Include copy of marriage certificate for 5 yr?

[sunlight999 3]

Sorry for starting a new thread as I am about to file N400. If applying under the 5 year rule, should I include a copy of marriage certificate? I read this in the newly released instructions but not sure if this is for everyone or only those who apply under the 3 year rule. Thanks!

[arken 4,199]

My understating of the new instruction is:

One has to include the evidence of the marital status (copy of marriage certificate if currently married) regardless of 5 year or 3 year rule. Under 3 year rule, lots of other evidences need to be shown during the interview.

[rutabaga 209]

Yup, that's what the instructions say.

Required Evidence

Below is a list of documents to submit with your Form N-400.
1. Photographs. [...]

2. Photocopy of Permanent Resident Card. [...]

3. Photocopy of your Current Legal Marital Status Document. Provide a photocopy of your current marriage certificate, divorce, annulment decree, or death certificate of former spouse.

4. Documents for Military Personnel or Spouses of Military Personnel: [...]

[sunlight999 3]

I see, so I assume this new requirement takes place as of yesterday? or the last day when the old form is still valid? I have already filled out the old form and it's ready to be mailed tomorrow or so, wonder if I should include the copy of marriage certificate.

Edited April 14, 2016 by sunlight999

[charmander 692]

Yup, that's what the instructions say.

Seems like it is going to cause confusion for couples who got married outside US. I wonder if they would accept translations made by anyone, or ask for official English translations made by someone under oath. Seems like extra cost and labor.

[sunlight999 3]

To avoid any delay I went to the town hall today and paid $10 for a certified marriage certificate, I am all good now.

[Popple77 1]

I just submitted my application 2 days ago using the old form (I downloaded it a couple weeks ago but only just mailed it after coming off vacation). These instructions re the marriage certificate confused me and I didn't include it because I was applying under 5 year rule and so I assumed this marriage certificate was for 3 year still and I was miss reading. I hope this wont be a problem for my application! They seriously will only be receiving it today and I don't want to be rejected purely because I got confused by a new set of rules that came into effect between me downloading the original form and printing it out. Aaaaaghh - why do these things have to be so difficult?

[bairesgirl 2]

I m trying to decide applying under the 3 or 5 yrs rule cause according to what they say I can apply under the 5 yr rule cause I m less than 90 days away from being a permanent resident for 5 yrs.
I m glad I found this thread cause I didn't know u had to include the marriage certificate under the 5 yrs rule,
Popple77 I hope they accept your application and everything goes smoothly!!
If they need the marriage cert copy they might ask u to send it as extra evidence and then will continue your application but I don't think they will reject u just like what without asking you to send that missing paper ( in case they really need it)
Good luck!!