Photos and applying through marriage

[Marina-Del 10]

Hey all,

Two questions:

1) So on the N-400 instructions it says under "required evidence" for 1. Photographs "Only applicants who reside overseas must provide two identical color photographs of yourself taken recently.", but on the Visa Journey Step-by-Step guide, it says that ALL applicants must send in two identical color photographs.

So, do we need to send in the photos or not? Obviously I'm more inclined to think no, since that's what the instructions say. But, it's an easy thing to include, so better safe than sorry?

2) My husband has been living here since 2010, so he qualifies since we've lived in the U.S. for over 5 years. However, he also qualifies as we're still married, so technically he qualified like 3 years ago. My question is: Should we include documentation WITH THE ORIGINAL PACKET about our marriage as if he was applying based on marriage? Like my birth certificate, tax returns, children's birth certificates, etc? We could get these things, but it's more work if it's really not necessary.

What are your thoughts?

Thanks!

[neska2 3]

I'm confused with #2.

You did ROC in 2012 then he could have applied for naturalization in 2013. You said "As if applying through marriage" so assuming he's applying some other way but why?? marriage is the fastest way, you can apply for naturalization 3 years after getting your green card, any other way is at least 2 years more.

[Penguin_ie 5,993]

1. I believed this recently changed, and the Guide may not have been updated.

2. No need for marriage evidence, applying based on 5 year rule is easier and less paperwork.

[Marina-Del 10]

I'm confused with #2.

You did ROC in 2012 then he could have applied for naturalization in 2013. You said "As if applying through marriage" so assuming he's applying some other way but why?? marriage is the fastest way, you can apply for naturalization 3 years after getting your green card, any other way is at least 2 years more.

We've been living in the US for 6.5 years now, so he qualifies under the 5 year rule. He doesn't need me.

My question is (and I think it was answered below, although some more opinions would be appreciated), should we include evidence that we are still married (like we would have to do applying under the 3 year rule) even though he qualifies for the 5 year rule?

The previous poster said no. I plan on getting that stuff together for the interview anyway I guess, but I won't include it in my original packet if not necessary. If that's the case then I'm basically ready to send off now!

1. I believed this recently changed, and the Guide may not have been updated.

2. No need for marriage evidence, applying based on 5 year rule is easier and less paperwork.

Thanks! That's super helpful and much easier!

Edited November 22, 2016 by Marina-Del

[neska2 3]

We've been living in the US for 6.5 years now, so he qualifies under the 5 year rule. He doesn't need me.

My question is (and I think it was answered below, although some more opinions would be appreciated), should we include evidence that we are still married (like we would have to do applying under the 3 year rule) even though he qualifies for the 5 year rule?

The previous poster said no. I plan on getting that stuff together for the interview anyway I guess, but I won't include it in my original packet if not necessary. If that's the case then I'm basically ready to send off now!

Thanks! That's super helpful and much easier!

sorry, I'm not familiar with the 5 year rules, only with the 3 year ones, why wait 2 more years? We didn't want to and I don't see the process complicated nor involving too much paperwork. The photo requirements just recently changed, we had to submit them since we filed a few days before the change. I usually find the instructions on the USCIS website easy to follow, I ask when I'm not sure and I think is better to send more than asked than just what they ask for unless that means more time to get the papers.

Wish you the best.

[Marina-Del 10]

sorry, I'm not familiar with the 5 year rules, only with the 3 year ones, why wait 2 more years? We didn't want to and I don't see the process complicated nor involving too much paperwork. The photo requirements just recently changed, we had to submit them since we filed a few days before the change. I usually find the instructions on the USCIS website easy to follow, I ask when I'm not sure and I think is better to send more than asked than just what they ask for unless that means more time to get the papers.

Wish you the best.

Yes, but we're already been here 6 years, so there is no reason for us to "wait two more years". I agree in general that you might as well apply at 3 years, but we didn't so it's a moot point.

Anyway, I think I'll just send in what's asked for the 5 year rule and have the other marriage stuff ready for the interview. If they did ask for it before then, I could send it then. But, really there should be no reason for them to ask for it before since he more than qualifies even if we were no longer together.