N-400 File Online or Paper

[need2File 0]

Hi,

 We are filling N-400 for my wife. A few questions:

1. What's better option for filling: Paper (mailing the application/documents) or filling online?

2. Do I need to notarize the documents before uploading?

3. Do I need to get character letters for friends?  I had to do that when filling for her green card.  If yes, do they need to be notorized?

4. If I file online and USCIS requests more documents after OCt 1, do we have to pay more based on the new fee structure?

 

I would like to file before the end of the month before the new fee structure become active.  Any help will be appreciated.

 

Thanks.

Edited September 22, 2020 by need2File

[Scandi 4,299]

No reason to file via mail. Right now it's even less recommended if you want to pay the current fee, if you miss something on the form or something else that gets the petition rejected you won't know until 3-4 weeks later. That means by the time you find out and get the petition back in the mailbox it will be too late to refile with the current fee.

 

If you file online it's more or less impossible to get it rejected as the online form won't let you forget to fill out information or check boxes, you can't miss signing the form, you can't pay the wrong fee etc. You receive you acceptance letter under the "documents" tab within 48 hours.

 

Not sure what documents you're talking about. I didn't have anything notarized nor have I ever had anything notarized on any of my immigration applications.

 

Do you mean affidavits from friends? Those are never a requirement in any US immigration applications, I have never and will never send any affidavits as they're the weakest kind of evidence you can have. Focus on real evidence instead.

 

The date you file online is the date that counts, even if you get an RFE it won't change the filing fee. You don't pay more.

[HRQX 4,146]

1 hour ago, need2File said:

1. What's better option for filling: Paper (mailing the application/documents) or filling online?

Online.

1 hour ago, need2File said:

4. If I file online and USCIS requests more documents after OCt 1, do we have to pay more based on the new fee structure?

No.

[need2File 0]

Thanks Scandi and HRQX.  Your answers cleared alot of the confusion.  You guys have been immeasurably helpful.

[millefleur 5,052]

**Moved from USC Case Filing and Progress Reports to USC General Discussion**