Watch out for the “90-day rule”. If you plan to file a green card application, you need to be careful not to misrepresent your intentions when you first arrive in the United States. USCIS officials will closely scrutinize AOS applications filed within 90 days of entering the United States on a nonimmigrant visa.

Be careful with past visa violations. Overstays and unlawful presence in the United States can complicate green card applications, or lead to lengthy bans on reentering the country. It’s sometimes possible to obtain a waiver of these penalties, so consult a lawyer if you think this might affect your application.

Don’t fall for immigration scams. Unfortunately, there are plenty of scammers who target immigrants by posing as government officials or immigration lawyers. Use common sense, and report any suspected immigration scams to the appropriate authorities.