Janeg120

I'm a citizen! My ceremony was last Thursday, May 24, in San Antonio. There were 534 of us taking the oath, from 77 countries. Arrival time was 8.02 am which I thought was strange, but it's how they organized such a large group - had us line up by our appointed time, 8am, 8.01am or 8.02am. It was pretty seamless, once we were all seated, they checked we'd filled in the back of the Oath Ceremony letter and had our green cards. Then, row by row, we all went to the back where they had the certificates, they put them in order of how we were seated, so at the end of the ceremony, they were able to hand them out relatively quickly.
 
The actual ceremony didn't start until 10am, but up until then, we were given several bits of information, including our voter registration cards, which we filled in and then handed to voting office staff before we left, and they will handle getting them to the right county office to complete registration. There was an army band of 5 who started playing around 9.30am so that was a nice distraction.
 
At first I was kind of annoyed it would take so long with all that people (selfish, I know), but the more I took it all in, and started chatting to the people either side of me, and realizing how many people from such different backgrounds were there, I really took it all in and realized the magnitude of the occasion. I'm from the UK, so it's not like I left any hardship to come here, but hearing, for example, Syria and Iraq, it made me realize that this is potentially life saving for them and their families. It was pretty emotional once my perspective shifted just that little. Don't get me wrong, I wasn't taking it lightly, I was just in my own bubble looking at it from my own point of view up until then.

The judge who presided the ceremony was really nice and, as it was just before Memorial Day, the video we watched was a tribute to the fallen. 
 
The ceremony was finished at 11am, and as previously mentioned, they were quickly able to distribute certificates because of their organization prior to the ceremony. The little group I was sat in congratulated each other and I set out to find my husband and father-in-law who had come with me. I was very happy that an aunt and cousin had also come to surprise me, that was the cherry on top
 
Such a relief that it's done, passport application is all filled out to complete the next steps.
 
Good luck to anyone about to have their ceremony - enjoy every minute of it. I don't think I'll ever forget how it felt.
 
Best of luck, Jane

@Janeg120 Congratulations. Now you need to have a party  Thanks for sharing your experience. 

I'm a citizen! My ceremony was last Thursday, May 24, in San Antonio. There were 534 of us taking the oath, from 77 countries. Arrival time was 8.02 am which I thought was strange, but it's how they organized such a large group - had us line up by our appointed time, 8am, 8.01am or 8.02am. It was pretty seamless, once we were all seated, they checked we'd filled in the back of the Oath Ceremony letter and had our green cards. Then, row by row, we all went to the back where they had the certificates, they put them in order of how we were seated, so at the end of the ceremony, they were able to hand them out relatively quickly.
 
The actual ceremony didn't start until 10am, but up until then, we were given several bits of information, including our voter registration cards, which we filled in and then handed to voting office staff before we left, and they will handle getting them to the right county office to complete registration. There was an army band of 5 who started playing around 9.30am so that was a nice distraction.
 
At first I was kind of annoyed it would take so long with all that people (selfish, I know), but the more I took it all in, and started chatting to the people either side of me, and realizing how many people from such different backgrounds were there, I really took it all in and realized the magnitude of the occasion. I'm from the UK, so it's not like I left any hardship to come here, but hearing, for example, Syria and Iraq, it made me realize that this is potentially life saving for them and their families. It was pretty emotional once my perspective shifted just that little. Don't get me wrong, I wasn't taking it lightly, I was just in my own bubble looking at it from my own point of view up until then.

The judge who presided the ceremony was really nice and, as it was just before Memorial Day, the video we watched was a tribute to the fallen. 
 
The ceremony was finished at 11am, and as previously mentioned, they were quickly able to distribute certificates because of their organization prior to the ceremony. The little group I was sat in congratulated each other and I set out to find my husband and father-in-law who had come with me. I was very happy that an aunt and cousin had also come to surprise me, that was the cherry on top
 
Such a relief that it's done, passport application is all filled out to complete the next steps.
 
Good luck to anyone about to have their ceremony - enjoy every minute of it. I don't think I'll ever forget how it felt.
 
Best of luck, Jane

Hi there - I received mine about a week after getting the notification, but it appeared in my on-line account 24 hours after the notification email. Congratulations!

Hi there - I received mine about a week after getting the notification, but it appeared in my on-line account 24 hours after the notification email. Congratulations!

Hehe, feels pretty good, doesn't it?
Every time you look at an american flag, that's YOUR flag now!

Finally had my Oath ceremony yesterday at Richmond, VA after about 15 months of filing the N-400. Although almost two months were lost in cancelling and rescheduling the interview due to snowstorm at Norfolk in January. The ceremony was at 9:30 am at the Richmond Federal Court. There were 74 candidates in this batch. There were another batch at 11:30. I don't know if there were more batches. I believe, the number was restricted in each batch because of size of the courtroom.
 
Even though phones and cameras were not allowed in the building, it was an excellent process. The USCIS officers were very professional, friendly, and helpful and very well organized. For the 1st time, in all my interactions with USCIS, it was a very welcoming message from them. They started right on time. First, they checked everyone in and penitently answered any questions. Asked us to make sure the place in the Oath letter was the place where the ceremony was taking place and not people's home town. Anyone who had it filled otherwise, just needed to cross it out and fill in correctly. Same thing for other fields such as date etc. They also offered pens to anyone who needed it.  
 
He asked people to line up in single row to check in based on last 3 digits of the USCIS # in 3 groups starting with, 000-300, and then 301-600 and 601-999. He asked during the check in if I was arrested, got married or divorced or traveled out of the country since the interview. He asked the same questions to everyone. Couple of people, said they had speeding citations. He only wanted to see the citations but didn't cause any issues to anyone. He also collected the green cards but didn't ask for the previous green cards or other USCIS issues documents etc. Couple of people said they lost their green cards. He had them fill up an additional form and that's about it. Overall no one was denied. He was as helpful as he could possibly be. Everyone was given a packet with usual material in it and hand-written number on the packet. 
 
After the check in, everyone was instructed to sit in order of the number they were given. First 18 got to sit in the Jury chairs.  I was #19. Rest of us sat at bench on the left side of the isle and friends and family sat on the right side of the isle.  The officer then came over and verified the order and also asked us check with the person on our left and right to make sure everyone was sitting in the right order. At this time, he also asked us to make sure we verify the information on the certificate is correct once we receive it. He told us, any error spotted on the day could be corrected on the spot and for free of charge. He also informed us that we should sign the certificates once we verify everything is correct. We were also told to update the social security information in about 2 weeks to give enough time for Social Security Administration system sync with USCIS data. It may not take that long but I thought they were being on the safe side. He also gave us some information on how to apply for passport and voter registration etc.
 
After that the assistant district attorney came and talked to each one of us to make sure she pronounced our names right when she called us to collect the certificates at the end. They didn't have to do that, but I was impressed how diligently she tried to learn the names of all 74 people in a short period of time but still talking to everyone individually. After that, we are told that the judge invited students from local girl's school to come and observe the ceremony and learn how everything works in a civil society. About 70 little girls came from the school and they sat on the floor in front of the judge's bench facing us. At this time, we were instructed to remove any hats and rise as the judge was entering the room. Once the judge took her seat, and announced the court is in session and we are instructed to have a seat.
 
The assistant district attorney then filed the motion to the judge to grant the name change for people who requested it. The judge granted the motion and all 12 of them had their name change approved instantaneously.  They officer from the USCIS, then stood up and asked everyone to rise. He gave us the Oath of Allegiance. After that the judge gave her prepared remarks. It was very uplifting and seemed genuinely heartfelt. She said it was the favorite part of her job and how she loves to see the increasingly diverse faces of America. She even mentioned how the Virginia state legislature has become much more diverse in the last state election. After that we were asked to rise again, and she gave us the Pledge of Allegiance and declared us as new US citizen and congratulated us. There were big cheers and applause.
 
It was time to collect the certificates. An Officer from USCIS stood on the right side of the open area near the judges' bench with certificates. Local volunteers stood next to him with little US flags to be handed out to everyone. The judge came down form her podium and stood in line with them. She said she wanted to greet every new citizen and their family members individually. The assistant district attorney began to call everyone by name in the order everyone was seated after the check in. As we walked in that order, family members joined us to walk to the judge first in line, who shook our hands and expressed her gratitude to us for giving her the opportunity to welcome us to the country as the new citizens. I was genuinely heartfelt. We then collected our certificates from the next person standing in line after the judge and the little US Flags from the volunteers standing next to him and walked back to our seats. Everyone waited respectfully till all 74 of us collected our certificates. I expected at least a little bit of chaos, but it was extremely well orchestrated ceremony. The judge then declared the session was over. On our way out, we were handed out Virginia voter registration form. And, suddenly the journey was over.
 

Oath Experience Cadman Plaza Brooklyn 5/16/2018:
 
I left home early and reached the venue by 7:30 AM as I have decided to drive and park in the near by parking. Found many and parked at 111 livingstone icon parking garage that has $20 if you park anytime between 5 AM to 10 AM and can take out any number of hours. I booked my spot from 6 AM to 2 PM just in case and it still costed me 20 bucks. Left my phone in the car itself. It was a short and scenic walk from livingstone street to Cadman Plaza E court building. By the time I reach there was a line formed. Contrary to some vj'ers here, it was more blessing in disguise and you will know what I mean shortly. Anyways, just like any airport security you go through like removing belts / no cameras / no phones / etc... Once through you are asked to get to 2nd floor while your family members are requested to get to 3rd floor. Today there were about 261 becoming new citizens. So the room was jam packed and there was hardly room for family members, so it's luck and depends on the day. Today no family members. Once inside FIFO (first in first out method is adopted). So they make you seated in a kind of order. The first 30 members get a chance to sit on cushioned chairs with arm rest. So if you reach early you might end up being in those chairs and instead of being stacked along on those long bench tables. Since you will probably end up sitting there for at least 4 hrs or so, the cushion chairs made it more comfortable.
 
You have to fill the back portion of the oath letter there itself and enter the city / state as "brooklyn , new york". once done, that's it. There were no one from voter registration since there are no elections around the corner I guess. Now time is about 9 AM. Still all the people are being filled up slowly in an orderly form. Once all the candidates are seated (or so), they will call people with special cases like name changes or picture issue. Then about 9:30 AM or so, from row 1 (the first set of candidates who came in first) are called to hand over their filled out form along with green card (s) if you more than one and any other documents like EAD, Travel Documents, Refugee , I94 etc. They will write the last 3 digits on to your form and hand over an envelop that contains Oath / Pledge and passport application and voter information flyer and a hard case for keeping your certificate later. Once you collect your enevelop after handing over the GC etc.. you are directed to another table where they will have you verify your naturalization certificate for any errors and then if all ok, then you are asked to sign in front of them (the same signature that you have done during your interview). That's it. You are sent back to your seat and you wait and wait until all the remaining fellow would be citizens are taken care of as well. Once the process is complete, including name changes / picture issue folks, they will formally make a phone call to request the judge to join us all. This was about 11:20 AM or so. Until this process you are free to go to the rest room as well. There are drinking water fountains available as well just in case you need to drink some water near the rest room corridor. But once they make the judge to come, that's a hint that you are not supposed to be outside since if you miss the oath / pledge then you are not naturalized yet.. it's that simple. So guys understand when they say not to leave the room, they make sense because we have come to this point after lot of hurdles hence, don't miss this out.
 
Judge walks in at 11:40  and we all rise welcoming her and in turn today the judge was a women, who was very jovial and pleasant. Made our day more memorable. She complimented all of us and also apologized related to how hard it is to come into this building going through security etc and all other formalities etc... but nevertheless she said first let's have our citizens , and so immediately did the oath / pledge with that done, we were officially citizens at that precise moment. Then she congratulated all of us and then she read out all the countries and we all supported each other with this great achievement. There were about 65 countries or so. It was an emotional farewell to motherland but judge made it clear that even though you have renounced all ties but don't renounce your love to your own country and culture. Please carry on the legacy of it. America is built on freedom and it's "WE THE PEOPLE" that makes it proud.  Then she left at 12 Noon or so, now again the first row is called upon to submit our oath letter and then collect our certificates and we are on our own once outside that building and disappear in world that is now painted "RED" "BLUE" and "WHITE" by 12:20 PM.
 
I have my passport appointment scheduled for Friday and got to my car and headed back home driving for the very first time as an american citizen.
 
Thanks to some of the folks here who were sharing their experiences.. like @Going through@vkhutchings@anu19@lela and many others...
 
Some pointers to remember:
1. it's always FIFO (so if you come early you will leave early as well)
2. Status updates (Might happen or might not happen - so don't depend and be anxious and above all STOP Comparing with others statuses)
3. Attire - I have noticed that some were too casual but nevertheless this is one of the most important event of your life, so I would suggest go in your formal (suits for men and ladies to be business). that gives the event the dignity and respect (not that this is mandatory but will be great to have these worn)
4. Eat something in the morning if possible, I was really hungry as I could not eat anything in the morning. By the time you are done, you feel exhausted at some level even though you are very happy.

Jane,  Thanks for quick reply.  I am really glad that your case is moving fast.  But it seems N-400 processing based on Spouse is faster compared to employment based 5-years one.
 
I am hoping some movement in San Antonio  soon. 

Update on yesterday's appointment. My status online now shows I'm approved so the standard review went through and iI now just await notification of Oath Ceremony.
 
As I said briefly, yesterday was a quick, easy and pleasant experience for me in San Antonio. My appointment time was 11.45am, I was called in at noon. The IO was a really nice woman, she did the test first - read a brief sentence, wrote a sentence she spoke to me and then the test questions. She read them randomly from her screen so the wording was just as they are in the study guide, so I got the first 6 correct so she didn't need to ask anymore. She verified some information on my application, in a general conversation-type way, there was nothing intimidating at all in the process or her manner. She explained the next steps - that she is approving my application, they all go through a review with a supervisor, and they'd contact me if they needed further information. As I said, I logged into my online account this morning and it says approved, awaiting oath ceremony date. I was out in 15 minutes! My husband hadn't even found a podcast to get into in the waiting room!!
 
I am so relieved. I felt prepared for the test but still, when you know such a big decision is pending on an interview and how someone may perceive you, it's hard to relax. 
 
I don't feel this offers much in way of any advice/tips other than please don't get yourself worked up reading 'horror stories' about experiences, my advice would just study and be prepared - my husband and friends/colleagues have been randomly asking my the questions from the study guide over the last few weeks, and that helped. The IO I had understood it's nerve wracking, and as I said, she was not the least bit intimidating and she helped make me feel relaxed.
 
For the Oath Ceremony, it's likely to be back in San Antonio as they only do them in Austin quarterly, slight pain driving to San Antonio but all things considered, it's the least thing to worry about.
 
So good luck everyone, if you have other questions feel free to reach out.
 
Jane
 

So I had my N400 interview today and I passed. I asked to changed have my name changed.  I'm a resident of WI but I interviewed in MN, does anyone know if I will have my oath ceremony in MN or WI?  Thank you.

We had no issues with our phones in Detroit, and even though the signs say do use them in the waiting area, some people were.  The only stipulation is when they called us for the joint I751 interview the IO asked me to turn them off completely.
 
To the OP, Congrats!  Katya had her interview Tuesday and was also approved.

Update on yesterday's appointment. My status online now shows I'm approved so the standard review went through and iI now just await notification of Oath Ceremony.
 
As I said briefly, yesterday was a quick, easy and pleasant experience for me in San Antonio. My appointment time was 11.45am, I was called in at noon. The IO was a really nice woman, she did the test first - read a brief sentence, wrote a sentence she spoke to me and then the test questions. She read them randomly from her screen so the wording was just as they are in the study guide, so I got the first 6 correct so she didn't need to ask anymore. She verified some information on my application, in a general conversation-type way, there was nothing intimidating at all in the process or her manner. She explained the next steps - that she is approving my application, they all go through a review with a supervisor, and they'd contact me if they needed further information. As I said, I logged into my online account this morning and it says approved, awaiting oath ceremony date. I was out in 15 minutes! My husband hadn't even found a podcast to get into in the waiting room!!
 
I am so relieved. I felt prepared for the test but still, when you know such a big decision is pending on an interview and how someone may perceive you, it's hard to relax. 
 
I don't feel this offers much in way of any advice/tips other than please don't get yourself worked up reading 'horror stories' about experiences, my advice would just study and be prepared - my husband and friends/colleagues have been randomly asking my the questions from the study guide over the last few weeks, and that helped. The IO I had understood it's nerve wracking, and as I said, she was not the least bit intimidating and she helped make me feel relaxed.
 
For the Oath Ceremony, it's likely to be back in San Antonio as they only do them in Austin quarterly, slight pain driving to San Antonio but all things considered, it's the least thing to worry about.
 
So good luck everyone, if you have other questions feel free to reach out.
 
Jane
 

Update on yesterday's appointment. My status online now shows I'm approved so the standard review went through and iI now just await notification of Oath Ceremony.
 
As I said briefly, yesterday was a quick, easy and pleasant experience for me in San Antonio. My appointment time was 11.45am, I was called in at noon. The IO was a really nice woman, she did the test first - read a brief sentence, wrote a sentence she spoke to me and then the test questions. She read them randomly from her screen so the wording was just as they are in the study guide, so I got the first 6 correct so she didn't need to ask anymore. She verified some information on my application, in a general conversation-type way, there was nothing intimidating at all in the process or her manner. She explained the next steps - that she is approving my application, they all go through a review with a supervisor, and they'd contact me if they needed further information. As I said, I logged into my online account this morning and it says approved, awaiting oath ceremony date. I was out in 15 minutes! My husband hadn't even found a podcast to get into in the waiting room!!
 
I am so relieved. I felt prepared for the test but still, when you know such a big decision is pending on an interview and how someone may perceive you, it's hard to relax. 
 
I don't feel this offers much in way of any advice/tips other than please don't get yourself worked up reading 'horror stories' about experiences, my advice would just study and be prepared - my husband and friends/colleagues have been randomly asking my the questions from the study guide over the last few weeks, and that helped. The IO I had understood it's nerve wracking, and as I said, she was not the least bit intimidating and she helped make me feel relaxed.
 
For the Oath Ceremony, it's likely to be back in San Antonio as they only do them in Austin quarterly, slight pain driving to San Antonio but all things considered, it's the least thing to worry about.
 
So good luck everyone, if you have other questions feel free to reach out.
 
Jane
 

Update on yesterday's appointment. My status online now shows I'm approved so the standard review went through and iI now just await notification of Oath Ceremony.
 
As I said briefly, yesterday was a quick, easy and pleasant experience for me in San Antonio. My appointment time was 11.45am, I was called in at noon. The IO was a really nice woman, she did the test first - read a brief sentence, wrote a sentence she spoke to me and then the test questions. She read them randomly from her screen so the wording was just as they are in the study guide, so I got the first 6 correct so she didn't need to ask anymore. She verified some information on my application, in a general conversation-type way, there was nothing intimidating at all in the process or her manner. She explained the next steps - that she is approving my application, they all go through a review with a supervisor, and they'd contact me if they needed further information. As I said, I logged into my online account this morning and it says approved, awaiting oath ceremony date. I was out in 15 minutes! My husband hadn't even found a podcast to get into in the waiting room!!
 
I am so relieved. I felt prepared for the test but still, when you know such a big decision is pending on an interview and how someone may perceive you, it's hard to relax. 
 
I don't feel this offers much in way of any advice/tips other than please don't get yourself worked up reading 'horror stories' about experiences, my advice would just study and be prepared - my husband and friends/colleagues have been randomly asking my the questions from the study guide over the last few weeks, and that helped. The IO I had understood it's nerve wracking, and as I said, she was not the least bit intimidating and she helped make me feel relaxed.
 
For the Oath Ceremony, it's likely to be back in San Antonio as they only do them in Austin quarterly, slight pain driving to San Antonio but all things considered, it's the least thing to worry about.
 
So good luck everyone, if you have other questions feel free to reach out.
 
Jane
 

Good news. I was approved (pending the routine review). It was an easy and pleasant experience. I will post a full update tomorrow on times and questions but I am very happy and relieved. Celebration lunch with husband now. 

the officer at my husbands fingerprinting appointment for his N400 saw that his GC was expired and stamped it for him right there!

Yes good luck to us all.
 
M.