Getting a green card can be a stressful and lengthy process. One of the major stressors is actually the financial burden of going through the I-485 process. In order to successfully process an I-485 Application with the USCIS, you have to pay an expensive $1140 dollar fee. You might also need to hire a lawyer or consultant for a short period of time, in which the total amount you are paying for the application starts to go up very quickly.
As such, applicants want this process to go smoothly and have their green card accepted, so they don’t have to do it all over again. Here are some of the most common reasons, however, why a green card is often denied to applicants during their adjustment of the status period:
1. Health-related issues
For example, if you have a scheduled vaccination appointment after your green card would be approved, this can lead to a rejection in your overall application. In addition, if you have certain substances show up in your blood work it can be grounds for “drug abuse” and lead to a rejected I-485 as well.
2. Criminal Related
Fraud of any kind is a major reason why green card applicants have been statistically denied in the past. This includes identity fraud. Drug trafficking and other offenses are also grounds for immediate denial in one's case.
3. Changing Jobs
Fairly common, an applicant changes their job in the middle of their case review and doesn’t file the appropriate paperwork. If you change employers and have an approved I-140 visa petition, you would have to meet certain requirements in order for your green card application to continue processing. These requirements are that your I-485 must have been pending (awaiting a USCIS decision) for 180 days or more, and the new job must be the same or similar to the job described in the labor certification and I-140 petition.
4. Missing Appointments
You’ll need to attend your fingerprinting appointment as well as the green card interview. If you miss the appointment, no-show, or fail to reschedule because of a conflict of interest, the USCIS will reject your case as this is a standardized process.
5. Public Charge
Those that will depend on significant government aid, long term care, or financial support might have their applications denied because they are considered a “public charge”. It’s less likely this will happen if someone has signed an affidavit of support in your favor during the I-485 process.
