1.
MUST KNOW TIPS FOR FILING
IMMIGRATION PAPERS
.com

2.
FileRight is the easy, affordable way to complete and file your U.S. immigration forms. Whether it’s an application
for citizenship, family-based green card, or another U.S. immigration form, our online technology walks you
through each immigration form step by step, reviews every answer to make sure no questions are skipped, and
provides a set of detailed instructions on how to properly file your papers with the U.S. government.
Published by
FileRight
www.fileright.com
© 2015 by FileRight
File Right is not affiliated with the USCIS or any government agency. We are not a law firm, do not provide
legal advice, and are not a substitute for the advice of an attorney. Technical support is for technical and
billing issues only, and will not answer legal questions. Some forms that can be completed online using our
service are available and come with written instructions for free from the USCIS. File Right purchase price
does not include any government application, biometric or filing fees. Access to and use of the FileRight.
com website, as well as all cancellation, termination or refund/return policies, are subject to FileRight’s
Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. The “File Right” mark and File Right logo are service marks registered
with the United States Patent and Trademark Office under the laws of the United States of America.
COMPLETE YOUR IMMIGRATION FORMS ONLINE WITH FileRight.com

3.
Every immigration process requires at least one government form.
But what many people don’t know is that you’re often required to
submit additional paperwork called “supporting evidence.”
Supporting evidence is paperwork that proves something about
you. Utility bills prove you have a U.S. address. A marriage certificate
proves your marriage is legitimate. An arrival-departure record proves
you entered the U.S. legally.
When you’re getting ready to submit an immigration application,
be sure to include all the necessary supporting evidence. It’s a
good idea to have a checklist specific to your situation so that you
don’t miss anything.
Be prepared for paperwork
beyond the government form1.
FileRight Advantage!
FileRight provides customized
filing instructions including a
detailed checklist to make sure
you don’t forget any documents.
IMPORTANT NOTE! Send the USCIS copies of your supporting documents and keep
the originals. Only in rare cases does the USCIS require you to submit original documents.
FileRight immigration software takes
intimidating immigration paperwork and
makes it easy to complete. To learn more
visit www.FileRight.com.
Learn more about the easy way to complete immigration paperwork at www.FileRight.com

4.
I [typed name] , certify that I am fluent (conversant) in the
English and ____________ languages, and that the above/
attached document is an accurate translation of the document
attached entitled ______________________________.
Typed Name ______________
Signature ____________
Address ______________________________________
Date ______________
The USCIS requires that all supporting documents be in
English. If you are required to submit official documents
that are not in English — like a foreign birth certificate —
you must include translations.
Translations need to be certified. “Certified” means the
translator promises that (1) their translation is complete
and correct and (2) that he or she is able to translate that
foreign language into English.
This promise must be made in writing and signed.
The certification must include the date, signature and
address of the translator. It could look something like this:
Translate foreign documents2.
Learn more about the easy way to complete immigration paperwork at www.FileRight.com

5.
Don’t forget to sign
your application3.
Applications that aren’t signed are immediately rejected. Unsigned
applications are one of the top reasons for rejection year after year.
It’s important to note that a “rejection” is NOT a “denial.”
When an application is rejected, it’s returned to you with your
money. In the case of a denial, you will have to resubmit the entire
application, including fees.
With a rejection, you can fix your mistake but you’ve now wasted
time and lengthened the immigration process.
Learn more about the easy way to complete immigration paperwork at www.FileRight.com

6.
Be sure to submit the correct fee4.
Just like a forgotten signature, applications with the wrong fee amount are
immediately rejected . Be sure to double check you’re paying the right fee
amount and keep proof of your payment (such as a copy of the check)
for your records.
Filing fees are listed on the application instructions, near the end.
IMPORTANT NOTE! The USCIS only
accepts payment in the form of a check
or money order from a U.S. institution.
The USCIS does NOT accept cash or
checks issued from foreign banks.
Learn more about the easy way to complete immigration paperwork at www.FileRight.com

7.
If you’re applying to renew or extend your immigration
benefit, be sure to apply before your current status
expires. Immigration applications sometimes take
months or even years to process. Losing your status
while your application is pending could result in you
having no legal status for a period of time. It’s illegal to
be living in the U.S. without a valid immigration status
and the longer you do it, the more penalties there are.
You could be forced to leave the U.S. and, depending
how long you are here without status, you could be
forced to stay out of the country for three years or more.
The application instructions will tell you how early you
can apply. It’s best practice to apply as early as possible.
Apply before your
current status expires5.
APPLICATION
Deferred Action for Childhood
Arrivals (DACA) Renewal
Extend/ change nonimmigrant
(temporary visa) status
Green card renewal
Remove conditions of residence
(for 2-year green cards)
RENEWAL /
EXTENSION
WINDOW
120 Days
(4 Months)
120 Days
(4 Months)
6 Months
90 Days
(3 Months)
Learn more about the easy way to complete immigration paperwork at www.FileRight.com

8.
Make copies
of everything6.
Sometimes things get lost in the mail. With how much
time it takes to complete an immigration application,
it would be a real headache to have to do it all over —
especially gathering all the supporting documents.
Make copies of your entire application . And make copies
of all supporting evidence. Keep these in your records
in case something goes wrong, or in case you apply for
another immigration benefit down the line.
FileRight Advantage!
FileRight keeps copies of your
applications for you, so you can
access them to review or
print anytime.
FileRight immigration software takes
intimidating paperwork and makes it
easy to complete. To learn more visit
www.FileRight.com
Learn more about the easy way to complete immigration paperwork at www.FileRight.com

9.
Use certified mail7.
When dealing with important papers, it’s a good idea to keep
detailed records. Using certified mail to send your immigration
application to the USCIS will give you proof of the date you sent
it out and will let you know when they receive it.
Not only is this good information for your personal records,
but it can also help you calculate the processing time for your
immigration application. If you know when the USCIS received
your application, you can do some simple math to figure out
the approximate time you’ll receive your immigration benefit.
Learn more about the easy way to complete immigration paperwork at www.FileRight.com

10.
Know your criminal record8.
When the USCIS is reviewing your immigration application, they might check your criminal record. You should be
aware of all crimes you may have committed — from traffic violations to drug offenses.
You can easily request a copy of your criminal record from the FBI. All you need is a set of your fingerprints, the $18
application fee and the FBI form. You can get your fingerprints taken at your local police station or check for private
companies in your area that provide this service. Visit www.fbi.gov to get a copy of the application. It takes about 30
days to process.
If you have a criminal record, it’s a good idea to have it reviewed by an immigration attorney before you submit
your application. They can advise you on how best to answer questions on the application and what to do if the
USCIS asks more questions about your crimes.
Learn more about the easy way to complete immigration paperwork at www.FileRight.com

11.
Avoid notarios9.
Immigration is one of the most complicated aspects of U.S. law. People
often need help completing their applications. It’s extremely important
to understand the different types of help available and what exactly they
are qualified to do.
A notario is not an attorney.
In the United States, a notario or “notary public” is only qualified as a
“document preparer.” They do NOT have the authority to advise you
on what forms to file, how to answer questions or more complicated
aspects of immigration like how to help a friend or relative who is living
in the U.S. without papers.
Many notary publics try to convince people that they have the same
power as attorneys. They might lie about their knowledge and ability
and charge you similar fees as attorneys — but they cannot offer the
same quality of help .
Learn more about the easy way to complete immigration paperwork at www.FileRight.com

12.
Explore all your options10.
There IS affordable immigration help.
Before you submit your application alone or spend money you don’t
have on an attorney, explore all your options.
To view a list of free legal service providers by state, visit the
Department of Justice website at
www.justice.gov/eoir/probono/states.htm
To view a list of nonprofit, accredited immigration help providers by state
visit the United We Dream website at www.unitedwedream.org/groups/
Learn more about FileRight’s online immigration help
at www.fileright.com/aboutus/
Learn more about FileRight’s online immigration help at :
www.fileright.com
And there is FileRight.com
FileRight is an affordable way to help with
your immigration needs. Our simple to use
technology provides explanations of tricky
definitions and our FileRight Customer
Success Team is available to help 24/7.
Visit www.fileright.com to learn more.
FileRight immigration software takes intimidating
immigration paperwork and makes it easy to
complete. To learn more visit www.FileRight.com.
Learn more about the easy way to complete immigration paperwork at www.FileRight.com

13.
FileRight Is the Easy, Affordable Way to File and
Complete Your U.S. Immigration Forms
FileRight online software allows you to quickly and simply complete your U.S. immigration forms.
For more information, visit www.FileRight.com.
You can use FileRight Online Software to Complete the Following Immigration Applications.
Citizenship
Apply for U.S. Citizenship
FileRight for Form N-400
Replace Naturalization
Certificate
FileRight for Form N-565
Certificate of Citizenship
FileRight for Form N-600
Green Cards
Renew Your Green Card
FileRight for Form I-90
Replace Your Green Card
FileRight for Form I-90
Apply for a Family-Based
Green Card
FileRight for Forms
I-130 & I-485
Remove Conditions
on Green Card
FileRight for Form I-751
Apply for a Green Card
FileRight for Form I-485
Travel & Visas
Replace Arrival-Departure Record
FileRight for Form I-102
Apply for a Travel Document
FileRight for Form I-131
Apply for an Advance
Parole Document
FileRight for Form I-131
Apply for a Refugee
Travel Document
FileRight for Form I-131
Apply for a Re-Entry Permit
FileRight for Form I-131
File an Affidavit of Support
FileRight for Form I-134
Undocumented
Deferred Action for Childhood
Arrivals (DACA)
FileRight for Form I-821D
Deferred Action for Childhood
Arrivals (DACA) Expansion
Coming Soon
Deferred Action for Parents (DAPA)
FileRight for I-821P (Coming Soon)