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Naturalization is the legal process for becoming a US citizen if you were born outside the United States. And while you don’t need a citizenship attorney in NYC to apply, having one by your side can make the process a lot easier. They can help you determine if you qualify and make sure that you have the right paperwork before you file.

You can also file Form N-400 online through the USCIS website. Once you have an online account, you can keep an eye on your case and send in additional evidence if USCIS asks for anything else.

But before you file or submit anything, take some time to organize your paperwork and make sure that you have evidence for the details you provide. Missing or incomplete documents can create delays or other problems with your application. A citizenship attorney in NYC can review your situation and give you a checklist based on your circumstances.

So, what should you have ready? Here are some of the documents you may need before filing your N-400.

Gather your basic documents

You’ll need to show documents that establish your permanent resident status and other important details about your circumstances. Your starting set may include:

• Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)
• Form N-648, Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions, if applicable
• Marriage and previous marriage records, where applicable

What you’ll need really depends on your situation, so don’t be surprised if USCIS asks for documents beyond the basics. A citizenship attorney in NYC can look at your circumstances and tell you exactly what you should have ready before you apply.

What if you owe taxes?

If you owe taxes, you’ll want to show USCIS that you’re taking care of what you owe when you apply for naturalization. The best way to do this, in many cases, it to provide a signed agreement (either from the IRS or from the appropriate state/local tax office) showing that you filed your tax return and that you have arranged to pay the outstanding balance.

Gather proof of child support payments

Do you have a child support obligation? If so, you may need to show USCIS that you’ve been meeting that responsibility.

Depending on your situation, you could provide:

• Canceled checks or money order receipts showing your payments
• Court or agency records documenting your child support payments
• Evidence of wage garnishments that you used to pay child support
• A notarized letter from the parent or guardian who’s caring for your child — this will help confirm that you’re providing support

With a citizenship attorney in NYC, you can get help gathering the necessary records that clearly show when and how you’ve made your child support payments.

Check your continuous residence and physical presence records

You’ll need to show USCIS that you still maintained your residence in the United States while you’re away, especially if you took a trip outside the U.S. that lasted more than six months but less than a year.

What can you use as proof? Depending on your situation, you might provide:

• Rent or mortgage statements
• Pay statements
• Bank, credit card, or loan statements showing regular U.S. transactions
• Vehicle registration and insurance records
• Passport pages with entry and exit stamps
• IRS tax transcripts
• Other records showing that you continued to maintain your U.S. residence

It’s also a good idea to go over your travel history before you file, especially if you’ve spent a lot of time outside the country. While you don’t have to find every old travel document, try to gather as much accurate information as possible about when you left the U.S. and when you came back.

Check if ‘Selective Service’ applies to you

You may need to show additional documentation if you were required to register with the Selective Service System but didn’t do so before turning 26. This can apply when you’re now over 26 but under 31, or under 29 when filing based on marriage to a U.S. citizen.

So, you must prepare:

• A status information letter from the Selective Service System
• Your statement explaining why you didn’t register

When explaining something, make sure it accurately reflects your circumstances so USCIS won’t make assumptions about why you didn’t register.

Get your documents in order

Your N-400 document checklist may look different from other applicants, and that’s okay. After all, your personal circumstances and history ultimately affect what you need to submit. The requirements will even be different when you have a criminal record or have been arrested, even when you weren’t charged.

That’s why it’s prudent to review everything with a citizenship attorney in NYC before you file instead of waiting for USCIS to ask for missing information.

At Berd & Klauss, PLLC., you can speak with a citizenship attorney in NYC who can help you understand the requirements and organize the documents you may need for your N-400 application.

Schedule your free initial consultation by calling 212-461-7152 or emailing info@berdklauss.com to get help preparing for the naturalization process.