G. Cooper & Associates, P.C.

A permanent Resident Card (a green card), two color photographs of yourself, [showing a three-fourths frontal view of your face], documents showing any name changes and explanations (ie: if you reverted to your maiden name after your divorce, you must provide a copy of your divorce decree), if you are applying for naturalization based on marriage to a U.S. citizen, you need proof of your spouse’s citizenship for the past three years, which may be in the form of:

• A birth certificate
• A passport
• A naturalization certificate
• Form FS240, “Report of Birth Abroad of a Citizen of the United States of America”

A marriage certificate for your current marriage, proof of termination of all of your and your spouse’s previous marriages (e.g., divorce decrees, death certificates); Form N-426, “Request for Certification of Military or Naval Service”; Status Information Letter from the Selective Service, [if you did not register and are a male who lived in the United States between the ages of eighteen and twenty-six; Form G-325B, "Biographic Information"; IRS Tax Form 1722, listing your past three to five years' tax information, copies of tax returns filed for the past three to five years; copies of correspondence with the Internal Revenue Service regarding any failure to file income tax returns; a signed agreement from the Internal Revenue Service or state or local tax authority showing repayment arrangements and your compliance therewith; proof of maintenance of U.S. residence during trips abroad of six months' or greater duration (ie: a signed lease, rent receipts, utility bills, etc.); copies of orders for child or spousal support you must pay; Evidence of compliance with spousal and child support orders (e.g., canceled checks, pay stubs showing automatic withholding, etc.); a copy of court disposition for any arrests or detentions by law enforcement officers, or statements that no charges were issued; sentencing records for each conviction and evidence of satisfactory completion of the sentence(s); court orders vacating, setting aside, expunging, or otherwise disposing of an arrest or conviction; Form N-648, "Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions," which must be completed by a licensed physician or psychologist if you are claiming a disability exemption from the testing requirement; Form G-28, "Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney or Representative."

Upon receipt of a green card, you are a United States tax resident and must tell your whole income to the government. Even if you have been outside the United States for a whole year, you must report your worldwide income. With a green card, you need to file a U.S. tax return Form 1040 each year by April 15th. Not following the tax laws will hurt your ability to qualify for citizenship to the United States. You also could be found guilty of a crime and your green card revoked. You could be deported. To know how to follow US tax laws, you should consult a tax attorney or visit the IRS website, www.irs.gov.

DO follow the instructions on your Bureau of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) forms exactly.

DO attach all the documents called for in the forms and provide appropriate translations where necessary.

DO follow the USCIS photograph instructions. Your local USCIS office may even have an onsite photographer.

DO call your local USCIS office, or visit the office personally if you have questions. You can also access the USCIS website at http://www.uscis.gov/

DO request an interpreter if you have trouble understanding English. Many USCIS offices have interpreters on hand.

DO hire an immigration attorney if you have been previously denied entry to the United States, deported, convicted of a crime, made misrepresentations to the USCIS, overstayed a visa, or are currently in the country illegally.

DO tell your attorney about any previously denied entries to the United States, deportations, convictions, misrepresentations made to the USCIS, unauthorized employment, or overstayed visas.

DO consult an attorney if you are contemplating accepting public benefits such as welfare or participation in the Aid to Families with Dependent Children program.

DON’T commit any crimes.

DON’T engage in politically subversive activities.

DON’T smuggle other foreign nationals into the United States.

DON’T charge others for legal advise. Even though your experience of obtaining a green card may have made you an expert, it is not legal to practice law without a license.

DON’T create the impression that you are not living in the United States once you have obtained your green card. If you leave the United States for too long, you may lose your green card.

DON’T lie on any USCIS form.

DON’T lie to USCIS officers.

DON’T leave parts of your forms blank, or assume that a part of the form is unimportant. If the information really does not apply to you, insert “N/A” or “none.”

DON’T leave parts of your forms blank, or assume that a part of the form is unimportant. If the information really does not apply to you, insert “N/A” or “none.”