N-400 citation response

[pittsburgher 0]

Hello, everyone.

I filed for my N 400, but I believe I have made an error.

On the question where you are asked if you were arrested/detained/cited, I have responded "No".

However, I have gotten a speeding ticket back in 2013. I had pleaded guilty and paid it on-line. The thing is - I had totally forgotten about this ticket and honestly did not even know that it qualifies for a "citation." I don't have a copy of this ticket and I also do not remember which court it was in, as I was driving across many states.

What should I do now? - My status says that my application is in queue for interview. I don't want it to look as 'falsification of info'- because it is not.

Any advise is highly appreciated.

[JimmyHou 611]

Hello, everyone.

I filed for my N 400, but I believe I have made an error.

On the question where you are asked if you were arrested/detained/cited, I have responded "No".

However, I have gotten a speeding ticket back in 2013. I had pleaded guilty and paid it on-line. The thing is - I had totally forgotten about this ticket and honestly did not even know that it qualifies for a "citation." I don't have a copy of this ticket and I also do not remember which court it was in, as I was driving across many states.

What should I do now? - My status says that my application is in queue for interview. I don't want it to look as 'falsification of info'- because it is not.

Any advise is highly appreciated.

1- A traffic ticket is a citation; no need to be confused about that.

2- The instructions in the Naturalization guide say that you don't need to present evidence of traffic citations under $500 unless they are alcohol related. However, it does not say (anywhere in any USCIS publication) that you don't have to disclose such incidents when asked about them on the application.

3- Regardless of what the instructions say, many (but not all) interviewers ask to see proof of payment anyway.

4- There's nothing wrong with correcting your N400 at the interview. People do it all the time.

You can tell them about it and explain the situation or you can keep silent and knowingly leave information off your application.

If I were in your situation, I would tell them about the ticket and tell them I have no proof of it. That may cause a delay or it may not.

Just my opinion, but I'd rather not knowingly withhold information.

Many people disagree with this and say that when they ask for citations they don't mean traffic citations. I think this comes from the Green Card application, which actually specifically says that.

Just a thought... if you paid this online in 2013, do you not have a credit card transaction that you can trace to the court in question?

Edited March 7, 2016 by JimmyHou

[squareleg 69]

Please carry "Driver History Abstract" or what is called transcript. However, I suggest, provide this information when asked rather than volunteering for it. Hope this helps.

[akihon 129]

I just realized this issue myself as well, as I had completely forgotten about a ticket that was issued to me while I was away on business last year. It was paid off, but now I'm trying to pull the information together to bring to the interview.

Just a copy of the ticket (if I can find it) and my credit card statement showing the payment.

Edited March 7, 2016 by akihon

[Chegayl 0]

I was told that I didn't have to put it in my application because it was less than $500. During my interview though I told the IO I got a speeding ticket a few years ago when she asked if I ever received a citation before. All she asked was if it was under $500 and I wasn't under the influence. I only have the traffic school receipt for evidence and she didn't ask for anything. I think it only applies for DUI's and more serious offenses such as reckless driving or hit and runs.

[Ms Hogan 295]

I just realized this issue myself as well, as I had completely forgotten about a ticket that was issued to me while I was away on business last year. It was paid off, but now I'm trying to pull the information together to bring to the interview.

Just a copy of the ticket (if I can find it) and my credit card statement showing the payment.

I got my drivers's abstract to go along with my payment as I had no copy of the ticket.