N400 Process & Preparation Questions
#1
N400 Process & Preparation Questions
Context // My wife is a US Citizen residing here with me in the United States (Salt Lake City). I entered the United States on a CR-1 Immigrant Visa which was obtained through the Direct Consular Filing (DCF) when my wife and I lived in London, UK. For those that might be interested, I documented my entire CR-1 journey here in hopes that it would help those embarking on the process in the near future, answer some questions, and remove some of the stress.
Since we had been married for less than two years at the time of entry to the United States, the Immigrant Visa I received was conditional and the Green Card I received as a result [Form I-551], was only valid for two years after entry. In order to remove the conditions of my permanent resident status, I had to complete the I-751 Petition to Remove Conditions of Residence process. Again, for those that might be interested, I documented my entire I-751 journey here in hopes that it would help those embarking on the process in the near future.
Life is really good, we're happily married, established in our jobs, bought a home in April 2015, and our first child was born in September 2015. Alas we find ourselves approaching what is hopefully the final hurdle in the overall process; the N-400 Application for Naturalization. I have a few questions, but will likely have more as we try to navigate the process so I figured I would open a new thread.
I've now begun pulling documentation together and preparing the N-400 package to send at the beginning of April 2016. Here are a few of questions out of the gate;
Many Thanks,
Rich.
Since we had been married for less than two years at the time of entry to the United States, the Immigrant Visa I received was conditional and the Green Card I received as a result [Form I-551], was only valid for two years after entry. In order to remove the conditions of my permanent resident status, I had to complete the I-751 Petition to Remove Conditions of Residence process. Again, for those that might be interested, I documented my entire I-751 journey here in hopes that it would help those embarking on the process in the near future.
Life is really good, we're happily married, established in our jobs, bought a home in April 2015, and our first child was born in September 2015. Alas we find ourselves approaching what is hopefully the final hurdle in the overall process; the N-400 Application for Naturalization. I have a few questions, but will likely have more as we try to navigate the process so I figured I would open a new thread.
I've now begun pulling documentation together and preparing the N-400 package to send at the beginning of April 2016. Here are a few of questions out of the gate;
- If I’m remembering correctly we submitted only photocopies when submitting documents in the past [CR-1 & I-751 Processes]. Is it sufficient to submit photocopies of documents [Marriage Certificate, Passports, Birth Certificates, etc] for the N-400 process, assuming of course that I will bring the originals with me to the interview?
- When I prepared evidence of ongoing marital union for the I-751 Process, I included documentation from when we began dating, not simply from when we entered the US. Am I expected to provide similar evidence of ongoing marital union as part of my application for naturalization?
- For the N-400 package, I’m preparing to include the following, but would welcome any input on what might be missing;
- Completed Form N-400 Application for Naturalization
- Completed G-1145 e-Notification of Application Acceptance
- Fee Payment -- Form N-400 Filing [$595USD]
- Fee Payment -- Biometric Services [$85USD]
- Two Passport Style Photographs of N-400 Applicant
- Evidence of Legal Marriage -- Official Marriage Certificate & License for N-400 Applicant & US Citizen Spouse
- Evidence of N-400 Applicant’s Immigration Status -- Permanent Resident Card [USCIS Form I-551] Front & Back
- Evidence of N-400 Applicant’s Citizenship Status -- Official UK Birth Certificate
- Evidence of N-400 Applicant’s Citizenship Status -- Official UK Passport Photo Page
- Evidence of N-400 Applicant Spouse’s Citizenship Status -- Official US Birth Certificate
- Evidence of N-400 Applicant Spouse’s Citizenship Status -- Official US Passport Photo Page
- Evidence of Ongoing Marital Union -- Birth Certificate for Child of N-400 Applicant & US Citizen Spouse
- Evidence of Ongoing Marital Union -- 3 Years of Tax Return Transcripts
- Evidence of Ongoing Marital Union -- Shared US Home Mortgage Statements
- Evidence of Ongoing Marital Union -- Shared US Bank Account Statements
- Evidence of Ongoing Marital Union -- Shared Deed of Home Purchased by N-400 Applicant & US Citizen Spouse.
- Evidence of Ongoing Marital Union -- Shared Utility Bills
- Evidence of Ongoing Marital Union -- Selection of Photographs of N-400 Applicant, US Citizen Spouse & Child
Rich.
#2
Account Closed
Joined: Aug 2002
Location: Kentucky
Posts: 38,865
Re: N400 Process & Preparation Questions
Am I expected to provide similar evidence of ongoing marital union as part of my application for naturalization?
I’m preparing to include the following, but would welcome any input on what might be missing...
Ian
#3
Re: N400 Process & Preparation Questions
Hi Ian,
Thanks so much for the quick response, I've really appreciated you and Rene helping me navigate all of this over the last few years.
This is a huge relief! If I'm understanding correctly, I do not need to submit evidence of the relationship from the very beginning, but simply from when I submitted my I-751 through to when I submit my N-400.
With the CR-1 and I-751 processes it felt like I was sending everything but the kitchen sink! With my N-400 application, do you think I should include a selection of shared utility bills, insurance policies, vacation travel documents, etc as evidence of ongoing marital union?
To me, it has all seemed like overkill in the past, but by the same measure I have never received an RFE which is a plus -- not that there's necessarily any direct correlation.
Many Thanks,
Rich.
Thanks so much for the quick response, I've really appreciated you and Rene helping me navigate all of this over the last few years.
This is a huge relief! If I'm understanding correctly, I do not need to submit evidence of the relationship from the very beginning, but simply from when I submitted my I-751 through to when I submit my N-400.
With the CR-1 and I-751 processes it felt like I was sending everything but the kitchen sink! With my N-400 application, do you think I should include a selection of shared utility bills, insurance policies, vacation travel documents, etc as evidence of ongoing marital union?
To me, it has all seemed like overkill in the past, but by the same measure I have never received an RFE which is a plus -- not that there's necessarily any direct correlation.
Many Thanks,
Rich.
#4
Re: N400 Process & Preparation Questions
We submitted a few recent bank statements, a few recent mortgage statements, proof of joint health insurance, proof that hubby is beneficiary on my life insurance and 401K, and tax returns.
Rene
Rene
#5
Re: N400 Process & Preparation Questions
Thanks Rene, I'll prepare to do the same when I submit this in April
Rich.
#6
Account Closed
Joined: Aug 2002
Location: Kentucky
Posts: 38,865
Re: N400 Process & Preparation Questions
Ian
#8
Re: N400 Process & Preparation Questions
That's a fair observation Ian, well stated! I think the problem is the CR-1 and I-751 processes have taught me to make zero assumptions and to evidence just about every breath I take! Whew!
#9
Re: N400 Process & Preparation Questions
From posts here at BE, I understand that following the Oath Ceremony there are often booths set up on site for you to:
- Register to Vote
- Apply for a US Passport
- Update your Social Security
I understand the first two, but what exactly do I need to update with the Social Security folks? Should I expect a new card, number, or something?
Thanks, Rich.
- Register to Vote
- Apply for a US Passport
- Update your Social Security
I understand the first two, but what exactly do I need to update with the Social Security folks? Should I expect a new card, number, or something?
Thanks, Rich.
#10
Re: N400 Process & Preparation Questions
From posts here at BE, I understand that following the Oath Ceremony there are often booths set up on site for you to:
- Register to Vote
- Apply for a US Passport
- Update your Social Security
I understand the first two, but what exactly do I need to update with the Social Security folks? Should I expect a new card, number, or something?
Thanks, Rich.
- Register to Vote
- Apply for a US Passport
- Update your Social Security
I understand the first two, but what exactly do I need to update with the Social Security folks? Should I expect a new card, number, or something?
Thanks, Rich.
SS need to update their database record to show you are now a citizen, they need to see your naturalization certificate to do this. You do not get a new number but I think you will be sent a new card.
Register to vote, obviously they need to see your certificate.
Passport. At mine it was just an information booth, no applications being processed. You have to apply at certain specified locations, specific post offices, town halls etc because as a first time applicant someone has to manually check your application before it is sent off. Your certificate is sent off with your application and returned later. Take a photocopy of it before you send it.
#11
Re: N400 Process & Preparation Questions
Many Thanks, Rich.
#12
Re: N400 Process & Preparation Questions
Back in 2007, my interview was an hour long, which appeared to be standard, of which 10 minutes was spent on the matter in hand, including answering six questions on US history and government. The rest was spent shooting the breeze about, in no particular order: the Falklands war, the Gulf war(s), Saddam Hussein and other Middle Eastern despots, the (then current) Afghan war and previous conflicts in Afghanistan, the method of government in the UK, the Royal family, the history of the Royal family, including Henry VIII and the creation of the Church of England, and how it relates to the government of the UK, including the Act of Union, renovating houses, in the UK and US, rewiring work and electrical standards, plumbing, roofs, and other sundry construction topics, such as hardwood flooring, crawlspaces and the joys of working in them, and how to deal with the dirt, damp, and the bugs and critters you might find down there. It was a busy hour!
Er, YMMV.
Last edited by Pulaski; Apr 5th 2016 at 9:58 pm.
#13
Re: N400 Process & Preparation Questions
SSA needs to update your records to show naturalization/citizenship as it impacts estate taxes if your wife dies before you.
It is assumed that the good people here will walk you through the naturalization process, just as they walked you through every other process, so that you don't have to think much about it and can post your process for prosperity
BTW don't you already have copies from the other processes? You can use those you know.
Also they are lagging in getting naturalization applications done these days. Apparently, Trump's call for all foreigners to become citizens so they can vote, have overwhelmed the district offices. It has taken a friend nearly seven months in Texas just to receive notification via email that an interview will be set up soon.
It is assumed that the good people here will walk you through the naturalization process, just as they walked you through every other process, so that you don't have to think much about it and can post your process for prosperity
BTW don't you already have copies from the other processes? You can use those you know.
Also they are lagging in getting naturalization applications done these days. Apparently, Trump's call for all foreigners to become citizens so they can vote, have overwhelmed the district offices. It has taken a friend nearly seven months in Texas just to receive notification via email that an interview will be set up soon.
Last edited by Rete; Apr 5th 2016 at 10:33 pm.
#14
Account Closed
Joined: Aug 2002
Location: Kentucky
Posts: 38,865
Re: N400 Process & Preparation Questions
Ian
#15
Re: N400 Process & Preparation Questions
Did you bring the originals of everything you submitted with your application?
Thanks, Rich.