Getting a U.S. green card or visa is a big step. It lets you live, work, or study in the United States. But you must follow strict rules to keep it. Some mistakes can cause the U.S. government to cancel your green card or visa, kick you out, or stop you from coming back. In 2025, immigration rules are very strict, so you need to be careful. This article lists 7 mistakes that could cancel your U.S. green card or visa and gives simple tips to avoid them. Whether you have a green card or a temporary visa, these tips will help you stay safe and legal.
1. Lying or Giving Fake Information
Lying on your green card or visa application is a serious mistake. This includes using fake documents, hiding crimes, or pretending to be married to get a green card. For example, some people fake a marriage to get a marriage-based green card. The U.S. government checks applications carefully, even years later, and can find out if you lied.
- What Happens: Your green card or visa can be canceled. You may be sent out of the U.S. and banned from returning forever.
- How to Avoid: Always tell the truth. Use real documents. If you’re unsure, talk to an immigration lawyer. If you made a mistake, fix it before the government finds out.
2. Breaking the Law with Crimes
Committing certain crimes can cancel your green card or visa. Serious crimes like murder, drug selling, or stealing can cause big problems. Even smaller crimes, like driving drunk or fighting, can lead to trouble if they happen often.
- What Happens: The government can cancel your status and deport you. Some crimes stop you from coming back to the U.S. for many years.
- How to Avoid: Follow all laws. Stay away from trouble. If you’re arrested, get a lawyer right away to protect your immigration status.
3. Staying Outside the U.S. Too Long
If you have a green card, you must live in the U.S. most of the time. Staying outside the U.S. for more than 6 months (or 1 year without permission) makes the government think you don’t want to live in the U.S. For visa holders, like students (F-1) or workers (H-1B), leaving the U.S. for too long without following rules can also cause problems.
- What Happens: Your green card or visa may be canceled. You might not be allowed back into the U.S.
- How to Avoid: For green card holders, don’t stay outside the U.S. for more than 6 months. If you need to stay longer, apply for a reentry permit before leaving. Visa holders should check their visa rules and talk to their school or employer.
4. Not Reporting Changes in Your Life
You must tell the U.S. government about big changes in your life. For green card holders, this means reporting a new address within 10 days of moving. For visa holders, changes like a new job, school, or marriage status must be reported to keep your visa valid. Not telling the government can make them think you’re breaking rules.
- What Happens: Your green card or visa can be canceled, and you may face fines or deportation.
- How to Avoid: Green card holders should use Form AR-11 online at uscis.gov to report a new address. Visa holders should tell their school (for F-1) or employer (for H-1B) about changes and update USCIS if needed.
5. Working Without Permission
Working in the U.S. without the right permission is a big mistake. For example, tourists (B-2 visa) or students (F-1 visa) can’t work unless they get special approval. Green card holders can work, but if they lie about their job to get benefits (like unemployment money), it can cause trouble.
- What Happens: Your visa or green card can be canceled, and you may be deported or banned from returning.
- How to Avoid: Check your visa rules. Only work if your visa allows it. Students can apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) to work legally. If unsure, ask an immigration lawyer.
6. Not Paying Taxes or Following Tax Rules
All green card holders and many visa holders (like H-1B workers) must file U.S. taxes every year, even if they don’t earn money in the U.S. Not filing taxes or lying about income can make the government think you’re not following laws. This is a common mistake for new immigrants who don’t understand U.S. tax rules.
- What Happens: Your green card or visa can be canceled, and you may owe fines or face deportation.
- How to Avoid: File taxes every year by April 15. Use a tax professional if you don’t understand the rules. Keep records of your tax filings to show you’re following the law.
7. Ignoring Immigration Notices or Deadlines
The U.S. government sends letters or emails about your green card or visa, like requests for more documents or court dates. Ignoring these notices or missing deadlines is a big mistake. For example, not showing up for a removal hearing or not renewing your green card every 10 years can cause problems.
- What Happens: Your green card or visa can be canceled, and you may be deported or banned from returning.
- How to Avoid: Check your mail and email regularly. Respond to all USCIS notices on time. Green card holders should renew their card using Form I-90 before it expires. If you get a court notice, hire an immigration lawyer immediately.
Why These Mistakes Are Risky in 2025
In 2025, the U.S. government is very strict about immigration rules. USCIS and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) use advanced technology to check applications, track crimes, and monitor travel. X posts from immigrants in 2025 highlight cases where green cards were canceled for small mistakes, like not reporting a new address or working without permission. The government also shares data between agencies, so tax issues or crimes can quickly lead to immigration problems. Avoiding these 7 mistakes that could cancel your U.S. green card or visa is more important than ever.
Extra Tips to Keep Your Status Safe
To avoid the 7 mistakes that could cancel your U.S. green card or visa, follow these simple steps:
- Hire a Lawyer: An immigration lawyer can explain rules and fix mistakes before they cause trouble. Find one at ailalawyer.org.
- Keep Records: Save copies of all documents, like your green card, visa, tax filings, and USCIS letters. This proves you’re following rules.
- Learn the Rules: Read about your green card or visa type at uscis.gov. For example, F-1 students should check rules with their school.
- Stay Updated: Immigration laws change. Follow trusted news or X posts from immigration experts to know new rules in 2025.
- Act Fast: If you make a mistake, like missing a deadline, contact USC contact USCIS or a lawyer right away to fix it.
Conclusion
The 7 mistakes that could cancel your U.S. green card or visa are lying, breaking the law, staying outside the U.S. too long, not reporting changes, working without permission, not paying taxes, and ignoring government notices. These errors can lead to losing your status, deportation, or bans from returning. In 2025, U.S. immigration rules are very strict, so you must be careful. To stay safe, always tell the truth, follow laws, report changes, and respond to USCIS on time. Use a lawyer, keep records, and learn your visa rules. For help, visit uscis.gov or contact an Optimism at ailalawyer.org. By avoiding these mistakes, you can keep your U.S. green card or visa safe and enjoy your life in the United States.
