Hi Everybody I just wanted to post my Oath Ceremony Experience. It was this morning and there were a total of 77 people obtaining the citizenship today. It took approximately 2 hours from beginnning to end. I went by myself because my husband had an important meeting during the morning and could not take the day off from work. The majority of the people had family members there who were taking pictures and things like that.
Names are called and you have to go to the front to sign the Certificate of Citizenship and turn in the invitation letter and green card (Even though I never received my 10 year green card, I took the expired one and that was enough). Then you go back to your seat and wait for the judge. When he comes in he reads the pledge of alliance (I htink that is what is called) and asked us to say "I DO" at the end. He then proceeded to call us individually again to give us the certificate. He allowed people to get pictures with him when receiving the certificate and this is one of the reasons it takes some time for the ceremony to finish.
I was also able to register to vote while I was there.
I am just happy that this is over for me. It has been 5 longs years since we started the inmigration process with the adjustment of status and I can now say that I am truly free.
I hope everyone gets the same speedy process I got with my N400. Good luck to all of you.
Full Version: Oath Ceremony Done and Journey finally completed
Thanks for sharing your experience. Enjoy your newfound freedom!! 
WOOOO!!
Congratulations!!!
Welcome to the United States of America!
Don't forget to let SSA know that you are now a USC.
Welcome to the United States of America!
Don't forget to let SSA know that you are now a USC.
Congrats!!! And thanks for reporting on the experience.
Congratulations!!!
QUOTE(eau_xplain @ May 2 2008, 04:51 PM) 
Congratulations!!!
Welcome to the United States of America!
Don't forget to let SSA know that you are now a USC.
Welcome to the United States of America!
Don't forget to let SSA know that you are now a USC.
Thanks everybody!
Ear_xplain: Here is a little story about my afternoon trying to update my status, docs, etc.
Well, in the afternoon I went to the DMV to renew my driver license and get a name change. That was the first obstacle I had to jump to accomplish my goal. When I told them I wanted to renew my driver's license (which was expiring in a week) and change my name they ask for my Green Card or I551. I told them that I was a citizen and that all I had was the CERTIFICATE OF CITIZENSHIP. You know what was the answer? I am sorry but I don't think we can use that to renew and /or change your driver's license. I told them I no longer have a green card because I am now a citizen and that the certificate is like a Birth Certificate and that this is what I use to obtain a passport. Her answer was to come back when I have a passport. I asked to talk to a manager and she said that the Certificate of Citizenship is all I needed. Talk about innept people working at this offices. Next stop was the Social Security office. I needed to inform them of my new status and request a new card because the one I have has a restriction on it. I was waiting to be called for like 40 minutes and there were still 4 people in front of me. It was 3:30 at the time so I thought it was going to be better to come back on Monday first thing in the morning.
Welcome aboard. I can only imagine what it must be like to be finished with USCIS. We wish you success and happiness.
FELICIDADES !!!
Congratulations!!!! 
QUOTE(Waiting4GC @ May 2 2008, 02:00 PM)
QUOTE(eau_xplain @ May 2 2008, 04:51 PM)
Congratulations!!!
Welcome to the United States of America!
Don't forget to let SSA know that you are now a USC.
Welcome to the United States of America!
Don't forget to let SSA know that you are now a USC.
Thanks everybody!
Ear_xplain: Here is a little story about my afternoon trying to update my status, docs, etc.
Well, in the afternoon I went to the DMV to renew my driver license and get a name change. That was the first obstacle I had to jump to accomplish my goal. When I told them I wanted to renew my driver's license (which was expiring in a week) and change my name they ask for my Green Card or I551. I told them that I was a citizen and that all I had was the CERTIFICATE OF CITIZENSHIP. You know what was the answer? I am sorry but I don't think we can use that to renew and /or change your driver's license. I told them I no longer have a green card because I am now a citizen and that the certificate is like a Birth Certificate and that this is what I use to obtain a passport. Her answer was to come back when I have a passport. I asked to talk to a manager and she said that the Certificate of Citizenship is all I needed. Talk about innept people working at this offices. Next stop was the Social Security office. I needed to inform them of my new status and request a new card because the one I have has a restriction on it. I was waiting to be called for like 40 minutes and there were still 4 people in front of me. It was 3:30 at the time so I thought it was going to be better to come back on Monday first thing in the morning.
Congratulations and good luck on Monday!
Congrats!!!!
Did you apply for the passport at the ceremony?
Did you apply for the passport at the ceremony?
Congrats. That is a milestone. 
I wish your husband could of joined you. I would of for all my power try to change the meeting. that is something that can't be done again. Once in a Lifetime
I am happy for you. I hope your hubby took you out to a really nicee place and open the money gates
Yogi
I wish your husband could of joined you. I would of for all my power try to change the meeting. that is something that can't be done again. Once in a Lifetime
I am happy for you. I hope your hubby took you out to a really nicee place and open the money gates
Yogi
QUOTE(yogib37 @ May 3 2008, 10:21 AM)
Congrats. That is a milestone.
I wish your husband could of joined you. I would of for all my power try to change the meeting. that is something that can't be done again. Once in a Lifetime
I am happy for you. I hope your hubby took you out to a really nicee place and open the money gates
Yogi
I wish your husband could of joined you. I would of for all my power try to change the meeting. that is something that can't be done again. Once in a Lifetime
I am happy for you. I hope your hubby took you out to a really nicee place and open the money gates
Yogi
Well, My husband holds an important position at this company and the timing was bad for him because the meeting was with the CFO of his business, who already had this schedule months in advance.
We had a nice dinner last night but we are actually having a party today with all of our friends to celebrate and believe me the money gates are open for a longer time than usual as part of the celebration.
QUOTE(Tammi @ May 3 2008, 08:26 AM)
Congrats!!!!
Did you apply for the passport at the ceremony?
Did you apply for the passport at the ceremony?
No, I didn't because I needed to use the certificate to renew my driver license that was expiring in a week and I wanted to make copies of it before I mail it for passport production. I am planning on doing the passport thing sometime next week.
Congratulations...your journey is finally done.....but I'm right behind you LOL....I got my oath ceremony letter today for May 30
That is terrific. Cannot wait till we are there too!
Congrats!
Congrats!
QUOTE(Waiting4GC @ May 2 2008, 06:00 PM)
Thanks everybody!
Ear_xplain: Here is a little story about my afternoon trying to update my status, docs, etc.
Well, in the afternoon I went to the DMV to renew my driver license and get a name change. That was the first obstacle I had to jump to accomplish my goal. When I told them I wanted to renew my driver's license (which was expiring in a week) and change my name they ask for my Green Card or I551. I told them that I was a citizen and that all I had was the CERTIFICATE OF CITIZENSHIP. You know what was the answer? I am sorry but I don't think we can use that to renew and /or change your driver's license. I told them I no longer have a green card because I am now a citizen and that the certificate is like a Birth Certificate and that this is what I use to obtain a passport. Her answer was to come back when I have a passport. I asked to talk to a manager and she said that the Certificate of Citizenship is all I needed. Talk about innept people working at this offices. Next stop was the Social Security office. I needed to inform them of my new status and request a new card because the one I have has a restriction on it. I was waiting to be called for like 40 minutes and there were still 4 people in front of me. It was 3:30 at the time so I thought it was going to be better to come back on Monday first thing in the morning.
Ear_xplain: Here is a little story about my afternoon trying to update my status, docs, etc.
Well, in the afternoon I went to the DMV to renew my driver license and get a name change. That was the first obstacle I had to jump to accomplish my goal. When I told them I wanted to renew my driver's license (which was expiring in a week) and change my name they ask for my Green Card or I551. I told them that I was a citizen and that all I had was the CERTIFICATE OF CITIZENSHIP. You know what was the answer? I am sorry but I don't think we can use that to renew and /or change your driver's license. I told them I no longer have a green card because I am now a citizen and that the certificate is like a Birth Certificate and that this is what I use to obtain a passport. Her answer was to come back when I have a passport. I asked to talk to a manager and she said that the Certificate of Citizenship is all I needed. Talk about innept people working at this offices. Next stop was the Social Security office. I needed to inform them of my new status and request a new card because the one I have has a restriction on it. I was waiting to be called for like 40 minutes and there were still 4 people in front of me. It was 3:30 at the time so I thought it was going to be better to come back on Monday first thing in the morning.
Wow, what an experience with the DMV you had! I hope your experience with the SSA will be a lot better!
QUOTE(eau_xplain @ May 3 2008, 07:55 PM)
QUOTE(Waiting4GC @ May 2 2008, 06:00 PM)
Thanks everybody!
Ear_xplain: Here is a little story about my afternoon trying to update my status, docs, etc.
Well, in the afternoon I went to the DMV to renew my driver license and get a name change. That was the first obstacle I had to jump to accomplish my goal. When I told them I wanted to renew my driver's license (which was expiring in a week) and change my name they ask for my Green Card or I551. I told them that I was a citizen and that all I had was the CERTIFICATE OF CITIZENSHIP. You know what was the answer? I am sorry but I don't think we can use that to renew and /or change your driver's license. I told them I no longer have a green card because I am now a citizen and that the certificate is like a Birth Certificate and that this is what I use to obtain a passport. Her answer was to come back when I have a passport. I asked to talk to a manager and she said that the Certificate of Citizenship is all I needed. Talk about innept people working at this offices. Next stop was the Social Security office. I needed to inform them of my new status and request a new card because the one I have has a restriction on it. I was waiting to be called for like 40 minutes and there were still 4 people in front of me. It was 3:30 at the time so I thought it was going to be better to come back on Monday first thing in the morning.
Ear_xplain: Here is a little story about my afternoon trying to update my status, docs, etc.
Well, in the afternoon I went to the DMV to renew my driver license and get a name change. That was the first obstacle I had to jump to accomplish my goal. When I told them I wanted to renew my driver's license (which was expiring in a week) and change my name they ask for my Green Card or I551. I told them that I was a citizen and that all I had was the CERTIFICATE OF CITIZENSHIP. You know what was the answer? I am sorry but I don't think we can use that to renew and /or change your driver's license. I told them I no longer have a green card because I am now a citizen and that the certificate is like a Birth Certificate and that this is what I use to obtain a passport. Her answer was to come back when I have a passport. I asked to talk to a manager and she said that the Certificate of Citizenship is all I needed. Talk about innept people working at this offices. Next stop was the Social Security office. I needed to inform them of my new status and request a new card because the one I have has a restriction on it. I was waiting to be called for like 40 minutes and there were still 4 people in front of me. It was 3:30 at the time so I thought it was going to be better to come back on Monday first thing in the morning.
Wow, what an experience with the DMV you had! I hope your experience with the SSA will be a lot better!
I know, it was an experience but I think it is just the way things are in OH. When I was in IL, things were a little easier. Maybe gov entities in OH are notas used to dealing with foreigners as they are in bigger cities. It is just the last little stones in my journey.
QUOTE(Lexa @ May 3 2008, 07:26 PM)
Congratulations...your journey is finally done.....but I'm right behind you LOL....I got my oath ceremony letter today for May 30
Congrats Lexa! I know you had your interview a while ago. It was about time to get the Oath Ceremony letter. You will be happy to be finally over with USCIS.
Congratulations!!!
Congratulations
congratulations!!! so happy for you and thanks for posting your experience. btw, did you wear formal clothes or will slacks and a nice blouse do??
thanks and congrats again!!
so happy for you and thanks for posting your experience. btw, did you wear formal clothes or will slacks and a nice blouse do??thanks and congrats again!!
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