B. Providing More Documents

• Library: Becoming a U.S. Citizen (Nolo) (2021 Ed.)

B. Providing More Documents

The USCIS interviewer might need additional documentation before making a decision about your application. In that case, the officer will give you a written request describing the documents needed—for example, the officer might ask for a copy of your recent tax transcript or returns, more proof or explanation of disability from your doctor (likely on a new N-648), or proof of your dates of travel outside the United States.

Normally, you'll send these documents by mail. However, if the USCIS officer wants an opportunity to discuss the documents with you, you will be asked to bring them to another interview. In general, however, USCIS prefers not to interview applicants a second time.

Being asked for more documents can be seen as a good sign—it means that the officer believes there are good reasons to pursue your case further. Now you must do your best to swing things in your favor.

1. To Provide or Not to Provide?

Don't automatically provide requested documents until you have closely reviewed the request and decided that the situation doesn't call for an attorney's help. If you are convinced that the document will help your quest for citizenship, go ahead and send it in. For example, if the document is one that you knew you should have brought to your interview, but forgot—such as a letter from your church exempting you from the...