per the specifications provided in the form.
8. Many non-USCIS sites offer immigration forms. Some of them sell it for a fee. However these sites are not affiliated with the USCIS and may not have the latest version of the form. Also, your application if not in the current form, can be rejected or delayed.

Some of the DONT's you have to follow if you are applying for immigration. They are as follows:

1. If you are going to apply online, you have to find out if in your circumstances you can file online. That is, if you are applying for a waiver of fee, you may not apply online. If you want your case to be expedited, you may not file it online.
2. For some situations e-filing may not be the right solution. So check out the form filing instructions before filing.
3. Avoid scams. Many sites offer immigration services. Several are unauthorized. While some of the unauthorized may mean well, there are others who are out to rip you. This is against the law and may be considered an immigration scam.
4. Report such scams.