Originally posted by bulbul-dude
I recently filed my N-400 application. The problem is that one part in the application asks for your school adress (if you were a full-time student) or work address (if you worked full time or part time) during the last 5 years.
My confusion is that I studied full time and worked continuously part time for the last 5 years. But, on my application I filled my school history NOT the work history. I only had to fill one , so I chose the school one!
Today, one of my friends told me that I should have told them about work addresses rather than school addresses. It might be problematic. I am having many thought crossing my mind on this issue. Can anybody please help here me in clearing this aspect?
Does somebody have any idea on "if and how it matters?"
Any replies will be greatly appreciated!
Dude
If there is anything I learned from the American life, the following stands at top.
The people here are
not out there to get you. For example if you go to a school and do a course, the prof does not give a killer test that will fail everybody so he can keep his head up as the smartest prof. No, it does not work that way. He will give a test that is "answerable" by his students. If the midterm is felt as very tough, he will go easy on finals to make up or give another additional test (like a take home). So people can pass and get out of his class and graduate.
The reason I tell this is, we in India do exactly the opposite. We want to fail as many people as we can. Whereas the americans want to pass as many. Same case with tax papers. Have you ever tried to file taxes in India? You need Ram Jethmalani to help you. No less. But if you have filed 1040 in US you will know how easy it is. An 8th grader can do it. In the years here I never asked for professional help for taxes. Never even used tax software. Always did it with paper and pencil.
Another example - write your exams in ink pen, say we! I started that in school in US when I first enrolled. The prof wrote on my test - USE PENCIL! Wow, I never needed a pen again, unless I signed an important document, like my house mortgage.
Coming to the point, do not get alarmed. On this forum people have already told this time and again. At the interview you can correct whatever you want in your N400. They will confirm that you are speaking the truth. Only thing they are worried is that, you are a possible threat to USA and may be you are lying. If you are not doing either, there is no reason to worry. If it makes you light hearted, take a paper and pen and giving your ID/SSN/Priority number or whatever that can identify you with USCIS, write to INS, explaining that you would like to add these too to the N400.
Everyone on the earth, including the INS officers, is aware that full time students in USA work part time.
I dealt with VSC when I had processed my GC. I sent a wrong check and next day express mailed the correct one asking them to retun my old check. I had a feeling that both checks would be cashed or my application would be rejected. I got the old check back in mail and in 5 months my GC as well.
They are not that bad. In fact VSC is the best among INS centers. So my advice to you is to relax. Or again to ease your fears, if it makes you feel better, write a detailed letter to INS. And as always keep a copy and send everything to INS with a return receipt requested. The post office charges a small fee for this return receipt but it is worth its weight in gold.
In the recent days I also found another truth of life - fearing about something that has not happened, or with your imagination - is more damaging than actully facing something bad. Is your case worth getting a heart attack? I do not think so.
I know it is easier said than done, but I am learning as I walk. Hope my experience helps you. Have a great weekend. Regards.
Disclaimer:- Everyone will tell you a different opinion. The reason is that, "it is what they think." I am included.
