N-400 November 2016 Filers

[Wingbat 3]

@vegasbound. Thank you very much for updating the list. And, I wish you all the best for your interview. You are doing great service to this thread

[spottymax 45]

4 hours ago, Jamaican_Gooner said:

Hey everybody, so my family and I moved to Atlanta from Memphis on July 10, I changed my address on USCIS on the 11th. I got notification on the 14th that my interview was scheduled , I just received the interview notice and it's for August 22 at 8 am in Memphis. While I was hoping for the interview to be here in Atlanta,  I'm not even going to call and try to be rescheduled in ATL. I'll just ask for the oath (fingers crossed) to be here in Atlanta.

 

So @spottymax, tag your it, you are up next from the Memphis filers to get your notification!!

 

@vegasbound, can you update me please. 

 

All the best to everyone still waiting. 

Congrats @Jamaican_Gooner I've been checking and double checking for the last couple of days... no news yet.   Hopefully you and @new16 will be able to slip me and Mrs. Spotty all the answers.

[Bdrave8 3]

1 hour ago, Wingbat said:

My immigration journey has ended. I took the Oath and became a citizen of this great country on Friday, July 21. I am sharing some details:

 

Interview:

 

I went about 35 minutes before the interview. Had to pass through the Security Check. Removed shoes as they beeped and walked as if I was walking through airport security. Met an Officer at the reception and he directed me to a window where I handed in my interview letter. The Officer took the interview letter and asked me to sit and wait until I am called. I sat down with my document folder. There were about thirty or forty others in the spacious and comfortable reception area. Saw a notice where they said we could use cell phones without disturbing others and started reading the 100 questions again.

 

I was called in exactly at the scheduled time. The Officer called me and said if my name was pronounced right. I said you did say it right and walked with the Officer. Once in, the Officer said do not sit, but stand and take the Oath. I took the Oath and then sat down. I was first given the Reading Test. Where is the White House? Then I was asked to write, White House is in Washington, D.C.

 

Then the Civics questions. The Officer said I should get six out of the 10 right. I got the six right and the Officer said you passed the test.

1.       Who vetoes bills?

2.       What is your state capital?

3.       What is the Supreme law of land?

4.       What is an amendment?

5.       Whom did USA fight in World War 2?

6.       What do we pledge allegiance to?

 

After that, the Officer picked up the N400 and began reviewing the form, line by line. I had asked for a Name Change. Therefore, the officer went over it. Asked me to sign a paper accepting the name change. Then the Officer asked about the nature of my job, how I commute, etc. Then after reviewing everything, the Officer came to the question No. 23 “Have you ever been arrested, cited, or detained…?” I had answered No for this question. So the Officer asked about traffic tickets. I said I was given speeding tickets, but I paid them all and I did not have any dues or issues. Moreover, said I could not recall the dates and I did not put them in. The Officer made some notes on N400.

This question No.23 bothered me a lot just two days before going for the interview. Spent digging through so many forums and the internet about this. I read in one place where USCIS says if the violation is less than $500 in fine, it need not be documented. It didn’t say declared, but said it need not be documented. I wanted to describe that to the Officer. But the Officer moved on quickly. I also went to the DMV and had my driving record copy with me.

The Officer said if I had anything more to add or change in the N400. I said I didn’t have any. Then the Officer said you passed your interview and you are recommended for approval. The Officer escorted me out to the reception area and said you can sit and wait now for your name to be called.

 

The next two hours were anxious waiting. I sat down and looked at the HGTV channel that was running. Then browsed the net on my phone and finally my name was called. I was given a document where the approval was checked. Then the Officer said here is your Oath letter and said “Congratulations.” I was so exhausted that I barely managed to smile. I said, “Thank you” and walked out of the building slowly. It was a very hot day. I was so exhausted emotionally that I almost crawled to my car. The car was very hot. Therefore, started the AC and waited for ten or fifteen minutes. Then I drove out.

 

I felt the Officer who interviewed me was very professional and very methodical. Everything in N400 was reviewed. Being completely honest and clear in answering the questions is very important. The Officer also put me at ease especially after taking the Oath.

 

Oath Ceremony:

 

The Oath is in the same big Federal building in Hartford in the District Court. Went in about an hour early. Not really required to go that early. There was another ceremony going on at 10:30. We were all called in at 12:30 sharp. The Officer asked everyone to sit. If somebody did not get a seat, they brought in more chairs. I think there were around 50 of us taking Oath at 12:30 pm. We were asked to hand off the Green Card and the Oath Ceremony letter, which they took. A copy of the Oath and Pledge were given along with a copy of the Rights for Citizens. Then the Officer explained everything about the ceremony and that the Judge would come in soon.

 

The Judge arrived and we all stood up. We sat down after the Judge took his seat. The Judge made a brief but very elegant speech. Then we were all asked to stand again. After taking the Oath and Pledge we were asked to sit. They called us by name one by one. The Judge came down and handed the certificates. People were allowed to take photographs. It was an august ceremony, but it was a celebration. I am sure many got teary eyed. I got teary eyed as well.

 

Those who received Certificates were given the option to see the entire ceremony or leave as it pleased them. Quite a few left as soon as they got their certificate and picture. A couple of us stayed on until the end and then we walked out in the end. The whole ceremony lasted two hours. We were given the Certificate, Passport Application, brochures welcoming US Citizens, and about Voting Rights. I didn't have the strength to do the passport on the Oath Day and skipped the Passport bit.

 

I went to a nice restaurant. Ate some chips and Guacamole, burger and fries. Picked up the car from the Parking Lot on Linden and drove home. The feeling is still sinking in….

 

My impressions:

 

I am not sure if I forgot documentation after Green Card. This submission of N400 and preparation for the interview was lot of stress and pressure. I guess as a permanent resident you forget filling up forms etc. and get into a relaxed mode for a while. Alternatively, I am not sure if the form itself is unlike any other.

 

The issue of question 23 did not bother me when I applied. However, it bothered as I came closer to the interview as one of my friends said he declared all his speeding tickets. That is when I started searching on the internet and concluded that it is good to be honest if the Officer asked about it and printed out the USCIS guidance on traffic violations and fines.

 

My Green Card had also expired and that bothered me a bit. However, I checked on the internet and realized that permanent residence status does not expire. It is just the card.

 

I did take all the documents they asked me to bring for the interview. Preparing them and searching for them at home was very painful. In addition, you have to read the book and prepare for questions. USCIS App and a Questions App by a private developer were helpful. I did not know about the USCIS Phone App for Questions until two days before the interview. Other than my Green Card, Drivers' License, and Passports nothing else was asked.

 

This forum and the internet as well as the USCIS site is what I relied on for questions and clarifications. The folks who describe their experiences are all those whom I thank and appreciate on forums like Visa Journey. Reading other applicants' experiences was so helpful and supportive. I wanted to take time and I wanted to describe my experience in as much detail as possible so that it can help another applicant on their road to becoming a citizen. I hope what I describe here will be helpful for him or her.

 

Of all the experiences, the N400 interview experience and the Oath Ceremony are intense and memorable. I found that the Officers are very professional and very methodical. They do their best in vetting applications. Preparing for the test and being clear and truthful in answering the questions is very essential. The experience is exhausting, and stressful. Forums such as these help in keeping your sanity intact!

 

The Oath ceremony is where you realize what a great country this is and how they treat immigrants who go through so many struggles to get to citizenship. It makes you feel proud and motivates you to become a responsible Citizen of this wonderful country.

 

Congratulations!!! Very well detailed your experience 

[Bdrave8 3]

4 hours ago, nathyn said:

@Jamaican_Gooner Congratulations! I've seen same day oath ceremonies issued to people that don't live in the same city/state as the location of their interview.  It may be worth asking when you go if it's a possibility, and it'll save any hassle later on.

Congratulations!!!

[Wingbat 3]

@Bdrave8

Thank you. All the best for your interview.

At the start of my interview, the Officer also took my left index finger print and a picture of me using the camera attached to the computer. I took two passport photographs based on what I had read in forums. They were not asked.

[Bdrave8 3]

4 hours ago, Wingbat said:

@Bdrave8

Thank you. All the best for your interview.

At the start of my interview, the Officer also took my left index finger print and a picture of me using the camera attached to the computer. I took two passport photographs based on what I had read in forums. They were not asked.

Thank you

[new16 4]

15 hours ago, spottymax said:

Congrats @Jamaican_Gooner I've been checking and double checking for the last couple of days... no news yet.   Hopefully you and @new16 will be able to slip me and Mrs. Spotty all the answers.

I am pretty sure you will get yours next!

[VegasMX 2]

@fluff5 how was your interview? , can you share your experience please

@vegasbound all the best tomorrow!!

[vegasbound 83]

@VegasMX Thank you so much!

 

I had my interview today and passed! My application is recommened for approval and was told to expect further correspondence about the oath ceremony. Finally a sigh of relief!

 

Good luck to those who are going to their interviews this week! All the best!

@Bdrave8 7/25/17

@KCCS 7/26/17

@VegasMX 7/28/17

Edited July 24, 2017 by vegasbound

[Bdrave8 3]

4 minutes ago, vegasbound said:

@VegasMX Thank you so much!

 

I had my interview today and passed! My application is recommened for approval and was told to expect further correspondence about the oath ceremony. Finally a sigh of relief!

 

Good luck to those who are going to their interviews this week! All the best!

@Bdrave8 7/25/17

@KCCS 7/26/17

@VegasMX 7/28/17

Congratulations and good luck for the upcoming oath ceremony 

[EV11 18]

29 minutes ago, vegasbound said:

@VegasMX Thank you so much!

 

I had my interview today and passed! My application is recommened for approval and was told to expect further correspondence about the oath ceremony. Finally a sigh of relief!

 

Good luck to those who are going to their interviews this week! All the best!

@Bdrave8 7/25/17

@KCCS 7/26/17

@VegasMX 7/28/17

CONGRATULATIONS!! What a great feeling huh? Very happy to hear that everything went smoothly for you  

[vegasbound 83]

1 hour ago, EV11 said:

CONGRATULATIONS!! What a great feeling huh? Very happy to hear that everything went smoothly for you  

Thank you! Yes! An awesome feeling indeed!

 

1 hour ago, Bdrave8 said:

Congratulations and good luck for the upcoming oath ceremony 

Thank you!

[sunshinestate2013 136]

5 hours ago, vegasbound said:

 

 

I had my interview today and passed! My application is recommened for approval and was told to expect further correspondence about the oath ceremony. Finally a sigh of relief!

 

Good luck to those who are going to their interviews this week! All the best!

 

Congratulations, @vegasbound!

[KCCS 16]

6 hours ago, vegasbound said:

@VegasMX Thank you so much!

 

I had my interview today and passed! My application is recommened for approval and was told to expect further correspondence about the oath ceremony. Finally a sigh of relief!

 

Good luck to those who are going to their interviews this week! All the best!

@Bdrave8 7/25/17

@KCCS 7/26/17

@VegasMX 7/28/17

Congratulations @vegasbound and to all who passed! Also, Goodluck to those who'll have their interview. 

Edited July 25, 2017 by KCCS

[Wingbat 3]

Congratulations on clearing the interview. All the best to you @vegasbound