Is this all the evidence I need?

[Roosterwife 0]

I've given up hoping that my removal of conditions will be completed any time soon (I applied in Dec 08 and am still waiting!), so this evening I decided to start gathering my N-400 paperwork for when I become eligible to apply next month. I read through the guide and instructions and it seems that this is all the evidence I require, but I just want to be sure.

Here's what I'll be sending:

completed N400 form

cheque for $675

2 passport photos

marriage cert

copy of expired conditional green card and extension stamp in passport (valid til Feb 2010)

copy of spouse's naturalization certificate

last three years joint tax transcripts

copy of spouse's acceptance letter from my condo board (I owned the condo before we married and he moved in)

joint bank account and credit card statements (a few from each of the past three years)

This really doesn't seem like very much to me compared to the stuff we submitted for the original green card and removal of conditions, but I'm going by the instructions and that seems to be all I need. Is there anything else I should be adding?

And is there a particular way that I should organize all the papers or can I just clip them all together with a cover letter and put them in a manilla folder?

Thanks very much

[antda 13]

Hi Roosterwife,

By the way, according to the USCIS, this is what they want for the N-400 application, as stated officially here:

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

Document Checklist for Form N-400, Application for Naturalization

All Applicants for Naturalization must send the following items with their N-400 application:

A photocopy of both sides of your Permanent Resident Card (formerly known as the Alien Registration Card or "Green Card"). If you have lost the card, submit a photocopy of the receipt for your Form I-90, "Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card"; and

Two identical color photographs, with your name and "A-number" written lightly in pencil on the back of each photo. For details about the photo requirements, see Part 5 of A Guide to Naturalization and the Form M-603 instructions. Do not wear eyeglasses or earrings for the photo. If your religion requires you to wear a head covering, your facial features must still be exposed in the photo for purposes of identification; and

A check or money order for the application fee and the biometric services fee (Applicants 75 years of age or older are exempted from the biometrics services fee). Write your "A-number" on the back of the check or money order. The application fee is $595 and the biometrics services fee is $80. You may combine the fees into one check or money order. Make your check or money order payable to "U.S. Department of Homeland Security."

Send copies of the following documents, unless we ask for an original.

If an attorney or accredited representative is acting on your behalf, send:

A completed original Form G-28, "Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney or Representative"

If your current legal name is different from the name on your Permanent Resident Card, send:

The document(s) that legally changed your name (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court document).

If you are applying for naturalization based on your marriage to a U.S. citizen, send the following four items:

Evidence that your spouse has been a U.S. citizen for the last three years:

Birth certificate (if your spouse never lost citizenship since birth), or

Naturalization Certificate, or

Certificate of Citizenship, or

The inside of the front cover and signature page of your spouse's current U.S. passport, or

Form FS-240, "Report of Birth Abroad of a Citizen of the United States of America," and

Your current marriage certificate, and

Proof of termination of all prior marriages of your spouse - divorce decree(s), annulment(s), or death certificate(s); and

Documents referring to you and your spouse:

Tax returns, bank accounts, leases, mortgages, or birth certificates of children, or

Internal Revenue Service (IRS) - certified copies of the income tax forms that you both filed for the past three years, or

An IRS tax return transcript for the last three years.

If you were married before, send:

Proof that all earlier marriages ended - divorce decree(s), annulment(s), or death certificate(s);

If you were previously in the U.S. military service, send:

A completed original Form G-325B, "Biographic Information."

If you are currently in the U.S. military service and are seeking citizenship based on that service, send:

A completed original Form N-426, "Request for Certification of Military or Naval Service;" and

A completed original Form G-325B, "Biographic Information."

If you have taken any trips outside the United States that lasted six months or more since becoming a Permanent Resident, send evidence that you (and your family) continued to live, work and/or keep ties to the United States, such as:

An IRS tax return "transcript" or an IRS-certified tax return listing tax information for the last five years (or for the last three years if you are applying on the basis of marriage to a U.S. citizen).

Rent or mortgage payments and pay stubs.

If you have a dependent spouse or children who do not live with you, send:

Any court or government order to provide financial support; and

Evidence of your financial support (including evidence that you have complied with any court or government order), such as:

Cancelled checks,

Money and receipts,

A court or agency printout of child support payments,

Evidence of wage garnishments,

A letter from the parent or guardian who cares for your children.

If you answer "Yes" to any of Questions 1 through 14 of Part 10 of form N-400, send:

A written explanation on a separate sheet of paper.

If you answer "No" to any of Questions 34 through 39 of Part 10 of form N-400, send:

A written explanation on a separate sheet of paper.

If you have ever been arrested or detained by any law enforcement officer for any reason, and no charges were filed, send:

An original official statement by the arresting agency or applicant court confirming that no charges were filed.

If you have ever been arrested or detained by any law enforcement officer for any reason, and charges were filed, send:

An original or court-certified copy of the complete arrest record and disposition for each incident (dismissal order, conviction record or acquittal order).

If you have ever been convicted or placed in an alternative sentencing program or rehabilitative program (such as a drug treatment or community service program), send:

An original or court-certified copy of the sentencing record for each incident; and

Evidence that you completed your sentence:

An original or certified copy of your probation or parole record; or

Evidence that you completed an alternative sentencing program or rehabilitative program.

If you have ever had any arrest or conviction vacated, set aside, sealed, expunged or otherwise removed from your record, send:

An original or court-certified copy of the court order vacating, setting aside, sealing, expunging or otherwise removing the arrest or conviction, or

NOTE: If you have been arrested or convicted of a crime, you may send any countervailing evidence or evidence in your favor concerning the circumstances of your arrest and/or conviction that you would like USCIS to consider.

If you have ever failed to file an income tax return since you became a Permanent Resident, send:

All correspondence with the IRS regarding your failure to file.

If you have any federal, state or local taxes that are overdue, send:

A signed agreement from the IRS or state or local tax office showing that you have filed a tax return and arranged to pay the taxes you owe; and

Documentation from the IRS or state or local tax office showing the current status of your repayment program.

NOTE: You may obtain copies of tax documents and tax information by contacting your local IRS offices, using the Blue Pages of your telephone directory, or through its website at www.irs.gov.

If you are applying for a disability exception to the testing requirement, send:

An original Form N-648, "Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions," completed less than six months ago by a licensed medical or osteopathic doctor or licensed clinical psychologist.

If you did not register with the Selective Service and you (1) are male, (2) are 26 years old or older, and (3) lived in the United States in a status other than as a lawful nonimmigrant between the ages of 18 and 26, send:

A "Status Information Letter" from the Selective Service (Call 1-847-688-6888) for more information.

Hope this helps. Good luck with the rest of your immigration journey too.

Ant

I've given up hoping that my removal of conditions will be completed any time soon (I applied in Dec 08 and am still waiting!), so this evening I decided to start gathering my N-400 paperwork for when I become eligible to apply next month. I read through the guide and instructions and it seems that this is all the evidence I require, but I just want to be sure.

Here's what I'll be sending:

completed N400 form

cheque for $675

2 passport photos

marriage cert

copy of expired conditional green card and extension stamp in passport (valid til Feb 2010)

copy of spouse's naturalization certificate

last three years joint tax transcripts

copy of spouse's acceptance letter from my condo board (I owned the condo before we married and he moved in)

joint bank account and credit card statements (a few from each of the past three years)

This really doesn't seem like very much to me compared to the stuff we submitted for the original green card and removal of conditions, but I'm going by the instructions and that seems to be all I need. Is there anything else I should be adding?

And is there a particular way that I should organize all the papers or can I just clip them all together with a cover letter and put them in a manilla folder?

Thanks very much

[antda 13]

Hi Roosterwife,

Wow...you've been waiting for 10-11 months for the I-751 to be complete....seriously, you should start contacting your senator/congressman/ombudsman about your case too....as that's way too long to wait (believe me, I waited for that long too..see my VJ timeline for more info...)

As well, filing for the N-400 "forces" the I-751 to be completed, if not completed by then. So yes, file for citizenship as soon as posible!

As for organizing your paperwork, according to the USCIS...this is the way they like it.....

http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/men...0004718190aRCRD

General Tips on Assembling Applications for Mailing

Mark both the envelope and the cover letter as to the nature of the submission. Example: ORIGINAL SUBMISSION - BRIEF FOR AN APPEAL - RESPONSE TO REQUEST FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION - etc.

Use the appropriate mailing address and mark both the envelope and the cover letter as to the form type. Example: I-129; I-130; I-690; I-698, etc.

Provide both the receipt notice number and the A-Number as an identifier, if they are available.

If the packet is being resubmitted in response to a REQUEST FOR ADDITIONAL EVIDENCE (RFE), please place the notice requesting the additional evidence/information on the top of the packet. Also, please use the special mailing envelope provided.

If evidence is being submitted in support of a previously filed appeal or motion, a cover letter stating "BRIEF FOR APPEAL", etc., should be placed on top of the packet.

In preparing your packet, please take note of the following:

Do not use binders or folders that cannot be easily disassembled.

Use ACCO fasteners to hold together thick or bulky applications or petitions. Two-hole punching the top of the material for easy placement in the file is appreciated.

The use of tabs assist in locating items listed as attachments. The tabs should be placed on the bottom and not the side for ease in filing.

Avoid using heavy-duty staples; instead use ACCO fasteners or heavy clips.

Avoid submitting originals unless specifically required. Avoid submitting oversized documentation when possible.

If you are sending more than one case in an envelope, clearly separate the cases by rubber band or clip fasteners.

A form G-28 is not acceptable unless signed by the authorized representative and the petitioner (re: petitions) or the applicant (re: applications). Facsimile signature stamps are acceptable for the signature of the representatives. However, applicants/petitioners must live sign the initial Form G-28 submitted with the application/petition. Any subsequent Form G-28 relating to the same case may be a photocopy of the original, which should be already attached to the relating case.

Send copies of any prior approval notices with any new requests for extensions of stay, change of status or amended petitions.

Keep copies of all submissions. Don't assume the officer will have access to a prior file or record. Submit as complete a packet as possible so the case can be adjudicated from what you submit. Submit a complete packet of information for each petition or application. If officers have to review prior files or records, the adjudication of the case can be delayed substantially.

Be sure to complete all pertinent items on the petition or application. Ensure all entries on the forms are legible. Note the appropriate consulate, embassy, or a request to adjust status on the petition. Do note enter "N/A" when "None" is appropriate.

If you believe your situation to be unique, explain it fully in an attachment to the packet, not as a cover letter.

Please submit certified translations for all foreign language documents. The translator must certify that s/he is competent to translate and that the translation is accurate.

The certification format should include the certifier's name, signature, address, and date of certification. A suggested format is:

Certification by Translator

I [typed name], certify that I am fluent (conversant) in the English and ________ languages, and that the above/attached document is an accurate translation of the document attached entitled ______________________________.

Signature_________________________________

Date Typed Name

Address

USCIS no longer routinely requires submission of original documents or "certified copies." Instead, ordinary legible photocopies of such documents (including naturalization certificates and alien registration cards) will be acceptable for initial filing and approval of petitions and applications.

At the discretion of the officer, original documents may still be required in individual cases. Please be advised that USCIS no longer returns original documents submitted with the exception of Certificates of Naturalization, Forms I-551, Permanent Resident Card, Forms I-94, Arrival/Departure Document, valid passports, or those specifically requested by the officer. Such documents will be returned when they are no longer needed.

Reminder: The best way to locate records is through the receipt number and/or the A-Number. Always provide this information whenever possible. If you don't know the A-Number, provide a COMPLETE name and date of birth. ALSO: Provide ANY AND ALL names used by the individual, including aliases, maiden names, names used when originally admitted to the United States, etc. Providing this information is extremely helpful and speeds up processing time.

DUPLICATE FILINGS (without fee): Cases will be accepted as a duplicate filing only when USCIS has specifically requested that a duplicate be filed. In such a case be sure to submit the receipt number of original filing or any copies of notices received from USCIS on the first filing when submitting a duplicate petition or application.

The address block on the forms is the data field captured for all of our mailings. Consistent with the limitations on the number of characters per line (a maximum of 32) and the total numbers of lines (4) in that field, whatever is in the block will become the mailing address used by the system. The data in these fields is entered exactly as indicated on the forms. Please include internal routing symbols in the address block, especially for large organizations. It is better to abbreviate the name of the organization and have space for the routing codes than to fully spell out the name and have notices sit in the organization's mailroom.

Recognized authorities: Many I-129 petitions filed with evidence of the beneficiary's education or accomplishments include documentation submitted by various authorities. For example, petitions for artists and entertainers may incude evidence the beneficiary has received an award or other recognition of achievement. Petitions for individuals employed in a specialty occupation may include evidence the beneficiary belongs to a professional organization. When an individual's awards or membership is used to support a petition, evidence establishing the reputation of that organization must also be submitted. Examples of the type of evidence needed includes the following: the size and standing of the organization or the organization's requirements for membership and any other documentation which would establish the reputation of that organization.

When an opinion from a recognized authority is submitted, the opinion should state: the writer's qualifications as an expert; the writer's experience giving such opinions, citing specific instances where past opinions have been accepted as authoritiative and by whom; how the conclusions were reached; and the basis for the conclusions, including copies or citations of any research material used.

Any application or petition for an individual currently in F-1 status needs to include evidence the student has been maintaining status and has been authorized employment if applicable. Such evidence usually can be satisfied by submitting the latest Form I-20AB/I-20ID and a copy of the employment authorization card.

Hope this helps as well. Good luck on the rest of your journey.

Ant

I've given up hoping that my removal of conditions will be completed any time soon (I applied in Dec 08 and am still waiting!)

And is there a particular way that I should organize all the papers or can I just clip them all together with a cover letter and put them in a manilla folder?

Thanks very much

[Roosterwife 0]

Thank you. I'm applying on the grounds of being married to a US citizen and yes, I read all the requirements that you quoted from the guide. Since we have no children and the mortgage is in my name it seems to me that the evidence I'll be submitting (including joint bank account and credit card statements) will be sufficient. But I had just wanted to check with the VJ community.

Frankly, I've given up chasing the USCIS about my removal of conditions - there seems no point at this stage when I'm six weeks away from applying for citizenship which, as you said, will force them to pay me the attention I've paid such a handsome sum for!

Here's hoping that my citizenship application process goes much smoother and speedier!

And if there are any VJers with similar experiences or useful advice, please feel free to weigh in.

Thanks.

Hi Roosterwife,

Wow...you've been waiting for 10-11 months for the I-751 to be complete....seriously, you should start contacting your senator/congressman/ombudsman about your case too....as that's way too long to wait (believe me, I waited for that long too..see my VJ timeline for more info...)

As well, filing for the N-400 "forces" the I-751 to be completed, if not completed by then. So yes, file for citizenship as soon as posible!

As for organizing your paperwork, according to the USCIS...this is the way they like it.....

http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/men...0004718190aRCRD

General Tips on Assembling Applications for Mailing

Mark both the envelope and the cover letter as to the nature of the submission. Example: ORIGINAL SUBMISSION - BRIEF FOR AN APPEAL - RESPONSE TO REQUEST FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION - etc.

Use the appropriate mailing address and mark both the envelope and the cover letter as to the form type. Example: I-129; I-130; I-690; I-698, etc.

Provide both the receipt notice number and the A-Number as an identifier, if they are available.

If the packet is being resubmitted in response to a REQUEST FOR ADDITIONAL EVIDENCE (RFE), please place the notice requesting the additional evidence/information on the top of the packet. Also, please use the special mailing envelope provided.

If evidence is being submitted in support of a previously filed appeal or motion, a cover letter stating "BRIEF FOR APPEAL", etc., should be placed on top of the packet.

In preparing your packet, please take note of the following:

Do not use binders or folders that cannot be easily disassembled.

Use ACCO fasteners to hold together thick or bulky applications or petitions. Two-hole punching the top of the material for easy placement in the file is appreciated.

The use of tabs assist in locating items listed as attachments. The tabs should be placed on the bottom and not the side for ease in filing.

Avoid using heavy-duty staples; instead use ACCO fasteners or heavy clips.

Avoid submitting originals unless specifically required. Avoid submitting oversized documentation when possible.

If you are sending more than one case in an envelope, clearly separate the cases by rubber band or clip fasteners.

A form G-28 is not acceptable unless signed by the authorized representative and the petitioner (re: petitions) or the applicant (re: applications). Facsimile signature stamps are acceptable for the signature of the representatives. However, applicants/petitioners must live sign the initial Form G-28 submitted with the application/petition. Any subsequent Form G-28 relating to the same case may be a photocopy of the original, which should be already attached to the relating case.

Send copies of any prior approval notices with any new requests for extensions of stay, change of status or amended petitions.

Keep copies of all submissions. Don't assume the officer will have access to a prior file or record. Submit as complete a packet as possible so the case can be adjudicated from what you submit. Submit a complete packet of information for each petition or application. If officers have to review prior files or records, the adjudication of the case can be delayed substantially.

Be sure to complete all pertinent items on the petition or application. Ensure all entries on the forms are legible. Note the appropriate consulate, embassy, or a request to adjust status on the petition. Do note enter "N/A" when "None" is appropriate.

If you believe your situation to be unique, explain it fully in an attachment to the packet, not as a cover letter.

Please submit certified translations for all foreign language documents. The translator must certify that s/he is competent to translate and that the translation is accurate.

The certification format should include the certifier's name, signature, address, and date of certification. A suggested format is:

Certification by Translator

I [typed name], certify that I am fluent (conversant) in the English and ________ languages, and that the above/attached document is an accurate translation of the document attached entitled ______________________________.

Signature_________________________________

Date Typed Name

Address

USCIS no longer routinely requires submission of original documents or "certified copies." Instead, ordinary legible photocopies of such documents (including naturalization certificates and alien registration cards) will be acceptable for initial filing and approval of petitions and applications.

At the discretion of the officer, original documents may still be required in individual cases. Please be advised that USCIS no longer returns original documents submitted with the exception of Certificates of Naturalization, Forms I-551, Permanent Resident Card, Forms I-94, Arrival/Departure Document, valid passports, or those specifically requested by the officer. Such documents will be returned when they are no longer needed.

Reminder: The best way to locate records is through the receipt number and/or the A-Number. Always provide this information whenever possible. If you don't know the A-Number, provide a COMPLETE name and date of birth. ALSO: Provide ANY AND ALL names used by the individual, including aliases, maiden names, names used when originally admitted to the United States, etc. Providing this information is extremely helpful and speeds up processing time.

DUPLICATE FILINGS (without fee): Cases will be accepted as a duplicate filing only when USCIS has specifically requested that a duplicate be filed. In such a case be sure to submit the receipt number of original filing or any copies of notices received from USCIS on the first filing when submitting a duplicate petition or application.

The address block on the forms is the data field captured for all of our mailings. Consistent with the limitations on the number of characters per line (a maximum of 32) and the total numbers of lines (4) in that field, whatever is in the block will become the mailing address used by the system. The data in these fields is entered exactly as indicated on the forms. Please include internal routing symbols in the address block, especially for large organizations. It is better to abbreviate the name of the organization and have space for the routing codes than to fully spell out the name and have notices sit in the organization's mailroom.

Recognized authorities: Many I-129 petitions filed with evidence of the beneficiary's education or accomplishments include documentation submitted by various authorities. For example, petitions for artists and entertainers may incude evidence the beneficiary has received an award or other recognition of achievement. Petitions for individuals employed in a specialty occupation may include evidence the beneficiary belongs to a professional organization. When an individual's awards or membership is used to support a petition, evidence establishing the reputation of that organization must also be submitted. Examples of the type of evidence needed includes the following: the size and standing of the organization or the organization's requirements for membership and any other documentation which would establish the reputation of that organization.

When an opinion from a recognized authority is submitted, the opinion should state: the writer's qualifications as an expert; the writer's experience giving such opinions, citing specific instances where past opinions have been accepted as authoritiative and by whom; how the conclusions were reached; and the basis for the conclusions, including copies or citations of any research material used.

Any application or petition for an individual currently in F-1 status needs to include evidence the student has been maintaining status and has been authorized employment if applicable. Such evidence usually can be satisfied by submitting the latest Form I-20AB/I-20ID and a copy of the employment authorization card.

Hope this helps as well. Good luck on the rest of your journey.

Ant

I've given up hoping that my removal of conditions will be completed any time soon (I applied in Dec 08 and am still waiting!)

And is there a particular way that I should organize all the papers or can I just clip them all together with a cover letter and put them in a manilla folder?

Thanks very much

[NickD 202]

Keys words are joint and a common address, you got the taxes, and joint ownership, besides our home included vehicles and even our AKC dog that shows joint ownership. You don't mention insurance like health, home, auto, life, those to get really need proof that you are married. For common address, we just added copies of both my wife's and my drivers' license. And added a utility bill at the interview due to dirty tricks we heard about requesting this very poor form of evidence. Hell, called my electric company and told them to add my wife's name, wife didn't like that, but said we are doing this for the USCIS. She's liable anyway for that bill, as a married couple, we are liable for each others bill, but apparently the USCIS doesn't know that.

A friend had her application delayed for over a year due to lack of a utility bill, she provided after her interview, but they misplaced her application as well in the process, I felt that was a dirty trick, so we went in prepared, and a good thing at that.

Another friend had problems by not adding his wife to his property, another delay, but he went in with a letter from his bank showing that he would encounter very expensive refinancing charges to add her plus brought in copies of state statues showing his wife had a legal claim to his property, with or without her name on the deed. That got them through. First friend was in the Chicago office, second in Milwaukee, and we were in St. Paul. With the unfortunate experience of getting a hardass IO, but we were prepared due to their experiences. But have read here with some IO's, they don't even go through your evidence, marriage certificate and taxes are enough and well should be. There is no consistency in what you may run in to. So better to be well prepared.

Since they lost our first I-751 application and had a hell of a hard time trying to make a duplicate, copied two identical stacks for the N-400 and was really teed off they wanted yet another copy of my 50 page long printed on both sides divorce papers. Ever occur to them they did issue a conditional card with those divorce papers? Must think my wife got her card out of a Cracker Jack box. But went through it all again, kind of a combination of the AOS and I-751 for USC, just seems crazy. But if you want it, have to do it.

[Roosterwife 0]

Thanks. I'm going to add copies of drivers licences, joint car insurance, joint health insurance and evidence that we are each other's life insurance beneficiary to my packet and hope for the best.

Keys words are joint and a common address, you got the taxes, and joint ownership, besides our home included vehicles and even our AKC dog that shows joint ownership. You don't mention insurance like health, home, auto, life, those to get really need proof that you are married. For common address, we just added copies of both my wife's and my drivers' license. And added a utility bill at the interview due to dirty tricks we heard about requesting this very poor form of evidence. Hell, called my electric company and told them to add my wife's name, wife didn't like that, but said we are doing this for the USCIS. She's liable anyway for that bill, as a married couple, we are liable for each others bill, but apparently the USCIS doesn't know that.

A friend had her application delayed for over a year due to lack of a utility bill, she provided after her interview, but they misplaced her application as well in the process, I felt that was a dirty trick, so we went in prepared, and a good thing at that.

Another friend had problems by not adding his wife to his property, another delay, but he went in with a letter from his bank showing that he would encounter very expensive refinancing charges to add her plus brought in copies of state statues showing his wife had a legal claim to his property, with or without her name on the deed. That got them through. First friend was in the Chicago office, second in Milwaukee, and we were in St. Paul. With the unfortunate experience of getting a hardass IO, but we were prepared due to their experiences. But have read here with some IO's, they don't even go through your evidence, marriage certificate and taxes are enough and well should be. There is no consistency in what you may run in to. So better to be well prepared.

Since they lost our first I-751 application and had a hell of a hard time trying to make a duplicate, copied two identical stacks for the N-400 and was really teed off they wanted yet another copy of my 50 page long printed on both sides divorce papers. Ever occur to them they did issue a conditional card with those divorce papers? Must think my wife got her card out of a Cracker Jack box. But went through it all again, kind of a combination of the AOS and I-751 for USC, just seems crazy. But if you want it, have to do it.