Documents for interview

[raks123]

What are the documents I should prepare for my interview? I am currently applying just for myself, not for my family (spouse and kid).

In my N-400, I misinterpreted the $500 fine clause for traffic and filled NO even though I have traffic tickets. How may it affect the interview? If asked, can I admit I have traffic tickets, but di not fill in due to misinterpretation.

Thanks for any suggestions.

[nichole]

I've read many reviews of interviews and it will all come down to your local office and what they ask for.

The interviewer will go over the entire application with you. At the point of the question about being detained, cited, arrested, etc you can say "I'm not sure if I filled that out correctly". Then you can explain you think it means traffic citations not involving drugs or alcohol are excluded. If he says they are included, he will change your answer on the form. That way you won't get stuck with misrepresentation.

So after that some interviewers ask what it was for and the fine you paid. If it was less than $500, they say it's fine and move on.

Other interviewers have wanted documentation for even a $55 parking ticket and proof of payment. Just read a post from a guy telling about Garden City, NY office where he was told to get that documentation and come back. Their next available appointment is in March so his process is delayed because he didn't bring proof of paying a ticket. He even spoke to a supervisor about the statement in the instructions about less than $500. The supervisor said that is just a "suggestion" and we do it differently at this office. I also read a similar story about a Houston interview and others that I don't remember the office.

[raks123]

Thank you Nicole for the very helpful reply. I have couple of queries on documents.

Do I need my birth cert, marriage cert, kids' birth cert etc for the interview. Please note that I am just applying for myself. If yes, do I need the originals or copies will do? I am asking this as I am now into school in Texas where I am applying whereas my permanent residence is in Michigan where my family still stay. If originals are required, I will get them from there.

Also I will need my tax documents for last 5 years. Is it the W-2 and Tax returns or I have to get it from IRS in some special format?

I appreciate any suggestions.