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

[Going through 5,671]

4 hours ago, shomer said:

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?   

Nope, no explanation, nor did I ask for clarification.  I wasn't born/lived near the border, and my parents became naturalized Canadian citizens back in 1968, (long before I was born) and both of them were born and raised in the West Indies.

 

I didn't see it coming....I'm just one of those types that likes to be prepared for anything under the sun, so I basically brought every piece of paper relevant to my life with me...I'm just glad I had it when it was asked for, instead of getting an RFE for it later on for whatever reason she needed it.

Edited March 7, 2018 by Going through

[Lelita 74]

50 minutes ago, shomer said:

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.  

Well I'd rather have anything possible than wait 2-3 months for a rfe, than 3 more months to finally get my case approved. There are several members here waiting since 2017 just because they were missing something at their interview.

remember USCIS is unpredictable and they never go according to the list they send you with ur interview date! 

 

[Olivier de Nimes 12]

Hi there,

yes basically, that's it. BUT...

I had my interview this morning. They did not even ask for the passport. Just the interview letter and the green card + Driver's licence to get checked-in upon arrival..

Nevertheless, it made me feel more comfortable to bring extra documentation.

For example, passport photos and Tax returns ..just in case

That does not mean one should bring tons of papers.

Good luck.

[jkstark 97]

I had a paper application, and did not need pictures - but I have heard of cases where they have been asked for, and the process put on hold till they were provided.  Usually, the IO will point you toward a place that does them if they need pictures, and allow you to go get some and return them to the office that day...

 

However, as mentioned, they are cheap insurance that you'll be able to use for your passport application if you don't need them.

 

As to other paperwork - as  a 5 year filer, I was asked for my passport, green card and appointment letter - that's it.  I had tax returns, marriage certificates, birth certificates for my son and a bunch of other stuff as well, but never was asked for any of it...

[Reneecakes 0]

On 3/7/2018 at 9:26 PM, jkstark said:

I had a paper application, and did not need pictures - but I have heard of cases where they have been asked for, and the process put on hold till they were provided.  Usually, the IO will point you toward a place that does them if they need pictures, and allow you to go get some and return them to the office that day...

 

However, as mentioned, they are cheap insurance that you'll be able to use for your passport application if you don't need them.

 

As to other paperwork - as  a 5 year filer, I was asked for my passport, green card and appointment letter - that's it.  I had tax returns, marriage certificates, birth certificates for my son and a bunch of other stuff as well, but never was asked for any of it...

I had a paper application, was asked about photos and I said I didn't bring any but was pretty sure I had some because I carry them just in case. He said "no need, we have your photos on file". I wonder if that is why I was told I will be getting a letter with their decision. I went in with so many documents and was asked about random ones. For example, they didn't request my husband's or son's original birth certificates but asked for cancelled passports way before the 3 or even 5 year period (I paper filed in NY under the 3 year rule). I had only brought cancelled passports from 2010. They also went through my original tax returns (page by page) and asked about my recent lease (which I didn't think of bringing because we just renewed). They also checked bills and bank accounts, social media photos which were all part of my green card removal of conditions application and then IO gave me the form saying I will be getting a letter "but I am good". I asked if the letter was just a formality since everyone else was given an oath date right away and he said the system needed to be updated. It's been over a week and I am wondering if I am waiting for an rfe or an oath date...

[Lelita 74]

37 minutes ago, Reneecakes said:

I had a paper application, was asked about photos and I said I didn't bring any but was pretty sure I had some because I carry them just in case. He said "no need, we have your photos on file". I wonder if that is why I was told I will be getting a letter with their decision. I went in with so many documents and was asked about random ones. For example, they didn't request my husband's or son's original birth certificates but asked for cancelled passports way before the 3 or even 5 year period (I paper filed in NY under the 3 year rule). I had only brought cancelled passports from 2010. They also went through my original tax returns (page by page) and asked about my recent lease (which I didn't think of bringing because we just renewed). They also checked bills and bank accounts, social media photos which were all part of my green card removal of conditions application and then IO gave me the form saying I will be getting a letter "but I am good". I asked if the letter was just a formality since everyone else was given an oath date right away and he said the system needed to be updated. It's been over a week and I am wondering if I am waiting for an rfe or an oath date...

I'm also a NYC filer had my interview on 2-27-18

was approved at the spot and now I'm waiting on the oath. She did ask me for photos and for my last 3 years tax transcripts!

I wonder why didn't I get and oath letter right them and there??

 

[Reneecakes 0]

24 minutes ago, Lela37 said:

I'm also a NYC filer had my interview on 2-27-18

was approved at the spot and now I'm waiting on the oath. She did ask me for photos and for my last 3 years tax transcripts!

I wonder why didn't I get and oath letter right them and there??

 

Did you have a late appointment? Everyone who went in before me got a letter on the spot. There was even a guy with an expired green card (since 2011!!!!) that got his oath date. Meanwhile, my 2.50 pm appointment took 1,5 hours and I was probably the last one in.

[Lelita 74]

11 minutes ago, Reneecakes said:

Did you have a late appointment? Everyone who went in before me got a letter on the spot. There was even a guy with an expired green card (since 2011!!!!) that got his oath date. Meanwhile, my 2.50 pm appointment took 1,5 hours and I was probably the last one in.

You are right my interview was at 2.15, they interview me at 3.00pm, and nobody that was getting approved got oath date on that day.

however there were people that got a decision cannot be made at this time.

[hopephilly 21]

On 09/03/2018 at 12:45 PM, Reneecakes said:

Did you have a late appointment? Everyone who went in before me got a letter on the spot. There was even a guy with an expired green card (since 2011!!!!) that got his oath date. Meanwhile, my 2.50 pm appointment took 1,5 hours and I was probably the last one in.

 

any thing about your taxes ? 

Any issues ?

Edited March 11, 2018 by hopephilly
Grammar

[hopephilly 21]

On 07/03/2018 at 7:30 PM, Olivier de Nimes said:

Hi there,

yes basically, that's it. BUT...

I had my interview this morning. They did not even ask for the passport. Just the interview letter and the green card + Driver's licence to get checked-in upon arrival..

Nevertheless, it made me feel more comfortable to bring extra documentation.

For example, passport photos and Tax returns ..just in case

That does not mean one should bring tons of papers.

Good luck.

Olivier , félicitations !

what office  did you have your interview ?

 

[elmcitymaven 9,712]

Thanks everyonefor the advice. Interview is in about 5 hours and I'll report back on what was asked for.

[elmcitymaven 9,712]

Approved! It was very straightforward, and the very friendly interviewer didn't want passport photos, to see the divorce decree, or much of anything except the passport and green card. We had had a tax issue some time ago that was resolved in full a couple of years ago, and she went over that, but didn't want to look at any of the transcripts, as she already had them. Of course, your mileage may vary... 

[Tabachoy 0]

On ‎3‎/‎6‎/‎2018 at 10:17 PM, 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!

Hi don't mean to hi jack your thread but may I ask what documents did your ex husband include in his application package? My wife is in process of filing and she has been a green card holder for more than 5 years now. Right now we just have the N400 form, copy of her green card front/back and check for the fee. She has no prior marriages and haven't traveled outside the U.S since she immigrated here. Thanks for your time.

 

[Wuozopo 4,293]

17 hours ago, Tabachoy said:

Hi don't mean to hi jack your thread but may I ask what documents did your ex husband include in his application package? My wife is in process of filing and she has been a green card holder for more than 5 years now. Right now we just have the N400 form, copy of her green card front/back and check for the fee. She has no prior marriages and haven't traveled outside the U.S since she immigrated here. Thanks for your time.

 

Try using the document checklist the USCIS provides to assure yourself.

[elmcitymaven 9,712]

22 hours ago, Tabachoy said:

Hi don't mean to hi jack your thread but may I ask what documents did your ex husband include in his application package? My wife is in process of filing and she has been a green card holder for more than 5 years now. Right now we just have the N400 form, copy of her green card front/back and check for the fee. She has no prior marriages and haven't traveled outside the U.S since she immigrated here. Thanks for your time.

 

 

5 hours ago, Wuozopo said:

Try using the document checklist the USCIS provides to assure yourself.

We used the document checklist.  I think the attachments were front and back of the green card, a continuation about work and clubs/organizations, certain tax paperwork to show that an earlier tax issue had been resolved several years ago, and that was it. We filed online so obviously there was no check to attach. It really is very straightforward. Go forth and apply!