White space around the Photos - what does this mean?

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CrossHairs

Registered Users (C)
Below is the wording from:
http://www.uscis.gov/files/article/M-476.pdf (N-400 PHOTOS)
Be sure there is enough white space in the margin of the photographs so you will haveroom to sign your full name if your application is approved.​

I took my pictures at COSTCO and they just give 2x2 inches photographs - standard cut does not give any "margin" for the photo.

There is white space at the top part of the photo (above my head).
There is no other white space margin on the left, right or bottom of photos.

Is this correct? Do people specify any other specification when they take pictures for N-400?
Costco says this is how they take Passport size photos.
 
I still haven't gone to my interview. I guess the white space refers to the space above your shoulders to the top of the photograph. By the way, here is the passport photo specification from the department of state. I am not sure if they meant not cutting the sides of the picture. Anyway, I hope someone else can contribute. I sent regular passport pictures the way they cut them at Walgreens.

http://travel.state.gov/passport/guide/composition/composition_874.html
 
I too would like to get some confirmation from others on this:

When they say "sign your full name if your application is approved." - where do people need to sign the FULL name on the photo? on the side? or top?

My name is a bit long (not too long, but not short either!) - hence the concern!
 
I believe this was already discussed before. You might want to do a search on the forum. If my memory serves me well you have to sign your name on the side, on the vertical edge, like from shoulder up. I forgot if there was a particular side of the picture. Anyway, the important thing is to ask the officer how you are supposed to do it and perhaps show where you're planning to do the signature before you actually do it to be sure.
 
Right, you print (I think it is print and not sign) your name, starting on the right shoulder writing towards the top (along the left side of the picture). If you get a proper passport picture, there should be room. Don't worry, they will tell you what to do.
 
The white space refers to area of the photo around the head and neck. The IO will tell you how and where to write so don't worry.
 
Thanks for the answers.

When filing for myself and spouse, do we need to send the two N-400's in separate packets to USCIS? Two separate mailings?

This is the "recommended approach", correct? (Thanks for all the help and support)
 
I sent both application in the same packet and received the FP notice together. Only diff noticed is 5 diff between 2 ESC numbers. the reason I sent together so the case will probably be processed together and we will get all service scheduled on the same day and probably don't have to get there twice for the same reason.

Interested to know where it is mentioned that 2 application even from the same house has to be sent in separate envelope. Not sure if I have missed any specific section on the guide.
 
Do we need 2 separate packets?

biswasp said:
I sent both application in the same packet and received the FP notice together. Only diff noticed is 5 diff between 2 ESC numbers. the reason I sent together so the case will probably be processed together and we will get all service scheduled on the same day and probably don't have to get there twice for the same reason.

Interested to know where it is mentioned that 2 application even from the same house has to be sent in separate envelope. Not sure if I have missed any specific section on the guide.
Click to expand...

I thought most people were recommending to send it in TWO different packets even for people living in the same house...Folks, please post your experiences/advice...Greatly appreciated.

SEE point#4 on this website:
http://www.immihelp.com/citizenship/citizenship-application-photographs.html

It mentions SEPARATE mailing
 
I think separate envelopes are fine. Sometimes I have suggested also two envelopes inside a third one. One way or the other chances are the applications are going to run parallel and hit fingerprint and interview at the same time, unless there is a name check delay, in which case I think the separate processing is good, if there are permanent resident children involved (I mean they get to become citizens as soon as the first parent naturalizes).

PS: I think including both applications in the same envelope runs the risk that documents get mixed up or pictures get assigned to the wrong application. I wouldn't recommend to put both applications in the same envelope, even if people have had success this way. I would also recommend sending it regular mail, don't pay extra for fedex, or anything, the regular mail is fast and your cashed check will be your proof that the application was received. I didn't have any problem this way and didn't lose much sleep. After all you're not sending irreplaceable documents, so regular mail is fine.

My 2 cents.
 
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