What to bring to your naturalization interview

NOTE: ALL REQUIRED DOCUMENTS MUST BE ORIGINAL OR CERTIFIED COPIES. For any documents written in a foreign language please provide an English translation. The translator of the document must provide his/her credentials and certify that that the translation is accurate.

The following items are required for all interviews:

Your alien registration card

Photo identification (state driver's license or state identification card).

Your passport(s) and any travel documents issued by the I.N.S.

If you have ever been arrested, you must bring complete arrest report(s), certified court disposition(s), probation report(s) (if applicable), including records that may have been sealed or expunged. If a record or document is no longer available, you must submit documentation from the appropriate agency as to its unavailability.

Copies of recent years tax returns. Please bring copies of any correspondence relating to payment arrangements, and copies of any returns for which you claimed to be a non-resident.

If you are a male and between the ages of 18 and 31, please bring proof you registered with the Selective Service System between the ages of 18 and 26. (Selective Service System telephone number: 1-847-688-6888 or 1-847-688-2576). Note: If you failed to register with the Selective Service System before you reached age 26, you must do the following: 1. Request and complete the Selective Service System's QUESTIONNAIRE form. Answer the questions fully, MAKE A COPY, and return the form to the Selective Service System. 2. You will then receive an ADVISORY LETTER from the Selective Service. 3. Bring the copy of the QUESTIONNAIRE and the ADVISORY LETTER to your interview.

If you are unable to take the full oath of allegiance, please bring a letter from your church explaining how your religious beliefs prevent you from taking the full oath.

If you have minor children residing outside of your home, please bring evidence of your payment of financial support, such as cancelled checks, money order receipts and bank drafts showing your payment record, along with copies of any court or government orders relating to the required payment.

You will not be allowed to bring children or other family members with you to the interview. You should be on time for your interview. Any rescheduling may cause delays in processing your case.

For Cases Based on a Marriage to a U.S. Citizen, the Following Additional Items are Required:

Proof that your spouse has been a U.S. citizen for more than three years, such as birth certificate, naturalization certificate, certificate of citizenship, or U.S. passport.

Your marriage certificate.

Proof of termination of ALL prior marriages of both you and your spouse (if any).

Evidence of bona fide marriage - bring any documents which would assist in establishing the validity of your marriage such as (but not limited to) lease agreements or home ownership documents, joint bank and credit accounts, joint tax returns, proof of joint ownership of other property such as investments, automobiles, life insurance, health insurance.

Birth certificates of your children.

Exemptions from the English Language Requirements:

If you are over 50 years of age and have been a lawful permanent resident for more than 20 years, OR if you are over 55 years of age and have been a lawful permanent resident for more than 15 years, you may have your interview in your native language. Please bring an interpreter with proper identification.

If you are over 65 years of age and have been lawful permanent resident for more than 20 years, you will be eligible for the abbreviated history and government examination which may be conducted in your native language. Please bring an interpreter with proper identification if you require the examination to be conducted in your native language.

If you are permanently disabled, and the disability prevents you from fulfilling the requirements of Sec. 312 of the INA, you may also be exempt from the history and government examination and/or the literacy requirements. You must bring to your interview the medical certification Form N-648. The form must be completed in its entirety with a detailed explanation for each applicable question. Question #3 must include the origin, nature, and extent of your medical condition as it relates to the disability exceptions. The doctor or psychologist must describe in detail how your medical condition prevents you from fulfilling the requirements of Sec. 312 of the INA. Failure to comply with these instructions may result in the rejection of the Form N-648 and will result in delay in the adjudication of your application for naturalization.

Note: This is a general checklist of requirements. Since each case is unique, documents not listed may be required by the interviewing officer.

Please keep copies of all documents you bring to your interview for your own records.
If you fail to submit the required documents, listed, you may be found ineligible for naturalization and your application may be denied.

(Information from the Web site of the Law Offices of Alan E. Heckler P.C.)

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