Getting a green card denial can feel like the floor just dropped out from under you. After all the paperwork, interviews, and waiting, a denial notice isn’t just frustrating—it’s personal. It’s a legal decision, sure, but it hits differently when your future in the U.S. suddenly feels uncertain.
At Tourzani & Long, LLC, we’ve worked with people in all kinds of situations—some who were denied after applying on their own, others after changes in life circumstances or mistakes in the process. A denial doesn’t always mean the end of the road. But it does mean it’s time to slow down, understand what went wrong, and figure out what to do next.
Why Green Cards Get Denied
There are several common reasons USCIS denies green card applications. Some are fixable. Others need a closer legal look. Here are the issues we see most often:
- Incomplete or inaccurate paperwork
This is surprisingly common. A missing signature, outdated form, or unanswered question can result in a denial—especially if it wasn’t caught during a request for evidence (RFE). - Ineligibility based on immigration history
Prior visa overstays, unauthorized work, or illegal entry can all trigger a denial, depending on the case type. Even people who’ve lived here for years without issue can run into problems during the green card process. - Criminal records
Certain criminal convictions—especially involving moral turpitude or controlled substances—can make someone inadmissible. Sometimes the conviction was years ago, and the person didn’t realize it would come up. Other times, it’s something more recent that needs a waiver or legal explanation. - Public charge concerns
If USCIS thinks you might rely on public assistance, they can deny your application. This is often tied to the financial strength of your sponsor and whether the Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) shows sufficient income. - Marriage-related issues
For marriage-based green cards, lack of convincing evidence of a bona fide relationship is a leading reason for denial. If your photos, documents, or interview responses don’t paint a clear picture, USCIS might suspect fraud—even when the relationship is real. - Missed interviews or deadlines
Not showing up for your green card interview or missing a response deadline for an RFE can cause your case to be denied outright. In some cases, it can also result in being referred to immigration court.
What to Do If You’re Denied
The first step is simple: read the denial notice carefully. USCIS must explain the reason for denial. Sometimes it’s a simple issue—like a missed document—that can be fixed with a new application. Other times, it’s more serious and requires a strategic response.
You have several options, depending on the reason for denial and the type of application you filed:
- Refiling: If the denial was procedural or due to missing documents, you may be able to fix the issue and reapply.
- Filing a Motion to Reopen or Reconsider (MTR): If you believe USCIS made an error, you can file Form I-290B. Timing is critical—you usually have 30 days from the denial date.
- Appeal: Certain denials can be appealed to the Administrative Appeals Office (AAO), but this depends on the case type and eligibility.
- Seeking a waiver: If the denial was based on inadmissibility (due to a criminal record, misrepresentation, or unlawful presence), a waiver may allow you to move forward with the right supporting documentation.
We always recommend reviewing your denial with a legal team before acting. Sometimes, what seems like a simple fix could trigger more issues if not handled carefully.
Don’t Wait to Take Action
One of the worst things you can do after a denial is ignore it or assume nothing can be done. The clock starts ticking the moment that denial is issued. If you’re in the U.S. without status or in removal proceedings, the stakes are even higher.
We’ve helped clients who thought their case was over, only to find out they had options they didn’t know existed. In some cases, we were able to refile a stronger application. In others, we worked through waivers or found alternative paths to stay in the U.S. legally.
Let Us Help You Rebuild the Case
A denial doesn’t define you—and it doesn’t have to be the end of your immigration journey. At Tourzani & Long, LLC, we take time to understand the full picture, including your immigration history, life circumstances, and goals. Then we help you build the strongest possible case for moving forward.
Whether you need help reviewing a denial, refiling, or seeking a waiver, we’re here. We serve individuals across a wide range of immigration matters and welcome inquiries from all backgrounds. To schedule a consultation or learn more, visit tourzanilaw.com.