U.S. Becoming a citizen is a long and stressful experience, but once it’s done, you’ll be able to enjoy the benefits that US citizenship has to offer. First, however, you need to assemble a submission file for the state application at USCIS (US Citizen & Immigration Services). The most important things to include in this file are your N-400 form and your cover letter, but these things are also necessary to complete the citizenship application packet.
Your Citizenship Application File: Payment
You may want to submit your loan application with the application file rather than separately to have less chance of being lost. USCIS receives thousands of applications each month, so it’s as easy as possible to keep them all together. The current fee is $320 plus $70 for fingerprinting. The fingerprint fee is not applicable if the president is 75 years of age or an active member of the US military.
Your Citizenship Application File: Photographs
USCIS requires two photos of your passport style along with the rest of the information on your state card. Because they have certain criteria for these photos, it is best to have them taken in a location that provides photos. Write your name and your A-number (which can be found on your green card) on the pin on the back of each picture.
Your Citizenship Application File: Photocopy of Green Card
Make a photocopy of both sides of your green card on two sheets of 8 ½-by-11-inch paper. Make sure the photos are clear and use high quality ink. It is best to make samples at Kinko’s or another store that offers similar services.
Your Citizenship Application File: Proof of Residency
Tax returns, property titles, magazine and/or newspaper subscriptions, credit cards, and anything else that might show proof. The residence permit must be included in the application package. However, make sure that you do not include the originals of these documents, but legible photographs.
Citizenship Application Package: Waivers
If you are requesting a waiver from any states that are around the city, make sure you include copies of their waivers and documents that can support your claims. For example, if you apply to the three-year rule because you are married to a US citizen, provide proof of your marriage and life together, including documents in both of your names, a marriage certificate, mortgage or house in both your terms, and in other sufficient evidence.
NOTE: Make all documents and photocopies on 8-by-11-inch paper, light bond. Do not try to photocopy your green card, for example, on the smallest paper, because it will have to be re-formatted. Similarly, they don’t make patterns on major papers because they don’t fit in government records.
