N-400 questions: signature format, cover letter

S

surya2

New Member
Dear All,

I am completing my N-400 application form. The instructions for the signature (Part 11) on the form say "You should sign your full name without abbreviating it or using initials. The signature must be legible. Your application may be returned to if it is not signed."

My legal signature does not meet this requirement (I use an initial for example). Should I do a different signature on the form? Does this new style have to be consistent throughout the process? Anybody else have this experience?

My other question has to do with a cover letter - is it helpful/necessary in a fairly straightforward case? Is there a particular format that people use?

Thanks very much for any help.
-S.
 
Surya,

I have the same question like you. How did you end up signing finally?

Please let me know.

Many thanks!!


surya2 said:
Dear All,

I am completing my N-400 application form. The instructions for the signature (Part 11) on the form say "You should sign your full name without abbreviating it or using initials. The signature must be legible. Your application may be returned to if it is not signed."

My legal signature does not meet this requirement (I use an initial for example). Should I do a different signature on the form? Does this new style have to be consistent throughout the process? Anybody else have this experience?

My other question has to do with a cover letter - is it helpful/necessary in a fairly straightforward case? Is there a particular format that people use?

Thanks very much for any help.
-S.
Click to expand...
 
I didn't use a cover letter, and I don't think cover letter helps at all. Perhaps they throw it to the basket or perhaps they affix it to the application for the record.
I don't remember how I signed the application :( on hindsight I should have made photocopies of the application itself instead of just saving the pdf. My regular signature is highly stylized. I guess I just wrote my full name as a signature. By the way, when I went for passport stamp a few years back I was told my signature was too simple, but still allowed me to get the Green Card with that signature. I don't know if it would pass muster nowadays.

My 2 cents would be to write your full name in lieu of a signature, even if that's not what you do to sign your credit cards or drivers license.
 
surya2 said:
Dear All,

I am completing my N-400 application form. The instructions for the signature (Part 11) on the form say "You should sign your full name without abbreviating it or using initials. The signature must be legible. Your application may be returned to if it is not signed."

My legal signature does not meet this requirement (I use an initial for example). Should I do a different signature on the form? Does this new style have to be consistent throughout the process? Anybody else have this experience?

My other question has to do with a cover letter - is it helpful/necessary in a fairly straightforward case? Is there a particular format that people use?

Thanks very much for any help.
-S.
Click to expand...
Yes, you have to sign the full signature and have to be consistent throughout the process. No abbreviations.

I sent a cover letter though I personally believe that it is not needed unless your case has complications.
 
Sign your full name in firstmiddlelast format. That's what the IO made me do (even though my original signature is in that format).

Additionally, you have to sign your full name on your naturalization certificate anyway, so you can use the practice;)
 
A cover letter is a waste of time and energy. If clarification of any issues are required, the IO will ask during interview.

You can sign the initial application any way you feel like, but the IO will have you sign (write) your full name in cursive letters during the interview, so you should probably use this long form from the very beginning.
 
Where did you see instructions for signature? I used fillable N-400 form and does not have any instruction for signature? Also there is no mention regarding this in A Guide to Naturalization. Am I missing something?
 
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