Old timer checking in, plus question

[SteveLaura 0]

Let's try this again, shall we? It looks to me like I managed to post a blank page...

OK, so some of you may remember me from waaaay back, and if so, here's the update:

Still happily married to Laura, and now with a 1 yr old called Leila (see below) who is so sweet. Step-daughter Bella is now 10 and is interested in gymnastics and clothes. I'm still attempting to finish my children's book (my self-imposed New Year's deadline for the first draft may be just a tad out of reach, alas), and pretty much everything else is as was, back in the day.

So, apart from checking in (and noticing some familiar posters, if not their new names) I have a quick question:

We're going to be starting my final visa journey with the path to citizenship in the next couple of weeks. I've had a brief perusal of the dreaded USCIS site and I just want to check if I'm reading it right.

I came over via the fiance visa and have been here over 5 years now. Would I be right in thinking that I don't need to submit copies of my marriage certificate/joint IRS forms/mortgage/Leila's birth certificate and whatever else they deem necessary? Is that stuff only if I'd been here 3-5 yrs? All I need is the form, the photos, the photocopy of my green card and the check?

That's it. Hope all is good in VJLand for you all.

Cheers,

Steve (of SteveLaura infamy)

[Krikit 1,166]

Long time no see. Welcome back, Steve.

[R&W 5]

You need:

1. Filled out N400 form

2. Check $680.00

3. Birth Certificate

4. Marriage Certificate

5. Children's Birth Certificates OR 3 years of ITRs

6. Spouse's Birth Certificate

7. Copy of green card

8. 2 photos (2x2)

Edited December 15, 2010 by R&W

[Brother Hesekiel 2,236]

Add the past 3 years' worth of tax transcripts.

[SteveLaura 0]

You need:

1. Filled out N400 form

2. Check $680.00

3. Birth Certificate

4. Marriage Certificate

5. Children's Birth Certificates OR 3 years of ITRs

6. Spouse's Birth Certificate

7. Copy of green card

8. 2 photos (2x2)

Couple of additional questions, based on this:

1) The sheet 'Who is eligible for Naturalization' states that if I'm over 18 and have been here for 5 years (plus the moral standing, etc), I'm eligible. The sheet 'Document checklist' states that the other paperwork is required if I'm "applying for naturalization on the basis of marriage to a US citizen." Now, I am married to a US citizen, but I'm not applying on that basis. I'm applying because I've been here over 5 years & I qualify. If I had only been here 3 years, the other stuff would become necessary, is how I read it. I'll get all the other stuff together, if it's needed regardless, but to me that's not what it says.

2) What are ITRs?

And hi Krikit!!

[Journey05 1]

Couple of additional questions, based on this:

1) The sheet 'Who is eligible for Naturalization' states that if I'm over 18 and have been here for 5 years (plus the moral standing, etc), I'm eligible. The sheet 'Document checklist' states that the other paperwork is required if I'm "applying for naturalization on the basis of marriage to a US citizen." Now, I am married to a US citizen, but I'm not applying on that basis. I'm applying because I've been here over 5 years & I qualify. If I had only been here 3 years, the other stuff would become necessary, is how I read it. I'll get all the other stuff together, if it's needed regardless, but to me that's not what it says.

2) What are ITRs?

And hi Krikit!!

ITRs= Income Tax Returns

[R&W 5]

Couple of additional questions, based on this:

1) The sheet 'Who is eligible for Naturalization' states that if I'm over 18 and have been here for 5 years (plus the moral standing, etc), I'm eligible. The sheet 'Document checklist' states that the other paperwork is required if I'm "applying for naturalization on the basis of marriage to a US citizen." Now, I am married to a US citizen, but I'm not applying on that basis. I'm applying because I've been here over 5 years & I qualify. If I had only been here 3 years, the other stuff would become necessary, is how I read it. I'll get all the other stuff together, if it's needed regardless, but to me that's not what it says.

You entered the United States through K1 and no divorce, right? So I think you are going to apply N400 on the basis of marriage to a USC. Even you are above and beyond the 3 years.

But maybe I'm wrong and some people here could give you better suggestions.

[Kathryn41 3,205]

Couple of additional questions, based on this:

1) The sheet 'Who is eligible for Naturalization' states that if I'm over 18 and have been here for 5 years (plus the moral standing, etc), I'm eligible. The sheet 'Document checklist' states that the other paperwork is required if I'm "applying for naturalization on the basis of marriage to a US citizen." Now, I am married to a US citizen, but I'm not applying on that basis. I'm applying because I've been here over 5 years & I qualify. If I had only been here 3 years, the other stuff would become necessary, is how I read it. I'll get all the other stuff together, if it's needed regardless, but to me that's not what it says.

2) What are ITRs?

And hi Krikit!!

You have the option of applying based on a 3 year marriage to a US citizen and 3 year Permanent Residency status or based on a 5 year Permanent Residency status. The choice is yours. If you apply based on the 3 year marriage, then you would include those items listed for a marriage status application. Since you intend to apply based on your 5 year PR status then you don't need to include the other stuff, just the basic list, including the 5 years of Income Tax transcripts. Those are available free from the IRS and are the easiest ways to provide that documentation.

Naturalization is really the easiest part of this whole process. Submit the copies with the application (except where it says originals) and then bring the originals with you to the interview. Since they know they will be interviewing you they don't really review your application in any great detail until you are at the interview. It would be a good idea to bring along your marriage certificate and your daughter's birth certificate with you to the interview as added evidence but you are unlikely to need them - it is just good to have them if they ask.

Once you submit the application you will receive your NOA1 followed in about a month by an RFE notice- don't worry about that - it is what they are now calling the Biometrics appointment. At your biometrics appointment be sure to ask for the Naturalization Study Guide booklet - you can use it to study for the test.

Good luck .

[SteveLaura 0]

You have the option of applying based on a 3 year marriage to a US citizen and 3 year Permanent Residency status or based on a 5 year Permanent Residency status. The choice is yours. If you apply based on the 3 year marriage, then you would include those items listed for a marriage status application. Since you intend to apply based on your 5 year PR status then you don't need to include the other stuff, just the basic list, including the 5 years of Income Tax transcripts. Those are available free from the IRS and are the easiest ways to provide that documentation.

Naturalization is really the easiest part of this whole process. Submit the copies with the application (except where it says originals) and then bring the originals with you to the interview. Since they know they will be interviewing you they don't really review your application in any great detail until you are at the interview. It would be a good idea to bring along your marriage certificate and your daughter's birth certificate with you to the interview as added evidence but you are unlikely to need them - it is just good to have them if they ask.

Once you submit the application you will receive your NOA1 followed in about a month by an RFE notice- don't worry about that - it is what they are now calling the Biometrics appointment. At your biometrics appointment be sure to ask for the Naturalization Study Guide booklet - you can use it to study for the test.

Good luck .

Excellent, excellent stuff. Thank you!