n400 Encountered an unexpected error retrieving draft evidence N-400

[Jose James 0]

Hello everyone, 

I'm writing a post for anyone that encounters this issue in the future.

 

I was trying to submit my application (N-400) online using Google Chrome (also tried Int. Explorer and Firefox) I was able to upload all my files with absolutely no issues: however, when I got to the review: I got a notice stating:  

"Encountered an unexpected error retrieving draft evidence"  this is what I saw, all my files were gone. 

 
 

 

 

It was so frustrating; I repeated the same thing probably 30 times in the next ten days and got the same results; (no files attached to my application). I was getting tired of the online filing system; I tried calling them, and it didn't work, and in the end, I was even thinking about filing by mail, but in my last effort to hopefully submit this form, I started researching this issue online; it took some time, but then I found a user by the name (J/G from Indonesia) that went through the same problem online a year ago but was able to figure it out.

 

He suggested downloading (Opera Browser) from their official website (https://www.opera.com/download); I was so happy that I had found a potential solution to this issue, but after all that excitement, guess what?

It did not work for me either. after another unsuccessful attend to submit my application; honestly, I was about to give up, and that was when my clever Wife literality begged me to try one more time.

 

She had the incredible idea of deleting the whole draft and starting again; I didn't like the idea since I have already done that like 15 times, so this is what I did.

 

1. Downloaded (Opera Browser) 
2. Download a copy of my application pdf (with answers to all the questions) to save the answers and to copy-paste
3. I deleted my whole draft
4. Organized the evidence for quick upload 
5. Switched from a Windows computer to Mac computer
6. Created a new draft and started all over again. (If you start a new draft, DO NOT GO BACK; start from question one to the end without going back; I know it could be unpleasant, but trust me, it is worth it.)

 

And guess what, it worked!!! and It felt fantastic!!! Oh yeah!! 

 

 

So I then proceeded with the Review, Signature and Payment, completed and submitted my N-400 application and received a receipt number beginning with "IOE."

 

Note: do not go crazy about not submitting a ton of evidence at first; any additional documents you forgot or that you would like to upload, it can be done later or once your application has been submitted to USCIS. 
 
This is what you will see once your application has been paid and submitted. 

 

I hope this helps anyone that is going through the same issue! 

 

Good Luck!! 

 

Best,

Eljsa27

[Bella2345678 2]

Hi! I just want to say thank you so much for putting the effort in sharing this information. I spent more than 8 hours trying to figure it out (i was using my husband’s computer, which is windows) and I found this and did everything you instructed using my macbook and the files finally displayed on the review section. I hope you and your family enjoy the holidays and again, I highly appreciate your advice! 😄

[Britt & Stenio 29]

Jose, this was the only way it worked for me as well. Thank you for sharing! I hope other people find this as well.