N-400 evidence

[kg8183 1]

Hi all.

I will be applying for citizenship based on the 3 yr rule.

I was goin to send out the N-400 package with just the bare minimum they ask for - the tax transcrips for the last 3 years and a copy of the marriage certificate. Also, planning to take all the other evidence with me to the interview.

Then, it occurred to me that since I came to the US on IR-1 and got the GC, we haven't dealt with the USCIS (my GC was not conditional, as we were married for over whatever the threshold is when it was issued). So this got me thinking maybe I should also include copies of the most recent joint- lease, utility bill, bank statement, and copy of our son's birth certificate.

What do you guys think?

Thanks for any advice!

[lost_at_sea 995]

That's all I just sent under the 3 year rule. Tax returns, marriage cert, his birth certificate, his divorce decree (copies of all). I'll take anything else they mentioned to the interview. I basically just followed their checklist exactly (I even included it, ticking off what I've put in the package, just to make it crystal clear to them that I've followed their directions).

https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/files/article/attachments.pdf

It's up to you if you want to include the extra stuff, but the checklist clearly says OR between the examples of what to include for evidence under the 3 year rule.

Edited August 22, 2016 by lost_at_sea

[kg8183 1]

That's all I just sent under the 3 year rule. Tax returns, marriage cert, his birth certificate, his divorce decree (copies of all). I'll take anything else they mentioned to the interview. I basically just followed their checklist exactly (I even included it, ticking off what I've put in the package, just to make it crystal clear to them that I've followed their directions).

https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/files/article/attachments.pdf

It's up to you if you want to include the extra stuff, but the checklist clearly says OR between the examples of what to include for evidence under the 3 year rule.

Thanks. I saw the instructions and that's why I am leaning towards only sending tax transcripts, marriage certificate and copy of my wife's certificate of naturalization.

By the way, what did you do with Part 9? Specifically, did you include the number of days outside the US before coming to the US? How about the trips prior to GC?

I think I am crossing off 5 and putting 3 for 9.1-9.3 and including only things after getting the GC.

Thanks

[Penguin_ie 5,993]

I came on an IR-1 too, having been married more than 2 years when I got the visa.

Like you, I crossed out 5 and wrote in 3, and only gave the info for that time, ie my time in the USA.

I only sent the minimum (makes the package cheaper ), and then brought things like joint names on the deed to our house, checkbook with both our names, and birthcert of our kids (born in Ireland and one in the USA) with me to interview.

[Cheezees 1,514]

I sent the "bare bones" evidence as well. I also don't see where it says that at the interview I have to provide more than the "OR" that they listed that I chose. Perhaps I have to read some more?

[EM_Vandaveer 2,408]

I also crossed out 5 years and wrote 3 years there and then answered the questions accordingly.

I sent joint tax transcripts and the birth certificates of our children.

My husband accompanied me to the interview. He could not come with me into the IO's office, but the IO did ask me if he was my husband. I said yes and I also had his US passport with me. The IO looked at that.

Edited August 23, 2016 by EM_Vandaveer

[charmander 692]

I sent the "bare bones" evidence as well. I also don't see where it says that at the interview I have to provide more than the "OR" that they listed that I chose. Perhaps I have to read some more?

Naturalization interview document checklist Form N-659 states bring proof that you and your spouse lived in marital union for at least 3 years at the time of filing for naturalization. That form comes along with the interview letter.

[lost_at_sea 995]

I only filled out Part 9 with the days I've been outside the US since becoming an LPR (117 total, IIRC!).

[kg8183 1]

Thank you everyone for your input!

[JnJ13 13]

I only filled out Part 9 with the days I've been outside the US since becoming an LPR (117 total, IIRC!).

You only count the day if you are out of the country for 24 hours correct?

[kg8183 1]

You only count the day if you are out of the country for 24 hours correct?

Our approach has been:

1) if left and came back to the US in less then 24 hrs (ie day trip to Canada) --> was not included in # of trips outside the US --> was not included in # of days outside the US

2) if trip lasted more than 24hrs --> counted in the number of trips outside --> partial days on each end included as full days to calculate # of days outside

[lost_at_sea 995]

You only count the day if you are out of the country for 24 hours correct?

That's what the instructions say. I never took any trips that short, and I rounded up on half days at the start or end of a trip because I figured I was also writing down the day I left and returned, so they can probably figure out what that means.

Don't stress that Q too much, unless you've been outside the USA for A LOT of days (like, enough to make them question your residency), it's not going to matter much at the end of the day.

[JnJ13 13]

Our approach has been:

1) if left and came back to the US in less then 24 hrs (ie day trip to Canada) --> was not included in # of trips outside the US --> was not included in # of days outside the US

2) if trip lasted more than 24hrs --> counted in the number of trips outside --> partial days on each end included as full days to calculate # of days outside

That's what the instructions say. I never took any trips that short, and I rounded up on half days at the start or end of a trip because I figured I was also writing down the day I left and returned, so they can probably figure out what that means.

Don't stress that Q too much, unless you've been outside the USA for A LOT of days (like, enough to make them question your residency), it's not going to matter much at the end of the day.

Thanks for the responses! I haven't been out enough for it to be a big deal. Only include time as LPR correct? Or do I include a trip when I had AP?

Edited August 26, 2016 by JnJ13

[neodragon0l 6]

It seems implied that that it is based on your rule (3 years vs. 5 years), but the question was poorly written. I hate this question. I did not want to alter the question. So, I did not cross it out and put zero on my wife's application. If they question it at the interview, I will make sure my wife is prepared (no, it is not a good way to your love one to the immigration pit). I hope I did not make a serious mistake.

[RodDetroit 118]

In my case I spent 20 days outside of the US since i got my CPR ( still waiting to remove the condition) , does it mean that those days are accounted against me o apply for citizenship ?