applying under the 3 year marriage rule

[venusfire503 54]

Ok, in the VJ guide they cover documents needed to file. Under the "If you are applying for naturalization on the basis of marriage to a U.S. citizen" part, it mentions:

4. 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.

It seems many people feel the need to send all the non-tax documents (option 1 above) even if they are sending IRS certified copies, or tax transcripts. It seems to be unnecessary, though. What I'm wondering is if these things (bank accounts, leases, mortgages, birth certificates of children) or any other things (like all those things we sent for the 2 and 10 year card) are necessary when going to the interview? Or are we actually done with "proof" once the packet is sent (short of RFE asking to send something we missed)?

I'm curious about this since we're planning to send our package very soon. Also, I hope if others read this, it will help clarify things for them as well.

Thanks!

venusfire

Edited April 19, 2010 by venusfire503

[Brother Hesekiel 2,235]

The default setting is that you are done with "proof" as you stated it so eloquently. I would just send the required documents and, in regard to taxes, the tax transcripts. However, you never know who you gonna encounter when sitting in the hot chair, so it might be a good idea to just put a few items in your backpack when heading to the USCIS office. Can't hurt, and it's better than not having those and being asked for "proof." Take your house/apartment rent, a couple of bank statements from the past year, and one or two other documents, like a current credit card statement or car registration or AAA card, etc.

[venusfire503 54]

The default setting is that you are done with "proof" as you stated it so eloquently. I would just send the required documents and, in regard to taxes, the tax transcripts. However, you never know who you gonna encounter when sitting in the hot chair, so it might be a good idea to just put a few items in your backpack when heading to the USCIS office. Can't hurt, and it's better than not having those and being asked for "proof." Take your house/apartment rent, a couple of bank statements from the past year, and one or two other documents, like a current credit card statement or car registration or AAA card, etc.

I heard pictures and things like that were a good idea too.... I guess it's kind of like visa/AOS/ROC all over again....

Thanks!

venusfire

[Kathryn41 3,205]

This is the easiest and simplest of all immigration applications. The list of evidence states A) OR B) OR C) - it doesn't state 'AND". Take them at their word, send only one of the documents requested under any 'or' listing. Do not send any more evidence with the actual application than is listed. They do not actually review the application until you show up for your interview so it is just as easy to bring along additional documents to the interview in case they might be needed rather than include them in the application. That is what I did - only included the exact items listed - no more and no less. I brought my file of supporting additional material with me to the interview but they were not at all interested in seeing any of it. She went through my application for the first time with me sitting there, going line by line and verifying everything, then she checked off on a check list the additional materials that were requested. I asked if she wanted to see the originals and she said no.

All they are trying to do is verify that you are eligible for the 3 year option (still legally married to the same US citizen), that you have been a good permanent resident (paid your taxes, no illegal activities) and that you meet the standard eligibility requirements (physical presence, continual residence, civics test, knowledge of English).

So, don't over think this - give them only what is requested and take the rest with you to the interview .

[venusfire503 54]

This is the easiest and simplest of all immigration applications. The list of evidence states A) OR B) OR C) - it doesn't state 'AND". Take them at their word, send only one of the documents requested under any 'or' listing. Do not send any more evidence with the actual application than is listed. They do not actually review the application until you show up for your interview so it is just as easy to bring along additional documents to the interview in case they might be needed rather than include them in the application. That is what I did - only included the exact items listed - no more and no less. I brought my file of supporting additional material with me to the interview but they were not at all interested in seeing any of it. She went through my application for the first time with me sitting there, going line by line and verifying everything, then she checked off on a check list the additional materials that were requested. I asked if she wanted to see the originals and she said no.

All they are trying to do is verify that you are eligible for the 3 year option (still legally married to the same US citizen), that you have been a good permanent resident (paid your taxes, no illegal activities) and that you meet the standard eligibility requirements (physical presence, continual residence, civics test, knowledge of English).

So, don't over think this - give them only what is requested and take the rest with you to the interview .

Sounds good - thanks!

venusfire