Misc questions on N400

[complex_dude]

Hi,
I recently started preparing the N400 form and have the following questions. I did read a lot of the existing posts, but still have the following questions.
Any help in answering these is appreciated:

1. Traffic citation: After reading all posts, I think I will mention the citation on the form. I do understand that I dont need to append any paperwork for citations < $500 etc, but do I still need a 'certified court disposition' for the interview ? What I have currently have is a printout from the online system from court's website.
Also, I should I only answer "YES" to "have you ever been cited/arrested" question ? Or to a few others like "committed an offence/crime for which you were not arrested (only got a traffic ticket that's it, is that offence/crime) ?

2. For one of the previous employments, I do not recall the exact date. Checking with the employers, they dont seem to have the records either (probably used third party) that archieved them.
If I am sure about the month/year, can I simply mention that (e.g. 04/2004 etc) ?

3. I was able to retreive all travel dates except one (for leaving US) (stamp illegible). For that travel, I have the return stamp, annotated 'out-for-2-months". Can I use the leaving-US date as (return - 60 days) approx. (I have already done all research, e.g. tracking airline accounts etc, still cannot retreive this date).

4. There are two stamps in my passport with special annotation (One says out-for-2-moths, other says out-for-3-months). Given that I satisfy all residency requirements stated in N400, is this an issue ?

5. Selective Services Registartion: I visited US between 24-26 years of age on B1 visa. But when entered US on work visa, I was 26 years 3 months, and did not register. Was I required to register ? If so, what issue can this cause, and what are my options ?

6. Should the prinout for filled N400 be single-sided or double-sided ?

7. Between the various forms of fee payment, which one is recommend ? (is personal check an option ?)

8. If I filled my wife's form (online pdf), should I sign as somone who prepared the form (Part 12) for my wife's form ?

Any help is apprecited.

Best Regards,
cd

 

[DreamUSA]

Hi,
I recently started preparing the N400 form and have the following questions. I did read a lot of the existing posts, but still have the following questions.
Any help in answering these is appreciated:

1. Traffic citation: After reading all posts, I think I will mention the citation on the form. I do understand that I dont need to append any paperwork for citations < $500 etc, but do I still need a 'certified court disposition' for the interview ? What I have currently have is a printout from the online system from court's website.

It should be sufficient. If you can, request a cerified copy

Also, I should I only answer "YES" to "have you ever been cited/arrested" question ? Or to a few others like "committed an offence/crime for which you were not arrested (only got a traffic ticket that's it, is that offence/crime) ?
Yes. If you disclose the ticket, you should answer Yes. Check traffic ticket thread...There are different opinions in this forum about disclosing tickets.


2. For one of the previous employments, I do not recall the exact date. Checking with the employers, they dont seem to have the records either (probably used third party) that archieved them.
If I am sure about the month/year, can I simply mention that (e.g. 04/2004 etc) ?
Try to get...if you list it even month/year, make sure you have some documents (paycheck, w2 etc). Also if your LPR was via work-Visa (H1, L1, E1, etc. Technically, you are expected to continue working for your employer for some period (6 month/more) after obtaining LPR status
3. I was able to retreive all travel dates except one (for leaving US) (stamp illegible). For that travel, I have the return stamp, annotated 'out-for-2-months". Can I use the leaving-US date as (return - 60 days) approx. (I have already done all research, e.g. tracking airline accounts etc, still cannot retreive this date).

If you use the certain date (estimated) date...Try to obtain some alternative proof...Even things such as hotel check out..if you travel with some one...he/she can give you a certified statement....


4. There are two stamps in my passport with special annotation (One says out-for-2-moths, other says out-for-3-months). Given that I satisfy all residency requirements stated in N400, is this an issue ?

You also need to look all trips in totatlity as well...

5. Selective Services Registartion: I visited US between 24-26 years of age on B1 visa. But when entered US on work visa, I was 26 years 3 months, and did not register. Was I required to register ? If so, what issue can this cause, and what are my options ?

I do not think Selective Services Registartion applies to non-residents (B1, H1, )...I think you should be OK...

6. Should the prinout for filled N400 be single-sided or double-sided ?
Single is safer.
7. Between the various forms of fee payment, which one is recommend ? (is personal check an option ?)

I think check is better...you can track..and have a direct proof for payment
8. If I filled my wife's form (online pdf), should I sign as somone who prepared the form (Part 12) for my wife's form ?

I suggest she signs it (unless she is seriously impaired or have difficulty communicating in English ​

Any help is apprecited.

Best Regards,

 

[complex_dude]

Thanks a lot DreamUSA, I appreciate your help. I see that you filed recently, so a few followup questions:

1. For traffic ticket, your opinion is that if I do mention it, then the answer to all the below is YES:
- Have you ever committed a crime/offence for which you were not arrested ?
- Have you been cited/arrested...
- Have you ever been convicted of a crime/offense ?

2. If the ticket was dismissed because I attended traffic school, is that still 'conviction' ?

3. Employment date: I do have all my past W2's, but that does not seem to mention the exact dates of employment for that year. I dont have any other way to identify the establish the exact dates.

4. I do meet all the residency criteria (individual and totality). Do the annotations 'out-for-2/3-months' still matter ?

Thanks a lot
cd

 

[Bobsmyth]

Hi,
I recently started preparing the N400 form and have the following questions. I did read a lot of the existing posts, but still have the following questions.
Any help in answering these is appreciated:

1. Traffic citation: After reading all posts, I think I will mention the citation on the form. I do understand that I dont need to append any paperwork for citations < $500 etc, but do I still need a 'certified court disposition' for the interview ? What I have currently have is a printout from the online system from court's website.
Also, I should I only answer "YES" to "have you ever been cited/arrested" question ? Or to a few others like "committed an offence/crime for which you were not arrested (only got a traffic ticket that's it, is that offence/crime) ?

You must disclose tickets , don't need to provide documentation for minor ones under $500. You would only answer YES to cited question for a traffic ticket.

2. For one of the previous employments, I do not recall the exact date. Checking with the employers, they dont seem to have the records either (probably used third party) that archieved them.
If I am sure about the month/year, can I simply mention that (e.g. 04/2004 etc) ?

yes, month/year format is fine.

3. I was able to retreive all travel dates except one (for leaving US) (stamp illegible). For that travel, I have the return stamp, annotated 'out-for-2-months". Can I use the leaving-US date as (return - 60 days) approx. (I have already done all research, e.g. tracking airline accounts etc, still cannot retreive this date).

You can use mont/year for trips as well if you don't know exact dates.

4. There are two stamps in my passport with special annotation (One says out-for-2-moths, other says out-for-3-months). Given that I satisfy all residency requirements stated in N400, is this an issue ?

You may be asked about purpose of trips, but otherwise they shouldn't be an issue.

5. Selective Services Registartion: I visited US between 24-26 years of age on B1 visa. But when entered US on work visa, I was 26 years 3 months, and did not register. Was I required to register ? If so, what issue can this cause, and what are my options ?

No, you're only required to register as a LPR until your 26 birthday.

6. Should the prinout for filled N400 be single-sided or double-sided ?

Doesn't make a difference. People report success with both ways.

7. Between the various forms of fee payment, which one is recommend ? (is personal check an option ?)

Check is cheapest ..no need to spend extra for money order.

8. If I filled my wife's form (online pdf), should I sign as somone who prepared the form (Part 12) for my wife's form ?

Any help is apprecited.

Best Regards,
cd

Just have her sign the form. Preparer would be for lawyer or representative.

 

[DreamUSA]

Thanks a lot DreamUSA, I appreciate your help. I see that you filed recently, so a few followup questions:

1. For traffic ticket, your opinion is that if I do mention it, then the answer to all the below is YES:
- Have you ever committed a crime/offence for which you were not arrested ?
- Have you been cited/arrested...
- Have you ever been convicted of a crime/offense ?
NO YES NO
2. If the ticket was dismissed because I attended traffic school, is that still 'conviction' ?

3. Employment date: I do have all my past W2's, but that does not seem to mention the exact dates of employment for that year. I dont have any other way to identify the establish the exact dates.
No worries...not a big deal
4. I do meet all the residency criteria (individual and totality). Do the annotations 'out-for-2/3-months' still matter ?
NO
Thanks a lot
cd

Answer as best of your ability. You can always clarify and explain it and amend it during your interview with IO.

 

[complex_dude]

Thanks a Bobsmyth, DreamUSA.

I just went to the county court house to get a 'certified-disposition' on traffic fine (failed to stop at red light, right turn, < $500, dismissed after attending traffic school), and immediately came back after seeing a > 100 people long queue.
Is it one of those good-to-have, but not must have thing for the interview ?
I am wondering if it is worth investing half a day (or may be one day) just for this.

Other than the following three any other docs need to be send with application (no issues other than traffic ticket):
- N400, copy of GC front/back, check, 2 photos

Also, dont mean to be sounding cheap, any opinion on using epassportphoto.com (for photos) ($0.13) v.s. using photo center at Walgreen's/Costco etc (> $10) ?


Also, is it a big No-No to move after filing N400 ?
I do see that USCIS has suggested ways to update address with them, but it that OK ?
I dont know if I will move, but just want to make sure I understand what moving means for my application.

Thanks
cd

 

[Bobsmyth]

Thanks a Bobsmyth, DreamUSA.

I just went to the county court house to get a 'certified-disposition' on traffic fine (failed to stop at red light, right turn, < $500, dismissed after attending traffic school), and immediately came back after seeing a > 100 people long queue.
Is it one of those good-to-have, but not must have thing for the interview ?
I am wondering if it is worth investing half a day (or may be one day) just for this.

It's good to have in NYC and NJ DO's since some IOs at those locations have been asking for proof of payment.

Other than the following three any other docs need to be send with application (no issues other than traffic ticket):
- N400, copy of GC front/back, check, 2 photos

That's pretty much it unless your case is 3 year based or have criminal convictions.

Also, dont mean to be sounding cheap, any opinion on using epassportphoto.com (for photos) ($0.13) v.s. using photo center at Walgreen's/Costco etc (> $10) ?

If you're comfortable with cameras you can easily do it yourself at a fraction of the cost at that website.Nothing wrong with saving money if you can do it yourself with the same results.

Also, is it a big No-No to move after filing N400 ?
I do see that USCIS has suggested ways to update address with them, but it that OK ?
I dont know if I will move, but just want to make sure I understand what moving means for my application.

Thanks
cd

You can move, just make sure to update them. If you move to an area covered by a different DO, then expect your case to be delayed up to 3 months.

 

[complex_dude]

Ok, I think I am almost set to send in the paperwork today.

Now where to send ? For my region the following two addresses are mentioned.
My question is should USPS (not UPS) express mail be sent to the first or the second address below:


Lock Box:
USCIS
P.O. Box 21251
Phoenix, AZ 85036

For express/courier deliveries, use:

USCIS
Attn: N-400
1820 E Skyharbor Circle S, Floor 1
Phoenix, AZ 85034

 

[DreamUSA]

I agree with Bobsmyth re-prior posting...except photo..go with costco...it is $4.75 unless you are professional photographer....

I think all express mail should go to

USCIS
Attn: N-400
1820 E Skyharbor Circle S, Floor 1
Phoenix, AZ 85034

My suggestion is to use Fedex or UPS...

 

[Bobsmyth]

.except photo..go with costco...it is $4.75 unless you are professional photographer....

I'm by no means a professional photographer and did it myself via photo shop. I uploaded the pics to Walmart and saved money. Of course, if you're not someone with a little technical elbow grease then have someone else do it for you .

 

[complex_dude]

Thanks guys. I think I am all set now, will likely send the application tonight.
Thanks a lot for all the insightful details.

-cd

 

[complex_dude]

BTW, how do I find which D/O does my address belong to ?

 

[complex_dude]

Also, does it matter if I send my wife's and my application with one Fedex package (seperate envelops within one Fedex envelop) ?

Or does it have to be two separate Fedex envelopes ?

 

[Bobsmyth]

BTW, how do I find which D/O does my address belong to ?

By your zip code ..search on USCIS office locator

https://egov.uscis.gov/crisgwi/go?action=offices.type&OfficeLocator.office_type=LO

 

[Bobsmyth]

Also, does it matter if I send my wife's and my application with one Fedex package (seperate envelops within one Fedex envelop) ?

Or does it have to be two separate Fedex envelopes ?

One Fedex envelope is fine as long as you keep the applications separate inside the envelope..