Opinion on whether to e-file or mail-in N-400

[SM84 6]

Hi 

 

Could anyone advise if there are any advantages in e-filing vs mailing-in the N-400?

 

Any recommendations?

[GreatDane 366]

The main thing is not having to deal with printing physical copies and having everything in one online platform. I preferred to do in via mailing it in just because it's what we've done so far and the process was so new. Filed in July. So far, it doesn't seem to have an impact on how fast petitions are processed as it mostly has to do with local offices anyways. 

[Going through 5,671]

I filed online---personally I believe my case moved faster in part because of that, especially considering NY is normally backlogged with applicants.  From my date of filing to date of interview was less than 3 months.  Your mileage may vary, of course.

 

I did like the instant online submission of the application (instead of the stress of wondering if it would get lost in the mail, documents being separated/misplaced by USCIS, how long it would take to be delivered, and the expense of expedited mailing), and the instant Notice of Receipt.  I also appreciated the real-time online updates of how my case was progressing and being able to see PDFs of letters mailed out to me well before I received the physical copies in the mail, with the option to print them out.  The idea of being able to instantly view and respond to any RFE's online as well, instead of further delaying through mailing times, was also a bonus.

 

Best thing to do before deciding on how to file is to read lots of threads on online filing here and in other places, to determine any pros and cons and how you feel about them yourself, as well as any tips for online filing/paper mailing.  That's what I did for a couple of weeks before finally putting in my application online.

 

There can be some glitches to the online system (mainly that some documents upload in duplicate for some people, but to me that didn't matter so long as the documents attached properly in the end), but personally I would recommend it  (you can see my timeline below in red).

Edited November 10, 2017 by Going through

[GoBig 25]

everyone comments based on their own experiences and case processing. it's not about how you submit your application materials(e-file vs mail ),as it's just a little bit extra workload if choosing the mail,while e-filing is offering some convenience,kind like 20 minutes-online shopping and pay the money at the end and your order is on the way.

 

but the key is how your background check gets cleared (it varies significantly in every case. there is no trend or prediction between one and another from the same home country,as everyone grows up differently )--this i personally believe plays the biggest difference, plus the caseload in  your assigned field office. The sooner you get cleared, the earlier you are in line for interview and oath.

Edited November 10, 2017 by usdreamer

[SamBillz 23]

Everyone pointed out what’s out there. Really, it is a personal preference and I was a bit reluctant myself before actually filing it online. Case processing times may not differ much but I still feel that it felt a hint quicker. The only reason I was unsure whether to apply online or not was because I wasn’t sure how reliable the system works. Convenience is the biggest advantage in my opinion. 

[GoBig 25]

like i said above, the submission part is taking about 10% of the whole process, just like online shopping vs traditional shopping . After submission, the rest will be pretty much the same pace and is out of your control. 

[Name O Boy 511]

@Going through Hi since you filed  N-400 online. I have a question regarding uploading the evidence. How much evidence or documents you could upload or attach to your N-400 online application? did you file based on 3 years rule or 5 years?  Thanks, Regards  

Edited November 12, 2017 by Name O Boy

[GoBig 25]

22 minutes ago, Name O Boy said:

@Going through Hi since you filed  N-400 online. I have a question regarding uploading the evidence. How much evidence or documents you could upload or attach to your N-400 online application? did you file based on 3 years rule or 5 years?  Thanks, Regards  

there are required documents and optional documents..depending on your 3 or 5-year rule. There is no strict rule for that. No matter what you upload, you need to bring all to the interview. 

[Name O Boy 511]

1 hour ago, GoBig said:

there are required documents and optional documents..depending on your 3 or 5-year rule. There is no strict rule for that. No matter what you upload, you need to bring all to the interview. 

It depends, you don't need to bring all of your documents to the interview. They state in the interview letter what documents in specific they need. Since @Going through filed online would be in a better position to answer. Thanks 

[Going through 5,671]

2 hours ago, Name O Boy said:

@Going through Hi since you filed  N-400 online. I have a question regarding uploading the evidence. How much evidence or documents you could upload or attach to your N-400 online application? did you file based on 3 years rule or 5 years?  Thanks, Regards  

I filed based on the 5 year rule.  You can see my timeline below in red.

 

You can upload as many documents as you want USCIS to consider.  Make sure you upload the required documents, however, which the online system will prompt you to submit near the end of your application based on how you fill out the information.

[Name O Boy 511]

5 hours ago, Going through said:

I filed based on the 5 year rule.  You can see my timeline below in red.

 

You can upload as many documents as you want USCIS to consider.  Make sure you upload the required documents, however, which the online system will prompt you to submit near the end of your application based on how you fill out the information.

Thanks a lot. Congratulations for getting your citizenship. Regards 

[Going through 5,671]

6 hours ago, Name O Boy said:

Thanks a lot. Congratulations for getting your citizenship. Regards 

Thank you---best of luck with your filing!

[Going through 5,671]

12 hours ago, Name O Boy said:

It depends, you don't need to bring all of your documents to the interview. They state in the interview letter what documents in specific they need.

It's a good idea to bring everything though to the interview..my  letter didn't specifically say they needed my birth certificate since I applied under the 5-year rule, but the IO did ask for a copy during my interview (and I was *very* lucky I had brought it to my interview just in case).  Another  member on VJ who applied under the 5-year rule was asked to produce hers during her interview as well.

 

Every interview is subjective depending on the IO you get and how stringent they want to be----some ask for stuff, some don't.  So best to have something with you and they don't need it, than NOT have it and they ask to see it.

Edited November 13, 2017 by Going through

[marcusa 31]

4 hours ago, Going through said:

It's a good idea to bring everything though to the interview..my  letter didn't specifically say they needed my birth certificate since I applied under the 5-year rule, but the IO did ask for a copy during my interview (and I was *very* lucky I had brought it to my interview just in case).  Another  member on VJ who applied under the 5-year rule was asked to produce hers during her interview as well.

 

Every interview is subjective depending on the IO you get and how stringent they want to be----some ask for stuff, some don't.  So best to have something with you and they don't need it, than NOT have it and they ask to see it.

agree!