Online Naturalization Application

[zbd142 12]

Hello everyone,

 

It is finally time for me to apply for naturalization! I'm excited but a little nervous about the process. I was trying to fill out the online application, but I have several questions. I searched different sources and the forums here too, but couldn't find satisfying answers so far. I appreciate any insight or advice on any of these questions!

 

• I live in a city where filing local tax return are only required if taxes are not withheld as a part of the paycheck. As a result of this, I am unsure about how to answer this question: "Have you EVER not filed a federal, state, or local tax return since you became a lawful permanent resident?" I feel like since it is not required, I could answer this as No, or I could answer as Yes and explain that my city doesn't require tax return filing. Does anyone have any experience with this?
• I have 2 traffic tickets - one speeding ticket, which was removed from my record, and one blocked license plate ($50) (I had my bike on the bike rack over the trunk, and the officer ticketed me because it was blocking the license plate ) . Should I answer yes to this? "Have you EVER been arrested, cited, or detained by any law enforcement officer?" I read conflicting comments online, just curious what you guys think. 

 

The following questions are more related to the online application:

• What do I need to add as additional documentation? I cannot find too much information online about this. My tax return forms, W-2s, latest paychecks, birth certificate, passport pages etc?  I am single/never married, and non-military, 
• With the online application, how does the fee submission work?
• I assume I don't have to submit passport photos?  

 

Thank you in advance!! I will keep looking online for some answers, but if you had a similar experience, I would love to hear it.  

 

 

[Going through 5,671]

10 minutes ago, zbd142 said:

I have 2 traffic tickets - one speeding ticket, which was removed from my record, and one blocked license plate ($50) (I had my bike on the bike rack over the trunk, and the officer ticketed me because it was blocking the license plate ) . Should I answer yes to this? "Have you EVER been arrested, cited, or detained by any law enforcement officer?" I read conflicting comments online, just curious what you guys think. 

You would answer YES.  The tickets were citations.  You have to disclose them, you just don't have to provide documentation on them with your application unless the fines exceeded $500.

 

10 minutes ago, zbd142 said:

What do I need to add as additional documentation? I cannot find too much information online about this. My tax return forms, W-2s, latest paychecks, birth certificate, passport pages etc?  I am single/never married, and non-military, 

The online system will prompt you as to what further required documents are to be uploaded based on how you answer the questions.  For 5 year residency filers, basic required documentation is a copy of the front & back of your green card.  

 

Under the "additional" tab, you can upload whatever you wish USCIS to consider along with your application---they are not under any obligation to use those additional documents as determining factors towards an approval, however.  I uploaded my passport bio page and State ID as further identification/further proof of residency in the jurisdiction I was applying in, respectively.

 

10 minutes ago, zbd142 said:

With the online application, how does the fee submission work?

You will be taken to a separate page to submit payment via credit card.  Until payment is submitted, your application is not complete/received by USCIS.

 

10 minutes ago, zbd142 said:

I assume I don't have to submit passport photos?

Only if you are applying for the N400 from outside the US.

Your photo (which will be used on your naturalization certificate) will be taken at your biometrics appointment.

Edited April 9, 2019 by Going through

[zbd142 12]

Thank you @Going through! That was very helpful!

[Going through 5,671]

Hopefully someone can come along and respond to your tax question.

[dilip 187]

For tax question- answer is no.  You filed federal and state taxes and local tax filing is required, so you met all the tax filing obligations in my view.  Also, based on five year filing, tax documents are not required to submit.  However during interview, you can take IRS tax transcripts ( Federal), if they would like to see. 

[zbd142 12]

@dilip Thank you! That is what I thought too but wanted get another opinion. I'll make sure to request the certified documents from IRS for the interview for federal tax return.