3 years N-400

[russian_armenian 4]

My I-751 was just approved and I can send I-400 in a couple of months based on marraige to USC. N-400 guide asks for IRS transcripts only as a proof that marriage is still valid. But people on forums write that we need to send many additional docs. So, do we have to assemble the same package as for I-751 in terms of marriage validity or we should send just what is advised in N-400 guide and bring additional docs to the interview?

Is it better to go to the interview together with hubby or he does not really have to take a day off?

One more question, can we use PO Box as a mailing address? I dont want to get a lawyer again but our mail get lost often (I have not even gotten notices from CIS on I-751-lawyer send his copies). Thanks.

[akdiver 3]

or we should send just what is advised in N-400 guide and bring additional docs to the interview?

You only need to submit the documents specified in the instructions (which refer to the checklist).

Is it better to go to the interview together with hubby or he does not really have to take a day off?

Citizen cannot attend the interview.

One more question, can we use PO Box as a mailing address?

Yes. I have only ever used a PO box with any USCIS process. Never had lost mail.

[NickD 203]

My I-751 was just approved and I can send I-400 in a couple of months based on marraige to USC. N-400 guide asks for IRS transcripts only as a proof that marriage is still valid. But people on forums write that we need to send many additional docs. So, do we have to assemble the same package as for I-751 in terms of marriage validity or we should send just what is advised in N-400 guide and bring additional docs to the interview?

Is it better to go to the interview together with hubby or he does not really have to take a day off?

One more question, can we use PO Box as a mailing address? I dont want to get a lawyer again but our mail get lost often (I have not even gotten notices from CIS on I-751-lawyer send his copies). Thanks.

It was quite an ordeal again, for the three year marriage privilege, not only have to provide proof that you were free to marry, your valid marriage certificate, but that you were living together for that three year period. And the more evidence you can dig up, the better. Yes, it seemed redundant since you already have been through that twice. Next bit of proof, were you living in this country for those three years, they want you to list the number of days you were out of the country for periods of 24 hours or more. You have to be willing to bear arms of this country, wonder how they get around that with many states and cities saying that you cannot bear arms. But I guess that is their problem, just say you are willing.

Make sure you answer yes if you committed a crime you were never caught or arrested for, hmmm, can only wonder if that includes taking a cookie out of the jar when your mom wasn't looking or bad thoughts.

Have to list all fund raising organizations you contributed to or were a member of, I gather that includes such corrupt organizations as the United Way and the Red Cross.

Have to include a copy of your green card, I gather they have no knowledge of issuing that card, plus a couple of passport photos, but don't smile. That's easy to do if you have your photo taken after you compiled all the evidence and filled out the form.

Oh, and don't forget the check.

[russian_armenian 4]

Thanks to Akdiver and NickD.

If I understand correctly, I can send it with IRS transcripts only. But do I still have to get the same huge package to interview as for I-751?

NickD, I might not remember all fundraising .orgs I have sent money (I dont keep record even for IRS because it is like $20 here $30 there). Hope it is not a problem.

I dont have any court appeals, arrests, DUIs, speeding tickets (at this point so). But I have 1000 of parking tickets all over the country. Parking ticket is not a citation, right? Or do I have to dig every county I have been driving through for a record that I have paid it (parking tickets were from $15 to $120 or $150 range)?

And one more question. Do I need only Fed and State transciripts or local tax returns too? Thanks.

or we should send just what is advised in N-400 guide and bring additional docs to the interview?

You only need to submit the documents specified in the instructions (which refer to the checklist).

Is it better to go to the interview together with hubby or he does not really have to take a day off?

Citizen cannot attend the interview.

One more question, can we use PO Box as a mailing address?

Yes. I have only ever used a PO box with any USCIS process. Never had lost mail.

[NickD 203]

Thanks to Akdiver and NickD.

If I understand correctly, I can send it with IRS transcripts only. But do I still have to get the same huge package to interview as for I-751?

NickD, I might not remember all fundraising .orgs I have sent money (I dont keep record even for IRS because it is like $20 here $30 there). Hope it is not a problem.

I dont have any court appeals, arrests, DUIs, speeding tickets (at this point so). But I have 1000 of parking tickets all over the country. Parking ticket is not a citation, right? Or do I have to dig every county I have been driving through for a record that I have paid it (parking tickets were from $15 to $120 or $150 range)?

And one more question. Do I need only Fed and State transciripts or local tax returns too? Thanks.

or we should send just what is advised in N-400 guide and bring additional docs to the interview?

You only need to submit the documents specified in the instructions (which refer to the checklist).

Is it better to go to the interview together with hubby or he does not really have to take a day off?

Citizen cannot attend the interview.

One more question, can we use PO Box as a mailing address?

Yes. I have only ever used a PO box with any USCIS process. Never had lost mail.

Wouldn't bother with parking tickets as long as they all were paid and just your federal taxes. Gee, was just talking to guy the other day who has to pay 15 bucks to park his car just to go to work, that's $3,750.00 a year, more than that since that is post tax dollars and not a deduction on his tax returns. Think these cities are crazy, moved to a smaller town, free and plenty of parking everywhere.

[russian_armenian 4]

Oh, God. Dont even mention...It reminds me years back when I had to pay $15-20 a day for parking six days a week; plus so many tickets since only places you could park were metered parkings for 1 hour. I were getting tickets almost every day. Was making decent money for a newcomer but could not save a penny (and just did not have energy to take bus since I was going to school after work).

Wouldn't bother with parking tickets as long as they all were paid and just your federal taxes. Gee, was just talking to guy the other day who has to pay 15 bucks to park his car just to go to work, that's $3,750.00 a year, more than that since that is post tax dollars and not a deduction on his tax returns. Think these cities are crazy, moved to a smaller town, free and plenty of parking everywhere.

[ilovecookies 0]

yeah it seems pretty redundant (and so is this answer LOL) but when i went to the interview i brought all the documents i used for the I-751. I included a lot of the same evidence for my N400, assuming USCIS people don't have any of my paperwork. I guess the more evidence you have, the better!

[NickD 203]

yeah it seems pretty redundant (and so is this answer LOL) but when i went to the interview i brought all the documents i used for the I-751. I included a lot of the same evidence for my N400, assuming USCIS people don't have any of my paperwork. I guess the more evidence you have, the better!

Wife said she saw her folder at her citizenship interview, over three inches high, can believe that looking at our own stack of extra copies we made just in case the USCIS lost her folder. And they have been known to do that for several of her friends. In exchange, we got an EAD card, two green cards, and a rather thin certificate plus a very thin folder of I-797's

Most of it is proof that we are legally married, and have been living together, oh, and we are paying taxes.

[motu 6]

You do not need to send anything more than the IRS transcripts (or copies of tax returns). Your husband should go to the interview in case they want to ask if you are still married and together (but may be OK if he doesn't go - I am going to my wife's interview when it happens); No need to carry any other evidence to the interview (unless you want to take copies of the same N400 application and IRS transcripts). This is the easiest of all the interviews - so relax and don't worry too much. Good Luck

[NickD 203]

You do not need to send anything more than the IRS transcripts (or copies of tax returns).

Where did you hear that from, sure wasn't my wife's experience nor her friend that was ten months ahead of her. Her friend did bring in tax returns, joint home ownership, copies of divorce papers, marriage certificate, etc., her IO wanted utility bills as where with both their names on it.

We already did all of that above including health, home, life, and auto insurance, bank and credit card statements, copies of driver's license's showing we both lived at the same address, and I did go in with my wife, but they didn't want to see me, just paper work. USC also needs to show proof of USC. At the interview, need proof of LPR, and your passports to verify your trips out of the country. I your passport was renewed, better bring in the previous in as well plus all the original documents you made copies of to send in with your application.

Or just your tax returns if you have a crystal ball that says your IO will only ask to see those. If you have to go to court, your attorney can chose which judge hears your case, with the USCIS, you get whatever they throw at you. Can be a long delay.

[ilovecookies 0]

well everyone is entitled to their own opinion, and again i am basing mine on my personal experience. i was one of those applicants that carried a whole stack of evidence with me (after reading how some officers asked for bank statements, tax returns, employment letter, etc). i am glad i did, because the officer asked for my current employee ID (wow i am so glad i had that in my purse or else i never would have thought to bring it with me). he also saw my hubby sitting next to me in the waiting room (we constantly look into each other's eyes and hold hands hahaha). a lady that was interviewed before me came out very disappointed, and was given a sheet of paper which she showed her husband. they were looking for something in her purse. this couple didn't have any paperwork with them. when the officer came out to call me, they approached him and was pointing to the paper. i guess he needed to see something else because then the couple left.

[motu 6]

You do not need to send anything more than the IRS transcripts (or copies of tax returns).

Where did you hear that from, sure wasn't my wife's experience nor her friend that was ten months ahead of her. Her friend did bring in tax returns, joint home ownership, copies of divorce papers, marriage certificate, etc., her IO wanted utility bills as where with both their names on it.

I only submitted copies of tax returns (3 years) with my N400 application; drove to the interview from work and carried nothing other than my driver's license and some money.

The interviewer had my tax returns in front of her, asked me a few questions and then asked me if I wanted to go for the oath ceremony the same day (some people were no shows that day)! I told her No, since I wasn't in a hurry to travel or anything (told her to give the spot to someone else who wants it since I know a lot of people might be in a hurry for this to get their passports or to sponsor relatives etc. - none of which I was planning to do at that point).

Got my oath letter a few weeks after that.

So, I didn't hear it from anyone. This is what I did - I followed the instructions on the N400 and nothing more. You can do what you feel comfortable with but in my opinion, you do not need anything other than the basic tax transcripts. Good Luck

[NickD 203]

I only submitted copies of tax returns (3 years) with my N400 application; drove to the interview from work and carried nothing other than my driver's license and some money.

LOL, not even your green card or interview letter? Did you apply for the 3 or the 5 year? 5 year is much simpler, not all that living together married stuff. Bet a thousand people here would have loved to say the oath the same day, Denver must be the field office to go to.

I agree that tax returns should be sufficient, as long as you are paying taxes, they should be more than happy, but some of us got real stinkers for an interviewer, wife was one of them. Seems like no set policy from one interviewer to the next.

See you are from Colombia, have some great in-laws there, looking forward to seeing them again, soon. None to them are involved in the drug market, all hard working people. But my brother-in-law grows coffee beans, have to go back to get some more.

[russian_armenian 4]

Thank you very much. I guess I will do with taxes and house deed only. I will take just in case some other stuff to the interview. Thanks again to all.

You do not need to send anything more than the IRS transcripts (or copies of tax returns).

Where did you hear that from, sure wasn't my wife's experience nor her friend that was ten months ahead of her. Her friend did bring in tax returns, joint home ownership, copies of divorce papers, marriage certificate, etc., her IO wanted utility bills as where with both their names on it.

I only submitted copies of tax returns (3 years) with my N400 application; drove to the interview from work and carried nothing other than my driver's license and some money.

The interviewer had my tax returns in front of her, asked me a few questions and then asked me if I wanted to go for the oath ceremony the same day (some people were no shows that day)! I told her No, since I wasn't in a hurry to travel or anything (told her to give the spot to someone else who wants it since I know a lot of people might be in a hurry for this to get their passports or to sponsor relatives etc. - none of which I was planning to do at that point).

Got my oath letter a few weeks after that.

So, I didn't hear it from anyone. This is what I did - I followed the instructions on the N400 and nothing more. You can do what you feel comfortable with but in my opinion, you do not need anything other than the basic tax transcripts. Good Luck

[antda 13]

Hi Russian_American,

According to the USCIS' website "Document Checklist for form N-400, Application for Naturalization, it says you need the following: http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=6f547db185e43110VgnVCM1000004718190aRCRD&vgnextchannel=11616c854523d010VgnVCM10000048f3d6a1RCRD

Hope this helps too, in terms of figuring out what you need exactly paperwork-wise for the N-400.

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