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How to Fill Out a Green Card Application [M1]

Tennessee citizenship application

Attaining permanent residency is a stepping stone for citizenship application in Tennessee.  Foreign citizens or nationals seeking permanent residency (green card holder status) must fill out a green card application.  The legal term for filing a green card application is called applying for adjustment of status.  You can obtain the packet of forms you need to fill out from the nearest USCIS office (https://secure.ssa.gov/apps6z/FOLO/fo001.jsp) by calling the USCIS forms number at 800-870-3676 or by downloading form I-485 online (http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/i-485.pdf) along with application instructions (http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/i-485instr.pdf)

Navigating the green card applicationâ€form I-485

There are 11 detailed pages of instructions about how to fill out a green card application.  One reason the instructions are so complex is that people with different types of visa status must mail in their applications to specific and different locations.

The USCIS rejects forms that are improperly filled out.  The pitfalls in filling out an application without legal help may include:

• Not using the most recent edition of form I-485
• Submitting your application to the wrong USCIS office (not the closest office to your residence or the one listed in the instructions for your type of visa or immigration status)
• Failing to submit correct filing fees with your form
• Failing to submit complete or correct documentation

In addition to answering the questions on the I-485 form, you are required to submit other documentation, such as:

• Translations of documents containing foreign language, translated by a certified translator
• If arrested or detained, original official court order or arresting agency statements that no charges were filed, the charge was dismissed, you were acquitted, or a record of conviction
• Copy of your passport page containing non-immigrant visa
• Copy of asylum record
• Photos (two identical photos meeting specifications covered by green card application instructions)
• Medical examination report
• Form G-325A, Biographic Information Sheet

Because a green card application involves many variables, an immigration lawyer provides vital help when preparing or reviewing the application.  It is especially important to seek legal advice before submitting an I-485 if you have a criminal record.

The Frager Law firm offers Tennessee citizenship application services.  The firm has nearly two decades of experience helping clients attain U.S. citizenship.  For Memphis citizenship application, call 901-763-3188.  For a Nashville citizenship application, call 615-366-1000.  Call our Tennessee immigration and naturalization law firm toll free 888-889-VISA (8472) or contact us online.