Formal way of presenting N-400 package?

[CanAmCharlotte 0]

I've gathered the contents for my N-400 package to send next Friday. Is there a way of sending this package that is preferred by the USCIS (like using ACCO clips at the top of the documents and tabs along the bottom)? My package is only about a third of what I sent for the ROC. I'm just sending (joint) IRS tax transcripts for the past three years, joint bank account statements covering the same period, and a mortgage agreement with both of our names.

Edited July 5, 2009 by CanAmCharlotte

[jsnearline 2]

The document checklist at the back of the Guide to Naturalization may give you some clues how to organize your evidence. We put a table of contents at the front of our filing. We ddin't use any fastener clips. We just put the filing in a file folder.

Edited July 5, 2009 by jsnearline

[Kathryn41 3,205]

I used the acco fasteners and yes, my application was substantially smaller than ROC

[J&D 0]

It would be better if they had exact instructions, but since the USCIS file their own way, I just put a bunch of papers in, fastened only with paper clips where necessary and with the cover letter explaining what was what in the order it was sent in. No file folders or fancy clips etc. I had no issues with that during the ROC, so I did the same thing with the N-400.

[NickD 203]

We send everything we sent in for the I-751 plus another state copy of our marriage certificate and those very long divorce papers. From experiences of our friends ahead of us, a joint utility bill, but not with the package, brought that in for the interview, and a good thing too, apparently a 3 1/2 inch stack of evidence was not enough for my wife's IO.

Key word is joint, and not that joint on the corner that serves beer, joint taxes, ownership, bank accounts, insurance, and other legal documents proving you share the same address. I can only wonder what we would have sent in if we waited another couple years. We also used those Acco fasteners with a cover sheet typing a simple heading like Joint Taxes, and others for each category, with the last one, Miscellaneous including some photos to let them know we were live people. Didn't do a cover letter like with the I-751, and since I had a postage scale and a bunch of first class stamps, just sent it off first class. Took one day longer and checked my bank account online statement, printed off the check as proof they got it and cashed the check, two days after we mailed it. USC went so much faster than the I-751, was really suprised because the NOA stated at least a 288 day wait, oath ceremony took about 155 days from the day we sent it in.

Spend a day with my wife's friend and her USC husband that is behind us, she finally got her conditional card and is studying hard for USC, but her hangup is learning English that makes the civic test that much more difficult. From day one with my wife and step daughter, learning English was key, LOL, learning English cuss words is the the easiest and the funniest, but had to start somewhere.

[CColdwell 0]

When I sent in my N400, I had the cover letter, then all the documents listed in the cover letter after the cover letter. I used a paperclip to attach the passport style photos and cheque to the cover letter.

In order this was my packet:

- cheque / passport style photos

- cover letter

- application

- extra page for employment because I ran out of room

- greencard copy

Good Luck!

Edited July 6, 2009 by CColdwell

[antda 13]

Hi Everyone,

From the USCIS website: "General Tips on Assembling Applications for Mailing":

http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/men...00045f3d6a1RCRD

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 you all, as to how to submit your applications to the USCIS, regardless of stage of the immigration game....

Good luck on submitting your applications and good luck on the rest of your immigration journeys too!

Ant

Edited July 6, 2009 by AntandD

[CanAmCharlotte 0]

Thanks! I had seen that before but was thinking it only applied to the ROC stage. I'm sure you can imagine all the crazy different ways people send this stuff in!

[J&D 0]

General Tips on Assembling Applications for Mailing

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

Darn, I got this info too late Ant. I could have explained in my attachment to the packet:

N-400 - Unique Situation: Crazy Irishman currently baking to death in 100F in Florida yet frightened to go swimming in the Gulf of Mexico for fear of being eaten alive by sharks seeks US Citizenship soonest.

[jsnearline 2]

The way I see it, as long as the filing is well organized and USCIS can make sense of what we're sending them, why not let them do the hole punching, tabbing, ACCO fastening, etc... After all, we're paying them almost $700.

Edited July 8, 2009 by jsnearline