Question related to N-400 application

M

Mehul123

Registered Users (C)
I have got 2 questions related to citizenship application for my wife:

(i) My wife got traffic ticket once, she took the traffic classes, and there is no points on her record. Now, where do she mention this fact in citizenship (N-400) application? I mean in which question? Does she need to attach any document for the same?

(ii) If she changes her name, will it take more time to process her application? If yes, how long? and can we do it after getting citizenship?

I will appreciate your feedback. Thanks.

Regards,
Mehul.
 
N-400

(i) How much was the fine, if any? Less than $500, nothing to mention. More? Mention it and attach document. According to USCIS, Note that unless a traffic incident was alcohol or drug related, you do not need to submit documentation for traffic fines and incidents that did not involve an actual arrest if the only penalty was a fine of less than $500 and/or points on your driver’s license.
(ii) In some districts it may take just a bit longer for the oath date but if you want to change names this is the best time to do it. Otherwise you will be running around govt offices.
 
A1: Mention the ticket where it states "Have you EVER been cited....". Do not attach any documentation but she needs to carry proof of payment for the interview to cover all bases.

A2: Yes she can change her name after naturalising.

Mehul123 said:
(i) My wife got traffic ticket once, she took the traffic classes, and there is no points on her record. Now, where do she mention this fact in citizenship (N-400) application? I mean in which question? Does she need to attach any document for the same?

(ii) If she changes her name, will it take more time to process her application? If yes, how long? and can we do it after getting citizenship?
Click to expand...
 
Hmm, it has been said on this board that regular traffic tickets (parking, registration, speeding) with fines less than $500 need not be mentioned at all. Is this true? So, what I mean is, can one say NO to the question about citations if these are the only kind of 'violations' they have been charged with?
 
My wife was cited for "Pass By" (meaning passing by a car thru emergency lane), and traffic fine was $280. (In other words, it is simple traffic ticket. No arrest or anything like that). She took the traffic class, and there is no point on her record. Thanks.

Regards,
Mehul.
 
I put no on the application, However at the interview i did mention my ticket 6 years ago with a $77 fine. She did not even care about it.
 
Mehul123 said:
(ii) If she changes her name, will it take more time to process her application? If yes, how long? and can we do it after getting citizenship?
Click to expand...
These are the main consequences of the options for when she changes her name:

1. Change name before naturalization: Name check will be run using both the old name and new name, thus increasing the chances of getting stuck in name check. Adequate proof of the name change must be brought to the interview.

2. Change name as part of the naturalization process: Will not affect name check, and the new name will be on the natz certificate. Interview and decision will not be delayed, but oath ceremony may be delayed by 1-3 months (must be a judicial oath ceremony to be able to do the name change).

3. Change name after naturalization: The natz certificate will not have the new name, possibly leading to hassles when trying to obtain/renew other documents such as passport and driver's license.
 
Here it goes again...

I spoke with a USCIS customer service rep regarding whether or not traffic tickets need to be disclosed. He did a search on his computer and read to me that minor traffic violations (non-DUI/DWI/reckless driving and less than $500) don't need to be disclosed on the N-400. I know that this forum's opinion regarding this issue is split, so here's what I suggest: if your wife chooses to disclose her traffic violation, make sure that she brings proof of payment/court disposition to the interview. Despite the fact that it clearly states in the Guide to Naturalization that an applicant doesn't need to provide proof for minor traffic violations, this forum has plenty of examples where IOs demanded proof of payment for minor traffic tickets (i.e., $50 ticket for running a stop sign) and refused to approve applications until such proof was provided.
 
My interview was done last week. I did checked "Yes" on the N-400 and detailed it on the N-400 since my two tickets were less than $500 fine ticket and non-dui/dwi ticket, but I didn't submit the tickets along the N-400 per instruction that said not to submit the documentation. At the interview, the officer didn't ask for proof, driving records, or court proof that I paid fines. That's it.

Your wife can say "yes" on the n-400, but she doesn't have to submit the documentation since your wife's ticket is neither "more than $500" ticket nor dui/dwi ticket. Your wife should carry tickets with payment, or her driving record and court-documented record that shows that she paid fines to the interview because if the officer asks her, then show the proof.
 
Thanks again. Just confirming...(My apologies, if it is an overkill)...

We will answer yes to the following question:
Have you ever been arrested, cited or detained by any law enforcement officer (including USCIS or former INS and military officers) for any reason?

We will answer No to the following questions:
->Have you ever commited a crime for which you were not arrested?
-> Have you ever been charged with committing any crime or offense?
-> Have you ever been convicted of a crime or offense?
-> Have you ever been placed in an alternative sentencing or rehabilitative program?
-> Have you ever received a suspended sentence, been placed on probation or been paroled?

Pl. let us know, if we are missing anything. Truly appreciate your help. Thanks.

Regards,
Mehul.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top