Today, we will go over 10 things you should know
if you file your n-400 application form online.
10 Tips to file US Citizenship N-400 application form online
Welcome back everyone.
If you're new,
we are here to help you with your US citizenship application and interview.
When you're ready to file your n-400 application,
there are two ways to do it:
by mail or online.
Many people ask which one is better
and it really comes down to a personal choice.
We prefer apply online
because you don't have to worry about printing documents
and any potential delivery issues using the postal service.
However, there are things you should be aware of while applying online.
Today, we're going to discuss 10 things you need to know before filing online.
Make sure to watch until the end
because we will discuss a glitch in the system and some potential solutions.
All right, let's start.
1. File through the official USCIS website
Make sure to file through the official USCIS website,
which is https://uscis.gov/ n-400
Do not go through any third-party website.
We have seen websites that charge you additional fees on top of the application fee.
These are scams, so don't fall for that.
2. Secure your online account
Cyber crime has been on the rise for the past few years,
so it's important to secure your online account,
especially with sensitive documents like this application.
One thing you need to do is turn on the two-factor authentication
and create a complicated password for your account.
if you need more help on how to do that, check out this video
3. Keep your account active
You can edit, delete, or update information when you log in
and USCIS will save your answers.
However, your answers will be deleted if your account is inactive for more than 30 days.
4. Supporting documents format
Here are some tips to upload your supporting documents.
You can use a scanner or take pictures with your phone for each document.
Make sure each image you attach is clear and that the text is readable.
File size cannot be larger than 6MB.
If your scanned file or image is larger than 6MB,
reduce the scan or photo resolution.
Files must be in PDF, JPG, or JPEG format.
Do not encrypt or password protect your files.
USCIS will not have access to these files,
and might therefore reject your application form.
If your documents are in a foreign language,
upload an English translation along with the original.
You need to certify that the translation is accurate.
5. Download a copy of your application
Once you've submitted your application,
your application will not show up right away in your account.
However, after a few days, it will show up under the "Document" tab.
It's always a good idea to print out a copy
and review your answers before the citizenship interview.
6. Keep your mailing address up to date
it's important to make sure your mailing address and physical address are up to date.
All aliens are required to file the AR-11 form if you change your address.
If you move after you filed online,
you can actually do that directly through the online account.
7. Fee changes
As we mentioned in a previous video,
the N-400 application fee will increase to $1170 after October 2nd.
This fee includes the biometrics.
And if you file online,
you will get a $10 discount, so it will be $1160.
That's another reason for you to file online.
8. No fee waiver
If you apply for a fee waiver form, I-912, you cannot apply online.
You have to submit your application via mail.
Starting October 2nd, USCIS will eliminate most of the fee waiver applications.
9. multiple applicants
If you and your family members are applying for citizenship,
each person needs to have his or her own account.
10. Enough funding
You must pay with a valid credit card or debit card
or provide your bank routing and checking account numbers
to have money taken directly from your U.S. bank account.
Make sure you have enough funding in your account before applying.
If USCIS cannot process your payment,
your application will be rejected and returned.
Some banks and credit card companies might refuse the transaction
if they think it's suspicious.
It's always a good idea to call them and give them a heads up about the transaction.
We actually have seen a case that the application was rejected because the bank declined the transaction.
Here's an additional bonus tip that we promised.
11. USCIS system glitch
We've received numerous reports that the online system can have glitches.
First, a lot of people reported that some answers were missing or entered incorrectly
even after they double checked before submitting it.
Join our Facebook group for additional help.
As mentioned previously, download a copy of your application after submission and review the answers.
If there's any error, mark it and mention it to the Officer during the interview.
Another glitch we've seen is regarding uploading documents.
A lot of applicants noticed that their uploaded documents were missing under the "Documents" tab
Join our Facebook group for additional help.
Here are a few things you can do to avoid that.
As mentioned previously, make sure your document format and size is correct.
Try to use a different browser to upload the documents.
It seems like most people have better luck using Internet Explorer than other browsers.
If you have issues using another browser, try Internet Explorer.
Also make sure you have the latest version.
Microsoft is moving away from this legacy browser
and will discontinue its support in 2021.
If that's the case, try the replacement browser, Microsoft Edge.
The trick is if your document is not uploading properly using your existing browser,
try to use a different one.
We will provide you a list of different browsers in our description.
Only upload all of your documents right before you hit "Submit".
Gather all of your supporting documents first by taking pictures or scanning them
And once all of the documents are uploaded, do not log out without hitting the "Submit" button.
Make the payment, hit the "Submit" button and complete the process.
Upload important documents twice
For all of the important documents such as your green card,
upload them twice,
once under "Required documents"
and once under "Additional evidence" tab.
If the document disappears under "Required documents",
you will still have a copy under the "Additional evidence".
If you succeed (in submitting),
you will see your uploads under the "Documents" tab where it says "your uploads" after you've submitted your application.
You will also see them if you click "View case snapshot" under the "Documents" tab.
if everything goes well, you will receive a receipt notice that contains your receipt number.
This is a unique number that applies to your specific case with USCIS.
You can find your receipt number on your online account homepage
and you can find a copy of your receipt notice under the "Documents" tab.
All right, that's all we have for today.
Do you have any questions or tips you want to share?
Leave us a comment and don't forget to subscribe.
See you next time. Bye!