speedyvespa

I had my citizenship interview today, seemed to go perfectly well - I answered all of my questions correctly - but they've asked for additional information:

1) Evidence of cohabitation - joint bills, statements, tax returns etc. The officer (who was very nice) said that she didn't have any doubts about the validity of our marriage, but they were required for filing purposes.

2) Two more passport pictures, signed.

She said that she should be able to recommend it for approval once she's received the above (of course I don't expect her to say anything definite) - is that unusual? Reading through other experiences on here, I don't see that anyone has been asked for pictures before?

meauxna

omg, how can you be naturalizing already! Where *does* the time go....

I think they mislaid your photos or they weren't up to spec (there is a pssport photo office across the street from our DO.. it's a common request) and updated evidence of the marriage isn't that unusual either. It could be your office's SOP.

Just get the stuff back to your officer ASAP.

speedyvespa

Thanks Meauxna I think the pics they have are the old format (me looking at 45 degrees to one side) so that's probably why, now you mention it. I'll get in the post quick-quick!

Yeah it's been so quick, we'll have been married 7 years this year. Thought it best to get the citizenship business done and dusted before the patter of tiny feet can be heard! I'll be proud to swear the oath, should they approve me... I love the UK, always will... but this is home now.

Thanks again!

meauxna

Yes, that would be it (side view). Got to get with the modern times now.

We too are coming up on 7 years in May...DH did his natz a couple of years ago and feels like you do, this is home now and he's very proud to be able to participate completely.
Hang around and get the love from your fellow CIS sufferers!

Rete

Congratulations on acing the exam. I agree with Meauxna. Not unusual requests. Just curious what you sent originally to verify your ongoing valid marriage and what you took with you to the interview?

speedyvespa

I'll be sure to update my progress! I lurk a lot but the truth is, a lot of my experience is now a flaky recollection... some people on here just have a much firmer grasp on it than I do. I'd hate to impart bad advice.

I was looking through all my immigration docs this weekend in final preparation for today... I-130s, biometrics, medicals, interviews, etc etc.. and I thought wow, I did all *that*? Seems unreal now.

Would I do it again? In a heartbeat

speedyvespa

We sent a couple of utility bills and I had some insurance information with joint names - but they have a specific list and I didn't have any of the items on it. It seems that they're looking for tax returns, joint banking or other financial statements, that kind of thing - stuff that seems to be of a contractual nature.

I nearly took tax returns with me, but to be honest as they wanted new pics (which I didn't have) I'd be needing to send the additional info anyway, so I guess it didn't matter at the end of the day.

Norri

Don't send copies of your returns call the IRS and they will send you transcripts which are accepted as "official" documents

speedyvespa

Do the docs have to be the originals, or are copies OK? The document (N-14) doesn't specify, which makes me think it's asking for originals?

Also - are tax returns the 'strongest' form or proof? She did say to me that I didn't have to send a whole bunch of stuff, just something to offer as evidence that we still live together.

Thanks again.

Norri

I wouldn't send originals of anything important, utility bills etc no probs.

The reason I say transcripts, if you need them is thatyou can doctor a copy of your return, but the transcript is actually what the IRS received.

Rete

Well they are not interested in the monetary portion of the return but the status filed under. If you send in copies of your copies, send a copy of your W-2 as well.

Do you and the Mrs. share a cell phone contract with both names or if under one name, shows the two phone numbers? What about any gyms that you both might belong to. Or a letter from your employer stating who is the emergency contact listed with them and who is the beneficiary of the plans offered by the company, i.e. healthcare, life insurance, 401K?

Norri

A copy of your return does not prove that you returned it, a transcript of a jointly filed return proves exactly what you did do.

jeffreyhy

N,

One can also "doctor" the transcript.

Regards, JEff

jeffreyhy

I agree that for naturalization the figures are not important, it's the concept of joint life together demonstrated by a joint tax return. My wife sent copies of our Forms 1040 only, which show address, filing status, and have the signatures on them.

Regards, JEff

Rete

You are correct, however, USCIS does accept it as those the DOS on the I-864.