LA Office - Citizenship test/interview experience

[cardamom 0]

Hi all,

Just a quick overview - I went for my citizenship/naturalization test/interview today. My IO was very kind and instructed me not to be nervous. We went through the basic prelims (acknowledging what I'd written in my application, and then had a quick test - six questions, 1 line read, 1 line written out. And then I was approved. I'm now awaiting my citizenship oath date/letter.

One thing that LA folk should note (if you have your interview at 300 North Los Angeles St), is that the security line to get into the building took me about 15 mins, so that I ended up reaching my room only 15 mins before my scheduled time. If you don't have your cell phone, you can get processed through security much more quickly.

Lastly, though I did not need them in the end, I took the copy of my application and all my original docs (incl marriage cert, my hubby's birth cert, etc etc). I only had to show my Perm Res card and my govt issued ID (state ID/driver's license)

Good luck!

[v333k 59]

Congratulations on passing the interview.

Hopefully people will read your comments and follow them. I had similar experience with cellphones where people infront of my had cellphones and were holding up the line. Then they found out one guy had a camera in his backpack and they asked him to go back to his car and leave it there.

Luckily, the line was not long so these delays did not cause any panic.

[nwctzn 55]

Hi all,

Just a quick overview - I went for my citizenship/naturalization test/interview today. My IO was very kind and instructed me not to be nervous. We went through the basic prelims (acknowledging what I'd written in my application, and then had a quick test - six questions, 1 line read, 1 line written out. And then I was approved. I'm now awaiting my citizenship oath date/letter.

One thing that LA folk should note (if you have your interview at 300 North Los Angeles St), is that the security line to get into the building took me about 15 mins, so that I ended up reaching my room only 15 mins before my scheduled time. If you don't have your cell phone, you can get processed through security much more quickly.

Lastly, though I did not need them in the end, I took the copy of my application and all my original docs (incl marriage cert, my hubby's birth cert, etc etc). I only had to show my Perm Res card and my govt issued ID (state ID/driver's license)

Good luck!

Congrats! Thanks for your note, it is really interesting that people insist to bring their cell phones into the USCIS building.

[wellmux 3]

What questions u was asked at the time of interview? and what the IO asked u to write and read ?

[Joker69 10]

patiently waiting for my interview ....Thanks for the head up!!!

[arvinb 17]

I will also be in Los Angeles, fingerprints on 12/6. May I ask how long the process was from your NOA to when the interview was? The USCIS website was giving a cycle of 5-6.5 months, but it seemed to be moving faster than that.

[Udella&Wiz 325]

Congratulations! Very exciting.

[Joker69 10]

for what i've seen on people timeline its like 3 week after you get your finger print done.. that you get your interview letter ....goin on a week 1/2 so i hope by like dec 13 i get my interview letter will see....waiting game

Edited December 2, 2011 by Joker69

[cardamom 0]

Yes, Joker it was almost exactly 1 month/3 weeks between fingerprinting and my interview. And then after the interview about another 2.5-3 weeks to the notice of an oath.

The total time/process took me just a bit over 5 months (early July to mid December), including my oath ceremony which is on Dec 15th, AND including my own delaying of my fingerprints because of work reasons (out of the country).

So pretty good really!! Good luck to the other LA office folk!

for what i've seen on people timeline its like 3 week after you get your finger print done.. that you get your interview letter ....goin on a week 1/2 so i hope by like dec 13 i get my interview letter will see....waiting game

[Maad 0]

Congrats! Thanks for your note, it is really interesting that people insist to bring their cell phones into the USCIS building.

Is there any specific instruction NOT to bring the cellphone to USCIS office?

I was there WITH my phone a few times and never had a problem. Once was instructed to put it away when I tried to check news in waiting room.

Many people do take public transportation (for $2 or so instead paying for parking $25 or more). Cell phone nowadays is a tool of personal security.

[Joker69 10]

Thanks for the head up Cardamom !!!! how are the IO in the LA office like how long was the interview ? .....and quick question do you know anything applying with a criminal record ?

Yes, Joker it was almost exactly 1 month/3 weeks between fingerprinting and my interview. And then after the interview about another 2.5-3 weeks to the notice of an oath.

The total time/process took me just a bit over 5 months (early July to mid December), including my oath ceremony which is on Dec 15th, AND including my own delaying of my fingerprints because of work reasons (out of the country).

So pretty good really!! Good luck to the other LA office folk!

Edited December 2, 2011 by Joker69

[Joker69 10]

When i get my interview I'm definitely not taking my cell phone.... And i rather pay the $25 to get out there I'm trying be in and out ...the most important thing for me is to passed the interview ...

Is there any specific instruction NOT to bring the cellphone to USCIS office?

I was there WITH my phone a few times and never had a problem. Once was instructed to put it away when I tried to check news in waiting room.

Many people do take public transportation (for $2 or so instead paying for parking $25 or more). Cell phone nowadays is a tool of personal security.

[Mama mia 9]

Well, it really depends on the USCIS offices in Atlanta, during my interview and oath in 2009, cameras and cellphones were allowed but the ASC processing fingerprints did not allow any cellphones.

[cardamom 0]

Sorry if I wasn't clear - you can definitely take your cell phone into the USCIS building and interview (but you may be asked not to use it once in the building). The only advantage to NOT taking your cell phone is that there is a faster/shorter security line to enter the building if you DO NOT have your phone - at least at the time of my interview (around lunch, mid-week). Of course, the line may be shorter on another day/another time. I can only speak to my experience.

It is totally your choice. I got there earlier, on public transport as well, with my cell phone and stood in the line for about 15-20 mins. But, I gave myself that extra time thankfully...so just decide what suits you best.

I only have experience with my IO who was really nice, but the general staff at the LA office also seemed very nice and helpful.

And sorry Joker, no experience re. applying with a criminal record.

Well, it really depends on the USCIS offices in Atlanta, during my interview and oath in 2009, cameras and cellphones were allowed but the ASC processing fingerprints did not allow any cellphones.

[Joker69 10]

Thanks for all the good info cardomom .... I'm goin in my 2nd week since my finger print were done ,...so I'm hoping this week coming up to get my interview letter OMG i can't wait... quick question can i leave the country for like 2 week before the interview?

Sorry if I wasn't clear - you can definitely take your cell phone into the USCIS building and interview (but you may be asked not to use it once in the building). The only advantage to NOT taking your cell phone is that there is a faster/shorter security line to enter the building if you DO NOT have your phone - at least at the time of my interview (around lunch, mid-week). Of course, the line may be shorter on another day/another time. I can only speak to my experience.

It is totally your choice. I got there earlier, on public transport as well, with my cell phone and stood in the line for about 15-20 mins. But, I gave myself that extra time thankfully...so just decide what suits you best.

I only have experience with my IO who was really nice, but the general staff at the LA office also seemed very nice and helpful.

And sorry Joker, no experience re. applying with a criminal record.

Edited December 6, 2011 by Joker69