N-400 (Family-based) Packet

[huy_le 32]

Hi VJ,

I have just got approved for ROC and will be due for citizenship application in 6 months. I want to start preparing now, questions:

- USCIS website says I only need my wife's naturalization certificate and last 3 year tax return transcripts. However, I see that people have run into problems because they did not have evidences they already submitted for ROC. So what would I need to submit?

Thanks!

[huy_le 32]

Hi, does anyone have the answer? Would really appreciate it.

[Christi85 86]

Where have you seen people having problems? Naturalization is not ROC. The required supporting documentation for N-400 is much less than what is required for removal of conditions. They are two separate processes. Some people choose to submit additional documentation proving their ongoing marriage with their N-400, just to be on the safe side. These are similar to what you would submit for ROC - recent joint bank statements, utility bills on both names etc. Note, however, that these are not required and I have hardly ever seen anyone run into problems for those.

Personally, I like to give them exactly what they ask for - no more, no less. If they need more, they will ask me for it. The supporting documentation I submitted with my N-400 was: my husband's (USC) birth certificate, our marriage certificate (no prior marriages for us, so we didn't have to submit proof of divorce), 3 years of joint tax return transcripts, 2 pictures, and a copy of my green card. That was it. I'm still in the process waiting to be scheduled for a citizenship interview, but so far it has gone smoothly for me. No RFEs and things going as they were supposed to. For my interview, I will probably take some extra evidence with me just in case (e.g. some recent joint bank statements, recent utility bills etc.) but most people aren't even asked for those.

Good luck, don't get too worked up!

Edited May 20, 2014 by Christi85

[Christi85 86]

Hi VJ,

I have just got approved for ROC and will be due for citizenship application in 6 months. I want to start preparing now, questions:

- USCIS website says I only need my wife's naturalization certificate and last 3 year tax return transcripts. However, I see that people have run into problems because they did not have evidences they already submitted for ROC. So what would I need to submit?

Thanks!

You need more than that. See here for the full list:

http://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/files/article/attachments.pdf

Not everything applies to everyone, but at the very least, proof of spouse's citizenship for at least 3 years, marriage certificate and proof of ongoing marriage (e.g. transcripts for 3 years' worth of joint tax returns) are required from everybody. Also, a copy of your green card and 2 identical passport-style photos, and of course a check or money order for the $680 fee.

Still, it is much less than what is required at the ROC stage.

[huy_le 32]

Hey Christie,

Thank you for your reply. The reason I want to prepare ahead of time is because my wife and I both hate taking pictures, so although we have ample of other evidence (such as insurance, joint ownership, banks statements, lease, utilities etc.) we would need to have plans for pictures. We may have some here and there but to be safe, we will need many more. Sounds weird but we rarely take pictures if not necessary. Also, I don't know if I should gather affidavits again from my friends because I just did so for my ROC.

Anyway, I have done my research and read from other forums/posts/threads that people ran into problems where IOs asked for essentially the same amount of evidence you would normally submit for ROC and much more. One particular case that I can remember got problem because the applicants did not submit lease agreements.

This is the last battle with USCIS so I would hate to prolong the suffer with them. I want to end it and move on peacefully with our life.

You need more than that. See here for the full list:

http://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/files/article/attachments.pdf

Not everything applies to everyone, but at the very least, proof of spouse's citizenship for at least 3 years, marriage certificate and proof of ongoing marriage (e.g. transcripts for 3 years' worth of joint tax returns) are required from everybody. Also, a copy of your green card and 2 identical passport-style photos, and of course a check or money order for the $680 fee.

Still, it is much less than what is required at the ROC stage.

[Malhazy 0]

Hey Christie,

Thank you for your reply. The reason I want to prepare ahead of time is because my wife and I both hate taking pictures, so although we have ample of other evidence (such as insurance, joint ownership, banks statements, lease, utilities etc.) we would need to have plans for pictures. We may have some here and there but to be safe, we will need many more. Sounds weird but we rarely take pictures if not necessary. Also, I don't know if I should gather affidavits again from my friends because I just did so for my ROC.

Anyway, I have done my research and read from other forums/posts/threads that people ran into problems where IOs asked for essentially the same amount of evidence you would normally submit for ROC and much more. One particular case that I can remember got problem because the applicants did not submit lease agreements.

This is the last battle with USCIS so I would hate to prolong the suffer with them. I want to end it and move on peacefully with our life.

You don't have to take any pictures to prove your marriage, 2 pictures mentioned above is passport photos which will be attached to your naturalization certificate, you just have to sign it on the back. That's a requirement. No one is asking for any personal photos, so don't worry about it. I agree with Christie, don't send anything extra, only send required docs. I had my interview in May and IO didn't even bother to check ANY of my documents except green card & passport. I was given approval notice and already scheduled for oath in June. I hope this helps, good luck.

[huy_le 32]

Hi Malhazy,

Thank you for the info. It was very helpful. I was pretty okay with AOS and ROC but for some reason I got worried about naturalization, probably because it is the last battle and I have already been so overwhelmed by USCIS.

I will submit requested documents and then bring everything I got to the interview.

You don't have to take any pictures to prove your marriage, 2 pictures mentioned above is passport photos which will be attached to your naturalization certificate, you just have to sign it on the back. That's a requirement. No one is asking for any personal photos, so don't worry about it. I agree with Christie, don't send anything extra, only send required docs. I had my interview in May and IO didn't even bother to check ANY of my documents except green card & passport. I was given approval notice and already scheduled for oath in June. I hope this helps, good luck.

[Malhazy 0]

Hi Malhazy,

Thank you for the info. It was very helpful. I was pretty okay with AOS and ROC but for some reason I got worried about naturalization, probably because it is the last battle and I have already been so overwhelmed by USCIS.

I will submit requested documents and then bring everything I got to the interview.

Good luck. It will be easy A