Applying for N-400

[Journey2USC 0]

All, I am a new member here and this is my first post. I need help I am filing for N-400 in Feb , 2010. I am Greencard holder which I got via marraige. I was recently divorced. My First GC came in May of 2005. I know I have to wait 5 years since I am divorced. My questions are:

1.. Do I have to send my Divorce Decree when I initially file for N-400, I asked because I wont be applying via marriage to USC. Also apart from sending the check and my pictures do I have to send any other paperwork initially along with my N-400. ( I do not have any criminal background ).

2.. Is it true that I can apply 90 days prior to 5 years. If so I have read in few posts here that some ppl had there interviews and then had to reschedule those interviews or reinterview because there interview date was prior to 5 years of GC. Please can some one clarify that.

3.. I recently had my Biometrics done in last 8 months so I know that I have to pay for my Biometrics however I might not have to get them based on how USCIS looks at my biometrics. this lead to my 2nd point that If they dont look at my Bio than they might schedule me for interview prior to 5 years. How hard it is to reshedule the interview if its prior to 5 years of original GC.

Thanks for all your help in this matter.

[antda 13]

Hi Journey2USC,

Welcome to Visa Journey! I hope you will be able to find a lot of information and help, and enjoy your journey here too!

In answer your your questions (to the best of my ability):

1) Yes, you will have to send in a copy of your divorce decree, along with other papwerwork and evidence, for the N-400, as stated here:

Document Checklist for Form N-400, Application for Naturalization

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

You will also have to answer questions about your marriages/previous marriages, as well as your former spouse's marital status too, as stated on the N-400 application form itself.

2) Yes, you can apply for citizenship 90 days prior to 5 years, or anytime after that, under the general application rule. As for interview times, it depends on your local office, some are earlier than others, and some are later than others. And yes, it is true that some people have had interviews prior to their 3yr/5yr permanent residency requirement date. The best bet on this one, is to not send your application in right away. Wait a little bit (maybe on day 80, 70, or something like that, prior to your 5 years date), in case you are scheduled for an interview too early. There is no deadline as to when you have to apply for US Citzenship (or if you have to do this at all...not manditory). As long as you apply 90 days prior to the 5 years, or after that, then so be it. Do not apply before the 90 days though, as that will result in your application being rejected for filing too early.

3) Unforunately, more likely than not, you are going to have to do your biometrics/fingerprints again, despite having done them before. And even if they use your previous fingerprints that you did recently (if you don't mind me asking, why did you get your fingerprints done 8 months ago?), you still have to pay the $80 biomterics/fingerprints fee, regardless. Again, for interviews, it depends on your local office as to how fast/slow they schedule such, and it works the same way for the oath ceremonies too. But it is not until the oath ceremony that you become a US Citizen. So on that, technically, you can have an interview before your 5 yr date, but they won't schedule you an oath ceremony until after your 5yr date (other vjers have had this happen for their 3yr/5yr dates too...)

Overall, the US Citizenship applications are taking on average 2-6 months to complete...which is a big difference..so plan accordingly for that...

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

Ant

All, I am a new member here and this is my first post. I need help I am filing for N-400 in Feb , 2010. I am Greencard holder which I got via marraige. I was recently divorced. My First GC came in May of 2005. I know I have to wait 5 years since I am divorced. My questions are:

1.. Do I have to send my Divorce Decree when I initially file for N-400, I asked because I wont be applying via marriage to USC. Also apart from sending the check and my pictures do I have to send any other paperwork initially along with my N-400. ( I do not have any criminal background ).

2.. Is it true that I can apply 90 days prior to 5 years. If so I have read in few posts here that some ppl had there interviews and then had to reschedule those interviews or reinterview because there interview date was prior to 5 years of GC. Please can some one clarify that.

3.. I recently had my Biometrics done in last 8 months so I know that I have to pay for my Biometrics however I might not have to get them based on how USCIS looks at my biometrics. this lead to my 2nd point that If they dont look at my Bio than they might schedule me for interview prior to 5 years. How hard it is to reshedule the interview if its prior to 5 years of original GC.

Thanks for all your help in this matter.

Edited December 28, 2009 by Ant+D+BabyA

[MoroccanInTexas 24]

Hello fellow Texan

I will try to answer you to the best of my knowledge

1-It wont hurt if you do send my Divorce Decree even though you wont be applying via marriage to USC.

Also apart from sending the check and pictures send copy of your green card front and back.

2.. You can apply 90 days prior to 5 years. some ppl had there interviews and then had to reschedule those interviews or re interview because there interview date was prior to 5 years of GC. As the USCIS can not give you citizenship unless you qualify

3.. Relax rescheduling wont be that hard. You can always apply after the 5 years, this way you wont have to stress about all these scenarios.

Good luck

[Journey2USC 0]

Thank you fellows, I went on the link mentioned by Ant but no where it says which documents to send. I think I will wait a while before applying so I dont have to go through the hassle of reschedule. I did my Biometrics because USCIS never sent my 10year GC and I had to do a I-90. Also If someone who has been in my situation can please guide me exactly what documents to send so I can start preparing them.

Thanks

[Kathryn41 3,205]

If you go here you will see the Documents Checklist for the N-400 application: http://www.uscis.gov/files/article/attachments.pdf

You will also find it useful to read over the whole 'Guide to Naturalization' of which the above Documents Checklist is a part. If you are not using your marriage to a US citizen as the basis for your own citizenship application you do not have to send in any of the documents related to your marriage and divorce.

Here is the link to the Guide To Naturalization: http://www.uscis.gov/files/article/M-476.pdf

[Journey2USC 0]

Thank you Kathryn. I read those documents and feel like have a better understanding of the process now. just to recap all I will send with my app is Check for the Fees of N-400, N-400 form completely filled and my 2 passport size photos, and photocopy of my Green card. Is that correct.

[NickD 203]

Thank you Kathryn. I read those documents and feel like have a better understanding of the process now. just to recap all I will send with my app is Check for the Fees of N-400, N-400 form completely filled and my 2 passport size photos, and photocopy of my Green card. Is that correct.

They will still want to see three years of tax returns, correct me if I am wrong on this, will be helping my daughter do this in four months. With her going to college, just a single sheet EZ form for part time jobs, and the IRS did give her a label. Won't be anything like the stack we had to send in with marriage.