N-400: Filing Later...But need help now...

[antda 13]

Hi Everyone,

According to the USCIS, I'm eligible to file for Citizenship in August 2009. I know that is 6 months away or so, but I have to start gathering and preparing the paperwork for that now, as I'll be "busy with a Baby then (and with pregnancy now)" and can't procrastinate on this any longer...

Anyways, my questions are the following, in regards to the Citizenship application and processes:

1) What joint-evidence do I need to send in exactly? For the N-400, do I have to send them another 100+ pages (which I hope was enough) worth of joint-evidence, like I did for the I-751 here in August 2008:

Application form and application/biometric fees

Cover letter

Permanent Residence Card (both front side and back side of the 2yr card)

Canadian Passport (with added married surname) (expired recently)

Marriage Certificate

Past Pregnancy and Past Miscarriage Medical Notes

Joint Home Purchase Agreement and Maintenance Fees Letters

Joint Homeowner Insurance Declaration and Invoice

Joint Home Renovation and Repair Receipts

Joint Checking Account Bank Statements

Joint Credit Card Statements

Joint Non-Filing of Income Tax Letter/Explanation

Joint Automobile Insurance Policy Declaration and Statements

Joint Electric Bills

Joint Gas Bills

Joint Water and Septic/Sewer Invoices

Joint Telephone Invoices

Photographs during the years of our marriage

Joint Trips and Events Receipts and Tickets

Joint Mail, Subscriptions, and Junk Mail

Affidavits from individuals who have known us since conditional residency

Should I submit the same joint evidence (with updated information too, for example, pregnancy notes from now and a birth certificate in July)? Or should I should I submit something else for joint evidence? Is there something else that I'm missing to submit for Citizenship? What else do I need to submit? Is there something I don't need to submit for the N-400?

2) If I don't have my 10yr Green Card in time (gosh knows how much longer they are taking at the VSC for the I-751 cases, even though I've been waiting 6 months already), should I still file for Citizenship anyways, as long as I've met the 3-3-3 requirements?

3) How long does it currently take for Citizenship (specifically, if I'm filing at the VSC and my local office is Buffalo, NY)? If I need to postpone an interview and/or an oath date, can this be done? And if so, when can I expect for another rescheduled date?

4) Are children (especially young babies) allowed to be present during Citizenship oath ceremonies?

5) Can I take the passport photos now (6 months ahead of time) for the N-400? Or would I have to wait later to take the photographs? How early/far in advance can I have my photographs done? Besides the photo size and colour specifications, is there anything else I should be aware of when taking these photos and submitting them?

6) Should I declare trips and explain out of the country that is less than 24 hours? As a Canadian and a Permanent Resident in the USA, over the last 2+ years I've made 10-20 trips back to Canada by land (lol..I live so close to the border, go figure) that are less than 24 hours, so do I need to declare these and explain about them, especially more so that there is no written documented evidence of such trips? I have no passport stamps or other evidence of these day trips, so it would be hard to prove otherwise on my end. So will they look into that and question me about it, even though I don't have a written record of such trips?

7) Anything else I should be aware of and/or take note of too?

Any thoughts, ideas, suggestions, comments, etc. would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Good luck Everyone, on the rest of your immigration journey too!

Ant (Still waiting at the VSC for the I-751, Still waiting for Baby…)

Edited February 1, 2009 by AntandD

[jamieswith 0]

1) Send more-or-less similar, especially since your I-751 is not complete yet, however you should include the last 3 years of tax return transcripts also when you file - If you don't have your 10 year greencard at the time of filing I'd also include a copy of your I-751 receipt notice to show that it's pending... just to be safe.

2) If you want to, I'd go ahead and do it! Just, as I said above, I'd include a copy of your I-751 receipt notice too in order to make it clear you filed that when you were supposed to.

3) It seems to be speeding up a lot resently - some are taking around 3-4 months to interview from filing... check out the various lists from time past to get an idea...

4) Normally yes, but you need to check with the specific service center.

5) Its up to you - but it might be better to take them closer to the time... one thing to be careful of - there is one very subtle difference between passport photos and citizenship photos though - the passport photo instructions specifically say to leave your glasses on if you normally wear glasses.... but the citizenship instructions says to have the photos taken without glasses... otherwise it's the same...

6) The instructions says trips of more than 24 hours... so i would say no, but best to note them all out on a seperate sheet if possible - just incase the question comes up.

7) Just the I-751 receipt notice that i suggested the copy of above....

1) What joint-evidence do I need to send in exactly? For the N-400, do I have to send them another 100+ pages (which I hope was enough) worth of joint-evidence, like I did for the I-751 here in August 2008:

2) If I don't have my 10yr Green Card in time (gosh knows how much longer they are taking at the VSC for the I-751 cases, even though I've been waiting 6 months already), should I still file for Citizenship anyways, as long as I've met the 3-3-3 requirements?

3) How long does it currently take for Citizenship (specifically, if I'm filing at the VSC and my local office is Buffalo, NY)? If I need to postpone an interview and/or an oath date, can this be done? And if so, when can I expect for another rescheduled date?

4) Are children (especially young babies) allowed to be present during Citizenship oath ceremonies?

5) Can I take the passport photos now (6 months ahead of time) for the N-400? Or would I have to wait later to take the photographs? How early/far in advance can I have my photographs done? Besides the photo size and colour specifications, is there anything else I should be aware of when taking these photos and submitting them?

6) Should I declare trips and explain out of the country that is less than 24 hours? As a Canadian and a Permanent Resident in the USA, over the last 2+ years I've made 10-20 trips back to Canada by land (lol..I live so close to the border, go figure) that are less than 24 hours, so do I need to declare these and explain about them, especially more so that there is no written documented evidence of such trips? I have no passport stamps or other evidence of these day trips, so it would be hard to prove otherwise on my end. So will they look into that and question me about it, even though I don't have a written record of such trips?

7) Anything else I should be aware of and/or take note of too?

[antda 13]

P.S. 8) Is there anywhere else online (besides the USCIS website, which I still can't get it from even though I've tried many times on several different computers) that I can download and print out a legal and acceptable copy of the latest N-400 form to fill out? If not, where else can I get this N-400 form (lol...besides calling the mis-information line, that is). Thanks.

Ant

Edited February 1, 2009 by AntandD

[antda 13]

Hi Jamieswith and Everyone,

[/size]

Thanks for your quick and detailed reply. Here are my answers in response to your reply…

1) Wow, are you serious? I have to submit that 100+ pages that I had to submit before? Sigh, I guess that means that I will have over 200+ pages to file for the N-400 with…I better get cracking on that now! Can't wait to see how they handle that one (they better approve me, with that evidence)! By the way, I don't have any tax returns and/or transcripts, as my husband and I are exempt from filing taxes (yes, this is perfectly legal to do, under certain circumstances/situations, as explained before to immigration officials at the AOS stage and at the I-751 stage). Lol…ok, so in that case, if we don't file taxes, then how the heck am I supposed to submit something I don't have? Do I just do a written explanation, like I did before, and hope that they accept it again too? Good idea as well, that you mentioned about including the I-751 NOA and expired green card, to show that it is still pending, in case I don't get my 10yr green card in time.

2) Lol…I sure don't want to part with the $670 (does it still cost that much?), but in some ways, I have no other choice, as frankly, I'm sick (figuratively and literally) of dealing with the USCIS anymore! And if US Citizenship is the way to go to end this madness, then so be it. I'll file it as soon as I can, and yes, will indicate that I filed when I was supposed to legally do so (90 days before the 3 years, right?).

3) Well, at least they are speeding up something, so that's good. Funny, how they can speed up N-400 cases, but slow down on the I-751 cases…It makes no sense!...Oh well. In the meantime, I'll check out the timelines though (the N-400 lists on the VJ boards, perhaps?) to see what the status is for when I apply. I really do hope that they get this N-400 done as quick as possible for when I do apply.

4) Good to know that they are normally ok with this. Hmmmm…I guess I'll have to check with them then just to be sure. After all, Citizenship should be a family event, right, and that includes all members of the family, regardless, right?...

5) Interesting to know the difference between Citizenship and passport photos. Hmmm..On that note, I wonder if I can get both of those done at the same time too? I would like to take it closer to the time, but I would just like to "get it over with" and done now, so I don't have to worry about it later. Lol..On the other hand, I'm sure another 20 lbs added on further on in pregnancy would make for some interesting citizenship and/or passport photos…Odd too, how they would require glasses for one set of photos, but not for another. Luckily, I don't have to worry about that problem, as I don't wear glasses normally (except for reading, that is) and I don't have any photos of me taken in glasses.

6)Good idea to put it on a separate sheet, just in case they do ask (and I still can't prove, how odd is that)…lol…now if only I can remember those exact dates that I went over the border…lol…hope they don't quiz me on this one and just stick with quizzing me about American history instead…

7)Ok, as suggested before by you, not a problem to submit the I-751 NOA and the expired 2yr card too. By the way, if I get the 10yr card in time (yeah right), do I have to submit copies both the 2yr card and the 10yr card in that instance?

Good luck on the rest of your immigration journeys too.

Ant (Still waiting that the VSC for the I-751, Still waiting for Baby…)

1) Send more-or-less similar, especially since your I-751 is not complete yet, however you should include the last 3 years of tax return transcripts also when you file - If you don't have your 10 year greencard at the time of filing I'd also include a copy of your I-751 receipt notice to show that it's pending... just to be safe.

2) If you want to, I'd go ahead and do it! Just, as I said above, I'd include a copy of your I-751 receipt notice too in order to make it clear you filed that when you were supposed to.

3) It seems to be speeding up a lot resently - some are taking around 3-4 months to interview from filing... check out the various lists from time past to get an idea...

4) Normally yes, but you need to check with the specific service center.

5) Its up to you - but it might be better to take them closer to the time... one thing to be careful of - there is one very subtle difference between passport photos and citizenship photos though - the passport photo instructions specifically say to leave your glasses on if you normally wear glasses.... but the citizenship instructions says to have the photos taken without glasses... otherwise it's the same...

6) The instructions says trips of more than 24 hours... so i would say no, but best to note them all out on a seperate sheet if possible - just incase the question comes up.

7) Just the I-751 receipt notice that i suggested the copy of above....

Edited February 1, 2009 by AntandD

[jamieswith 0]

P.S. 8) Is there anywhere else online (besides the USCIS website, which I still can't get it from even though I've tried many times on several different computers) that I can download and print out a legal and acceptable copy of the latest N-400 form to fill out? If not, where else can I get this N-400 form (lol...besides calling the mis-information line, that is). Thanks.

Ant

PM me your email and I'll email you a fillable version of the most current N400 from USCIS.

[jamieswith 0]

1) You should submit what you can... it doesn't have to be as much as your I-751, assuming your I-751 is approved before your N400 interview... but it would have to show a currently viable marriage - and that you are living together still - the more evidence you have, the less likely you are to be sent away from the interview with a list of things to mail in... if your I751 is not approved before your N400 interview then the IO will consider both applications at the same time...

Per the taxes - i would include a written explanation, I would also ask the IRS for what they call a "Tax Account Transcript" for the past 3 years to show that no taxes are owing currently. If you have anything from the IRS proving you are not required to file returns, then you should include a copy of that also. Since you will be missing the IRS Tax Return transcripts, I would include as much extra evidence of financial mingling over the past 3 years as possible.

2) it's 675 - 595+80 biometrics fee currently. And yes you can file 90 days before the 3 year anniversary of getting your first green card.

3) I Agree

4) Yes

5) Thats good.

6) As long as you do your best.... since it's not specificly mentioned when under 24 hours... I think you'll be ok... just do your best, if the officer comes up with ones you didnt remember, just appologise and offer to update the list... but seriously i doubt it will come up - it really is more of a just-in-case thing.

7) No - If you have the 10 year card, simply submit a copy of the front/back of that card... you dont need to include a copy of the 2 year card - the new 10 year card lists your permanent resident status since the date of your first 2 year card anyway...

Hi Jamieswith and Everyone,

[/size]

Thanks for your quick and detailed reply. Here are my answers in response to your reply…

[/size]

1) Wow, are you serious? I have to submit that 100+ pages that I had to submit before? Sigh, I guess that means that I will have over 200+ pages to file for the N-400 with…I better get cracking on that now! Can't wait to see how they handle that one (they better approve me, with that evidence)! By the way, I don't have any tax returns and/or transcripts, as my husband and I are exempt from filing taxes (yes, this is perfectly legal to do, under certain circumstances/situations, as explained before to immigration officials at the AOS stage and at the I-751 stage). Lol…ok, so in that case, if we don't file taxes, then how the heck am I supposed to submit something I don't have? Do I just do a written explanation, like I did before, and hope that they accept it again too? Good idea as well, that you mentioned about including the I-751 NOA and expired green card, to show that it is still pending, in case I don't get my 10yr green card in time.

2) Lol…I sure don't want to part with the $670 (does it still cost that much?), but in some ways, I have no other choice, as frankly, I'm sick (figuratively and literally) of dealing with the USCIS anymore! And if US Citizenship is the way to go to end this madness, then so be it. I'll file it as soon as I can, and yes, will indicate that I filed when I was supposed to legally do so (90 days before the 3 years, right?).

3) Well, at least they are speeding up something, so that's good. Funny, how they can speed up N-400 cases, but slow down on the I-751 cases…It makes no sense!...Oh well. In the meantime, I'll check out the timelines though (the N-400 lists on the VJ boards, perhaps?) to see what the status is for when I apply. I really do hope that they get this N-400 done as quick as possible for when I do apply.

4) Good to know that they are normally ok with this. Hmmmm…I guess I'll have to check with them then just to be sure. After all, Citizenship should be a family event, right, and that includes all members of the family, regardless, right?...

5) Interesting to know the difference between Citizenship and passport photos. Hmmm..On that note, I wonder if I can get both of those done at the same time too? I would like to take it closer to the time, but I would just like to "get it over with" and done now, so I don't have to worry about it later. Lol..On the other hand, I'm sure another 20 lbs added on further on in pregnancy would make for some interesting citizenship and/or passport photos…Odd too, how they would require glasses for one set of photos, but not for another. Luckily, I don't have to worry about that problem, as I don't wear glasses normally (except for reading, that is) and I don't have any photos of me taken in glasses.

6)Good idea to put it on a separate sheet, just in case they do ask (and I still can't prove, how odd is that)…lol…now if only I can remember those exact dates that I went over the border…lol…hope they don't quiz me on this one and just stick with quizzing me about American history instead…

7)Ok, as suggested before by you, not a problem to submit the I-751 NOA and the expired 2yr card too. By the way, if I get the 10yr card in time (yeah right), do I have to submit copies both the 2yr card and the 10yr card in that instance?

Good luck on the rest of your immigration journeys too.

Ant (Still waiting that the VSC for the I-751, Still waiting for Baby…)

[jamieswith 0]

Actually I just noticed I can attach the file on here.

So here is the most recent (1/22/09) version of the N400 file - it's fillable on your computer so you can fill it out neatly and then print it out to sign etc.

P.S. 8) Is there anywhere else online (besides the USCIS website, which I still can't get it from even though I've tried many times on several different computers) that I can download and print out a legal and acceptable copy of the latest N-400 form to fill out? If not, where else can I get this N-400 form (lol...besides calling the mis-information line, that is). Thanks.

Ant

PM me your email and I'll email you a fillable version of the most current N400 from USCIS.

N_400.pdf

[antda 13]

Hi Jamieswith (and Everyone),

Thanks again for your next quick and detailed reply.

Don't worry, I have more than enough evidence to submit. Anything and everything I can think is already in both mine and my husband's names and images, spanning from the entire time of our marriage and before. Lol...I'm sure I can add to the 100+ pages that I already submitted before too. Though I'm kind of wondering...how much is too much? Lol...would they accept 100-200 pages of evidence for Citizenship? Oh well, "better safe than sorry", and in that case, I might as well submit as many things as I can for this next stage...

That's good too, that they would address the I-751 at the same time as the N-400, if the I-751 isn't approved in time. Lol.."kill two birds with one stone", so the old saying goes. Grant it, I'd rather get my I-751 approved first, as I've already paid $545 into it...and I want my 10yr card which I paid for and am waiting so long for still...grrr...!

Yes, I have provided written explainations about my tax situation before. As well, for the I-751 (which I forgot to mention before), I also provided a print-out from the IRS website that further explains this situation, according to the IRS guidelines. Financial-wise, my husband and I have a joint bank account, joint credit cards, a joint house, joint bills, and other financial evidence as posted earlier about on this message thread, so hopefully that should be ok there to prove joint financial responsibility.

As for the IRS...hmmm...this is my theory: If I don't have to deal with them before and am not legally obligated to deal with them, why should I be dealing with them now? What good is it that the IRS has my information, when they don't need it anyways? I'm sure the IRS has better things to do than deal with someone that doesn't have to pay taxes...Would be a waste really on both ends...Lol...if the immigration folks want to find out my financial information, then couldn't they just look it up on some database or something (lol..isn't that what SSNs are for?)? Believe me, I'm not trying to break the law by not paying taxes, and if I am legally required to pay taxes, I will do such. But if I legally don't need to file or pay taxes, then why should I bother dealing with such agencies?

Ok, but let's just say, hypothetical sitauation, that the immgration officials still want me to get those tax transcripts from the IRS, despite me explaining my tax situation, then how do I get one of those? How long does it take? How much do I have to pay for it? Does my husband need to get one for himself too? Or do we get one jointly (even though we didn't file any joint taxes)?

Yup, I'll make a list of my "travels to Canada" just in case they do ask...Grant it, they might find it somewhat amusing to see all those trips on the list, and yet have no evidence on my end to prove such. Lol...heck, we can all say could even say I went to Canada today (even though I didn't), and it would still be just the same as if I actually went....lol....

Good to know too, that I don't have to submit a copy of my 2yr card, when I have my 10yr card. Two less papers to include in the Citizenship package, I suppose. Makes sense too, as both of them have the same "residence since" date on it....

Thanks for the pdf file link for the most recent version of the N400 form. I appreciate you providing a copy of this form on the message thread here, as it's helpful to all VJers. Unfortunately, I've tried uploading it onto my computer, but so far, no luck again...I'll try again tomorrow...and maybe try using a different computer too...and hopefully I should get it to work....as I definitely need this N400 form to fill out asap....

Good luck on the rest of your immigration journey too. By the way, congratulations on your recent I-751 approval and hope your N-400 will be speedy too.

Ant (Still waiting at the VSC for the I-751, Still waiting for Baby....)

[jamieswith 0]

The tax account transcripts are available via the same IRS phone number where you request the regular tax transcripts - it takes about 2-3 weeks to arrive and is free of charge.

It's one of the options when you request transcripts on the automated system here: (800)–829–1040

You have 2 transcript options: Tax RETURN transcripts and Tax ACCOUNT transcripts - it's the latter you would want to show you owed no taxes.

Hi Jamieswith (and Everyone),

Thanks again for your next quick and detailed reply.

Don't worry, I have more than enough evidence to submit. Anything and everything I can think is already in both mine and my husband's names and images, spanning from the entire time of our marriage and before. Lol...I'm sure I can add to the 100+ pages that I already submitted before too. Though I'm kind of wondering...how much is too much? Lol...would they accept 100-200 pages of evidence for Citizenship? Oh well, "better safe than sorry", and in that case, I might as well submit as many things as I can for this next stage...

That's good too, that they would address the I-751 at the same time as the N-400, if the I-751 isn't approved in time. Lol.."kill two birds with one stone", so the old saying goes. Grant it, I'd rather get my I-751 approved first, as I've already paid $545 into it...and I want my 10yr card which I paid for and am waiting so long for still...grrr...!

Yes, I have provided written explainations about my tax situation before. As well, for the I-751 (which I forgot to mention before), I also provided a print-out from the IRS website that further explains this situation, according to the IRS guidelines. Financial-wise, my husband and I have a joint bank account, joint credit cards, a joint house, joint bills, and other financial evidence as posted earlier about on this message thread, so hopefully that should be ok there to prove joint financial responsibility.

As for the IRS...hmmm...this is my theory: If I don't have to deal with them before and am not legally obligated to deal with them, why should I be dealing with them now? What good is it that the IRS has my information, when they don't need it anyways? I'm sure the IRS has better things to do than deal with someone that doesn't have to pay taxes...Would be a waste really on both ends...Lol...if the immigration folks want to find out my financial information, then couldn't they just look it up on some database or something (lol..isn't that what SSNs are for?)? Believe me, I'm not trying to break the law by not paying taxes, and if I am legally required to pay taxes, I will do such. But if I legally don't need to file or pay taxes, then why should I bother dealing with such agencies?

Ok, but let's just say, hypothetical sitauation, that the immgration officials still want me to get those tax transcripts from the IRS, despite me explaining my tax situation, then how do I get one of those? How long does it take? How much do I have to pay for it? Does my husband need to get one for himself too? Or do we get one jointly (even though we didn't file any joint taxes)?

Yup, I'll make a list of my "travels to Canada" just in case they do ask...Grant it, they might find it somewhat amusing to see all those trips on the list, and yet have no evidence on my end to prove such. Lol...heck, we can all say could even say I went to Canada today (even though I didn't), and it would still be just the same as if I actually went....lol....

Good to know too, that I don't have to submit a copy of my 2yr card, when I have my 10yr card. Two less papers to include in the Citizenship package, I suppose. Makes sense too, as both of them have the same "residence since" date on it....

Thanks for the pdf file link for the most recent version of the N400 form. I appreciate you providing a copy of this form on the message thread here, as it's helpful to all VJers. Unfortunately, I've tried uploading it onto my computer, but so far, no luck again...I'll try again tomorrow...and maybe try using a different computer too...and hopefully I should get it to work....as I definitely need this N400 form to fill out asap....

Good luck on the rest of your immigration journey too. By the way, congratulations on your recent I-751 approval and hope your N-400 will be speedy too.

Ant (Still waiting at the VSC for the I-751, Still waiting for Baby....)

[mnbinth 2]

Hi Everyone,

According to the USCIS, I'm eligible to file for Citizenship in August 2009. I know that is 6 months away or so, but I have to start gathering and preparing the paperwork for that now, as I'll be "busy with a Baby then (and with pregnancy now)" and can't procrastinate on this any longer...

Anyways, my questions are the following, in regards to the Citizenship application and processes:

1) What joint-evidence do I need to send in exactly? For the N-400, do I have to send them another 100+ pages (which I hope was enough) worth of joint-evidence, like I did for the I-751 here in August 2008:

Application form and application/biometric fees

Cover letter

Permanent Residence Card (both front side and back side of the 2yr card)

Canadian Passport (with added married surname) (expired recently)

Marriage Certificate

Past Pregnancy and Past Miscarriage Medical Notes

Joint Home Purchase Agreement and Maintenance Fees Letters

Joint Homeowner Insurance Declaration and Invoice

Joint Home Renovation and Repair Receipts

Joint Checking Account Bank Statements

Joint Credit Card Statements

Joint Non-Filing of Income Tax Letter/Explanation

Joint Automobile Insurance Policy Declaration and Statements

Joint Electric Bills

Joint Gas Bills

Joint Water and Septic/Sewer Invoices

Joint Telephone Invoices

Photographs during the years of our marriage

Joint Trips and Events Receipts and Tickets

Joint Mail, Subscriptions, and Junk Mail

Affidavits from individuals who have known us since conditional residency

Should I submit the same joint evidence (with updated information too, for example, pregnancy notes from now and a birth certificate in July)? Or should I should I submit something else for joint evidence? Is there something else that I'm missing to submit for Citizenship? What else do I need to submit? Is there something I don't need to submit for the N-400?

2) If I don't have my 10yr Green Card in time (gosh knows how much longer they are taking at the VSC for the I-751 cases, even though I've been waiting 6 months already), should I still file for Citizenship anyways, as long as I've met the 3-3-3 requirements?

3) How long does it currently take for Citizenship (specifically, if I'm filing at the VSC and my local office is Buffalo, NY)? If I need to postpone an interview and/or an oath date, can this be done? And if so, when can I expect for another rescheduled date?

4) Are children (especially young babies) allowed to be present during Citizenship oath ceremonies?

5) Can I take the passport photos now (6 months ahead of time) for the N-400? Or would I have to wait later to take the photographs? How early/far in advance can I have my photographs done? Besides the photo size and colour specifications, is there anything else I should be aware of when taking these photos and submitting them?

6) Should I declare trips and explain out of the country that is less than 24 hours? As a Canadian and a Permanent Resident in the USA, over the last 2+ years I've made 10-20 trips back to Canada by land (lol..I live so close to the border, go figure) that are less than 24 hours, so do I need to declare these and explain about them, especially more so that there is no written documented evidence of such trips? I have no passport stamps or other evidence of these day trips, so it would be hard to prove otherwise on my end. So will they look into that and question me about it, even though I don't have a written record of such trips?

7) Anything else I should be aware of and/or take note of too?

Any thoughts, ideas, suggestions, comments, etc. would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Good luck Everyone, on the rest of your immigration journey too!

Ant (Still waiting at the VSC for the I-751, Still waiting for Baby…)

1. All we submitted was a joint tax return, joint credit card statement, and joint bank account statement. It totaled 5 pages.

3) It looks like it's taking 3-4 months for most people right now, depending on the local office. Yes, you can postpone the interview or oath ceremony. It will tell you how when you receive the letters giving you the appointment dates.

4. Yes, there were a set of crying twins at my wife's ceremony last week.

5. The photo requirements are on page 33 of the Guide to Naturalization.

7. If you suspect ANY problems during this process, contact your local U.S. Representative's or Senator's office. They fixed a few issues during my wife's journey.

[motu 5]

For #6 - You can say something like this - Made several trips to Canada during years XX-YY; some for a day or less; others for a few days; none lasting more than 15 days (or some such number).

This is what I wrote, as I had made trips to buy gas in Canada, to buy Pizza in Canada and even to play Golf or go on a date (Canada was 10 minutes away from Port Huron and 20 minutes away from Detroit during 4 years of my stay). I didn't provide any dates (I didn't know the dates anyway) and no one ever questioned it. Good Luck

Edited February 2, 2009 by motu

[cookiee 0]

Document Checklist for Form N-400, Application for Naturalization

http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/men...00048f3d6a1RCRD

[antda 13]

Hi Jamieswith,

Thanks for your helpful reply and for the extra information regarding the tax transcripts. Good to know, that they are free, and don’t take too long to arrive. Good to know too, the difference between a tax return transcript and a tax account transcript, as I wouldn’t have known otherwise. So yes, I will definitely keep that in mind if/when the USCIS asks for tax transcripts (through an RFE and/or an interview or by some other means) and it is definitely mandatory that I provide such for the N-400.

Thanks for your helpful reply. Good luck with the rest of your immigration journey too.

Ant (Still waiting at the VSC for the I-751, Still waiting for Baby…)

The tax account transcripts are available via the same IRS phone number where you request the regular tax transcripts - it takes about 2-3 weeks to arrive and is free of charge.

It's one of the options when you request transcripts on the automated system here: (800)–829–1040

You have 2 transcript options: Tax RETURN transcripts and Tax ACCOUNT transcripts - it's the latter you would want to show you owed no taxes.

Hi Mnbinth (and Everyone),

Thanks for your helpful reply and for answering the questions I had posted about earlier. Wow, I’m surprised that you got approved for your citizenship case, by only submitting 5 pieces of joint evidence for such. Did you just submit the latest return and statements, or did you submit it for the span of your marriage/relationship too? Did they give you any problems for submitting that amount of paperwork?

Yes, from what I’ve seen, 3-4 months sounds about right for approvals. I’m surprised too, that the citizenship applications are being approved so quickly (which is a good thing overall). Why they can’t approve other types of applications in that quick amount of time is beyond comprehension though…oh well…Hopefully I don’t have to postpone my interview and/or oath ceremony, but if I do, it’s good to know that this option is available, just in case. And if that is the case, then I’ll do what it says accordingly on the letters to get it rescheduled.

Lol…Don’t worry, I won’t be having a set of crying twins at the ceremony. Sorry that your wife had to go through that during her ceremony. And yes, I’ll be sure that when I take my baby/child to my ceremony that I (and my husband) will make sure that they are not crying and/or making a fuss during it, as that wouldn’t be fair for others either. Still, I’m glad to hear that children are welcomed to the ceremony, as it should be a family event and all should be invited to it, regardless…

Thanks for the pdf link about the photo requirements for the N400. Unfortunately, this is yet another file I cannot seem to download onto my computer…grrr…I think for some strange reason or other, my computer seems to have problems downloading pdf files.

Can someone here on VJ post the photo requirements (and other general important information) for the N400 in this thread for me to read instead? Thanks.

Is there a non-pdf version of this guide to naturalization? If not, then is there any other way I can get all the information needed for the N400, somewhere else (besides calling the mis-information line, that is)?

Glad to know that your US Representative and/or Senator helped you and your wife with issues during your immigration journey. Yes, I’ll definitely be sure to call my local US Representative and/or Senator if I encounter any problems along the way for my immigration journey. Actually, I was thinking about doing such, if I don’t get my I-751 in time, after waiting for about a year or more on it (but that’s another story). Lol…Hillary Clinton (or her predecessor)…hmmm….that should be an interesting phone call…

Good luck with the rest of your immigration journey too.

Ant (Still waiting at the VSC for the I-751, Still waiting for Baby…)

1. All we submitted was a joint tax return, joint credit card statement, and joint bank account statement. It totaled 5 pages.

3) It looks like it's taking 3-4 months for most people right now, depending on the local office. Yes, you can postpone the interview or oath ceremony. It will tell you how when you receive the letters giving you the appointment dates.

4. Yes, there were a set of crying twins at my wife's ceremony last week.

5. The photo requirements are on page 33 of the Guide to Naturalization.

7. If you suspect ANY problems during this process, contact your local U.S. Representative's or Senator's office. They fixed a few issues during my wife's journey.

Hi Motu,

Thanks for your helpful reply and for the questions I had posted about earlier. Glad you had a fun time in Canada, during all those trips that you went there before and glad that they didn’t give you any problems for not providing the exact dates of those trips for the N400 forms.

I know what you mean about living close to the border, and making frequent trips there (I only live about 1-2hrs away from the Canada/US border, and 3 hours from where I originally was from in Canada), as there are so many places to visit and so many things to do there in Canada. As well, I was originally from Canada, so I guess I would have more of an excuse to make a “visit back to my home country” and make more trips because of that…

Good idea that you mentioned about making a general statement, saying that I “made many/several trips to Canada during xx-yy…none lasting more than 24-48 hours…(which is true)”, as that pretty much covers it all, in case they try to question it any further and I have no written proof of such on my end. Meanwhile, I’ll still try and look up the specific dates that I went (oh gosh, that will really test my foggy pregnancy brain), to make sure.

Good luck on the rest of your immigration journey too.

Ant (Still waiting at the VSC for the I-751, Still waiting for Baby…)

P.S. By the way, gas is a lot cheaper here in the USA, and generally other things are cheaper here in the USA too…Lol…go figure, Canada with their high taxes and all….So if you or anyone else goes up to Canada….Remember to buy everything here in the USA, then go up the border…Trust me, you’ll save a lot more money that way…

For #6 - You can say something like this - Made several trips to Canada during years XX-YY; some for a day or less; others for a few days; none lasting more than 15 days (or some such number).

This is what I wrote, as I had made trips to buy gas in Canada, to buy Pizza in Canada and even to play Golf or go on a date (Canada was 10 minutes away from Port Huron and 20 minutes away from Detroit during 4 years of my stay). I didn't provide any dates (I didn't know the dates anyway) and no one ever questioned it. Good Luck

Hi Cookiee,

Thanks for your helpful reply and for the questions I had posted about earlier. I had a look at that USCIS website information that you posted (actually I had bookmarked it before, but deleted it), and bookmarked it again. Lol…thank goodness that this page wasn’t in pdf, so I was able to read it and download it accordingly.

From what I’ve read, it seems as though there isn’t too much to submit, so that’s good (so I guess I don’t need to submit the 100+ pages of joint evidence after all?). So according to this, I have most of the documentation/paperwork already, so I can just photocopy that now, to be ready to be sent off. The only things I’m missing are the birth certificate for our baby/child (which I will get in July, when they are born), and the tax returns/transcripts (which I’ll explain to the USCIS about, as mentioned earlier in this message thread)…

So let’s see…maybe I can have all the application paperwork (forms, evidence, etc.) for N400 to be 50 pages or less…Lol..that would sure save me a lot of time in photocopying and money in postage…

In the end though, as long as they approve my N400 case later on without any problems…it should be ok, right?

Congratulations on your recent I-751 approval. Good luck on the rest of your immigration journey too.

Ant (Still waiting at the VSC for the I-751, Still waiting for Baby…)

Document Checklist for Form N-400, Application for Naturalization

http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/men...00048f3d6a1RCRD

[Italian_in_NYC 259]

1) What joint-evidence do I need to send in exactly? For the N-400, do I have to send them another 100+ pages (which I hope was enough) worth of joint-evidence, like I did for the I-751 here in August 2008:

Application form and application/biometric fees

Cover letter

Permanent Residence Card (both front side and back side of the 2yr card)

Canadian Passport (with added married surname) (expired recently)

Marriage Certificate

Past Pregnancy and Past Miscarriage Medical Notes

Joint Home Purchase Agreement and Maintenance Fees Letters

Joint Homeowner Insurance Declaration and Invoice

Joint Home Renovation and Repair Receipts

Joint Checking Account Bank Statements

Joint Credit Card Statements

Joint Non-Filing of Income Tax Letter/Explanation

Joint Automobile Insurance Policy Declaration and Statements

Joint Electric Bills

Joint Gas Bills

Joint Water and Septic/Sewer Invoices

Joint Telephone Invoices

Photographs during the years of our marriage

Joint Trips and Events Receipts and Tickets

Joint Mail, Subscriptions, and Junk Mail

Affidavits from individuals who have known us since conditional residency

Should I submit the same joint evidence (with updated information too, for example, pregnancy notes from now and a birth certificate in July)? Or should I should I submit something else for joint evidence? Is there something else that I'm missing to submit for Citizenship? What else do I need to submit? Is there something I don't need to submit for the N-400?

I think you do NOT need to send in anything like that with the N-400 application, just what it's mentioned on the instructions.

You will need to bring evidence of marriage at the interview, if marriage based.

2) If I don't have my 10yr Green Card in time (gosh knows how much longer they are taking at the VSC for the I-751 cases, even though I've been waiting 6 months already), should I still file for Citizenship anyways, as long as I've met the 3-3-3 requirements?

Yes, you could file. Instead of your 10-yr green card, just enclose copy of your expired conditional green card and copy of the I-751 extension.

3) How long does it currently take for Citizenship (specifically, if I'm filing at the VSC and my local office is Buffalo, NY)? If I need to postpone an interview and/or an oath date, can this be done? And if so, when can I expect for another rescheduled date?

This is a tricky question, as N400 are handled by local DOs, especially now that you have to mail the N400 the the lockbox (reminds me of the AOS lockbox).

4) Are children (especially young babies) allowed to be present during Citizenship oath ceremonies?

I don't know, but my guess would be No.

5) Can I take the passport photos now (6 months ahead of time) for the N-400? Or would I have to wait later to take the photographs? How early/far in advance can I have my photographs done? Besides the photo size and colour specifications, is there anything else I should be aware of when taking these photos and submitting them?

I think pics have to be 30-day old maximum. But again, how could they know if they are 180-day old?!?

6) Should I declare trips and explain out of the country that is less than 24 hours? As a Canadian and a Permanent Resident in the USA, over the last 2+ years I've made 10-20 trips back to Canada by land (lol..I live so close to the border, go figure) that are less than 24 hours, so do I need to declare these and explain about them, especially more so that there is no written documented evidence of such trips? I have no passport stamps or other evidence of these day trips, so it would be hard to prove otherwise on my end. So will they look into that and question me about it, even though I don't have a written record of such trips?

I think for 24-hour long they mean spending the night out of the US. It is not 100% clear, but if it was a same-day trip I wouldn't bother mentioning it...

7) Anything else I should be aware of and/or take note of too?

Any thoughts, ideas, suggestions, comments, etc. would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Good luck Everyone, on the rest of your immigration journey too!

Ant (Still waiting at the VSC for the I-751, Still waiting for Baby…)

Good luck for your baby first of all. There are many things in life more important than immigration. Enjoy them!

Edited February 3, 2009 by Italian_in_NYC

[antda 13]

Hi Italian_in_NYC (and Everyone),

Thanks for your helpful reply and for the questions I had posted about earlier.

Yes, from what I’ve read on the online general instructions from the USCIS, it’s good to know that I don’t have to send as much information for the N-400 as I did for the I-751. I will though, provide some joint evidence (a bit more than they require), just in case they do ask during an interview, an RFE, or by any other means, to prove that I’m applying based on marriage.

No problem, I’ll enclose a copy of my 2yr card and my NOA extension, if I don’t get my 10yr green card in time for when I have to submit my citizenship application. Besides, I can’t submit what I don’t have, so if I don’t have a 10 year green card yet, then how would I be able to submit it…lol…

Hmmm…I wonder the answer to that trick question is….as to when citizenship cases are approved. I guess it all depends on where one’s local office is at, like you said. Hopefully, they don’t take longer than average here, as that wouldn’t be fair anyways. Besides, I’m applying in Buffalo, NY…and well, it’s not exactly what you would call a highly immigrant populated area, in comparison to some other US cities, so I think I might be in luck there…lol…By the way, I never knew that the N-400 applications are handled through a lockbox. Does that make too much of a difference there? Ironically, my AOS application was approved in 3 months (and I think it was sent to a lockbox), and my I-751 application is still pending after many months (and it was not sent to a lockbox), so my consensus is that maybe it is faster when it gets sent to a lockbox instead of a non-lockbox? Weird....how the USCIS works in this way....

I’ll clarify about the baby/child situation with the immigration officials when the time comes …and hopefully they will let my baby attend such when it’s my turn for the oath ceremony…otherwise…well….I’ll figure that one out later…

I never knew that about the 30 day old passport photo rule. Really? Oh gee, so it looks like I can’t get that done and over with ahead of time now. If that is the case, I don’t want to risk getting in trouble because of that, as who knows, maybe they do have some way of finding out when the photo was taken (more than 30 days ago), especially more so if a written/stamped date is required on them.

Does anyone know if the date is required to be written and/or stamped on US passport photos…or am I thinking only Canadian photos require such…lol…

All of the trips that I’ve taken outside of the USA (since my conditional residency), have been to Canada, and all of these trips have been 24 hours or less. I did though, spend one night back in Canada (as my husband and I were too tired to drive back home after packing up all of my stuff), so I guess that would be the only 24+ hours trip for me. Now, if only I can remember all those “less than 24 hours” 10-20 trips back to Canada, just in cast they do question me on that, especially more so that they (and me too) are not 100% clear on the exact dates of those trips…..Oh gee, are they trying to test my memory or something? Lol…it’s easier to study the civics American history questions first, than to remember all those trips….

Good luck on the rest of your immigration journey too, especially on your I-751 which you filed at about the same time as I did at the VSC, and are still waiting for that to be approved….

Ant (Still waiting at the VSC for the I-751, Still waiting for Baby…)

P.S. Thanks for the congratulations about the Baby, which I’m happy about and enjoy. I agree, there are many more things in life that are more important than immigration matters to be thinking about, such as this for example. Lol…Hence I want to “get this immigration paperwork out of the way first now” so I don’t have to worry about it later, and focus my attention and time on the Baby instead (which is far more worth my time, indeed!)…

I think you do NOT need to send in anything like that with the N-400 application, just what it's mentioned on the instructions.You will need to bring evidence of marriage at the interview, if marriage based.

Yes, you could file. Instead of your 10-yr green card, just enclose copy of your expired conditional green card and copy of the I-751 extension.

This is a tricky question, as N400 are handled by local DOs, especially now that you have to mail the N400 the the lockbox (reminds me of the AOS lockbox).

I don't know, but my guess would be No.

I think pics have to be 30-day old maximum. But again, how could they know if they are 180-day old?!?

I think for 24-hour long they mean spending the night out of the US. It is not 100% clear, but if it was a same-day trip I wouldn't bother mentioning it...

Good luck for your baby first of all. There are many things in life more important than immigration. Enjoy them!