One common mistake made by immigrants when applying for a green card is not keeping up to date and accurate records. If you keep good records, it can save you a lot of time and hassle. But what do you need records of? What if you fear running into problems with immigration? This post answers some important questions for prospective U.S. immigrants.

What do you keep?
The big step in applying for a green card is your initial application. Not only must it be accurate and truthful, but it should also be kept. That means you make copies of it, along with any other supporting documents you send in.

Why keep records?
In getting a green card, you will be dealing with a the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS). Unfortunately, problems do occur, such as the USCIS losing your initial papers. While not incredibly common, it it does happen and it can delay your application for months or longer. This can cost you valuable time and opportunities. Also, if you ask for the application and supporting papers back, it may take some time to get mailed back to you, if it’s mailed at all. That’s why you should keep copies of every single document you send to the USCIS. It’s saves you a lot of time and headache. Also, when you mail anything to them, use certified mail or delivery confirmation so you can prove the documents were sent and when.

What other documents should you keep?
Keep your application, all supporting documents sent with your application, copies of  mail receipts (for certified mail), as well as any letters you send to the USCIS and any they send you.

What if you make mistakes?
We all make mistakes, but sometimes the big ones can cost you time and money. However, it’s not the end of the world if you make some mistakes in filing. You should first hire an immigration lawyer when you’re applying to the USCIS for a green card or naturalization. If you make mistakes, you will have nothing to worry about unless you keep no records. Keeping good records can quite often save your application from never being accepted. In other cases, it can prove to the USCIS you did in fact send in the application in a timely manner (with certified mail).

How can a lawyer help?
An immigration lawyer is invaluable in first getting your green card and then applying for U.S. citizenship. An experienced lawyer saves you time, money, and a lot of headaches. Consider all the benefits of living and working in the U.S. Consider all the opportunities you will have. And also remember that you can then sponsor other family members to become permanent residents too.