If you are considering immigrating to the U.S., there are some rules and laws to know. While there are dozens, we can’t get to them all in one guide. However, there are ways to find out more information. Some dislike the USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Service), but their site has a wealth of information. The problem for immigrants is that U.S. immigration laws can be so complex even some lawyers can get confused. With the main points in this blog guide, you can have a good start.

The Green Card
A green card allows you to live, study, work, and raise a family in the U.S. It does not give you all the rights of a U.S. citizen, but this is how you get started. A green card allows you to live in the U.S. as long as you break no laws. While citizens cannot be deported, green card holders can be. So if you break laws, such as committing a crime, you may be deported. This makes earning citizenship even more important.

Citizenship
Becoming a U.S. citizen is a crucial part of the process. After some time in the U.S., you can qualify to become a citizen. This allows you to avoid having to submit a new application every time your green card runs out. You are also in no danger of being deported, your children can and should become U.S. citizens if born on U.S. soil, and you can sponsor other family members to immigrate. You can also work federal jobs and serve in the armed forces.

The Nonimmigrant Visa
If you only plan to stay in the U.S. for a short period, such as to attend a school, you have the option of a temporary visa, also called a “nonimmigrant” visa. You can stay until your visa runs out. Many business people also use temporary visas. You can qualify easier, have less time to wait, and can likely be approved.

Don’t Lie
If you lie to the U.S. government, you will likely be deported. You may even be banned from the U.S. for some years if not permanently. While you may want to hide certain details of your past, such as a criminal record, it’s best to be upfront about any possible issues, explain them, and get legal help. For example, if you have a criminal record involving drugs, you may try to hide it, but it’s found out and your deported. On the other hand, if you are honest, explain how you’ve changed your life, and have proof you’re an honest person, you have a much better chance.

Being Kept Out
There are many reasons the USCIS may deny your application for a visa. You may have lied. Your criminal record may be too bad. You may have some dangerous disease. You may have filled out the application incorrectly. The government always has a right to deny you, especially if you have made some mistakes or are a danger to the country.

Get Legal Help
The final rule is more of a suggestion: get an immigration lawyer, especially if you are unsure about how this process works. An immigration lawyer is crucial in successfully immigrating to the U.S. He or she can advise you on how to get a green card. A lawyer may be able to help you earn citizenship. He or she can also help you with applications.

If you’re worried you’ll make a mistake in the process of getting a green card, it’s time to start taking action. You first need the guidance of a professional immigration lawyer who has the experience to make your case strong. If you want to be a permanent resident, later becoming a citizen, it’s time to know how to make it happen

Let’s go over 10 tips you’ll need in the green card process.

Hire an Experienced Immigration Lawyer
It bears mentioning again. You need professional counsel for your best chance at success. This means hiring someone you can trust to handle your case. A lawyer can be invaluable in saving you time and money. There are many firms online showing all their experience. Do not rush this part of the process.

Follow the Forms
You will be working with the the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS), filling out forms to apply. Follow all the guidelines on the document. If there is a question you are unsure of, consult with your lawyer. Never leave questions blank. Be thorough and have your lawyer check your forms.

Ask Questions
If you’re unsure of any part of the process, you can ask both the USCIS and your lawyer. There are no bad questions.

Ask for Help with the English Language
If you have trouble with English, you can ask for an interpreter. The USCIS will not reject you simply because English is your second language. You can get help.

If You Are Rejected
If you are rejected, that does not mean you have no chance of ever getting a green card. If there is trouble with your documents, if you’ve broke U.S. Laws, if you did not follow USCIS instructions, you need your lawyers help.

What to Tell Your Attorney
Tell your lawyer everything you can. This means that if you’ve been denied entry into the U.S., if you’ve failed to get a green card in the past, or if you broke laws, you need to tell your lawyer. It does not always mean your case won’t go through.

Avoid Crime
If you do commit a crime, even minor, it can hurt your case. The green card process can be difficult for those who break U.S. criminal laws. If you were here illegally, for example, you might have trouble getting your green card without proper guidance.

Never Lie
Be as honest as you possibly can be. Never lie to the USCIS or to your lawyer. Just because you make some mistakes does not mean you should make another. If you lie to the USCIS, it can severely hurt your case. You likely will not become a permanent resident.

If You Need Financial Assistance
If you’re going to be applying for public assistance, speak with your lawyer about this first. If the USCIS feels you will only be here as a public charge, they may delay or reject your application. This is not to say you lie, but that you speak with your lawyer first.

Follow the Rules
You  know not to lie, to fill out the necessary documentation, to hire a lawyer, but you should also know that if you break any major rules in the green card process, you risk losing your opportunity. If you’re unsure of the green card process, that’s what your lawyer is for.