Interview Document Check List (N-659)

[Goran 2]

Hello everyone!

Today, I received my notice to appear for an interview, Request for Applicant to Appear for Naturalization Initial Interview (I-797C, Notice of Action form). I do not have a problem with the documents they list on the I-797C, which states to bring:

1) This letter

2) Your Alien Registration Card (green card).

3) Any evidence of Selective Service Registration.

4) Your passport and/or any other documents you used in connection with any entries into the United States.

5) Those items noted below which are applicable to you:

If applying for NATURALIZATION AS THE SPOUSE of a United States Citizen... [does not apply to me]

If applying for NATURALIZATION as a member of of the United States Armed Forces... [does not apply to me]

I am fine with these requirements. However, there is a form, N-659, Naturalization Interview Document Check List, revision 01/22/07, that is enclosed with the I-797C. My questions are:

Regarding bullet 1 on the I-797C - "You must be properly attired and bring:"

* Although not required, it is recommended that you bring two additional passport-style photos (2"x2")...

Question: For those of you that had the same check list enclosed, did you bring an extra set? If not, did the USCIS give you any trouble?

Regarding inconsistency between passport last name and green card last name

On my Swedish passport, my last name states "Gustafsson"

On my Green Card, my last name states "Gustavsson"

The correct spelling of my last name is "Gustavsson." Long story, but when my mom took my dad's last name, they incorrectly recorded it with an "f", rather than a "v". My brother's and sister's Swedish passports state Gustavsson. Somehow, my last name was recorded based on my mom's incorrectly recorded last name. With the exception of my Swedish Passport and my Swedish Driver's License, I always use "Gustavsson," including when I applied for my Green Card some 10 years ago. Back then, the INS recorded my name in their system as Gustavsson, and had no problem that my passport actually says "Gustafsson."

Question: Has anyone else had this problem? If I explain this to the IO during the interview, do you think there will be any problems/delays in my application?

I appreciate any feedback.

Best regards,

Goran

[Stella08 0]

I brought tons of papers to prove every little thing to the interview. All the IO wanted to see was my passport, greencard and driver's license. That was it. I also had passport pictures from my N-400 at home (I got a set of six) and I took them along. I didn't need them, the officer had the ones I had sent in. About the name: I had posted a while back that I have a German Umlaut in my maiden name. I spelled it the way you spell it when there's no "Umlaut" available and I was worried about that little inconsistency. I printed out several explanations that both spellings are the same thing (Umlaut = vowel + e). The officer didn't worry about it (maybe, too, because I haven't used my maiden name in almost 15 years).

If I were you I would bring anything you think of to the interview. If you need it, you got it right there and there won't be a delay. If the officer doesn't ask to see it, just take home with you.

Congratulations on your interview letter!

[Goran 2]

I brought tons of papers to prove every little thing to the interview. All the IO wanted to see was my passport, greencard and driver's license. That was it. I also had passport pictures from my N-400 at home (I got a set of six) and I took them along. I didn't need them, the officer had the ones I had sent in. About the name: I had posted a while back that I have a German Umlaut in my maiden name. I spelled it the way you spell it when there's no "Umlaut" available and I was worried about that little inconsistency. I printed out several explanations that both spellings are the same thing (Umlaut = vowel + e). The officer didn't worry about it (maybe, too, because I haven't used my maiden name in almost 15 years).

If I were you I would bring anything you think of to the interview. If you need it, you got it right there and there won't be a delay. If the officer doesn't ask to see it, just take home with you.

Congratulations on your interview letter!

Thanks for the reply, Stella. I appreciate your feedback. I agree. It seems that the better prepared you are, the less chance there is they will ask you for any additional documentation After all, I have two months to prepare my documentation before my interview date! The Norfolk office must run a little bit slower since they are so close to the beach, and the weather is getting warmer...

[cookiee 0]

If applying for NATURALIZATION AS THE SPOUSE of a United States Citizen... [does not apply to me]

if yes, what are they asking to bring ? (it applies to me )

thank you goran

[Stella08 0]

If applying for NATURALIZATION AS THE SPOUSE of a United States Citizen... [does not apply to me]

if yes, what are they asking to bring ? (it applies to me )

thank you goran

They want to see

-Proof that your spouse has been a US citizen for at least three years (birth certificate or naturalization certificate)

-Marriage certificate

-Divorce or death certificates if applicable

Also, you should have joint tax returns for the past three years and anything that can proof that you have a valid marriage and are living together (e.g. birth certificates of children you have together, mortgage/lease papers with both names on them, bills and contracts with both names on them and so forth). You should take originals of any copies you have sent in with your application.

[cookiee 0]

Thanks Stella08

[bggirl 0]

My "'yellow letter" asked to bring divorce decrees if applying for Naturalization as the spouse of a United States Citizen. However, I was not asked for the yellow letter or the divorce decrees at the interview. (I completely forgot to mention it). I did get stressed over this a little bit when I realized, but then I read it says "unless previously submitted" and I had already submitted these with my application. Cookiee, unless you sent the documents with your N400, since you're applying based on being married to a US citizen for 3 years, you should definitely bring the marriage certificate, proof that your spouse is a US citizen, and divorce decrees, if applicable. Other documents of a shared life might be helpful, too.

[Captain Oates 911]

If applying for NATURALIZATION AS THE SPOUSE of a United States Citizen... [does not apply to me]

if yes, what are they asking to bring ? (it applies to me )

thank you goran

They want to see

-Proof that your spouse has been a US citizen for at least three years (birth certificate or naturalization certificate)

-Marriage certificate

-Divorce or death certificates if applicable

Also, you should have joint tax returns for the past three years and anything that can proof that you have a valid marriage and are living together (e.g. birth certificates of children you have together, mortgage/lease papers with both names on them, bills and contracts with both names on them and so forth). You should take originals of any copies you have sent in with your application.

I am a long way off this but I just wondered about the tax returns - do you mean my copy, or do i need to get something from the IRS ?

[Stella08 0]

I am a long way off this but I just wondered about the tax returns - do you mean my copy, or do i need to get something from the IRS ?

With my application I had sent in my copies of the tax returns. Then I read in this forum that people had sent in tax transcripts from the IRS and so I ordered those for the interview. The officer never wanted to see them. But they're easy and free to order and it can't hurt to have them. So I would call the IRS, order the transcripts and have a good feeling when I go to the interview.

[Captain Oates 911]

I am a long way off this but I just wondered about the tax returns - do you mean my copy, or do i need to get something from the IRS ?

With my application I had sent in my copies of the tax returns. Then I read in this forum that people had sent in tax transcripts from the IRS and so I ordered those for the interview. The officer never wanted to see them. But they're easy and free to order and it can't hurt to have them. So I would call the IRS, order the transcripts and have a good feeling when I go to the interview.

Yeah excellent plan

Apparently they ask you for documents that you aren't expecting to be asked for - so I will take my folder with all the birth/marriage/divorce certificates for me and my wife too - and even our social security number cards

If I take everything, then hopefully they wont be able to delay me for some reason. I will probably even take the title deeds to the house and the latest utility bills as we don't have a mortgage. I reckon too much is better than too little and its all here in the house in one folder anyway

If I overwhelm the poor person with paperwork, they will hopefully give in when faced with all that ! It worked at the visa interview...

cheers !

Alan

[Stella08 0]

I am a long way off this but I just wondered about the tax returns - do you mean my copy, or do i need to get something from the IRS ?

With my application I had sent in my copies of the tax returns. Then I read in this forum that people had sent in tax transcripts from the IRS and so I ordered those for the interview. The officer never wanted to see them. But they're easy and free to order and it can't hurt to have them. So I would call the IRS, order the transcripts and have a good feeling when I go to the interview.

Yeah excellent plan

Apparently they ask you for documents that you aren't expecting to be asked for - so I will take my folder with all the birth/marriage/divorce certificates for me and my wife too - and even our social security number cards

If I take everything, then hopefully they wont be able to delay me for some reason. I will probably even take the title deeds to the house and the latest utility bills as we don't have a mortgage. I reckon too much is better than too little and its all here in the house in one folder anyway

If I overwhelm the poor person with paperwork, they will hopefully give in when faced with all that ! It worked at the visa interview...

cheers !

Alan

Yep, that's exactly what I did. I brought EVERYTHING I could think of and had a BIG folder of documents with me. I didn't want to risk any delay because of a paper that I had left at home. Of course, since I was well-prepared, all the officer wanted to see was my passport, driver's license and greencard.

[bggirl 0]

Stella, I did the same thing- brought a big bag full of papers, and I did not even had to open it! All I was asked to show was passport, green card, SS card and DL. My IO did not even ask me what I had in that bag In any occasion, it is better to be over-prepared than risk being delayed you never know what they might ask of you

[logoseternal 0]

Hello,

My question might not fit this topic, but I just didn't know how to create a whole new topic of my own.

Anyways, here are my questions & if someone can answer them I would be very grateful.

I am a naturalized US citizen sponsoring my wife for AOS to have her become permanent resident.

I filed the applications, and got the interview notice (form I-797C), but it is asking to prepare some documentations.

1) The interview form says I need to bring "letters from each current employer, verifying current rate of pay.." I just recently quitted my job to go back to school. Do I really need a letter from them. I do have 2 months pay stub and already submitted 2012 tax return.

2) Can my wife have a translator? On the form, I believe we stated she can speak English, though.

3) The interview form say I need to provide my own birth certificate. I was born in Korea, and I really do not go through the hassle of going to the consulate. Can I just show them my citizenship paper?

Thank you very much

[Markieboy 104]

Hello,

My question might not fit this topic, but I just didn't know how to create a whole new topic of my own.

Anyways, here are my questions & if someone can answer them I would be very grateful.

I am a naturalized US citizen sponsoring my wife for AOS to have her become permanent resident.

I filed the applications, and got the interview notice (form I-797C), but it is asking to prepare some documentations.

1) The interview form says I need to bring "letters from each current employer, verifying current rate of pay.." I just recently quitted my job to go back to school. Do I really need a letter from them. I do have 2 months pay stub and already submitted 2012 tax return.

2) Can my wife have a translator? On the form, I believe we stated she can speak English, though.

3) The interview form say I need to provide my own birth certificate. I was born in Korea, and I really do not go through the hassle of going to the consulate. Can I just show them my citizenship paper?

Thank you very much

When you click a certain forum, you will see a blue button near the top right of your screen. It says "Start New Topic" Click on that and type your topic title and question/comment.

1) Since it's asking for your current employer, I would include a letter explaining that you are unemployed and going back to school.

The pay stubs and tax returns/transcripts help, but USCIS wants to see that you will not be a charge of the state.

2) Sure, your wife can bring a translator. Your wife may be able to speak English, but is more comfortable speaking her native language.

3) IIRC, you may show your Certificate of Naturalization. USCIS wants to see proof of U.S. citizenship.

Hope this helps some. Good luck!

[logoseternal 0]

Thank you, Markiboy...

But I just want to clarify.

I am already US citizen, and sponsoring my wife to have her status changed.

I have submitted Affidavit of Support, last year's tax return, and pay stubs from my previous job.

Do you think that a letter explaining that I am unemployed now would help?

Or I guess what I am asking is the fact that I, the one who is sponsoring, being unemployed be a negative factor?

Did you submit a letter from your employee?

Thank you very much.