Naturalization interview experience in Fairfax, VA based on 3-years of marriage

[H&V 5]

Just passed my interview at the Fairfax, VA office Same-day oath was offered (but I declined). I hope the following details may be of help to others in the future as I found the information here on VJ to be very useful in preparation.

I arrived with my husband just before 2pm for a 2.30pm interview. There's a parking garage right behind the USCIS building ($5 for 4 hours). From reception, we went up to the 2nd floor to the Naturalization waiting room (looks like the ceremony room is on the same floor). I was called for my interview just before 2.30pm (my husband stayed in the waiting room).

My IO was very nice and friendly. We went into her office and the first thing she asked me was if I was travelling soon. We are going to the UK for the holidays next week which I told her, and she said, 'so you probably don't want to become a citizenship today then?' I said, no it's fine I will wait (because of having to get a passport and everything). So she called through to the ceremony person to tell them I wouldn't be going.

Then I swore to tell the truth etc and we sat down. She asked for my passport, GC, driver's licence, military ID and for extra proof of marriage. I had my stack of evidence ready to give her (apartment lease, bank statements, utility bills, health care cards, etc) which she looked through and seemed satisfied. I wasn't asked for original marriage certificate or husband's birth certificate but had them with me just in case. Somehow our 2009 tax return transcript was missing from my file (but the others were there), so I gave her another copy and also missing was a copy of our military IDs (which I sent with ROC) - I didn't have a copy with me but she made one after the interview.

Then we went through my N-400 checking all the details, she asked me if I was happy in our marriage, about my job and I what I do, about all the societies I'd listed (some from college!), trips taken (I had taken one since the application and provided the details for that) and all the yes/no questions at the end. Throughout, she asked me things like how long had I been married (asked that twice), how did we meet, about my husbands's military involvement and made nice comments about my husband being there with me. I was a little nervous and misheard her a couple of times but overall the whole thing went pretty smoothly! We both signed the form.

For the test part, she asked me for my lucky number (I guess it must generate which questions you get asked!) and I had:

Who were taken to America to become slaves? (People from Africa)

What is the highest court in the US? (Supreme Court)

Who makes federal laws? (Congress)

How many amendments are there to the Constitution? (27)

What is the name of the Vice President (Joe Biden)

Why did the colonists fight the British? (because of high taxes, taxation without representation) - we both smiled at that one since I'm from the UK

I had to read: What was the first state?

And write: Delaware was the first state.

That was it! I had the check all the details for my certificate and received the piece of paper saying I'd passed and was recommended for approval, and she said I'd receive the oath letter in the mail. The whole thing took about 20min, we were back in the car at 3pm. A really good experience Can't wait to become a citizen next year!

[mozplay 29]

Congrats, H&V and thanks for sharing your experience!

[VanessaTony 3,567]

Just passed my interview at the Fairfax, VA office Same-day oath was offered (but I declined).

<snip>

That was it! I had the check all the details for my certificate and received the piece of paper saying I'd passed and was recommended for approval, and she said I'd receive the oath letter in the mail. The whole thing took about 20min, we were back in the car at 3pm. A really good experience Can't wait to become a citizen next year!

Out of interest, why did you decline same day oath?

**Edit - nvm. Just noticed you're going on holiday. YAY for trip home!

Edited December 15, 2012 by Vanessa&Tony

[Lou29 5]

Hi,

Congrats on a successful interview

Quick question, are you able to keep your UK citizenship when you become a US citizen?

[VanessaTony 3,567]

Hi,

Congrats on a successful interview

Quick question, are you able to keep your UK citizenship when you become a US citizen?

Yes you are. The US does not take away your other countries citizenship but the rules of your home country might. Australia, Canada and the UK (just to name a couple) allow dual so you keep your other citizenship.

China for example does not allow dual so getting USC you give up Chinese.