Documents to bring to interview based on 5 years+ Green Card

[elmcitymaven 9,712]

I've been helping my ex-husband (still one of my best friends -- we're just better at being friends than spouses) with his N-400 application. Interview is set for a week from today, and I wanted to check what needs to be brought to the interview when the application is based on 5 years or more of permanent residency (he's been a permanent resident for 10 1/2 years). Is it literally just what the interview letter says, which is:

• Interview letter
• Green Card
• Passport 
• Any documents submitted in support of the application

 

Is that really it? it seems deceptively too light a load!

[Lelita 74]

5 minutes ago, elmcitymaven said:

I've been helping my ex-husband (still one of my best friends -- we're just better at being friends than spouses) with his N-400 application. Interview is set for a week from today, and I wanted to check what needs to be brought to the interview when the application is based on 5 years or more of permanent residency (he's been a permanent resident for 10 1/2 years). Is it literally just what the interview letter says, which is:

• Interview letter
• Green Card
• Passport 
• Any documents submitted in support of the application

 

Is that really it? it seems deceptively too light a load!

Tax transcripts!

2 passport photos

ID

divorce decree

 

[elmcitymaven 9,712]

Yes, the divorce decree and tax transcripts were uploaded with the form when we filed so those are already in the packet. I have a certified copy of the judgment of dissolution of our marriage. 

 

What would the passport photos be for? I didn't see that on the interview letter, and I thought that's what biometrics was for...

 

And thank you!

 

Edited March 7, 2018 by elmcitymaven

[Lelita 74]

2 minutes ago, elmcitymaven said:

Yes, the divorce decree and tax transcripts were uploaded with the form when we filed so those are already in the packet. I have a certified copy of the judgment of dissolution of our marriage. 

 

What would the passport photos be for? I didn't see that on the interview letter, and I thought that's what biometrics was for...

 

And thank you!

 

I thought the same thing, but I have had read here that they are asking for the photos at the interview,  I just had my interview last Tuesday and the IO asked me for the photos. There are people here whom were asked for photos and their applications have being delay for that reason, is better to be safe than sorry

[mindthegap 2,590]

 

Photos used to be required with physical form filing, and aren't supposed to be with an online N-400 (photo taken at your biometrics becomes your naturalization certificate photo) but perhaps have a couple with you just in case.

Edited March 7, 2018 by mindthegap

[elmcitymaven 9,712]

1 hour ago, mindthegap said:

 

Photos used to be required with physical form filing, and aren't supposed to be with an online N-400 (photo taken at your biometrics becomes your naturalization certificate photo) but perhaps have a couple with you just in case.

Thanks! 

[Going through 5,671]

I would suggest you bring other documentation you may have in case it is asked for.

 

During my N400 interview, the IO asked to see my Canadian birth certificate and made a copy of it to add to my file.  

 

Luckily, I had brought it with me. (I also filed the N400 under the 5 year eligibility after being a GC holder for 13 years.)

[CarlHamilton 252]

I don't understand the photo requirement.  What will they do with these photos anyway?  I wonder what happens if you say you don't have photos because you weren't asked to bring them and the form explicitly says NOT to send any unless you're applying from abroad.  I bet they either say OK, you're fine, up or give you a few hours to get some and come back.  Does anyone have any experience with this?

[Going through 5,671]

Just now, shomer said:

I don't understand the photo requirement.  What will they do with these photos anyway?  I wonder what happens if you say you don't have photos because you weren't asked to bring them and the form explicitly says NOT to send any unless you're applying from abroad.  I bet they either say OK, you're fine, up or give you a few hours to get some and come back.  Does anyone have any experience with this?

The only time the IO asks for photos at the interview is if, for some reason, the ones taken at the biometrics are not able to be used.  It has happened to members here where they received an RFE after their interview for passport-style photos which they use on the Naturalization certificate....hence why some people bring a set to their interview just in case (this way they can hand them over right away instead of facing a further delay).

[Wuozopo 4,293]

I guess each interview in unique. (Mine was a 3 yr)  I took a folder with only the things requested by letter-- originals of things submitted as photocopies like birth certificates, divorce decree. At the beginning of the interview, before even sitting down, I offered the documents requested. My officer said she didn't need to see anything and got on with the rest of it. It couldn't have been easier or quicker with nothing turned in on the day and sent home with my ceremony date and instructions in hand. 

 

Maven,  I hope your ex gets a easy one. 

[JoeSchmoe2017 92]

I also files under 5 year rule.  When I had my interview, I was over prepared bringing tax returns, original divorce decree, marriage certificate, photos.  IO did not ask for anything but ID, passport and green card.

[CarlHamilton 252]

7 hours ago, Going through said:

I would suggest you bring other documentation you may have in case it is asked for.

 

During my N400 interview, the IO asked to see my Canadian birth certificate and made a copy of it to add to my file.  

 

Luckily, I had brought it with me. (I also filed the N400 under the 5 year eligibility after being a GC holder for 13 years.)

Did they explain why your Canadian birth certificate was relevant to your case?  I.e. were you born near the border or could your parents have been US citizens?   Did you see this coming or did you happen to take the original with you just in case?   

[luv2teach77 41]

I think I bought along 3 years of tax returns, my UK birth certificate, our marriage certificate and current and expired passports.  I don't think she asked to see any of it.

[Lelita 74]

7 hours ago, shomer said:

I don't understand the photo requirement.  What will they do with these photos anyway?  I wonder what happens if you say you don't have photos because you weren't asked to bring them and the form explicitly says NOT to send any unless you're applying from abroad.  I bet they either say OK, you're fine, up or give you a few hours to get some and come back.  Does anyone have any experience with this?

Why u wanna take a chance to get a rfe??

very simple to bring the photos. If they don't ask for them just use them for ur passport, had my interview last week at NYC and was asked for the photos luckily I had them ready.

knowing USCIS and the time they take I went in ready!

[CarlHamilton 252]

1 minute ago, Lela37 said:

Why u wanna take a chance to get a rfe??

very simple to bring the photos. If they don't ask for them just use them for ur passport, had my interview last week at NYC and was asked for the photos luckily I had them ready.

knowing USCIS and the time they take I went in ready!

It's a matter of principle.  I won't schlep around a 20-lb file containing everything that has ever been asked from anyone on any forum, or I'd go crazy.  There is a list somewhere else that has about 50 items on it.  I'd like to stick to the minimum necessary (which, by the way, they are supposed to ask you in your letter).  I take your point about reusing the passport pics.  Maybe I'll do that so it's not a complete waste of time.