N400 evidence - So many contradictions on what to send

[nitrous_guy 23]

I am preparing for N400 to be sent out in a months time, and I am reading so much different information on what needs to be sent, as compared to the document checklist on the official USCIS website for naturalization.

 

Here is what I am planning to send, based on 3 year rule, residing in USA:

 

Copy of both sides of my GC

Child Birth Certificate

IRS tax return transcripts for last 3 yrs

Mortgage documents

Copy of Wife's front and signature page of her passport

Copy of Wife's Birth Cert (I know this is optional, since her passport is enough evidence of US Citizen)

Copy of our marriage certificate

Official certified letter from police stating my traffic offense disposed, no charges and a copy of traffic ticket

 

Now, can someone please guide/advise us on whether the above is enough, to be sent, and when the time comes for the interview, I just take the originals of the above documents?

 

Some posts I am reading, state that they also send in bona-fide proof of marriage, like joint bank accounts statements, car insurance etc...

 

I thought we were over that ordeal when we applied for our AOS and removal of conditions, do we need to again provide bona-fide marriage evidence for n400?

 

Thanks

[neilsqueen 433]

Here is a link to the checklist that USCIS supplies:  https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/USCIS/Resources/Citizenship & Naturalization Based Resources/A Guide to Naturalization/PDFs/M-477.pdf

 

Best wishes!

[nitrous_guy 23]

5 minutes ago, neilsqueen said:

Here is a link to the checklist that USCIS supplies:  https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/USCIS/Resources/Citizenship & Naturalization Based Resources/A Guide to Naturalization/PDFs/M-477.pdf

 

Best wishes!

Thanks, that was the checklist I was referring to my in my original post, but forgot to link to it.

 

However, what I was asking was, I was reading some posts on his topic on this forum, and it was also suggested to send in more bona-fide evidence, more than what the checklist asks for.

 

Is that really required for the N400 form and the actual interview?

 

What documents are people on here taking to their interviews, is the more original evidence documents  or just originals copies of what they submitted?

[candybabe 46]

43 minutes ago, nitrous_guy said:

I am preparing for N400 to be sent out in a months time, and I am reading so much different information on what needs to be sent, as compared to the document checklist on the official USCIS website for naturalization.

 

Here is what I am planning to send, based on 3 year rule, residing in USA:

 

Copy of both sides of my GC

Child Birth Certificate

IRS tax return transcripts for last 3 yrs

Mortgage documents

Copy of Wife's front and signature page of her passport

Copy of Wife's Birth Cert (I know this is optional, since her passport is enough evidence of US Citizen)

Copy of our marriage certificate

Official certified letter from police stating my traffic offense disposed, no charges and a copy of traffic ticket

 

Now, can someone please guide/advise us on whether the above is enough, to be sent, and when the time comes for the interview, I just take the originals of the above documents?

 

Some posts I am reading, state that they also send in bona-fide proof of marriage, like joint bank accounts statements, car insurance etc...

 

I thought we were over that ordeal when we applied for our AOS and removal of conditions, do we need to again provide bona-fide marriage evidence for n400?

 

Thanks

Here is what I replied to a similar question a few days ago - In general if applying at 3 yrs , the documentation to be sent with the application is more complex. I don't know about the photos , but it cannot hurt to send them in if he has them, or make sure he brings them to the interview, your choice.

 

On ‎3‎/‎20‎/‎2017 at 2:23 PM, candybabe said:

1. One check for $725, in the reference section of the check write down your A# and what the check is for : Naturalization & Biometrics fees

 

2. Full package should be sent to the same address, based on your state of residence , send it with second day delivery and signature USPS Priority - it cost me $23, well worth the price, delivered 2nd day by noon.

 

3. If filing under 3 years rule, it is your burden of proof, which means you have to prove that the marriage is bona fide -So yes, you will need to send evidence of that .

In addition to the documents required in the instructions, you may want to add:

-  documents showing joint financial responsibility ( mortgage contract showing both names, tax transcripts, bank statements, credit cards, car loans,  heath insurance cards, 401K beneficiary info showing both spouses, car insurance policy listing both spouses, etc) ,

-  documents showing joint social life ( birth certificates of children, emergency contact information from work listing other spouse, or from school, listing other spouse as authorized to communicate with school, any joint memberships, evidence of trips taken together, family events etc) -

 

That being said, the package should be cleanly organized and structured, so that it does not overwhelm the reviewer.

 

* A coversheet, listing content in order of attachments helps to make sure nothing you said you sent had been lost.

 

* You may want to list evidence per the above separation - financial and social -

 

* Attach the check at the front so they see it right away.

 

* Put your A# on all pieces of paper you send in.

 

Hope this helps -

 

I am not an immigration lawyer / specialist.

[neilsqueen 433]

1 minute ago, nitrous_guy said:

Thanks, that was the checklist I was referring to my in my original post, but forgot to link to it.

 

However, what I was asking was, I was reading some posts on his topic on this forum, and it was also suggested to send in more bona-fide evidence, more than what the checklist asks for.

 

Is that really required for the N400 form and the actual interview?

 

What documents are people on here taking to their interviews, is the more original evidence documents  or just originals copies of what they submitted?

Oh sorry!  I don't think you have to prove the bona-fide part any longer.  I would think they would have asked for that on the checklist or said to bring it.  I'm gonna defer to more seasoned members.  Hope they can help.  I will follow this so I know what to do for hubby next year.  Best wishes and congratulations on starting your new journey!

[candybabe 46]

2 minutes ago, nitrous_guy said:

Thanks, that was the checklist I was referring to my in my original post, but forgot to link to it.

 

However, what I was asking was, I was reading some posts on his topic on this forum, and it was also suggested to send in more bona-fide evidence, more than what the checklist asks for.

 

Is that really required for the N400 form and the actual interview?

 

What documents are people on here taking to their interviews, is the more original evidence documents  or just originals copies of what they submitted?

Also, because you are taking advantage of a benefit via marriage ( receiving citizenship earlier, rather than wait the 5 yrs), and regardless of the AOS docs submitted,. you still have to prove that your current status is married in a bona fide marriage.

So you have to prove to them that from your AOS till now and actually the interview, the bona fide marriage continued and is valid. This is why folks that get divorced have to wait until the 5 year mark.

[neilsqueen 433]

3 minutes ago, candybabe said:

Here is what I replied to a similar question a few days ago - In general if applying at 3 yrs , the documentation to be sent with the application is more complex. I don't know about the photos , but it cannot hurt to send them in if he has them, or make sure he brings them to the interview, your choice.

 

On ‎3‎/‎20‎/‎2017 at 2:23 PM, candybabe said:

1. One check for $725, in the reference section of the check write down your A# and what the check is for : Naturalization & Biometrics fees

 

2. Full package should be sent to the same address, based on your state of residence , send it with second day delivery and signature USPS Priority - it cost me $23, well worth the price, delivered 2nd day by noon.

 

3. If filing under 3 years rule, it is your burden of proof, which means you have to prove that the marriage is bona fide -So yes, you will need to send evidence of that .

In addition to the documents required in the instructions, you may want to add:

-  documents showing joint financial responsibility ( mortgage contract showing both names, tax transcripts, bank statements, credit cards, car loans,  heath insurance cards, 401K beneficiary info showing both spouses, car insurance policy listing both spouses, etc) ,

-  documents showing joint social life ( birth certificates of children, emergency contact information from work listing other spouse, or from school, listing other spouse as authorized to communicate with school, any joint memberships, evidence of trips taken together, family events etc) -

 

That being said, the package should be cleanly organized and structured, so that it does not overwhelm the reviewer.

 

* A coversheet, listing content in order of attachments helps to make sure nothing you said you sent had been lost.

 

* You may want to list evidence per the above separation - financial and social -

 

* Attach the check at the front so they see it right away.

 

* Put your A# on all pieces of paper you send in.

 

Hope this helps -

 

I am not an immigration lawyer / specialist.

@candybabe you're awesome!  I'm gonna print this for future use!

[candybabe 46]

1 minute ago, neilsqueen said:

@candybabe you're awesome!  I'm gonna print this for future use!

Thank you - this question comes up pretty often and I am lazy so I copy paste

[charmander 692]

13 minutes ago, nitrous_guy said:

Thanks, that was the checklist I was referring to my in my original post, but forgot to link to it.

 

However, what I was asking was, I was reading some posts on his topic on this forum, and it was also suggested to send in more bona-fide evidence, more than what the checklist asks for.

 

Is that really required for the N400 form and the actual interview?

 

I can point out a specific case from December 2015 thread where the applicant was issued RFE after the interview to prove marriage despite having his I-751 approved (without any RFE) long before his N400 application.

 

Nobody knows what triggers these bona fide marriage evidence RFEs, maybe some people are just randomly picked who knows. I see majority of people go through N400 interviews with minimally sufficient evidence (typically 3 years of IRS transcripts) but it will just create more headache and uncertainty dealing with an RFE. Therefore, I recommend all 3 year applicants to send additional evidences upfront and give the officer chace to go through your evidences before the interview. It doesn't have to be a second I-751 package but more than just the 3 years of IRS transcripts. Feel free to check my timeline for what I used in my N400 package.

[POA 178]

I sent the list from the N-400 instructions and it went through.  The additional evidence on the Naturalization Guide will be brought on my  interview.

[Private One 44]

On 3/27/2017 at 11:24 AM, charmander said:

I can point out a specific case from December 2015 thread where the applicant was issued RFE after the interview to prove marriage despite having his I-751 approved (without any RFE) long before his N400 application.

 

Nobody knows what triggers these bona fide marriage evidence RFEs, maybe some people are just randomly picked who knows. I see majority of people go through N400 interviews with minimally sufficient evidence (typically 3 years of IRS transcripts) but it will just create more headache and uncertainty dealing with an RFE. Therefore, I recommend all 3 year applicants to send additional evidences upfront and give the officer chace to go through your evidences before the interview. It doesn't have to be a second I-751 package but more than just the 3 years of IRS transcripts. Feel free to check my timeline for what I used in my N400 package.

Agreed...

I stayed up last night printing out bank statements and other evidence then I went through the checklist and realized that they're really not asking for much. I second guessed sending all what I printed but now I'm thinking it's the best way to go. Better be safe than sorry. The only thing I won't be sending is pictures but I plan on sending updated versions of just about everything we sent for ROC (my ROC application just got approved).

 

To those who say you don't need to prove bona fide marriage - I think you're wrong. Just because they don't use the phrase "proof of bona fide marriage" doesn't mean you don't have to. This should be implied based on the nature of the case (marriage based application) and the fact that they're asking for marital evidence. A marriage could have started as bona fide but then fall apart after 2 years. Some people may be physically separated and don't plan on getting back together but still legally married. A marriage such as that won't qualify as bona fide.  

 

My N-400 Package should go out tomorrow...

[rubya 7]

On 3/27/2017 at 10:09 AM, nitrous_guy said:

 

Official certified letter from police stating my traffic offense disposed, no charges and a copy of traffic ticket

 

Is your traffic ticket new ? coz I had old traffic ticket I did not find at police record, instead I asked them for back ground check, the result was no record shown. It  was 2012 ticket...

 

    Thanks 

[nitrous_guy 23]

17 hours ago, rubya said:

Is your traffic ticket new ? coz I had old traffic ticket I did not find at police record, instead I asked them for back ground check, the result was no record shown. It  was 2012 ticket...

 

    Thanks 

Yes mine was recent, Dec 2016.

 

Did you try your county court?

 

You can also get a certified disposition letter from them  too.

[Aronele 2]

Nitrous_guy, I think the initial list you gave is sufficient for the N400 application according to the checklist. For your own peace of mind you can take additional documents to the interview in addition to the original documents for the copies you sent in the package. It is true that you may be asked for additional information and to show continued bona fide marriage. If you have them on hand or had sent them in previously for AOS or ROC they will have them in your file. I had mortgage documents, current bills, joint bank and credit card statements with me. The officer did ask if I had additional documents at my N400 interview, however, when I offered the above documents, she stated that they were already in my file.

 

So yes, you can send the documents you have prepared and to prevent any potential RFE bring other documents proving bona fide marriage along with you. You can never be too prepared.

 

Good luck!

[alebrije 15]

I see you already started NG, we are pretty close in our timelines

 

I will be sending in IRS transcripts, bank account statements (quarterly for 3 years), leases, mortgages, car loans and health/car/home insurance along with my packet, and take some extras with me for the interview (mostly bills and photos).  Hopefully this won't grant me an RFE, so I guess just sending a little extra from the checklist sounds about right.  Update with your actual checklist when you send your package!! Good luck