My Naturalization Interview Experience-And some Questions for you!

[LYN1990 0]

"I already approved you to be a US Citizen before the interview."

Your file was reviewed long before you arrived -- they knew you were coming, you had an appointment.

Your are a LPR with a valid GC, you are legally allowed to work. Just go to the nearest Social Security Office and submit an application for the SSN.

Wow -- what an amazing journey just to get to that N-400 interview! You endured a very long trip with three kids, limited finances, and got interrogated.

Yes. It was like being back in Manila again! But the bus was nicer here It was a long journey. And all would have been great. Except the security screening. I was SO scared! I did not want to be American anymore! lol I read USCIS webiste very much and NEVER saw anything that said "do not bring google maps to your interview". What do people do with iPhones? They have google maps too! Or Androids! It is public information. It is not a secret.

[Fan_Dancer 171]

I had a SSN before I even got the Green Card. How long had you been married before arriving in the US?

[LYN1990 0]

U had your Green Card for three years and did not know u r eligible to work?? wow??? You just have to go to SS office and show them your GC, or better move from Idaho to the normal world))))

I know I am eligible to work. Sort of. But employers will not hire you without a SSN card. You can't get a Social Security Number with a Green Card. You need a US Birth Certificate and an Idaho State Driver's License. I hope they will accept the Naturalization Certificate instead of US Birth Certificate?

That is another question. How do you get a US Passport after Naturalization? I read on here that you can do that? But you need a US Birth Certificate and Driver's Liscence. So how do you get those? You can't get a DL wihout a US Birth Certificate. You can't get Passport without US Birth Certificate and DL. So after Naturalization do you file with the local county for a US Birth Certificate?

[LYN1990 0]

Thanks for sharing your experience, but I'm not sure it's a good idea to advise people not to prepare well for the interview.

Just because YOURS was short and simple, does NOT mean that everybody's is/will be. Everybody that I have talked to had to answer 6 civics questions correctly and were asked many more questions than you. You got lucky, and like they said, it was really just a formality since in their minds, they had approved you already.

I am just giving my 2cents. Me and my husband feel like we wasted a lot of our lives preparing for something that was really a joke. Just to think about it: 3 days of travelling and $600+ spent, all those miles walked, the stress of kids on a bus for 1.5 days, transfers, all for a 15 minute appointment. They should really do an online interview. Or no interview at all.

[LYN1990 0]

1) your only option is to go back to the office. Make an infopass appointment and tell them. Please do soooooooon, not soon it's sooooooon (for faster reaction), because they will misspell your name wrong. Then it could be a hassle for you.

2) You don't need one. When you get back there inquire about that. It could be a mistake.

3)Ok

4) the oath letter is an invitation that tells you come to this place in this time to take your oath to become a citizen.

5) The green card foes let you work and live in the US. You can get your social security card from the social security place. You have to do it soon as well.

6)It is your decision to delay but I've seen cases where the delay was 1 month to 6 months or more.

1. Since we likely will not be able to make it to my Oath, doing an "infopass" is totally out of the question!

2. I will ask. I just hope it is not too late by that time!

3.--

4. This id different than the N-445?

5. You can't get a SSN card unless you have a US Birth Certificate and a State Drivers License. Green Card does nothing for work. Employers will not hire you with a Green Card.

6. It is not my decision to delay. We certainly can't WALK all the way to USCIS! lol 3 days by motorvehicle. Walking would take years!

[LYN1990 0]

So this new person comes to VJ and creates an account to tell us her interview experience and how USCIS thought they were terrorists (???) because they had a couple of "umbrullas", Google Maps and an extra cell phone battery. Supposedly she was asked only one and not 10 (or at least 6) civic questions. Then she asks a few very strange questions, including when can she start working legally and explain that she might not be able to make it to her oath ceremony in a couple of months because they need 4-5 years (?!) worth of savings to make the trip to Boise. Am I the only one who doesn't believe this crazy story (seriously, how do you not know what the Oath Letter is after you have been given one)?

If the story is true - lady, you must go to your oath ceremony or you won't become a citizen.

Excuse me? You are RUDE!

[LYN1990 0]

I'm sorry but I can't believe you got to the naturalization stage and still thinking that your green card did not allowed you to work. Where have you been in the last three years? Seriously? I guess America needs people who have absolutely no clue of what is going around their world....sorry to be so insulting but this is ridiculous.....you gotta do better than that! How about you start reading USCIS website of what are the rights/responsiblities/priviledges of a US citizen (since you say you're at that stage)? Just to be sure before you think you can only start working once they mail you your US passport...LOL

Excuse me, but it is ILLEGAL to work in the USA without a Social Security Number Card! It is YOU that needs to do some reading! I am not a US Citizen. I am an immigrant. And when I am a Citizen, I will get my US Birth Certificate, SSN Card, Driver's License, Passport, and a real job. I actually DO know what I am talking about. Now dont you feel stupid for being rude?

[LYN1990 0]

I had a SSN before I even got the Green Card. How long had you been married before arriving in the US?

4 years. Does that effect it? How can you get a SSN card without green card? Or US Birth Certificate?

[Fan_Dancer 171]

Ok, you have some bad information. You can get all of those with a green card (well, minus the US birth certificate, that one you cant really get - I mean, the US cannot issue certificate of birth for non Americans born in other countries retroactively).

But, you only need the green card and your passport with a valid visa to get an SSN. I got mine with just the passport and my birth certificate from home (no US issued paper). Same goes for Driver's Licence - I got mine with the SSN and the worl/trave combo card (which is like a less powerful, emporary green card).

You were severely misinformed. Who told you all these things?

[Fan_Dancer 171]

4 years. Does that effect it? How can you get a SSN card without green card? Or US Birth Certificate?

So you got the Permanent (10 yeas) Green Card when you came to the US and didn't have to remove conditions in 2 years. Just trying to get the information so I understand it better.

For a SSn you need:

What original documents do I need?

Immigration status

To prove your U.S. immigration status, you must show us your current U.S. immigration document, such as Form I-551 (Lawful Permanent Resident Card, Machine Readable Immigrant Visa) with your unexpired foreign passport, I-766 (work permit) or I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record). If you are an F-1 or M-1 student, you also must show us your I-20, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status. If you are a J-1 or J-2 exchange visitor, you must show us your DS-2019, Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status.

Work eligibility

In general, only noncitizens who have permission to work from DHS can apply for a Social Security number. For most foreign workers, we only need to see an I-94, Arrival/Departure Record, showing a class of admission permitting work. Some foreign workers must show their work permits from DHS (I-766).

Student: If you are an F-1 student and eligible to work on campus, you must provide a letter from your designated school official that:

• Identifies you;
• Confirms your current school status; and
• Identifies your employer and the type of work you are, or will be, doing.

We also need to see evidence of that employment, such as a recent pay slip or a letter from your employer. Your supervisor must sign and date the letter. The letter must describe:

• Your job;
• Your employment start date;
• The number of hours you are, or will be, working; and
• Your supervisor's name and telephone number.

If you are an F-1 student authorized to work in curricular practical training (CPT), you must provide us your Form I-20 with the employment page (page 3) completed and signed by your designated school official.

If you are an F-1 student and have a work permit (Form I-766) from DHS, you must present it.

If you are a J-1 student, student intern or international visitor, you must provide a letter from your sponsor. The letter should be on sponsor letterhead with an original signature that authorizes your employment.

If you do not have permission to work: Lawfully admitted noncitizens can get many benefits and services without a Social Security number. You do not need a number to conduct business with a bank, register for school, apply for educational tests, obtain private health insurance, apply for school lunch programs or apply for subsidized housing. You cannot get a Social Security number for the sole purpose of obtaining a driver’s license.

Government benefits or services: If you do not have permission to work, you may apply for a Social Security number only if:

• A federal law requires you to provide your Social Security number to get a particular benefit or service; or
• A state or local law requires you to provide your Social Security number to get general assistance benefits that you already have qualified for.

If you need a number to meet these state or local requirements, you must bring us a letter from the government agency. It must be on letterhead stationery (no form letters or photocopies) and:

• Specifically identify you as the applicant;
• Cite the law requiring you to have a Social Security number;
• Indicate that you meet all the agency’s requirements, except having the number; and
• Contain an agency contact name and telephone number.

Taxes: If you need a number for tax purposes and you are not authorized to work in the United States, you can apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Visit IRS in person or call the IRS toll-free number, 1-800-TAXFORM (1-800-829-3676), and request Form W-7, Application For An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.

If you are assigned a number for nonwork purposes, you cannot use it to work. If you use it to work, we will inform DHS.

Age

You must present your foreign birth certificate if you have it or can get it within 10 days. If not, we will consider other documents such as your passport or a document issued by DHS as evidence of your age.

Anyone age 12 or older requesting an original Social Security number MUST be interviewed by Social Security. We will ask for evidence to show you do not have a Social Security number. If you lived outside the United States for an extended period, a current or previous passport, school and/or employment records, and any other record that would show long-term residence outside the United States could be used to show you do not have a Social Security number.

Identity

Social Security will ask to see a current DHS document. Acceptable documents include:

• Form I-551 (includes machine-readable immigrant visa) with unexpired foreign passport;
• I-94 with unexpired foreign passport; or
• I-766 work permit from DHS.

Note

We may use one document for two purposes. For example, we may use a DHS work permit as proof of both immigration status and identity. However, you must provide at least two separate documents.

http://www.ssa.gov/ssnumber/ss5doc.htm

Basically, the Green Card and your passport.

I think you had checked the information about what an US citizen needs for a SSN. But legal aliens can get one as well, obviously, by presenting another series of papers.

Edited May 17, 2014 by Fan_Dancer

[flora01 37]

I know I am eligible to work. Sort of. But employers will not hire you without a SSN card. You can't get a Social Security Number with a Green Card. You need a US Birth Certificate and an Idaho State Driver's License. I hope they will accept the Naturalization Certificate instead of US Birth Certificate?

That is another question. How do you get a US Passport after Naturalization? I read on here that you can do that? But you need a US Birth Certificate and Driver's Liscence. So how do you get those? You can't get a DL wihout a US Birth Certificate. You can't get Passport without US Birth Certificate and DL. So after Naturalization do you file with the local county for a US Birth Certificate?

So technically you are saying one can't get anything in US without US birth certificate.

Then how do people exist over here after coming from other countries.

You planning to file for US birth certificate after naturalization

Do you know the meaning of birth certificate

I just wanna say that your husband is luckiest man to have your kind of knowledgeable lady in his life.

Edited May 17, 2014 by flora01

[Converts 9]

Excuse me, but it is ILLEGAL to work in the USA without a Social Security Number Card! It is YOU that needs to do some reading! I am not a US Citizen. I am an immigrant. And when I am a Citizen, I will get my US Birth Certificate, SSN Card, Driver's License, Passport, and a real job. I actually DO know what I am talking about. Now dont you feel stupid for being rude?

Ummm...yes, you don't know what you're talking about. You can apply for SSN with your Green Card and yes, you can work legally if you have your green card. Who told you that you will get US birth certificate once you become a citizen? You will not get one and you will never get one. Read more.

[AnotherLostSoul 167]

Sweetie,

There's nothing wrong with taking a civil surgeon medical exam...the problem here (in case you haven't figured from the billions of replies here by others as well) is what you are asking and WHEN? Seems like you are so lost like a stray dog in L.A. Seriously, don't attack me! Read everyone's response...everybody is shaking their head wondering where have you been. Similarly, you saying that you were working under the table up until now that finally your citizenship approved. Like you want to say you really had absolutely no idea what rights one gets when obtaining a green card at the first place? I think if you scroll through here you should shy away instead of getting upset for people not giving you a rainbow colored answer when the situation doesn't even call for one. And you're right, my mom does not talk to me as she died when I was 2 years old. But I didn't bring in your family in this, so you should leave out mine!!!!!

And seriously, when I said read online...you really need to! The questions you're asking here, and commenting on makes people rip their hair out! Don't you really see? If you really don't see and think I'm attacking you fully, the I can only do nothing but pity you....

What is wrong with taking a Civil Surgeon Medical Exam? It is REQUIRED to be a US Citizen! You are very RUDE. I bet your mother does not talk to you! I pray to GOD to open the hearts of evil sinners like you! You need for repent!

Thanks...

Oh gawd. -.-

Ummm...yes, you don't know what you're talking about. You can apply for SSN with your Green Card and yes, you can work legally if you have your green card. Who told you that you will get US birth certificate once you become a citizen? You will not get one and you will never get one. Read more.

Careful, she'll attack you...she already attacked me...LOL

[AnotherLostSoul 167]

No, I don't feel stupid....I feel miserable for you. Why on Earth you haven't applied for SSN card up until now? Who held you back? I hope you won't say the fact that you were not a US citizen...you don't need to be USC to get an SSN number, DL, and REAL JOB! For US passport you do, and no, you will never get a US birth certificate since you naturalized here, and not born here. My husband had SSN card even before he married me, or met me. It is not US citizenship only that gives the right for people to apply for SSN card. Now, I ask, don't you feel stupid for being rude?

Excuse me, but it is ILLEGAL to work in the USA without a Social Security Number Card! It is YOU that needs to do some reading! I am not a US Citizen. I am an immigrant. And when I am a Citizen, I will get my US Birth Certificate, SSN Card, Driver's License, Passport, and a real job. I actually DO know what I am talking about. Now dont you feel stupid for being rude?

[Ryan H 3,882]

That is another question. How do you get a US Passport after Naturalization? I read on here that you can do that? But you need a US Birth Certificate and Driver's Liscence. So how do you get those? You can't get a DL wihout a US Birth Certificate. You can't get Passport without US Birth Certificate and DL. So after Naturalization do you file with the local county for a US Birth Certificate?

You can get a US Passport with a Naturalization Certificate.

**Moderator hat on**

***One post containing language in violation of the TOS removed along with one post quoting. Administrative Action will follow for any more violations of the TOS in this thread.***

Edited May 17, 2014 by Ryan H