Naturalization Interview in Holtsville, NY

[happygolucky1 0]

Hello dear Visa Journey members,

I spent quite a some time browsing posts here during my naturalization process and I must say that I have found a lot of valuable tips here and for that I thank you all. Now, since I have also came across a few requests asking for experience from the field office in Holtsville, NY, so I decided to add some observations here:

- the office is rather out of the way, not even Dunkin' Donuts in sight. We missed the turn to the office first time we passed by.

- in regards having cell phones in the building, I was nervous about carrying mine, but it did not seem to be a problem, a lot of people had them (and use them)

- after arrival, the security check went fast, had to remove shoes and jacket, but did not need to take out all things from bag, check similar to airport one

- in waiting room, had to turn the interview invitation letter to a genlteman sitting at the desk mark as "reception" at back of the room

- after a few minutes I was called to a window to identity check, they wanted to see Green Card to make sure I am I

- then waiting, they called me 20 mintes after my scheduled time, interview took only about 10 minutes, it was a standard one, nothing out of the ordinary to report

Overall nice experience.

Edited January 30, 2014 by happygolucky1

[AE & J 0]

Thank you for sharing your experience, I will also have my naturalization interview in Holtsville.

I had my AOS interview there, 3 years ago, I remember it was pretty easy, it's not crowded like other offices and people are pretty nice with you.

Congratulations on you naturalization, did you had the oath ceremony also or you have to wait for an appointment?

Edited January 30, 2014 by AE & J

[SiVin 8]

I would like to share my husband Interview experience and timeline. This might help anyone who goes for interview in Holtsville NY office.

My Husband applied based on 5 year rule. His Interview was on 10-Dec-2014, 9 Am, He got the LIRR train and reached Patchogue. The train supposed to reach by 8 as we checked on the schedule but it reached only by 8.25 AM. Its really a deserted place. No cab. From Patchogue Holtsville office in 10mins Drive, Then he called for a Taxi and it came only by 8.53, and Finally he was able to reach the office by 9.

Security check is easy and He gave the name to the receptionist and waited for his call. Till 12 they didn't call his name, Then he went to the receptionist and asked, she has told she ll check again. Again no response. By 1 He went to the receptionist and shouted that he is waiting from morning and no response and he wanted to talk to the higher officer. She said she ll check again with the supervisor. Then a Black lady came and said someone will call him soon. After that an American Guy, around 55 to 60, who felt difficult to breath came out and called his name around 1.30 PM.

He asked all questions such as how he came to USA, how he got the green card etc. We were well prepared with the document set, so gave everything he asked. My Husband changed his name after he got the green card and he got the replacement card as well. The officer asked about it again and again. He told that they don't have any record related his name change in his file. Then he got IRS related documents, our marriage certificate, his name change document, birth certificate. Everything. And by seeing our marriage certificate he has said this doesn't look like an Original. We got married in Trichy India, how in earth an IO officer able to say by first look its a duplicate? Miracle. My husband told all these are Original documents.

Then he grabbed all the documents asked him to wait and went to another room, then in few mins he came back and said lets have your test. Then he asked civics question, reading and writing. Finally said you passed the test but I cant take any decision right now. Then He marked A Decision cannot yet me made about your application but passed all the tests. Asked us to wait for the written decision.

We don't know how long its going to be for them to reply back and why they made him to wait such long. He doesn't have any criminal records on him. Everything is clear. But still why they say like this? I am seriously got confused. I have read almost everyone's experience but ours looks weird. Even after we gave all the documents they asked still they not able to take a decision.

My Husband time line

05/28/2014 - Mailed N-400

05/29/2014 - NOA Date

07/01/2014 - Biometrics Appointment

07/03/2014 - Inline for interview scheduling (was stuck in "Initial Review" for over 3 months!)

10/31/2014 - Scheduled for interview

12/10/2014 - Interview - Decision yet to be made