The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) processes millions of applications and petitions annually for various immigration benefits, including visas, green cards, naturalization, and work authorizations. However, applicants sometimes receive a USCIS rejection notice, often due to clerical or administrative errors made by the agency rather than any mistakes on the applicant’s part. These USCIS erroneous rejections can cause unnecessary delays, stress, and even legal complications for applicants.
Understanding the reasons behind USCIS rejected applications, how to correct USCIS errors, and the best course of action for resubmitting rejected applications is crucial to ensuring your immigration process continues smoothly. This article provides a detailed guide on how to handle an erroneous USCIS rejection, steps to correct the issue, and how to prevent rejections in the future.
Understanding USCIS Erroneous Rejections
What Is an Erroneous Rejection by USCIS?
A USCIS erroneous rejection occurs when an immigration application or petition is mistakenly rejected due to clerical, technical, or procedural errors by USCIS officers or systems. Unlike a denial, which means USCIS has reviewed your application and determined that you do not meet the eligibility criteria, a rejection means your application was never thoroughly reviewed because of an issue detected at the intake stage.
A USCIS rejection notice typically includes a reason for rejection. However, the reason may be incorrect sometimes, or the rejection may have been issued incorrectly.
How Does an Erroneous Rejection Differ from a Proper Rejection?
While some USCIS rejected applications result from applicant mistakes (such as missing signatures or incorrect fees), others happen due to USCIS errors, including:
- Incorrectly determining that a required fee was not paid.
- Misidentifying an updated form version as outdated.
- Misplacing or misfiling application documents.
- Incorrectly scanning barcodes or payment receipts.
- Failing to recognize proper signatures.
- Misinterpreting policy requirements.
Taking corrective action is essential if you believe your USCIS rejected case number stems from an erroneous rejection.
Common Causes of USCIS Erroneous Rejections
While USCIS rejection notices may vary in content, here are some of the most common reasons USCIS mistakenly rejects applications:
1. Payment Processing Issues
A significant cause of USCIS’s rejected applications is incorrect payment processing. Even if the correct fee is submitted, USCIS may still reject the application due to the following:
- Failure to properly process checks or money orders.
- Rejection of credit card payments due to internal system errors.
- Incorrect fee calculations made by USCIS officers.
To avoid this, always verify your payment method, use the USCIS Fee Calculator, and check your financial records to confirm successful payment processing.
2. Incorrect Form Version
USCIS frequently updates its forms, and applicants must submit the correct version when filing. However, in some cases, USCIS erroneously rejects applications even when the applicant has used the most current version available on the USCIS website.
To prevent this, always download forms directly from uscis.gov and check the edition date before submitting your application.
3. Signature Misinterpretations
USCIS requires signatures on various forms; missing one can lead to a rejected application. However, some rejections occur because USCIS fails to recognize a valid signature. Common issues include:
- Digital signatures instead of handwritten ones.
- Signatures that are mistakenly deemed “incomplete.”
- Missing signatures on supplement pages, USCIS requires but doesn’t make clear.
Ensure all necessary signatures are included, and if your USCIS rejected application incorrectly cites a missing signature, request a correction.
4. Lost or Misfiled Documents
Sometimes, USCIS rejects applications because documents are misplaced or improperly filed by the agency. This can happen when:
- USCIS loses a supporting document like a birth certificate, passport copy, or affidavit.
- A barcode cover sheet is not scanned correctly.
- Documents are incorrectly categorized in the system.
To mitigate this, make copies of your entire application before submission and send it via certified mail with tracking.
5. Technical Errors and System Failures
USCIS processes thousands of applications daily, and system errors can lead to erroneous rejections. These can include:
- Improper barcode scanning.
- Data entry errors.
- Misinterpretation of filing instructions.
When this happens, you must resubmit your rejected application with an explanation and supporting documentation proving USCIS’s mistake.
What Happens When USCIS Rejects an Application?
Upon rejection, USCIS will mail a rejection notice explaining the reason. Applicants must take swift action to prevent delays if their application is rejected erroneously.
If your USCIS rejected case number is incorrect, or your rejection notice states a reason that doesn’t apply to your application, you should dispute the rejection and request a correction.
Steps to Resubmit a USCIS Rejected Application Due to Error
If your application was erroneously rejected, follow these steps to correct the USCIS error and ensure proper resubmission:
1. Review Your Rejection Notice
Carefully read the USCIS rejection notice to determine the stated reason. Compare it with your original submission to verify if the rejection was due to an error.
2. Contact USCIS for Clarification
If you believe USCIS made an error, you can:
- Call the USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283.
- Submit an online inquiry via the USCIS e-Request tool.
- Contact your local USCIS field office if necessary.
3. Submit a Request for Correction
If USCIS confirms an error, you can write a formal request for USCIS error correction by:
- Including a copy of the rejection notice.
- Providing evidence (e.g., receipts, copies of correct forms, tracking details).
- Explaining why the rejection was erroneous.
4. Resubmit the Application Properly
If USCIS does not correct the issue, you must resubmit your rejected application. Make sure to:
- Attach a cover letter explaining the erroneous rejection.
- Include copies of all previously submitted materials.
- Highlight evidence proving USCIS’s mistake.
5. Consider Filing a Motion to Reopen or Reconsider
If the erroneous rejection resulted in a denial, you may need to file Form I-290B, Notice of Appeal or Motion to request a reconsideration of your case.
How to Prevent USCIS Application Rejections
Avoiding USCIS rejections can save valuable time and effort in your immigration process. By following these best practices, you can ensure your application is processed smoothly and without unnecessary delays:
1. Use the Latest USCIS Forms
USCIS frequently updates its forms, and using an outdated version can lead to an automatic rejection. Before submitting your application, download the most recent version directly from the official USCIS website. Check the date of the form edition to ensure compliance with the latest requirements.
2. Verify Fees with the USCIS Fee Calculator
Filing fees vary depending on the type of application, and incorrect payments are a common reason for rejection. Use the official USCIS Fee Calculator to determine the exact amount required. Ensure your payment method (check, money order, or credit card) is correctly filled out and payable to “U.S. Department of Homeland Security.”
3. Ensure All Required Signatures Are Included
A missing signature can result in an immediate rejection. Carefully review all required signature fields on the forms and ensure the appropriate party signs each. For family-based petitions or employment-based applications, verify that the petitioner and beneficiary have signed where needed.
4. Submit Applications in an Organized, Well-Labeled Format
USCIS officers process thousands of applications daily. To make your application easier to review and reduce the risk of misplaced documents:
- Use tabs or dividers for multi-section applications.
- Include a table of contents for complex filings.
- Label supporting documents clearly (e.g., “Birth Certificate,” “Marriage Certificate”).
- Keep documents in the order specified in the form instructions.
5. Keep Copies of Everything You Send to USCIS
Always retain copies of your completed forms, supporting documents, and payment receipts. Having a record of your submission helps in case of lost applications, requests for additional evidence, or if you need to file an appeal or resubmission.
6. Use Trackable Mailing Services to Verify Delivery
To ensure USCIS receives your application, use a trackable mailing service such as USPS Certified Mail, FedEx, or UPS. Keep the tracking number and delivery confirmation as proof of submission in case any disputes arise regarding the receipt of your application.
Correcting USCIS Mistakes the Right Way
A USCIS erroneous rejection can disrupt your immigration journey, but you can resolve issues efficiently by understanding the common causes and taking the proper corrective steps. If you receive a USCIS rejection notice, assess the reason, determine if the rejection was in error, and take immediate action to resubmit your rejected application or request USCIS error correction.
