Chicago local office - oath ceremony question

[astromar79 0]

Hi folks,

I have my interview coming up on the 14th of this month at the Chicago local office. Also, I live just a few blocks from the Chicago office. My question was for the other Chicago folks out there, how long after the interview did you have your oath ceremony? Everything I've looking at online tells me that I could possibly have the oath within a couple of weeks if I actually live in proper Chicago, is this true? I believe they have 2 oath ceremonies a week in Chicago. The dilemma I'm facing is that I leave for vacation on the 17th of June and really would like to have a US passport by then, is that a realistic goal considering my interview is on the 14th of May?

Thanks!

[astromar79 0]

Anyone??

[Jamericanlove 31]

It's hard to know whether that's a realistic time frame or not. Every field office is different with the processing times or interviews and oath ceremonies. I can suggest when you do have your interview you inquire if you could do the oath ceremony as early as possible and after you do, go your local passport office where you can get a same day passport by showing them that you have travel plans in the near future. As long as there's no long wait between the interview and the oat you should be fine so be sure to ask when you're done with interview and been approved.

P.S. Carry all the documents and information you think they could ever issue an RFE for to the interview. The time is cutting very close and if they're not completely satisfied with what you provide they could issue and request for evidence that will set you way back in terms of processing time.

[NickD 203]

Crystal ball question, had one friend that had to go to the Chicago office and had to wait 15 months before she received her oath letter. Made infopass appointsments just to get the runaround. Files missplace, a piece of paper missing in your file, and number of reasons for delays. So how can anyone give a firm positive answer?

No law that says you have to apply for US citizenship, when we did, made no commitments, but still ran into delays, file was misplaced. They do take your green card away at your oath ceremony, that is when you realize you are stuck until you get your US passport. Then dealing with the DOS, so you read that form three times and make dure everything is correct and all the required evidence is there with two DOS approved passport photos.

What is in your favor, if you live within walking distance of the USCIS, you are also within walking distance of the DOS and with a ticket in your hand, can get same day service.

If you hear nothing, still can make your trip with your foreign passport and green card. But if you oath letter does come in and you miss it, will just have to wait, but will be put at the rear of the line.

We had to cancel a flight this past week due to other circumstances, could have paid twice as much for a refundable ticket, but just got the standard ticket. Even though we cancelled that flight a full week in advance, airline kept 30% of the cost of that ticket. They get you one way or the other.

[astromar79 0]

i understand that it's a crystal ball question and it took months before i receive an oath letter, but i'm not really looking for the extreme experiences, just wanting to get an answer from someone that has also dealt with the chicago office and what their experience was like. i know some folks have had to wait for months but those are not in the majority and i really don't hope to be one of them either.

[haniya88 0]

I think it is definitely an unrealistic approach, considering that you're planning to travel just a month after your scheduled interview. First of all, you don't know what might happen at the interview and you might not even pass, which hopefully won't be the case. Secondly, I just had my interview at the chicago office today and when I asked about the oath ceremony, they said they're not sure. They're just forwarding it as a recommendation and it may take up to 6 weeks or less.

Good luck!! And yeah, if you haven't been there yet, just letting you know that they have really friendly people working there.

[formywife 9]

My local office is also Chicago and I did my interview on 1st week of March. I have not received oath letter yet. I was approved on the interview and I am already in line for oath. I live 3 hrs drive away from Chicago, may be this is why its taking time for them to print oath letter for me. During interview I was told that USCIS normally does not conduct oath ceremony for the people who live out of Chicago and I have to wait for next upcoming oath ceremony in my town.

[Autumnal 25]

Expect you'll have to travel on your non-US passport ad a precaution. It won't hurt to ask if you are approved but be polite! bring proof of travel documentation just in case.

[acouto07 0]

Hi Astromar79, what is your current status? Have you passed the interview and received the oath letter? How long did it take? I just had my interview this morning in Chicago and received "recommendation for approval", which is making me uneasy until I receive the Oath letter. Please let me know if you can. Thanks!

[Lisa011 6]

How long after you guys reicved the text or email of getting scheduled for interview did you guys recieve the actual letter with your appointment details?

[Darth Vader Kuu 5]

How long after you guys reicved the text or email of getting scheduled for interview did you guys recieve the actual letter with your appointment details?

Five days in my case and three-five days is what I have seen on this forum with most cases.

[acouto07 0]

Idk if you are asking me, but I did not receive a txt/email regarding the interview letter (I did for the initial application submission), it just came in the mail.

[alix 20]

Idk if you are asking me, but I did not receive a txt/email regarding the interview letter (I did for the initial application submission), it just came in the mail.

How long did you have to wait between your biometrics appointment and when you received the original letter with the interview date? And how long after that was your original interview?

I was writing from my phone so couldn't see your timeline.

Good luck! And keep us posted when you get your oath scheduled. Boa sorte!

Edited July 21, 2014 by alix

[acouto07 0]

Alix, I got the letter in early may (biometrics in mid march) for a June 10 interview. Obrigado!

[alix 20]

i understand that it's a crystal ball question and it took months before i receive an oath letter, but i'm not really looking for the extreme experiences, just wanting to get an answer from someone that has also dealt with the chicago office and what their experience was like. i know some folks have had to wait for months but those are not in the majority and i really don't hope to be one of them either.

Hi astromar79,

Could you give us an update in your case? We, Chicago Filers, would benefit from your experience! Thanks in advance!

alix