Type on the computer or handwrite N-400?

[Alex Ve 5]

This may be a silly concern and it may have been posted on the forum before so I apologize if I missed it. I started filling out the application on the computer and then I noticed that I am not allowed to type on certain fields or add an e-sig at the end of the application. Is it ok if most of the form is typed on the computer and then you just handwrite any fields necessary and sign it or just print out all pages and fill the whole form by hand? I was also thinking filling out the application online but I am not sure what the "Unemployment period" is referring to when filing out work history. I have never filed an actual unemployment application to receive benefits from the state. The only period I was unemployed was when I first landed in the US 5 years ago and had to live for a few months on a relative's house  as I needed some time to settle down and search for a job. I was also unemployed for a week during COVID period, but I didn't file for unemployment benefits.

Edited November 11, 2020 by Alex Ve

[Lucky2Lucky 2,526]

You can type most of the form on the computer and hadn't write the other fields such as "N/A" if you can't type the "/" etc.

I also highly suggest submitting the application online- is there a reason you are choosing to not file online? 

Unemployment period is if you did not work between jobs- it has no correlation to receiving unemployment benefits (which BTW you are allowed to- it's not a public benefit)

[NotMoreForms 68]

I would also recommend using online filing if you can.  It will not let you submit unless all information is completed so there is much less stress about "have I answered all the questions", it also means the application goes straight into the queue without the delays of the post and someone at USCIS copy typing it into the computer.

[Timona 3,948]

17 minutes ago, Luckycuds said:

You can type most of the form on the computer and hadn't write the other fields such as "N/A" if you can't type the "/" etc.

I also highly suggest submitting the application online- is there a reason you are choosing to not file online? 

Unemployment period is if you did not work between jobs- it has no correlation to receiving unemployment benefits (which BTW you are allowed to- it's not a public benefit)

 

Disable Java on Adobe and then you can type whatever you want in any box...basically, there are some boxes which only take numbers. For example, the new I-94 admission numbers have letters too. USCIS has not adjusted the fields to take in letters. So disabling Java on Adobe will do the trick and you do not have to handwrite. You can then type in whatever you want. 

 

On Adobe, go to Edit - Preferences - Javascript and then uncheck "Enable Acrobat Javascripts". I did not invent this. I got this from online research. 

 

To be safe, I will uncheck it, use it for a specific purpose, but put it back just so that I do not end up adding stuff in other fields by mistake

[Fr8dog 312]

To answer your question; Type or write, either are fine. (or try the Javascript trick)

Now, for the important thing. Please do everybody (including yourself) a favor and file online. it is much easier for all parties involved, your application can't go missing during shipping.
It is set-up so you cannot forget anything. It's a much much better way of filing.
"Unemployed" in the history section does not mean you filed for unemployment benefits. It means you were not employed.

[Alex Ve 5]

The only issue I have with online filling is that every time I open it I have to go over the same questions and click next. It would be so much easier if it allowed you to continue exactly where you left.