My wife sent her N-400 application (under 5-year rule) a few weeks ago. Her biometrics is this week. For a number of (innocuous) reasons, she is likely to withdraw her application at this time (this decision is *not* based on anything "bad"). We have done research in this forum and elsewhere, and it looks like simply not showing up for biometrics or oath suffices to discontinue the application. We also read that, regardless, it is still advisable to send USCIS a letter stating that the application is being withdrawn. We also read that withdrawing has no negative effect if and when she decides to apply again for citizenship in the future, or renew the physical green card.
1) She will likely not go to the biometrics this week. It's too late to send the letter and ensure USCIS receives it before the biometrics. We think it is OK for her simply not go to biometrics (which will discontinue the application anyway) and then send the letter in the next few days (which, again, will most likely be received after the biometrics appointment has passed) for the sake of completeness. Is this OK? Or is it better to just go to the biometrics (we already paid for it anyway) and then send the letter, so that the N-400 is being withdrawn not for failing to show up but instead is being withdrawn with a letter. I think this second alternative is overkill. (Again, we are absolutely not concerned that the fingerprint will raise anything "bad." She is as "clean" as one can be).
2) Where should we send the letter? To the address we sent the N-400 application. Should we attach a copy of the original NOA? Or a copy of the biometrics NOA? Or both? If both, should the letter state that she didn't go to the biometrics?
3) If for some unlikely reason she doesn't withdraw now, can she withdraw (via a letter) before the interview? At the interview? After the interview but before the oath? More generally, is there a "deadline" to withdraw (example, no later than the interview date?).