Applying for Citizenship

[trouble101 0]

I was looking around for a step by step guide to apply for citizenship.

Someone advise me that it's not necessary to hire am attorney for this paperwork but I just want to make sure I am doing evrything right and sending the correct paperwork.

Can I get some help?

Thank you!

[Dakine 26]

I was looking around for a step by step guide to apply for citizenship.

Someone advise me that it's not necessary to hire am attorney for this paperwork but I just want to make sure I am doing evrything right and sending the correct paperwork.

Can I get some help?

Thank you!

Check the GUIDES

http://www.visajourney.com/content/naturalization_guide

http://www.uscis.gov/files/article/attachments.pdf

Edited April 15, 2010 by Dakine

[v333k 59]

Check the GUIDES

http://www.visajourney.com/content/naturalization_guide

http://www.uscis.gov/files/article/attachments.pdf

One of the best documents to read is the Naturalization Guide http://www.uscis.gov/files/article/M-476.pdf

Also, read the N-400 instructions.

But definitely, you do not need a lawyer to do simple paper work for you.

Good luck

[NickD 202]

This is the latest bulletin from the USCIS regarding evidence requirements:

Document Checklist for Form N-400, Application for Naturalization

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

1. 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
2. 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
3. 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:

1. 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.

Last updated:03/03/2010

Where does it say anything about sending five years of tax returns for the five year application, only mentioned when applying under the marriage privilege. And under marriage, sure doesn't say anything about home, vehicle joint ownership, insurance, and certainly nothing about a utility bill.

Suppose one could print this out from http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=6f547db185e43110VgnVCM1000004718190aRCRD&vgnextchannel=11616c854523d010VgnVCM10000048f3d6a1RCRD and attempt to argue it out. Think is, you can't argue with the USCIS.

[trouble101 0]

Thank you all for your help.

I do have more question: If my husband was married before and I have acquiered my residency thanks to him. Do i have to send his divorce papers?

[venusfire503 54]

Thank you all for your help.

I do have more question: If my husband was married before and I have acquiered my residency thanks to him. Do i have to send his divorce papers?

Yes, you do. My husband has to send my divorce decree for the same reason.

Best of luck!

venusfire