Paul

Well my wife is at the final hurdle: citizenship. The instructions
are not too specific about what documentation they want, so I was
planning on just sending in copies of all the paperwork we sent in
with her petition to remove conditions, which we submitted a year ago,
adding a copy of our most recent tax return. Does that sound
reasonable? Or do I need to go get notarized letters again. Since
everything has gone relatively smoothly until now (except for her name
being spelled incorrectly, in different ways on both her conditional
and permanent green cards -- ARGHHH!!!) I think I'm starting to feel
complacent.

Sphyrapicus

    > Well my wife is at the final hurdle: citizenship. The instructions
    > are not too specific about what documentation they want, so I was
    > planning on just sending in copies of all the paperwork we sent in
    > with her petition to remove conditions, which we submitted a year ago,
    > adding a copy of our most recent tax return. Does that sound
    > reasonable? Or do I need to go get notarized letters again. Since
    > everything has gone relatively smoothly until now (except for her name
    > being spelled incorrectly, in different ways on both her conditional
    > and permanent green cards -- ARGHHH!!!) I think I'm starting to feel
    > complacent.

The instructions seem pretty specific to me. It lists the following
documentation:

All applicants must send the following 3 things with their N-400
application:

1. A photocopy of both sides of your Permanent Resident Card (formerly
known as the Alien Registration Receipt Card or “Green Card�). If you
have lost the card, submit a photocopy of the receipt of your Form
I-90, Application to Replace Alien Registration Receipt Card;

2. Two (2) identical color photographs, with your name and “A� number
written lightly in pencil on the back of each. For details about the
photo requirements, see part 5 of A Guide to Naturalization and the
Form M-378 instructions distributed with your application. Do not
wear eyeglasses or earrings for the photo. Note that if your religion
requires you to wear a head covering, your facial features and your
right ear must still be exposed in the photo for purposes of
identification; AND

3. A check or money order for the application fee and the fingerprinting
fee, as stated in the M-479 Current Naturalization Fees enclosure in
the Guide. (Applicants 75 years of age or older are exempted from
fingerprinting and the fingerprinting fee). Write your “A� number on
the back of the check or money order.

Send COPIES of the following documents, unless we ask for an original.

If an attorney or accredited representative is acting on your
behalf, send:
- A completed original Form G-28, “Notice of Entry of Appearance as
Attorney or Representative.�

If your current legal name is different from the name on your Permanent
Resident Card, send:
- The document(s) that legally changed your name (marriage certificate,
divorce decree, or court document).

If you are applying for naturalization on the basis of marriage to a
U.S. citizen, send the following 4 things:

1. Evidence that your spouse has been a U.S. citizen for the last 3
years:
• birth certificate (if your spouse never lost citizenship since
birth), OR
• naturalization certificate, OR
• certificate of citizenship, OR
• the inside of the front cover and signature page of your spouse’s
current U.S. passport, OR
• Form FS240, “Report of Birth Abroad of a Citizen of the United
States of America�

2. Your current marriage certificate; AND

3. Proof of termination of ALL prior marriages of your spouse (divorce
decree(s), annulment(s), or death certificate(s)); AND

4. Documents referring to you and your spouse:
• tax returns, bank accounts, leases, mortgages, or birth
certificates of children, OR
• IRS-certified copies of the income tax forms that you both filed
for the past 3 years, OR
• an IRS tax return transcript for the last 3 years.

If you were married before, send:
- Proof that ALL earlier marriages ended (divorce decree(s),
annulment(s), or death certificate(s)).
If you were previously in the U.S. military service, send:
- A completed original Form G-325B, “Biographic Information.�
If you are currently in U.S. military service AND are seeking
citizenship based on that service, send:
- A completed original Form N-426, “Request for Certification of
Military or Naval Service;� AND
- A completed original Form G-325B, “Biographic Information.�

If you have taken any trip outside of the United States that lasted for
6 months or more since becoming a Permanent Resident, send evidence that
you (and your family) continued to live, work, and/or keep ties to the
United States, such as:
- An IRS tax return “transcript� or an IRS-certified tax return listing
tax information for the last 5 years (or for the last 3 years if
you are applying on the basis of marriage to a U.S. citizen)
- Rent or mortgage payments and pay stubs.

If you have a dependent spouse or children who do not live with
you, send:
- Any court or government order to provide financial support; AND
- Evidence of your financial support (including evidence that you have
complied with any court or government order), such as:
• cancelled checks
• money order receipts
• a court or agency printout of child support payments
• evidence of wage garnishments
• a letter from the parent or guardian who cares for your children

If you answer “Yes� to any of questions 1 through 15 in Part 7, send:
- A written explanation on a separate sheet of paper.
If you answer “No� to any of questions 1 through 5 in Part 8, send:
- A written explanation on a separate sheet of paper.

If you have ever been arrested or detained by any law enforcement
officer for any reason, and no charges were filed filed, send:
- An original official statement by the arresting agency or applicable
court confirming that no charges were filed.

If you have ever been arrested or detained by any law enforcement
officer for any reason, and charges were filed filed, send:
- An original or court-certified copy of the complete arrest record and
disposition for each incident (dismissal order, conviction
record, OR acquittal order).

If you have ever been convicted or placed in an alternative sentencing
program or rehabilitative program (such as a drug
treatment or community service program), send:
- An original or court-certified copy of the sentencing record for each
incident; AND
- Evidence that you completed your sentence:
• An original or certified copy of your probation or parole record, OR
• Evidence that you completed an alternative sentencing program or
rehabilitative program

If you have ever had any arrest or conviction vacated, set aside,
sealed, expunged, or otherwise removed from your record, send:
- An original or court-certified copy of the court order vacating,
setting aside, sealing, expunging, or otherwise removing the
arrest or conviction, OR an original statement from the court that no
record exists of your arrest or conviction.

If you have ever failed to file an income tax return since you became a
Permanent Resident, send:
- All correspondence with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) regarding
your failure to file.

If you have any federal, state, or local taxes that are overdue, send:
- A signed agreement from the IRS or state or local tax office showing
that you have filed a tax return and arranged to pay the
taxes you owe; AND
- Documentation from the IRS or state or local tax office showing the
current status of your repayment program.

If you are applying for a disability exception to the testing
requirement, send:
- An original Form N-648, “Medical Certification for Disability
Exceptions,� completed less than 6 months ago by a licensed
medical or osteopathic doctor or licensed clinical psychologist.

If you did not register with the Selective Service and you 1) are male,
2) are 26 years old or older, and 3) lived in the United States
in a status other than as a lawful nonimmigrant between the ages of 18
and 26, send:
- A “Status Information Letter� from the Selective Service (Call 1-847-688-
6888 for more information).

Rete

    > The instructions seem pretty specific to me. It lists the following
    > documentation:
    > All applicants must send the following 3 things with their N-400
    > application:
    > 1. A photocopy of both sides of your Permanent Resident Card (formerly
    > known as the Alien Registration Receipt Card or “Green Cardâ€?). If
    > you have lost the card, submit a photocopy of the receipt of your
    > Form I-90, Application to Replace Alien Registration Receipt Card;
    > 2. Two (2) identical color photographs, with your name and “Aâ€? number
    > written lightly in pencil on the back of each. For details about
    > the photo requirements, see part 5 of A Guide to Naturalization and
    > the Form M-378 instructions distributed with your application. Do
    > not wear eyeglasses or earrings for the photo. Note that if your
    > religion requires you to wear a head covering, your facial features
    > and your right ear must still be exposed in the photo for purposes
    > of identification; AND
    > 3. A check or money order for the application fee and the
    > fingerprinting fee, as stated in the M-479 Current Naturalization
    > Fees enclosure in the Guide. (Applicants 75 years of age or older
    > are exempted from fingerprinting and the fingerprinting fee). Write
    > your “Aâ€? number on the back of the check or money order.
    > Send COPIES of the following documents, unless we ask for an original.
    > If an attorney or accredited representative is acting on your
    > behalf, send:
    > - A completed original Form G-28, “Notice of Entry of Appearance as
    > Attorney or Representative.â€?
    > If your current legal name is different from the name on your
    > Permanent Resident Card, send:
    > - The document(s) that legally changed your name (marriage
    > certificate, divorce decree, or court document).
    > If you are applying for naturalization on the basis of marriage to a
    > U.S. citizen, send the following 4 things:
    > 1. Evidence that your spouse has been a U.S. citizen for the last 3
    > years:
    > • birth certificate (if your spouse never lost citizenship since
    > birth), OR
    > • naturalization certificate, OR
    > • certificate of citizenship, OR
    > • the inside of the front cover and signature page of your spouse’s
    > current U.S. passport, OR
    > • Form FS240, “Report of Birth Abroad of a Citizen of the United
    > States of Americaâ€?
    > 2. Your current marriage certificate; AND
    > 3. Proof of termination of ALL prior marriages of your spouse (divorce
    > decree(s), annulment(s), or death certificate(s)); AND
    > 4. Documents referring to you and your spouse:
    > • tax returns, bank accounts, leases, mortgages, or birth
    > certificates of children, OR
    > • IRS-certified copies of the income tax forms that you both filed
    > for the past 3 years, OR
    > • an IRS tax return transcript for the last 3 years.
    > If you were married before, send:
    > - Proof that ALL earlier marriages ended (divorce decree(s),
    > annulment(s), or death certificate(s)).
    > If you were previously in the U.S. military service, send:
    > - A completed original Form G-325B, “Biographic Information.â€?
    > If you are currently in U.S. military service AND are seeking
    > citizenship based on that service, send:
    > - A completed original Form N-426, “Request for Certification of
    > Military or Naval Service;â€? AND
    > - A completed original Form G-325B, “Biographic Information.â€?
    > If you have taken any trip outside of the United States that lasted
    > for 6 months or more since becoming a Permanent Resident, send
    > evidence that you (and your family) continued to live, work, and/or
    > keep ties to the United States, such as:
    > - An IRS tax return “transcriptâ€? or an IRS-certified tax return
    > listing tax information for the last 5 years (or for the last 3
    > years if
    > you are applying on the basis of marriage to a U.S. citizen)
    > - Rent or mortgage payments and pay stubs.
    > If you have a dependent spouse or children who do not live with
    > you, send:
    > - Any court or government order to provide financial support; AND
    > - Evidence of your financial support (including evidence that you have
    > complied with any court or government order), such as:
    > • cancelled checks
    > • money order receipts
    > • a court or agency printout of child support payments
    > • evidence of wage garnishments
    > • a letter from the parent or guardian who cares for your children
    > If you answer “Yesâ€? to any of questions 1 through 15 in Part 7, send:
    > - A written explanation on a separate sheet of paper.
    > If you answer “Noâ€? to any of questions 1 through 5 in Part 8, send:
    > - A written explanation on a separate sheet of paper.
    > If you have ever been arrested or detained by any law enforcement
    > officer for any reason, and no charges were filed filed, send:
    > - An original official statement by the arresting agency or applicable
    > court confirming that no charges were filed.
    > If you have ever been arrested or detained by any law enforcement
    > officer for any reason, and charges were filed filed, send:
    > - An original or court-certified copy of the complete arrest record
    > and disposition for each incident (dismissal order, conviction
    > record, OR acquittal order).
    > If you have ever been convicted or placed in an alternative sentencing
    > program or rehabilitative program (such as a drug
    > treatment or community service program), send:
    > - An original or court-certified copy of the sentencing record for
    > each incident; AND
    > - Evidence that you completed your sentence:
    > • An original or certified copy of your probation or parole record,
    > OR
    > • Evidence that you completed an alternative sentencing program or
    > rehabilitative program
    > If you have ever had any arrest or conviction vacated, set aside,
    > sealed, expunged, or otherwise removed from your record, send:
    > - An original or court-certified copy of the court order vacating,
    > setting aside, sealing, expunging, or otherwise removing the
    > arrest or conviction, OR an original statement from the court that
    > no record exists of your arrest or conviction.
    > If you have ever failed to file an income tax return since you became
    > a Permanent Resident, send:
    > - All correspondence with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) regarding
    > your failure to file.
    > If you have any federal, state, or local taxes that are overdue, send:
    > - A signed agreement from the IRS or state or local tax office showing
    > that you have filed a tax return and arranged to pay the
    > taxes you owe; AND
    > - Documentation from the IRS or state or local tax office showing the
    > current status of your repayment program.
    > If you are applying for a disability exception to the testing
    > requirement, send:
    > - An original Form N-648, “Medical Certification for Disability
    > Exceptions,â€? completed less than 6 months ago by a licensed
    > medical or osteopathic doctor or licensed clinical psychologist.
    > If you did not register with the Selective Service and you 1) are
    > male, 2) are 26 years old or older, and 3) lived in the United States
    > in a status other than as a lawful nonimmigrant between the ages of 18
    > and 26, send:
    > - A “Status Information Letterâ€? from the Selective Service (Call 1-847-688-
    > 6888 for more information).

They were to us as well. Didn't have any problem with providing the
documentation that the instruction list called for.

Note you might receive a blurb on the NOA from the service center that
documentation was missing and can be brought to the interview. Ours had
it from Vermont as had others. Nothing further was asked for at the
interview although we were prudent and did bring the binder of
documentation we sent for removal of conditions with us for the
naturalization interview.

Rete

Paul

    >
    >
    > 4. Documents referring to you and your spouse:
    > ? tax returns, bank accounts, leases, mortgages, or birth
    > certificates of children, OR
    > ? IRS-certified copies of the income tax forms that you both filed
    > for the past 3 years, OR
    > ? an IRS tax return transcript for the last 3 years.

I guess I was reacting to this. For some reason it strikes me as less
extensive than they demanded for PR.

Sphyrapicus

    > >
    > >
    > > 4. Documents referring to you and your spouse:
    > > ? tax returns, bank accounts, leases, mortgages, or birth
    > > certificates of children, OR
    > > ? IRS-certified copies of the income tax forms that you both
    > > filed
    > > for the past 3 years, OR
    > > ? an IRS tax return transcript for the last 3 years.
    > I guess I was reacting to this. For some reason it strikes me as less
    > extensive than they demanded for PR.

Well, the I-751 was establishing if your marriage was bona fide. The N-
400 is establishing whether you are still with your wife (if one is
using the 3 yr PR option).

Jnk-Mail

    > 2. Two (2) identical color photographs,

One of these photos will go on the naturalization certificate - so make
sure it looks good :}. Mine is worse then a drivers license picture.
Ah hindsight :}.

Alexj

Soplor

    > Well, the I-751 was establishing if your marriage was bona fide. The
    > N-400 is establishing whether you are still with your wife (if one is
    > using the 3 yr PR option).

What if I'm still married when I file for citizenship but we don't have
joint tax return?

Anon

soplor wrote:

    >>Well, the I-751 was establishing if your marriage was bona fide. The
    >>N-400 is establishing whether you are still with your wife (if one is
    >>using the 3 yr PR option).
    >
    >
    > What if I'm still married when I file for citizenship but we don't have
    > joint tax return?
    >

There is no requirement for a joint return.

Rete

    > What if I'm still married when I file for citizenship but we don't
    > have joint tax return?

Your tax return does not have to be filed as married/joint. You can
file married/separate.

Rete

Jemavalon

    > Your tax return does not have to be filed as married/joint. You can
    > file married/separate.
    > Rete

Rete,

Thank you very much for mentioning the blurb in the N-400 receipt saying
that "some evidence is missing". I just got mine N-400 receipt with this
blurb 2 weeks ago, and I thought that I forgot to include something,
even though I checked and re-checked my application. Now I feel better.

Thanks!

Julia