My Oath Ceremony Experience at the LA Convention Center August, 2013

[Galavanter 5]

First of all I’d like to “Trk393” for writing up his experience, which helped me be prepared for mine. His notes were so helpful that I decided to do the same to help whoever else might come across this.

>Note: I petitioned a change of name in my application. Upon receiving the N-445 summoning to oath letter, I was unsure as to weather to sign it with my “current” signature or with my “new” signature. After much research I signed it the same way I signed my N-400 application. I was later told this was correct.

>I was summoned to present myself at 07:30

>Left with plenty of time but was STUCK in traffic and VERY nervous!

08:10: Finally arrived. Parked in the corner of Pico St. & Hope St. for $7.00

>Note: You can call the LA Convention Center prior to your arrival and you will be told what Hall & parking is designated for the event

> Ran to Convention Center (approx. 2 blocks)

>There were visible signs to guide the applicants to where they should be.

> Bags checked just outside the hall

>At this point applicants where separated from their families/friends. Applicants sit in the front of the hall (roped off), while their company sit in the back.

> Once inside the hall there were signs leading to 111 tables where attendants did a final documentation check (one could go to any attendant who was available)

>Gathered N-445 and Green Card.

>Verified that all the answers on N-445 were correct (verbally asked all the questions)

>Stapled Green Card to N-445

>Wrote a number on N-445 which corresponded to one of the tables where Naturalization certificate would be picked up after the ceremony

> Ushered to sitting area. Can’t just sit where there are empty chairs. Ushers guide you to your exact seating spot

>Attendants handed out a flag & folder containing:

>A greeting from the president

>Voter registration information

>A passport application form

>The oath and pledge of allegiance

>Folder for the certificate

08:26: Sat in my seat

>While waiting for ceremony to start, attendants handed out California Voter Registration Applications

>Lady sitting next to me told me that her letter summoned her to present herself at 08:01. Apparently everyone gets a different time, as to avoid a crowd.

>I notice that people continue coming right up to the beginning of the ceremony

08:53: Ceremony begins. Court in session announced and Judge introduced. Motion to oath the 3668 applicants present.

08:56: Judge granted motion. We are asked to stand, raise right hand and repeat the oath of allegiance after the judge.

08:58: New citizens congratulated & Judge has a speech.

09:05: End of speech. USCIS district 23 representative welcomes new citizens. Two videos are shown (message from the president and Proud To Be An American music video).

09:11: End of videos. Stand to recite the Pledge of Allegiance. National Anthem sung.

09:20: End of ceremony.

09:22: Instructions on passport application are given and dismissal by rows begins (first come = first out). While waiting to be dismissed, attendants pick up completed California voter registration application (not required).

10:02: I am dismissed and I make my way to my designated table.

10:05: Naturalization certificate & court order name change (stapled to certificate) in my hands! As you make your way out of the hall, there are large tables where one can sit and verify that all the information in the certificate is correct. There are bathrooms at this point also.

10:08: I notice that EVERYONE has been dismissed

10:18: I exit the building (after visiting the bathroom and CAREFULLY triple checking my certificate). At entrance of convention center I notice:

>One can get passport photos taken at entrance of convention center

>Certificate folders are being sold at entrance of convention center for $10 (hardy, with USA theme)

>Republican and Democrat voter registration tables

> As I walked back to my parking, I noticed that a block away from the Convention Center, prices for the certificate folders were $5.00. Also, the parking lot I was in was now going for $5.

Note: Seems to me you can decide where to spend your time: either stuck in traffic & nervous, sitting in the convention center prior to the ceremony, or sitting in the convention center after the ceremony. I was happy to have brought bottled water & a snack (it was allowed in, no problem), considering I hadn’t had breakfast. I thought it went well, specially considering the amount of people oathing. I can’t say I have any complaints. I left with a huge grin and a few tears!

GOD BLESS AMERICA!

[DanieLMelara 7]

Great post man, a lot of details.

I know you mentioned that instructions were given and that you can obtain the photos at the LACC but, was there a booth that allows you to apply for the passport right at the spot?

Edited August 28, 2013 by DanieLMelara

[Galavanter 5]

DanieLMelara:

I did not see a passport application booth on my way out, but I also didn't got all over looking for one (I'm saying that I may have missed it).

Though I already had all the documentation necessary to apply (including a passport photo, a front & back copy of my drivers license, a money order, and a filled out application), I decided to apply after I made copies of both my naturalization certificate and court order name change. I decided to have copies just in case (they take your original naturalization certificate and name change and then mail it back to you) after hearing my cousin comment on how he had never gotten his back. Also, I figured lines would be long. Thankfully, I had already made an appointment with a local post office for that afternoon (submitted my application same day).

[DanieLMelara 7]

Oh! that is such a great idea!

I read in some other post that the lines for the passports were HUGE. So, I think I will do what you did, make an appointment at the postal office.

Can you please tell me which postal office you made the appointment at, and also how much time in advance did you do it? and finally how much did you pay for your passport?

Thanks for your great help

[Galavanter 5]

@DanieLMelara: I made the appointment a couple of days in advance at my home post office, which is an hour away from the LACC. You can search for passport-accepting post offices here. These are post offices close to the LACC. More info on passport application here. Ask the specific post office what method of payment they accept.

[Galavanter 5]

Got my passport quickly!

Yep, only 10 days later with a regular application (not expedited)!!!

[DanieLMelara 7]

Got my passport quickly!

Yep, only 10 days later with a regular application (not expedited)!!!

congratulations. Did you also get the certifcate back?

[Galavanter 5]

@DanieLMelara: I got the certificate back on a different mailing 2 days later. FYI: I put the certificate in a plastic sleeve prior to mailing it out w/ my passport application to protect it. The post office clerk said that historically the DOS has not wanted it in any kind of folder or plastic protector, but that she would still send it with the sleeve and that they could remove it if they wanted to. The certificate was mailed back to me IN THE SLEEVE ... apparently they didn't have a problem with it

[DanieLMelara 7]

sorry to be bugging you so much.

I have been trying like crazy to set up an appointment at the USPS but either they do not answer the phone or they tell me that I they do not process passports.

what number did you call to set up an appointment or what office you did file for yours?

@DanieLMelara: I got the certificate back on a different mailing 2 days later. FYI: I put the certificate in a plastic sleeve prior to mailing it out w/ my passport application to protect it. The post office clerk said that historically the DOS has not wanted it in any kind of folder or plastic protector, but that she would still send it with the sleeve and that they could remove it if they wanted to. The certificate was mailed back to me IN THE SLEEVE ... apparently they didn't have a problem with it

[O and Mr.P 0]

Hey, where can I give a 100 likes to your post? I am having my Oath Ceremony in Los Angeles some time soon and I found your post very helpful! I just want to say thank you for taking the time to write this and share your experience

[Ju&Ja 1]

Hello there and thanks for the post. I have one question... All my friends would like to come to the Oath ceremony to be a part of my experience. Is it allowed? And is it worth it? By that I mean, is it a great moment to share with friends and family (I live 1 hour away the LACC). Thanks!

[Tiferny 0]

Yes. U can take as many friends as you want. It takes approximately 2 hours from start to finish. If your friends are free, I say it is well worth it. It is a very organized event. Quite emotional at times.

I saw ur support center is in Oxnard. You live in Ventura County then?

[Damian P 92]

"Motion to oath the 3668 applicants present."

###### hell.

[BenjaB 1]

Hi,

I just had my ceremony of naturalization happening 2 weeks ago, fantastic.

I wanted to bring many more details to what Galavanter wrote (thank you so much by the way, veryseful), up until the ceremony starts. Tip: park in the SMALL parking lot on Hope Street and Pico. It costs $7. The BIG one across that small one costs $10.

When one arrives at the LACC, signing is quite deficient, not much to show you where it is happening and how to find your way. My wife, on her own, had quite some difficulty to find the correct hall. No checking at all outside the LACC; if you arrive around 7-7:15AM, it's pretty empty outside (staff or fixtures barely present).

Once inside the LACC, signing is OK, not great but Ok.

You go up through an escalator in the back of hall, on your right (there maybe some food store there, not further) and then you get to a HUGE room, where applicants continue further and guests go on the right (no document check; they are on their own, just to check bags, metal stuff). There are maybe 5 rows for guests and let's say 20 rows for applicants. Go to the row that seems to be the shortest, not the first rows, also try to choose a row where it's the most men (men don't have handbags to check). That row can take 10 to 20 minutes to pass.

Afterward, you go on your left to a room even BIGGER where all the chairs are (it's chairs, not comfy seats, with narrow space on the sides). There, basically 2 or 4 rows to wait in line to get to a chain of numbered tables against a wall. There too, go to the table with least long line, to present FINALLY your N-400 form and green card. They tell you a table # to go back to when ceremony is over. That table wil have your certificate(s) (citizen and name change, if applicable).

Once they stamp the Greencard (bye bye Greencard!), you have to go on your right to access the seating area. There, you may be able to go the farthest possible, still on your right (since you left the numberred tables), depends where the staff people is and if they give you direction where to go or no. The goal is to go as much as possible on your right and in the front of the hall (close to the ceremony stand), this way, you will be told to go the EARLIEST. At 7:30AM-7:40AM when I sat there were just 200-300 people seating (2,500 to 3,500 in total I think, came). It gets very HOT once the hall is filled with people, even though it was mid-December. No air conditionning. I advise taking off one's jacket.

Ceremony started (late) at 9:08am that day of 12/19/2014. Memorable time. Speakers were not that great sorry.Ok it's not a show. I felt however that people around me were not motivated. Almost no one looked at folder they gave us, a shame. No tears I saw (I got watery eyes). If you don't like this country, its democraty, its values, then it's not your home, don't come to only take benefits from it! I am proud and happy to be a US citizen!

That day it was NOT possible to give over completed passport application on site (announced only in the final hall, not before), so don't think you will necessarily get that done that day.

Walk as fast as you can once you are dismissed, this way you will get in less traffic or parking jam. You get to pass by the escalator again, with kind of a standing ovation, nice.

Outside, you will find 2 small tents for voting registration but if you already gave inside, at end of ceremony, the vote form then there is NOTHING else you can do at hese 2 tables. Take a picture with real human size picture with Reagan or Obama. The Republican tent was almost bare of decoration (they were packed in large plastic bag, still!), just 2 young blondish & discreets students. The Dems tent had more decoration and some older youth shooting "Democratic party, democratic party, register to vote!" Frustrating... but my wife took picture of me with the president of my choice ad I was very happy!

Good luck to all and enjoy the ceremony!

[shiv.shankaran 0]

Hi All,

I found this forum online 2 days back and found some of the posts like BenjaBs very useful and thoughtful. I and my wife had our oath taking today 05/20/15 at the LA Convention center and I wished to add some of our highlights.

1) We decided to take our 12 and 11 year olds with us. Pls note the schools consider this event an excusable and allowable day off so you can let them know the previous day.

2) Our N-445 forms specified to arrive at the Convention center at 7.40 am. We started from our home in Tustin, Orange county at 6.20 am (5 N-10W-110S-Pico) and reached the Convention center at 7.35 am. But we drove up to the parking entrance of West hall where the attendant directed us to South hall. Pls note this is where mostly the oath ceremony is held. We lost around 10 min but not a big deal.

3) There are other parking lot signs near South hall for $10.00 but you need to walk a block or two. Since we were late, we drove upto the South hall parking - $15.00 you pay upfront pls have cash ready.

4) From parking lot you follow the crowd into the convention center hallway, go up a short flight of stairs/escalator and go thru lines for bags/body screening. PS- Usually the long drive in may require a bathroom break ! and there are restrooms around before you go thru the screening.

5) Past that you enter a huge hall where staff directs you to the far end where there are a no of tables with numbers on the wall above 1 thru . You line up anywhere (or staff tells you) where you present your N-445 and green card. Make sure you fill the N-445 questions. The stafflook up their references, ask you quickly if anything has changed since your interview, punch a hole thru your green card and staple it to the N-445. I guess at this point, the GC is voided. The staff writes a table number on your form where you are asked to return after the ceremony for your certificate.

6) You are then directed to seats in the huge hall. You are also handed a packet with a card with the pledge of allegiance/ national anthem, a folder for your nat. certificate and a US flag.

7) The hall is huge with a large stage and a very large US flag in the backdrop. There are TV screens on the sides so we can see the people on stage speaking.

8) If there are guests and family members with you they are directed to a different seating area. We did not pay too much attention as our kids were with us.

9) By this time it was around 8.20 am or so. There are announcements off an on on either someones lost keys or papers and then later a call to let you know the session will start around 9.00 am when the judge walks in. There are staff all around who also hand you voter registration forms which you can fill while waiting (but dont sign till asked to).

10) The judge steps in, all are called to rise (phones are asked to be switched off but they also say you can take pics all you want). Alongside the judge there are some guests usually armed forces who are immigrants like us.

11) The judge asks all to rise, hold right hand up and follow up in reading the pledge of allegiance. It is an inspiring moment followed by loud applause and waving of flags. The judge gives a short speech on our rights and asking us to participate and contribute to the society. The guests are introduced with applause followed by the USCIS and US passport office staff who say a few words.

12) A short message from the President congratulating all of us is played followed by a nice song video which was moving. Wave of flags and applause all around. You are also told you can now sign the voter registration form.

13) Staff asks all to remain seated and the guests are asked to leave the hall first followed by the new citizens 1-3 rows at a time. During the wait, the staff collects back the voter registration forms.

14) You proceed to the designated table number on your form. The lines tend to get off course ! so ask around if you are lined up to the correct table. You walk up to the staff who hands you your new Naturalization certificate and asks you to check for any mistakes. They ask you to sign this certificate after going home.

15) You leave the hall take the time to take photos against the huge flag backdrop and of all the action around.

16) Outside the hall are vendors selling certificate holders for $10.00 each if you like. There is also a photo booth and vendors selling teddy bears/flowers etc as mementos. Again, absorb the energy all around and enjoy these moments.

17) There was a line forming for Passport questions but we had previously taken an appointment with our local post office for today. We drove straight back to Tustin to our post office. We took copies of the certificates as the originals are sent to the passport office. We forgot to sign the certificates but hopefully that will be okay. I strongly suggest all to set up passport appointments in advance. Regular US passport times are 4-6 weeks and if you wish to expedite you pay $60 more for 2-3 weeks. I will try and update this post with our results. There are other private companies who claim 1-3- few days fast track but you end up paying some good money. You dont really need to unless you are in a bind or are traveling immediately.

I extend my congratulations to all the previous contributors and my best wishes to all of you reading this post and waiting your turn. God bless and may your dreams come true in this great land of opportunity.