Questions for Documents Needed in Filing N-400

[MrsChinita 1]

Hi Amazing VJs!

I am almost ready to file for my N-400. I have already obtained my 10 year PR card...and so are my kids of 15, 14 and 12 years old (from previous marriage). So we are now eligible to file for US Citizenship. I have a few questions that are lingering in my head right now and need some clarifications. Hoping that you guys can help me answer all of them before I send my application form and documents needed. Thank you in advance.

Here are some of the few questions:

1. Do I need to pay extra for my kids' biometrics? I know I have to pay $680 total for filing fee for myself, so do I need to pay for their biometrics too, outside the $680? For each child?

2. Do I need to send photocopies of their PR cards too? Or just mine only?

3. How about the 2 identical photos, do I have to send theirs too?

4. What about the IRS income tax forms, are they referring to the forms that H&R Block gave us since we filed jointly? Does it have to be Certified Copies? What does that mean? Is IRS tax return transcript the same as income tax forms?

Thanks for the important guidance I have been getting from this website. It is really important to understand everything since I am filing this on my own and not my lawyer.

Thank you so much, again.

[second stage 14]

Hi Amazing VJs!

I am almost ready to file for my N-400. I have already obtained my 10 year PR card...and so are my kids of 15, 14 and 12 years old (from previous marriage). So we are now eligible to file for US Citizenship. I have a few questions that are lingering in my head right now and need some clarifications. Hoping that you guys can help me answer all of them before I send my application form and documents needed. Thank you in advance.

Here are some of the few questions:

1. Do I need to pay extra for my kids' biometrics? I know I have to pay $680 total for filing fee for myself, so do I need to pay for their biometrics too, outside the $680? For each child?

2. Do I need to send photocopies of their PR cards too? Or just mine only?

3. How about the 2 identical photos, do I have to send theirs too?

4. What about the IRS income tax forms, are they referring to the forms that H&R Block gave us since we filed jointly? Does it have to be Certified Copies? What does that mean? Is IRS tax return transcript the same as income tax forms?

Thanks for the important guidance I have been getting from this website. It is really important to understand everything since I am filing this on my own and not my lawyer.

Thank you so much, again.

You have to be at-least 18 years when you file for naturalization so I don't think your kids can apply. Also, when you become a US citizen your kids may gain citizenship as well.

Were the kids born in the US? or outside US?

[AnotherLostSoul 167]

The OP is asking if she has to file a copy of her kids card as well, so the answer to your question "second stage" no, they were NOT born in the US. And as far as I know your kids can get their citizenship along with you as dependents. They do NOT have to wait until they are 18.

OP:

I don't think so (for question 1, 2, 3).

Under the Child Citizenship Act, the children will automagically become US citizens on the same day you naturalize, provided they are: (i) under 18 on that day, (ii) have a green card, (iii) have at least one American parent (you/your husband), and (iv) live in the legal and physical custody of that American parent.

You can apply for a Certificate of Citizenship from USCIS for them, but it's ~$500 per child and usually not a great idea. Instead, you can jump right to a US passport, which will also serve as proof of US citizenship for them.

You could already get their citizenship adjusted about two years ago through your husband (if he legally adopted them!!!!) before you ever thought of filing for yourself.

For the tax stuff. Just download the tax transcripts from the IRS website (you have to sign up for an account) and print them as many times as you wish. It's free, and no need for W2's and all other ####### you would need with the regular tax returns from HR/Turbo Tax etc. I hope this helps! Good luck!

[second stage 14]

The OP is asking if she has to file a copy of her kids card as well, so the answer to your question "second stage" no, they were NOT born in the US. And as far as I know your kids can get their citizenship along with you as dependents. They do NOT have to wait until they are 18.

OP:

I don't think so (for question 1, 2, 3).

OP, It maybe a good idea to include a copy of your Kids GC as the N-400 application does ask about any children you have and their A-number especially considering that they can become US citizens as well.

Edited June 12, 2014 by second stage

[AnotherLostSoul 167]

Second stage: I am not picking a fight, but I was not jumping into conclusion and I only answered also from what I knew. See her question #2. That's how I know that the kids are not US citizens....please don't attack me.

OP, It maybe a good idea to include a copy of your Kids GC as the N-400 application does ask about any children you have and their A-number especially considering that they can become US citizens as well.

[MrsChinita 1]

The OP is asking if she has to file a copy of her kids card as well, so the answer to your question "second stage" no, they were NOT born in the US. And as far as I know your kids can get their citizenship along with you as dependents. They do NOT have to wait until they are 18.

OP:

I don't think so (for question 1, 2, 3).

Under the Child Citizenship Act, the children will automagically become US citizens on the same day you naturalize, provided they are: (i) under 18 on that day, (ii) have a green card, (iii) have at least one American parent (you/your husband), and (iv) live in the legal and physical custody of that American parent.

You can apply for a Certificate of Citizenship from USCIS for them, but it's ~$500 per child and usually not a great idea. Instead, you can jump right to a US passport, which will also serve as proof of US citizenship for them.

You could already get their citizenship adjusted about two years ago through your husband (if he legally adopted them!!!!) before you ever thought of filing for yourself.

For the tax stuff. Just download the tax transcripts from the IRS website (you have to sign up for an account) and print them as many times as you wish. It's free, and no need for W2's and all other ####### you would need with the regular tax returns from HR/Turbo Tax etc. I hope this helps! Good luck!

Oh, thank you so much for the reply, AnotherLostSoul and thank you for the clarification. That's what I needed. Just like everybody else, I don't want to make mistakes. I will try to sign-up for the IRS on their website. Do I need anything to sign up there? Like my SSN? You have been very helpful, thank you very much.

Second Stage, yes, my kids are non-US Citizen. They were born outside the US. They have obtained their 10 year GC through me too. So I assumed they will be my dependents in filing for US Citizenship. That is the reason why I posted here, to clarify whether I have to send the above documents with mine as well. I can make copies of their GC just in case they will be looking for them too. Thank you for the advise that you gave me too.

Anything else I need to know before I send all my documents? What about the 2 identical photos, is it passport size? 2x2 size and white background? Is this the one they will put on the certificates?

In regards to the interview, do I need to bring all the copies of the documents of what I will send or bring everything (supporting documents included) that they will be looking for? Will I need my husband there with me?

Again, thank you so much.