GrappleApple

I PASSED!
 
Office: Raleigh
Application: 3 year
 
My appointment was at 10:30am, I arrived at 10:00am with my Husband and two year old. We went through security (couldn't take snacks for the toddler, so no food or drink). One really friendly security guard, who was happy to fist bump my kid and learn his name, the other not so friendly I lined up with the other applicants to receive our order number, I was J35. Then we all took an elevator to the next floor.
 
Into a smaller waiting area facing a wall with two doors and with TV screens up, one showing TV shows and one showing the next number to be called. Sometimes an officer would open a door and just call the number. There were roughly 7 of us waiting, and people were called randomly, so don't count on order number. I waited around 30 mins, and in that time some people came out after 5 mins, some were a lot longer.
 
I got called in, and through the door was a series of small interview offices. My officer was nice enough, professional and compassionate but still going through the motions he must do so many times a day. He was quick to tell me not to sit down and to take the oath. I then sat down and said I had additional paperwork and amendments to my form, he said to hold off as we'll get to that.
 
He handed me a printed paper with 3 questions and asked me to read question 1: Who elects Congress? Then he handed me a second piece of paper showing me where to put the answer he dictates: The people elect Congress. After each stage, he enters it into his computer and files the paper. I could see his list of Civics questions which put me at ease as I could mentally prepare for it. My questions were:
 
Who wrote the Declaration of Independence
What state borders Mexico
What is the political party of the President
What are the two main political parties
Who is Commander in Chief of the Military
There were 13 original States, name 3
 
He asked them verbally, and wrote down my reply in the box next to it. Again, he entered it all into his computer.
 
He had all of my previous forms in a giant folder with post it notes at various points. He had also already made notes on my application, like 1,2,3 circled in red at various points, which I'm guessing are just the regular points they have to discuss. So here's where it got a little weird. On page 1 we addressed my name, and as I never had a middle name at birth, I had elected to use my maiden name as my middle name after my US marriage. Which is what I thought were the "rules" you do it via Social Security, so its on passports, Social Security even my Green Card (which is odd.. ) etc. News to me today was the Government only recognizes the last official document, so as it doesn't feature on my marriage certificate, its not legal. So, before he's even done my application, he is telling me the only way I can change my name for it to be official is at the Judicial Oath Ceremony, which is not the regular ceremony. This is where he brings up needing the passport photos. For name changes you need to sign photos in front of him, he says they can't use the biometrics photos any more. He gave me the choice of which Oath ceremony I wanted, name change or without. He then logged it into the system and said once we are done here, to go to the nearest FedEx, get photos and bring them back.
We then returned back to my application, confirmed my parents weren't citizens, asked about my husband and if that was the man sitting outside. Asked if I still worked where I did, asked that my biological children lived with us, all the while he would check back to my submitted documents, (birth certs etc). Then he moved on to the questions which he had condensed, and he knew without reading so he flew through them. I had to ask his advice on "have you ever received weapons training) as I have a Conceal and Carry Permit so in turn have received handgun training. He wasn't concerned at all with it and said he will just log it because I raised it, but definitely not what it meant.
At this point he hadn't even told me I'd passed but I had to just assume, since he had me sign the oath part of the form.
 
I then left to get my photos, and ten minutes later I was back in the waiting area ready to be seen again. He came out to get me, had me sign both photos, had me sign 3 acknowledgments of what took place and that I'm recommended for approval (Yes, scary wording that makes you feel like its not as secure as you'd like...)
and that I will get a letter regarding my oath ceremony.
 
**Observations**
Every step has a printed piece of paper that he acknowledges a pass or a fail with his red pen. He then logs it in before moving on.
He did not ask for anything other than my letter and Green Card.
I was in there for a while mainly due to the paperwork and logging. My contribution was minimal and fast.
I would almost say the decision is made before you even have your interview, and they are just looking for red flags in person.
 
Thank you to VisaJourney and everyone on here, My six year journey would have been far more stressful without your guys. I wish you all the same luck and fortune!
 
Oh yeah, and I own a Patriotic Apparel company, so I wore our "Unapologetically American" to the interview!
 

Got my Oath Ceremony letter, no electronic updates at all between my interview ( 2 weeks ago) and now. Very surprised as I was told a name change ceremony would take months! So excited!!
 
 
N-400: March 2017 Applicants
 
======================================
USCIS Dallas/Lewisville, Texas Lockbox
======================================

UserName..........|GC-Date..|Sent..|Cashed|NOA...|Fprints..|In Line..|Int ltr..|Intrview.|Oath.....|Field Office......|NBC/IOE
AGENTPIG..........|05/29/12.|02/27.|??/??.|03/03.|04/11/17.|04/28/17.|05/05/17.|06/07/17.|07/04/17.|Buffalo, NY       |NBC
NICK79............|05/07/12.|02/27.|03/03.|03/01.|03/28/17.|08/16/17.|08/17/17.|09/21/17.|--/--/--.|New York, NY      |NBC
DGTB..............|07/23/94.|02/27.|03/06.|03/06.|03/20/17.|03/29/17.|07/10/17.|08/14/17.|09/12/17.|Washington, DC    |NBC
KSWSKY94..........|01/25/12.|02/28.|03/07.|03/07.|03/27/17.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|Washington, DC    |NBC
MARDY.............|06/10/08.|02/28.|03/07.|03/07.|03/30/17.|04/03/17.|08/25/17.|09/26/17.|--/--/--.|West Palm Bch, FL |NBC
GLENMAR...........|10/22/13.|02/28.|03/06.|03/06.|03/27/17.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|Dallas, TX        |NBC
MELLYHOHOHO.......|07/10/10.|02/28.|03/01.|03/06.|03/23/17.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|Norfolk, VA       |NBC
AMI&CHIGS.........|10/04/12.|03/01.|03/08.|03/08.|04/06/17.|04/10/17.|09/15/17.|10/20/17.|--/--/--.|Holtsville, NY    |NBC
JSJS..............|04/15/14.|03/02.|03/08.|03/08.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|                  |NBC
FINALCHAPTER17....|07/27/10.|03/02.|03/24.|03/25.|04/24/17.|08/22/17.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|Raleigh-Durham, NC|NBC
VEGANO............|05/31/12.|03/02.|03/07.|04/04.|04/20/17.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|Raleigh-Durham, NC|NBC
CANDYBABE.........|01/16/08.|03/06.|03/13.|03/14.|04/10/17.|04/12/17.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|Hartford, CT      |NBC
BRONXRN...........|07/12/07.|03/13.|--/--.|03/20.|04/18/17.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|New York, NY      |NBC
JJBUI3............|--/--/--.|03/06.|--/--.|03/11.|03/20/17.|04/07/17.|08/25/17.|09/28/17.|--/--/--.|Newark, NJ        |
VAMAS.............|09/23/13.|03/06.|03/08.|03/13.|04/13/17.|04/17/17.|07/28/17.|08/28/17.|--/--/--.|Washington, DC    |NBC
BLK...............|04/22/14.|03/07.|03/15.|03/15.|03/28/17.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|Mount Laurel, NJ  |
YITO..............|10/17/12.|03/07.|03/13.|03/14.|04/10/17.|04/13/17.|08/21/17.|10/03/17.|--/--/--.|Hialeah, FL       |NBC
JAHKNOW1..........|--/--/--.|03/07.|--/--.|--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|Jacksonville, FL  |
JKEN..............|--/--/--.|03/07.|--/--.|--/--.|04/24/17.|04/26/17.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|Orlando, FL       |
SAB2913...........|04/30/14.|03/08.|03/15.|03/17.|03/28/17.|04/10/17.|08/28/17.|10/05/17.|--/--/--.|Newark, NJ        |NBC
SHAIZ.............|--/--/--.|03/08.|03/14.|03/14.|04/04/17.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|Washington, DC    |NBC
INVESTINMIAMI.....|06/09/14.|03/09.|03/20.|03/21.|04/12/17.|05/09/17.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|Kendall, FL       |
PHILLYFELLOW......|05/20/14.|03/10.|03/20.|03/21.|04/03/17.|08/25/17.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|Philadelphia, PA  |
REGINAGLENN.......|06/08/14.|03/10.|03/20.|03/21.|04/12/17.|05/15/17.|05/25/17.|06/26/17.|08/30/17.|Louisville, KY    |NBC
KALUSHA...........|03/26/14.|03/13.|03/20.|03/23.|04/12/17.|04/14/17.|09/05/17.|10/05/17.|--/--/--.|Baltimore, MD     |NBC
SALJOY............|02/11/11.|03/13.|03/20.|03/21.|04/07/17.|04/13/17.|09/05/17.|10/04/17.|--/--/--.|Baltimore, MD     |NBC
WEARETOGETHERNOW..|08/25/09.|03/13.|03/23.|03/24.|04/19/17.|04/21/17.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|                  |
FABILOUS876.......|12/08/09.|03/14.|03/21.|03/16.|04/14/17.|04/18/17.|08/26/17.|10/02/17.|--/--/--.|Tampa, FL         |NBC
LAURA.............|03/10/14.|03/14.|03/21.|03/22.|04/11/17.|04/20/17.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|Houston, TX       |
ANLE31292.........|09/24/13.|03/15.|03/20.|04/06.|04/24/17.|04/26/17.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|Orlando, FL       |NBC
PENNYWISE.........|05/30/14.|03/16.|03/23.|03/25.|04/11/17.|05/01/17.|08/17/17.|09/18/17.|--/--/--.|San Antonio, TX   |
EMARSH............|06/21/11.|03/17.|--/--.|03/22.|04/07/17.|--/--/--.|08/28/17.|10/05/17.|--/--/--.|Atlanta, GA       |
SIO05.............|05/20/14.|03/18.|03/24.|04/01.|04/18/17.|04/27/17.|05/26/17.|06/29/17.|07/12/17.|Boston, MA        |NBC
JOMFER............|06/07/14.|03/20.|03/29.|03/30.|04/21/17.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|Atlanta, GA       |
VJSTK.............|03/20/12.|03/20.|03/27.|04/01.|04/20/17.|04/24/17.|05/25/17.|06/29/17.|07/12/17.|Boston, MA        |NBC
DMCHUGHCT.........|03/02/11.|03/20.|03/28.|04/06.|04/19/17.|04/21/17.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|Hartford, CT      |NBC
ABIKYSHOW.........|05/08/14.|03/21.|03/29.|04/06.|04/21/17.|04/25/17.|06/12/17.|07/12/17.|08/30/17.|Lawrence, MA      |
CARRIE212.........|05/23/12.|03/23.|03/28.|04/04.|04/20/17.|05/01/17.|07/18/17.|08/16/17.|--/--/--.|New York, NY      |NBC
GRAPPLEAPPLE......|07/29/13.|03/24.|03/28.|03/31.|04/25/17.|04/27/17.|08/02/17.|09/06/17.|10/06/17.|Raleigh-Durham, NC|NBC
SUNSHINESTATE2013.|06/23/14.|03/24.|03/30.|04/01.|04/24/17.|05/23/17.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|Miami, FL         |NBC
CYBELINE..........|05/20/14.|03/25.|03/28.|04/03.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|Atlanta, GA       |
CASUALUSER-WIFE...|06/23/12.|03/27.|03/30.|04/03.|04/24/17.|09/01/17.|09/11/17.|10/11/17.|--/--/--.|Raleigh-Durham, NC|NBC
CASUALUSER-HUSBAND|06/23/12.|03/27.|03/30.|04/03.|04/24/17.|09/07/17.|09/15/17.|10/16/17.|--/--/--.|Raleigh-Durham, NC|NBC
JK2...............|--/--/--.|03/28.|04/05.|--/--.|04/25/17.|05/28/17.|08/09/17.|09/18/17.|--/--/--.|Jacksonville, FL  |NBC
EDEN1207..........|09/10/11.|03/29.|04/04.|04/05.|04/27/17.|05/01/17.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|Dallas, TX        |
SHUMAI............|06/24/14.|03/29.|--/--.|04/05.|04/24/17.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|Atlanta, GA       |NBC
ROCHA_2014........|06/06/12.|03/31.|04/10.|04/17.|05/18/17.|05/22/17.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|Kissimmee, FL     |NBC
MM1...............|06/XX/08.|03/17.|??/??.|03/23.|04/10/17.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|Fort Smith, AR    |NBC
 
================================
USCIS Phoenix, Arizona Lockbox
================================ 
UserName..........|GC-Date..|Sent..|Cashed|NOA...|Fprints..|In Line..|Int ltr..|Intrview.|Oath.....|Field Office......|NBC/IOE
JOESCHMOE2017.....|01/30/95.|02/28.|03/02.|03/06.|03/20/17.|03/28/17.|08/28/17.|09/27/17.|--/--/--.|San Francisco, CA |NBC
Dr_Z..............|--/--/10.|02/27.|03/02.|03/06.|03/22/17.|03/28/17.|07/28/17.|08/29/17.|09/20/17.|Santa Ana, CA     |NBC
LULLABY123........|05/02/14.|02/28.|03/07.|03/06.|04/05/17.|04/13/17.|--/--/--./--/--/--.|--/--/--.|Chicago, IL       |
WELLYWENCH........|09/08/08.|03/01.|--/--.|--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--./--/--/--.|--/--/--.|                  |
MARGA_20..........|--/--/--.|03/02.|03/07.|03/08.|03/31/17.|04/05/17.|08/28/17.|09/28/17.|--/--/--.|San Francisco, CA |NBC
GARY_UK...........|03/16/10.|03/03.|03/10.|03/11.|03/24/17.|04/06/17.|04/21/17./05/16/17.|07/11/17.|Indianapolis, IN  |NBC
NANRAJ............|04/08/14.|03/10.|03/21.|03/16.|04/04/17.|--/--/--.|--/--/--./--/--/--.|--/--/--.|Tuscon, AZ        |
KGONE.............|11/09/12.|03/10.|03/17.|03/15.|04/13/17.|04/17/17.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|St. Paul, MN      |
YULIYA LIPINA.....|06/07/14.|03/11.|03/21.|03/23.|04/10/17.|05/08/17.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|Chicago, IL       |
SAFEJOURNEY2......|--/05/12.|03/11.|03/17.|03/21.|04/13/17.|04/17/17.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|Denver, CO        |
JON&REXIE.........|07/18/12.|03/13.|03/22.|03/25.|04/14/17.|04/18/17.|07/10/17.|08/14/17.|--/--/--.|St. Louis, MO     |
VIKC07............|06/09/14.|03/14.|03/21.|03/24.|04/14/17.|05/09/17.|05/15/17./06/16/17.|09/15/17.|Indianapolis, IN  |NBC
MAHUNA............|10/27/08.|03/18.|03/23.|03/25.|04/19/17.|04/21/17.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|Seattle, WA       |
CANDACE...........|01/03/07.|03/20.|03/25.|03/31.|05/03/17.|05/05/17.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|Seattle, WA       |
ABHAY.............|06/09/08.|03/22.|03/29.|04/07.|04/17/17.|04/21/17.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|Des Moines, IA    |
LUCAS&LUCAS.......|07/26/13.|03/23.|04/20.|04/27.|05/15/17.|05/26/17.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|Reno, NV          |
JohnNJean.........|12/19/13.|03/09.|03/17.|03/17.|04/11/17.|04/13/17.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|Chicaho, IL       |
 
================================
USCIS Chicago, Illinois Lockbox
================================ 
UserName..........|GC-Date..|Sent..|Cashed|NOA...|Fprints..|In Line..|Int ltr..|Intrview.|Oath.....|Field Office......|NBC/IOE
Cupcake123........|08/08/07.|03/29.|04/03.|04/07.|04/17/17.|04/27/17.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|Chicago, IL       |NBC
 
=======================================================
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Legend: 
GC-Date: The 'Resident Since' Date located on your first green card.
Sent: Date N-400 was mailed to USCIS.
Cashd: Date your check was cashed / credit card was charged by USCIS.
NOA: Receipt Notice Date Printed on your official I-797 notification.
Fprints:  Date assigned for fingerprinting (Bio-metrics). If you do your biometrics via walk-in prior to your scheduled appointment, please enter the date in blue.
In Line: Date you received e-notification about the start of your interview scheduling. You can get this date by checking the USCIS Website at https://egov.uscis.gov/casestatus/landing.do 
Int Ltr: Date you received the official letter in the mail regarding interview.
Interview: Date of your interview.
Oath: Date Oath taken.
Field Office: Your local USCIS office where you will have the N-400 interview

Sticking this here so people can find it. I hope its helpful!
 
Office: Raleigh
Application: 3 year
 
My appointment was at 10:30am, I arrived at 10:00am with my Husband and two year old. We went through security (couldn't take snacks for the toddler, so no food or drink). One really friendly security guard, who was happy to fist bump my kid and learn his name, the other not so friendly I lined up with the other applicants to receive our order number, I was J35. Then we all took an elevator to the next floor.
 
Into a smaller waiting area facing a wall with two doors and with TV screens up, one showing TV shows and one showing the next number to be called. Sometimes an officer would open a door and just call the number. There were roughly 7 of us waiting, and people were called randomly, so don't count on order number. I waited around 30 mins, and in that time some people came out after 5 mins, some were a lot longer.
 
I got called in, and through the door was a series of small interview offices. My officer was nice enough, professional and compassionate but still going through the motions he must do so many times a day. He was quick to tell me not to sit down and to take the oath. I then sat down and said I had additional paperwork and amendments to my form, he said to hold off as we'll get to that.
 
He handed me a printed paper with 3 questions and asked me to read question 1: Who elects Congress? Then he handed me a second piece of paper showing me where to put the answer he dictates: The people elect Congress. After each stage, he enters it into his computer and files the paper. I could see his list of Civics questions which put me at ease as I could mentally prepare for it. My questions were:
 
Who wrote the Declaration of Independence
What state borders Mexico
What is the political party of the President
What are the two main political parties
Who is Commander in Chief of the Military
There were 13 original States, name 3
 
He asked them verbally, and wrote down my reply in the box next to it. Again, he entered it all into his computer.
 
He had all of my previous forms in a giant folder with post it notes at various points. He had also already made notes on my application, like 1,2,3 circled in red at various points, which I'm guessing are just the regular points they have to discuss. So here's where it got a little weird. On page 1 we addressed my name, and as I never had a middle name at birth, I had elected to use my maiden name as my middle name after my US marriage. Which is what I thought were the "rules" you do it via Social Security, so its on passports, Social Security even my Green Card (which is odd.. ) etc. News to me today was the Government only recognizes the last official document, so as it doesn't feature on my marriage certificate, its not legal. So, before he's even done my application, he is telling me the only way I can change my name for it to be official is at the Judicial Oath Ceremony, which is not the regular ceremony. This is where he brings up needing the passport photos. For name changes you need to sign photos in front of him, he says they can't use the biometrics photos any more. He gave me the choice of which Oath ceremony I wanted, name change or without. He then logged it into the system and said once we are done here, to go to the nearest FedEx, get photos and bring them back.
We then returned back to my application, confirmed my parents weren't citizens, asked about my husband and if that was the man sitting outside. Asked if I still worked where I did, asked that my biological children lived with us, all the while he would check back to my submitted documents, (birth certs etc). Then he moved on to the questions which he had condensed, and he knew without reading so he flew through them. I had to ask his advice on "have you ever received weapons training) as I have a Conceal and Carry Permit so in turn have received handgun training. He wasn't concerned at all with it and said he will just log it because I raised it, but definitely not what it meant.
At this point he hadn't even told me I'd passed but I had to just assume, since he had me sign the oath part of the form.
 
I then left to get my photos, and ten minutes later I was back in the waiting area ready to be seen again. He came out to get me, had me sign both photos, had me sign 3 acknowledgments of what took place and that I'm recommended for approval (Yes, scary wording that makes you feel like its not as secure as you'd like...)
and that I will get a letter regarding my oath ceremony.
 
**Observations**
Every step has a printed piece of paper that he acknowledges a pass or a fail with his red pen. He then logs it in before moving on.
He did not ask for anything other than my letter and Green Card.
I was in there for a while mainly due to the paperwork and logging. My contribution was minimal and fast.
I would almost say the decision is made before you even have your interview, and they are just looking for red flags in person.
 
Thank you to VisaJourney and everyone on here, My six year journey would have been far more stressful without you guys. I wish you all the same luck and fortune!

I think your interviewer may have the wrong end of the stick. If USCIS issued a greencard in a specific name, then that should be your name of record. I have known USCIS to refuse a middle name change with a greencard application, but that was a girl who pulled a new middle name out of the air and it was not associated with her maiden or married name. In your case USCIS accepted your first/maiden/married  name and issued a greencard in that name. Social Security and DMV go by USCIS name and so did same.

This whole thing is so strange -- I'm glad you posted, since I certainly hadn't heard of this situation before. Like you, I would have assumed that SS/DL/GC in the new name would be enough. VJ is such a learning experience!

It only makes sense that the process would be a pain in the ### right at the end... 

You mail your certificate off with the passport application. (You do get it back).
 
You also show your certificate to Social Security office and the DMV so you are a citizen in their records. Because my name was different on the certificate (Full first, middle, last name) than on the greencard (first, middle initial, last name), both places said I had to be issued a new SS and new DL because they are required to match certificate. And that was the last small hassle to end the immigration journey.

So your American Passport would be issued to Stupid McStupidface. Fun! 😛

Congratulations on getting naturalized soon

My appointment was at exact same time and exactly the same questions in same order (I think) were asked of me! Really cool  

Sticking this here so people can find it. I hope its helpful!
 
Office: Raleigh
Application: 3 year
 
My appointment was at 10:30am, I arrived at 10:00am with my Husband and two year old. We went through security (couldn't take snacks for the toddler, so no food or drink). One really friendly security guard, who was happy to fist bump my kid and learn his name, the other not so friendly I lined up with the other applicants to receive our order number, I was J35. Then we all took an elevator to the next floor.
 
Into a smaller waiting area facing a wall with two doors and with TV screens up, one showing TV shows and one showing the next number to be called. Sometimes an officer would open a door and just call the number. There were roughly 7 of us waiting, and people were called randomly, so don't count on order number. I waited around 30 mins, and in that time some people came out after 5 mins, some were a lot longer.
 
I got called in, and through the door was a series of small interview offices. My officer was nice enough, professional and compassionate but still going through the motions he must do so many times a day. He was quick to tell me not to sit down and to take the oath. I then sat down and said I had additional paperwork and amendments to my form, he said to hold off as we'll get to that.
 
He handed me a printed paper with 3 questions and asked me to read question 1: Who elects Congress? Then he handed me a second piece of paper showing me where to put the answer he dictates: The people elect Congress. After each stage, he enters it into his computer and files the paper. I could see his list of Civics questions which put me at ease as I could mentally prepare for it. My questions were:
 
Who wrote the Declaration of Independence
What state borders Mexico
What is the political party of the President
What are the two main political parties
Who is Commander in Chief of the Military
There were 13 original States, name 3
 
He asked them verbally, and wrote down my reply in the box next to it. Again, he entered it all into his computer.
 
He had all of my previous forms in a giant folder with post it notes at various points. He had also already made notes on my application, like 1,2,3 circled in red at various points, which I'm guessing are just the regular points they have to discuss. So here's where it got a little weird. On page 1 we addressed my name, and as I never had a middle name at birth, I had elected to use my maiden name as my middle name after my US marriage. Which is what I thought were the "rules" you do it via Social Security, so its on passports, Social Security even my Green Card (which is odd.. ) etc. News to me today was the Government only recognizes the last official document, so as it doesn't feature on my marriage certificate, its not legal. So, before he's even done my application, he is telling me the only way I can change my name for it to be official is at the Judicial Oath Ceremony, which is not the regular ceremony. This is where he brings up needing the passport photos. For name changes you need to sign photos in front of him, he says they can't use the biometrics photos any more. He gave me the choice of which Oath ceremony I wanted, name change or without. He then logged it into the system and said once we are done here, to go to the nearest FedEx, get photos and bring them back.
We then returned back to my application, confirmed my parents weren't citizens, asked about my husband and if that was the man sitting outside. Asked if I still worked where I did, asked that my biological children lived with us, all the while he would check back to my submitted documents, (birth certs etc). Then he moved on to the questions which he had condensed, and he knew without reading so he flew through them. I had to ask his advice on "have you ever received weapons training) as I have a Conceal and Carry Permit so in turn have received handgun training. He wasn't concerned at all with it and said he will just log it because I raised it, but definitely not what it meant.
At this point he hadn't even told me I'd passed but I had to just assume, since he had me sign the oath part of the form.
 
I then left to get my photos, and ten minutes later I was back in the waiting area ready to be seen again. He came out to get me, had me sign both photos, had me sign 3 acknowledgments of what took place and that I'm recommended for approval (Yes, scary wording that makes you feel like its not as secure as you'd like...)
and that I will get a letter regarding my oath ceremony.
 
**Observations**
Every step has a printed piece of paper that he acknowledges a pass or a fail with his red pen. He then logs it in before moving on.
He did not ask for anything other than my letter and Green Card.
I was in there for a while mainly due to the paperwork and logging. My contribution was minimal and fast.
I would almost say the decision is made before you even have your interview, and they are just looking for red flags in person.
 
Thank you to VisaJourney and everyone on here, My six year journey would have been far more stressful without you guys. I wish you all the same luck and fortune!

I PASSED!
 
Office: Raleigh
Application: 3 year
 
My appointment was at 10:30am, I arrived at 10:00am with my Husband and two year old. We went through security (couldn't take snacks for the toddler, so no food or drink). One really friendly security guard, who was happy to fist bump my kid and learn his name, the other not so friendly I lined up with the other applicants to receive our order number, I was J35. Then we all took an elevator to the next floor.
 
Into a smaller waiting area facing a wall with two doors and with TV screens up, one showing TV shows and one showing the next number to be called. Sometimes an officer would open a door and just call the number. There were roughly 7 of us waiting, and people were called randomly, so don't count on order number. I waited around 30 mins, and in that time some people came out after 5 mins, some were a lot longer.
 
I got called in, and through the door was a series of small interview offices. My officer was nice enough, professional and compassionate but still going through the motions he must do so many times a day. He was quick to tell me not to sit down and to take the oath. I then sat down and said I had additional paperwork and amendments to my form, he said to hold off as we'll get to that.
 
He handed me a printed paper with 3 questions and asked me to read question 1: Who elects Congress? Then he handed me a second piece of paper showing me where to put the answer he dictates: The people elect Congress. After each stage, he enters it into his computer and files the paper. I could see his list of Civics questions which put me at ease as I could mentally prepare for it. My questions were:
 
Who wrote the Declaration of Independence
What state borders Mexico
What is the political party of the President
What are the two main political parties
Who is Commander in Chief of the Military
There were 13 original States, name 3
 
He asked them verbally, and wrote down my reply in the box next to it. Again, he entered it all into his computer.
 
He had all of my previous forms in a giant folder with post it notes at various points. He had also already made notes on my application, like 1,2,3 circled in red at various points, which I'm guessing are just the regular points they have to discuss. So here's where it got a little weird. On page 1 we addressed my name, and as I never had a middle name at birth, I had elected to use my maiden name as my middle name after my US marriage. Which is what I thought were the "rules" you do it via Social Security, so its on passports, Social Security even my Green Card (which is odd.. ) etc. News to me today was the Government only recognizes the last official document, so as it doesn't feature on my marriage certificate, its not legal. So, before he's even done my application, he is telling me the only way I can change my name for it to be official is at the Judicial Oath Ceremony, which is not the regular ceremony. This is where he brings up needing the passport photos. For name changes you need to sign photos in front of him, he says they can't use the biometrics photos any more. He gave me the choice of which Oath ceremony I wanted, name change or without. He then logged it into the system and said once we are done here, to go to the nearest FedEx, get photos and bring them back.
We then returned back to my application, confirmed my parents weren't citizens, asked about my husband and if that was the man sitting outside. Asked if I still worked where I did, asked that my biological children lived with us, all the while he would check back to my submitted documents, (birth certs etc). Then he moved on to the questions which he had condensed, and he knew without reading so he flew through them. I had to ask his advice on "have you ever received weapons training) as I have a Conceal and Carry Permit so in turn have received handgun training. He wasn't concerned at all with it and said he will just log it because I raised it, but definitely not what it meant.
At this point he hadn't even told me I'd passed but I had to just assume, since he had me sign the oath part of the form.
 
I then left to get my photos, and ten minutes later I was back in the waiting area ready to be seen again. He came out to get me, had me sign both photos, had me sign 3 acknowledgments of what took place and that I'm recommended for approval (Yes, scary wording that makes you feel like its not as secure as you'd like...)
and that I will get a letter regarding my oath ceremony.
 
**Observations**
Every step has a printed piece of paper that he acknowledges a pass or a fail with his red pen. He then logs it in before moving on.
He did not ask for anything other than my letter and Green Card.
I was in there for a while mainly due to the paperwork and logging. My contribution was minimal and fast.
I would almost say the decision is made before you even have your interview, and they are just looking for red flags in person.
 
Thank you to VisaJourney and everyone on here, My six year journey would have been far more stressful without your guys. I wish you all the same luck and fortune!
 
Oh yeah, and I own a Patriotic Apparel company, so I wore our "Unapologetically American" to the interview!
 

Congratulations!
 

I PASSED!
 
Office: Raleigh
Application: 3 year
 
My appointment was at 10:30am, I arrived at 10:00am with my Husband and two year old. We went through security (couldn't take snacks for the toddler, so no food or drink). One really friendly security guard, who was happy to fist bump my kid and learn his name, the other not so friendly I lined up with the other applicants to receive our order number, I was J35. Then we all took an elevator to the next floor.
 
Into a smaller waiting area facing a wall with two doors and with TV screens up, one showing TV shows and one showing the next number to be called. Sometimes an officer would open a door and just call the number. There were roughly 7 of us waiting, and people were called randomly, so don't count on order number. I waited around 30 mins, and in that time some people came out after 5 mins, some were a lot longer.
 
I got called in, and through the door was a series of small interview offices. My officer was nice enough, professional and compassionate but still going through the motions he must do so many times a day. He was quick to tell me not to sit down and to take the oath. I then sat down and said I had additional paperwork and amendments to my form, he said to hold off as we'll get to that.
 
He handed me a printed paper with 3 questions and asked me to read question 1: Who elects Congress? Then he handed me a second piece of paper showing me where to put the answer he dictates: The people elect Congress. After each stage, he enters it into his computer and files the paper. I could see his list of Civics questions which put me at ease as I could mentally prepare for it. My questions were:
 
Who wrote the Declaration of Independence
What state borders Mexico
What is the political party of the President
What are the two main political parties
Who is Commander in Chief of the Military
There were 13 original States, name 3
 
He asked them verbally, and wrote down my reply in the box next to it. Again, he entered it all into his computer.
 
He had all of my previous forms in a giant folder with post it notes at various points. He had also already made notes on my application, like 1,2,3 circled in red at various points, which I'm guessing are just the regular points they have to discuss. So here's where it got a little weird. On page 1 we addressed my name, and as I never had a middle name at birth, I had elected to use my maiden name as my middle name after my US marriage. Which is what I thought were the "rules" you do it via Social Security, so its on passports, Social Security even my Green Card (which is odd.. ) etc. News to me today was the Government only recognizes the last official document, so as it doesn't feature on my marriage certificate, its not legal. So, before he's even done my application, he is telling me the only way I can change my name for it to be official is at the Judicial Oath Ceremony, which is not the regular ceremony. This is where he brings up needing the passport photos. For name changes you need to sign photos in front of him, he says they can't use the biometrics photos any more. He gave me the choice of which Oath ceremony I wanted, name change or without. He then logged it into the system and said once we are done here, to go to the nearest FedEx, get photos and bring them back.
We then returned back to my application, confirmed my parents weren't citizens, asked about my husband and if that was the man sitting outside. Asked if I still worked where I did, asked that my biological children lived with us, all the while he would check back to my submitted documents, (birth certs etc). Then he moved on to the questions which he had condensed, and he knew without reading so he flew through them. I had to ask his advice on "have you ever received weapons training) as I have a Conceal and Carry Permit so in turn have received handgun training. He wasn't concerned at all with it and said he will just log it because I raised it, but definitely not what it meant.
At this point he hadn't even told me I'd passed but I had to just assume, since he had me sign the oath part of the form.
 
I then left to get my photos, and ten minutes later I was back in the waiting area ready to be seen again. He came out to get me, had me sign both photos, had me sign 3 acknowledgments of what took place and that I'm recommended for approval (Yes, scary wording that makes you feel like its not as secure as you'd like...)
and that I will get a letter regarding my oath ceremony.
 
**Observations**
Every step has a printed piece of paper that he acknowledges a pass or a fail with his red pen. He then logs it in before moving on.
He did not ask for anything other than my letter and Green Card.
I was in there for a while mainly due to the paperwork and logging. My contribution was minimal and fast.
I would almost say the decision is made before you even have your interview, and they are just looking for red flags in person.
 
Thank you to VisaJourney and everyone on here, My six year journey would have been far more stressful without your guys. I wish you all the same luck and fortune!
 
Oh yeah, and I own a Patriotic Apparel company, so I wore our "Unapologetically American" to the interview!
 

I PASSED!
 
Office: Raleigh
Application: 3 year
 
My appointment was at 10:30am, I arrived at 10:00am with my Husband and two year old. We went through security (couldn't take snacks for the toddler, so no food or drink). One really friendly security guard, who was happy to fist bump my kid and learn his name, the other not so friendly I lined up with the other applicants to receive our order number, I was J35. Then we all took an elevator to the next floor.
 
Into a smaller waiting area facing a wall with two doors and with TV screens up, one showing TV shows and one showing the next number to be called. Sometimes an officer would open a door and just call the number. There were roughly 7 of us waiting, and people were called randomly, so don't count on order number. I waited around 30 mins, and in that time some people came out after 5 mins, some were a lot longer.
 
I got called in, and through the door was a series of small interview offices. My officer was nice enough, professional and compassionate but still going through the motions he must do so many times a day. He was quick to tell me not to sit down and to take the oath. I then sat down and said I had additional paperwork and amendments to my form, he said to hold off as we'll get to that.
 
He handed me a printed paper with 3 questions and asked me to read question 1: Who elects Congress? Then he handed me a second piece of paper showing me where to put the answer he dictates: The people elect Congress. After each stage, he enters it into his computer and files the paper. I could see his list of Civics questions which put me at ease as I could mentally prepare for it. My questions were:
 
Who wrote the Declaration of Independence
What state borders Mexico
What is the political party of the President
What are the two main political parties
Who is Commander in Chief of the Military
There were 13 original States, name 3
 
He asked them verbally, and wrote down my reply in the box next to it. Again, he entered it all into his computer.
 
He had all of my previous forms in a giant folder with post it notes at various points. He had also already made notes on my application, like 1,2,3 circled in red at various points, which I'm guessing are just the regular points they have to discuss. So here's where it got a little weird. On page 1 we addressed my name, and as I never had a middle name at birth, I had elected to use my maiden name as my middle name after my US marriage. Which is what I thought were the "rules" you do it via Social Security, so its on passports, Social Security even my Green Card (which is odd.. ) etc. News to me today was the Government only recognizes the last official document, so as it doesn't feature on my marriage certificate, its not legal. So, before he's even done my application, he is telling me the only way I can change my name for it to be official is at the Judicial Oath Ceremony, which is not the regular ceremony. This is where he brings up needing the passport photos. For name changes you need to sign photos in front of him, he says they can't use the biometrics photos any more. He gave me the choice of which Oath ceremony I wanted, name change or without. He then logged it into the system and said once we are done here, to go to the nearest FedEx, get photos and bring them back.
We then returned back to my application, confirmed my parents weren't citizens, asked about my husband and if that was the man sitting outside. Asked if I still worked where I did, asked that my biological children lived with us, all the while he would check back to my submitted documents, (birth certs etc). Then he moved on to the questions which he had condensed, and he knew without reading so he flew through them. I had to ask his advice on "have you ever received weapons training) as I have a Conceal and Carry Permit so in turn have received handgun training. He wasn't concerned at all with it and said he will just log it because I raised it, but definitely not what it meant.
At this point he hadn't even told me I'd passed but I had to just assume, since he had me sign the oath part of the form.
 
I then left to get my photos, and ten minutes later I was back in the waiting area ready to be seen again. He came out to get me, had me sign both photos, had me sign 3 acknowledgments of what took place and that I'm recommended for approval (Yes, scary wording that makes you feel like its not as secure as you'd like...)
and that I will get a letter regarding my oath ceremony.
 
**Observations**
Every step has a printed piece of paper that he acknowledges a pass or a fail with his red pen. He then logs it in before moving on.
He did not ask for anything other than my letter and Green Card.
I was in there for a while mainly due to the paperwork and logging. My contribution was minimal and fast.
I would almost say the decision is made before you even have your interview, and they are just looking for red flags in person.
 
Thank you to VisaJourney and everyone on here, My six year journey would have been far more stressful without your guys. I wish you all the same luck and fortune!
 
Oh yeah, and I own a Patriotic Apparel company, so I wore our "Unapologetically American" to the interview!
 

So sorry you and @Investinmiami are stuck in the process I have my interview there tomorrow, If i can get any helpful information I'll share it with you!
 
(Go Tarheels)

My status changed yesterday, notification of Interview letter heading my way! Heads up all at Raleigh, things are moving!!

Hey All.
 
Just wanted to share something which may be of benefit as you go through the process and come out the other end...
 
I learned that when you need to go to the social security office to report your citizenship, be there as early as possible. Preferably as they open or you are going to have a long wait. (mine was well over an hour ).
 
Have your passport application done ready when you go to the post office and to make things smooth have your photos ready to hand in.
 
But this is the sad part. When you DO hand over your certificate. ( they will not take copies ) There is a likelihood that some ####### is going to bend / Fold it.  
The nice staff at my post office warned me that they had a staff member go though this process and was devastated that the passport office folded their certificate.  
 
They were kind enough to put my cert in a cardboard backed envelope with a "DO NOT BEND" notice, but I guess I will find out when my Passport arrives on the 18th.
 
 
Thanks.
 
G
 

Hello everyone,
I have been following this thread for some time but I am not sure if I belong to the March list. If I do, can you please add me to the list:
 
UserName..........|GC-Date..|Sent..|Cashed|NOA...|Fprints..|In Line..|Int ltr..|Intrview.|Oath.....|Field Office......|NBC/IOE
Avi_NM..............|06/27/14.|03/28.|04/03.|04/05.|04/14/17.|05/30/17.|06/03/17.|07/06/17.|08/18/17.|Albuquerque, NM |NBC
 
I had my interview on 06th of July in Albuquerque, NM and I wanted to share my experience here in case it is useful to others.
 
My appointment was for 10:20 am. We arrived at 09:35 am. The security had no line. They asked to see the interview letter and our photo ID (Driver's License). We went through the metal detector. The security officer passed the interview letter directly to the first window in the office area and asked us to wait in the waiting room.
 
The waiting area had room for approximately 50 people. It had restrooms on one side of the room. We sat facing the entry door where the officers came in and asked people to follow them. There were three cases waiting there ahead of us. Starting at 9:55 am three different officers came out in quick succession to call people ahead of us. We were expecting to be called in after one of them was done with their case. At about 10:00 am a different officer asked me come in for the interview. He introduced himself and told me that he will conduct the interview for my naturalization.
 
Once in his office he asked me to hand him my green card, driver's license and passports. He told me that his system is down so he will do a manual review. I was then asked to stand up and take the oath. We went through the N-400 application first where he made minor changes. During this process he kept trying to log back into system which eventually started working. I signed the N-400 after he noted the corrections.
 
He then started the reading and writing portion of the test. He asked me to read the third sentence printed on a sheet "Why do people want to be citizens?" He asked me to write "People want to vote". It was followed by the civics test. He told me if the question has multiple answers he only needs one. My first answer will be taken as the final answer so think before I answer:
Q98. What is the name of the national anthem?
Q96. Why does the flag have 13 stripes?
Q89. What ocean is on the West Coast of the United States?
Q86. What major event happened on September 11, 2001, in the United States?
Q12. What is the “rule of law”? ... (Here after the first answer, I started saying the second answer and he cut me off saying "One is good, you don't need to say the others")
Q7. How many amendments does the Constitution have?
 
After six questions he stopped and said "Congratulations you passed the test". He asked me if my husband helped me prepare for the test and if my husband knew all the answers. I told him he did help me and now he does know all the answers. He said that every year they have a booth at the state fair where they give out US flags if people can correctly answer the questions from the citizenship test. Unfortunately most US citizens do not pass so they return back to the office with most of the flags.
 
He then gave me the letter with Congratulations and "Recommended for Approval". I signed another paper with my name, DOB, etc. to confirm that the information is correct because it will appear on the naturalization certificate as shown.
I was told that the Oath Ceremony will most likely be on August 18th with military families due to my husband's veteran status instead of earlier ceremonies with general population. He said that it will be very small ceremony with only a handful of people. He mentioned to just bring the green card and the oath letter to the ceremony. I came out at 10:30 am along with the officer who thanked my husband for his service. He also asked to take a photocopy of this old military ID as a proof of his military service (I had asked my husband to bring his personal documents and keep them with him in the waiting area, just in case).
 
Note: My application was not a military spouse application and nothing in my application or supporting documents indicated that my husband was ever in the military. It came up during the interview when the officer asked if I had ever served in the military and then if my husband has ever served in the military. I said 'No I haven't ' and then 'Yes my husband has'. I told the officer that my husband is not active duty and he also did not retire from the military. He served for 8 years before leaving the military.
 
I had the passport photos but was not asked for them and I forgot to mention it. Also, I was not asked for any other documents.
 
My on-line case status changed to 'In-line for Oath' on 13th of July and then to 'Oath was scheduled' on 27th of July. Yesterday (31st of July), I received the letter for the Oath Ceremony to be on 18th of August at the Museum of American Military Families in Tijeras, NM.
 
I do feel very lucky that my application has moved along quickly. I think my Field Office being Albuquerque was probably the most important factor. We have been married for almost 7 years and living together with joint everything for almost 15 years. I have filed taxes every year since 2001 and did not have any traffic violations. All these minor details may have contributed during the review process.
 
I must say that the members who contribute to these forums even by simply asking questions have been a huge help to understand the process and calm the nerves. I will be forever grateful to the community of people here whom I may never get a chance to thank in person. Thank You for making this process less lonely!
 
The gory details of my timeline are in my signature. Good luck to everyone going through the process.

I recently sent off my N400 package and then applied for my concealed carry permit a week later in a "shall issue" state. I was called by the county yesterday and told to wait for my NOA before applying.
 
How did you get your carry permit before submitting your N400? Maybe its different in your state/county
 
 

i'm still waiting! filed november 19, they received my response to request for initial evidence (co-sponsor's passport) december 19th. i called yesterday and the guy said my case was out of normal processing time so submitted a service request for me, said to call back if i hear nothing in 15 days. #lesigh

Congratulations! I have been stalking the august forum - hoping to see some more approvals. I'm happy you finally got yours!

Approved!!!
Thank you so much to everyone here for your valuable information and support!
I shall do a full review when I get home as I know how much it helps!
I highly recommend the Raddison Blu Berkshire Hotel on Oxford Street, their service has been amazing, they did a ton of last minute photocopying for me at 11pm last night at no cost and gave me a free room upgrade!!
Off to Selfridges for champagne!!

I just got the email from my guy - he was approved!! I don't have any of the details yet, and I've been so anxious I've been up all night (almost 4:45 a.m. here LOL). I'll post more details and a full review once I know more, but now I'm going to try and get some sleep before I have to go to work!! haha
I'm so excited though!!! I know we couldn't have done it without this community and everyone here It's so worth the wait and everyone who is waiting for their interview dates, NOA2, everything, it'll happen soon and it'll be sooo amazing once you hear the words "approval"

Today is the day! Just got the NOA2 approval!
Now I have something else to wait for (and worry about)
I hope you guys will hear something from uscis soon!