nyj215

Today my citizenship journey is over. My oath ceremony was at Cadman Plaza, just three weeks after the interview.
 
I received a call from a private number the day before. I didn't pick up because of all the spam that I've received lately, but USCIS left a message reminding me of the ceremony and asked me to bring two passport photographs. 
 
First suggestion: If you changed your name, make sure you bring two passport photos. I had given them already to the officer during the interview, but I guess they misplaced them. I was the only one who got there with photos. Everyone else had to go out to take them.
Second suggestion: If you haven't taken your passport pictures by then, I recommend the Fedex location at Court St between Montague and Remsen. Duane Reade next door wanted to take a picture with my cell phone (which I didn't even bring with me) and print it from there. Fedex has a decent camera; 2 pictures were about 16USD while 4 were 22USD. I got four, as I will need one for the passport.
 
The entrance to the Court is on Cadman Plaza East, facing the park. Because I waited for a while at Duane Reade, I got into the building about 8.45am (fashionably late, as the scheduled time was 8:30am). I am not suggesting to arrive late, but it seemed to pay off. Third suggestion: Make sure you take EVERYTHING out from your pocket. I keep beeping at the metal detector because I had two small alcohol wipes the doctor gave me a couple months ago. So, everything can trigger that thing!  Fourth suggestion: Do leave your phone home. It will save you time on your way out.
 
After going to the second floor, I entered the room, which was almost full. It was around 8.55am and only about 12 people came after me. Right away, they asked people who changed their name for their photos. From the ones I heard, I was the only one who already had them; I signed them on the side and went back to my seat. After that, they went row by row in order of arrival. Each of us had to present our letter, give away our green card, and picked a folder with information, including a passport aplication, and the oath/pledge.  Then we moved to a second desk where we reviewed the naturalization certificate to make sure the information was OK, and we signed them. This process took over an hour. Fifth suggestion: Do bring a book. There is a lot of waiting, so unless you are very curious to see all the people walking around and making lines here and there, it would be good to read something. You could also bring some shades and crash, I heard some snoring 😅
 
When the entire room went through, then we were given aplications to register to vote. They are very nice, help people fill them out and pick them up. Sixth suggestion: Bring a pen, maybe even two, because people will ask you for one.  We were given additional instructions. You can go to the restroom during this process, just make sure to be there when your line is called.  By now, it was almost 11:30am. At some point, they gave away the name-change certificates to those of us who changed it.
 
At that point, the judge came out. The oath/pledge took perhaps two minutes and that was it! We were all American. She went on to say she was a child of Chinese immigrants and knew the hardship many had to overcome to get to this moment. She was funny and emotional. She also explained the history of the mural at the back of court. She then went on to say there were people from 61 (or 67?) different countries and started calling them one by one. We raised our hands when she called our country and she acknowledged every one. By far, the Chinese dominated this session!  The judge was there for maybe 15 minutes. When the judge was gone, the USCIS personnel called us line by line in order of arrival again, and out we went. Seventh suggestion: I am not saying to arrive late, but from my experience, it seems that people who arrived early had to wait much longer than me. As I said, delivering the certificates was very very quick. I would recommend arriving closer to 8:30am and do not bring a cell phone.
 
On the way out there was a huge line to pick up the phones, although it seemed to be moving fast. Eight suggestion: If you don't have a phone, do not wait on any line to go out (it forms up to the stairs). Just go through, say excuse me, and exit. Ninth suggestion: In my opinion, if you have friends or family supporting you, they should either wait outside or at a location nearby. They cannot enter the room and honestly I don't believe it is worth it to make the line and wait. Have them keep your phone and meet elsewhere around noon.
 
And.... more suggestions!!!
 
1. Go to Social Security right away!  It is two blocks away in Pierrepoint St. You can download the form, fill it out before hand and save time. It took me like 20 minutes to process, considering waiting time. They just ask for the application, naturalization certificate, previous social security card and if you changed your name, the name-change certificate as well.  They kept my card and gave a letter saying I would receive a new one over the mail. They did not keep any original documents.  Disclaimer: The USCIS paperwork says to wait for about 15 days before heading to SS. I took a chance because I wanted to speed up the process, and it worked.
 
2. After SS, speed up to the DMV! The closest to me is at the Atlantic Terminal, across the street from Barclay's Center and Target. If you changed your name, you might need to go to the DMV and request a new State ID or license. Same as above, download the form and fill it out before hand. They did not even ask for the naturalization certificate, just for the document supporting the name change and my previous REAL ID, which I got to keep. They do not keep any documentation.  Disclaimer: (1) It did take me about 3 hours to complete. I suggest to get an appointment.  (2) At SS they told me I had to wait for the new SS card to go to the DMV. But because I already had the new REAL ID, had no problems. They did not ask for the SS card.  The new ID cost 5 USD and will arive on the mail as well. (3) This was my process having a REAL ID already and a name change. It might be different if you have an older NY ID/license or if you have a different situation.
 
3. There is time, go get your passport!  This did not work in my case, because of my long wait. I scheduled the latest appointment at the Post Office at 539 Atlantic Ave but missed it. I will try tomorrow. I read somwhere (maybe even here) that people have bought those heavy duty sheet protectors, as they do keep your documents. That is how I will take them tomorrow. Will let you know if they come back safe and sound.  Same as above, download the form, have your photos ready, and you will save a lot of time.
 
Anyways, this was my story. I hope is helpful, and wish you all the best of luck in your journey!
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

I got an update thru email that I got scheduled to interview. 
 
I applied online on 07/09/2018, biometric on 08/02.
 
Dhs website didn't get updated about the interview status and no documents updated. (The biometric appt document never get updated)
 
This came out faster than I thought. 
 
Hopefully my interview date won't fall on my travel dates in September... Will came back to update once I received the paper notice.

Just an update to my almost ending journey with USCIS.....
 
I filed for citizenship in Dec 2017.  Forgot actual date.  Online estimated completion date was Dec 2018.  I'd stopped looking at it much being busy with a one year old.
Had my N400 interview in NY Federal Plaza yesterday.  Scheduled for 2:30 pm, 9th floor (Queens) and got there at 1:50 pm.  I was asked if my lawyer would be joining me and I told them no.  I'd used a work lawyer to simply do the paperwork but they weren't going to represent me.  So instead of being told to go to another floor, I was given a ticket number and told to wait.  Room had very few people.  Most people coming in to 9th floor were checking in and being sent to other floors.  So I was bit surprised and thought this was going to go fast.
 
My concerns going in.... I owed back taxes from 2016 due to hubby unemployment, cashing retirement.  Am on payment plan so took payment plan info and bank statements showing monthly auto deductions.  Also I had answered no to all questions on arrests, citations etc but afterwards remembered I had a ticket from 2016 that I pleaded not guilty (cause I should never have gotten that ticket) and the case has been postponed twice (once me being heavily pregnant, second the officer) and case is now scheduled for Nov 2018.  I read that you should let officer know.  Not sure.  I took my driving license record and the notice with date on it for nov 2018.  I also took dmv manual to show that I was not really required to be doing what office told me I should be doing when given ticket and that's why I am fighting it.
 
Back to interview day at federal plaza
even though only 2-3 people in front of me  (some people come to this floor to be seen at window for bringing documents, pics, questions etc).  I waited till almost 3:30 from 1:50.  I asked front person and she checked, told my file was still being reviewed which made me nervous why so long.  But then again I've lived in USA legally for 28 yrs almost and I have a huge file i'm sure.  Most officers were leaving around 3:30 and I was still waiting.

Finally got called by a younger woman at 3:30, walked back.  Was asked to swear to tell truth etc, did so.  She asked if I was waiving for lawyer to be there, I said yes.  Made me sign a screen acknowledging so, took fingerprints, pic.  
 
Went through basics of date of birth, address,  work info etc.  Verified hubby date of birth, if still unemployed (yes).  Then started questions from application, yes/no.  
 
When asked about taxes, I said I always filed but owe taxes, explained situation.  Showed docs on payment plan, bank statements.  She took those copies.  Said shouldn't be a problem as on payment plan.  
 
Then other questions.  When on question of arrest, citation, etc.  Told her about traffic ticket.  asked if i mentioned it on my GC application, I hadn't but it was after I applied for removal of conditions etc.  I told her I was pleading not guilty and why/about case.  I tried showing DMV printout which shows I am not required to be doing what officer asked.  SHe didn't look at that or DMV record.  She wanted to know the amount for fine which I didn't know and kept asking about that.  I asked if should be a problem she said she wasn't sure and would have to check.  
 
Then I had my English reading/writing, civics test.  I got first 6 right.  
 
Asked if I have 2 passport pics and luckily I'd read online and got 2 on way from Walgreens.  Not best looking.... but gave those and she had me sign them.
 
Then signed a screen showing changes to my application with traffic violation and taxes.  Also confirming some other info.
 
Given a sheet saying passed english/civics but can't make decision.
 
I asked again if will be a problem with the traffic violation and pending hearing.  She said she's not sure but can check on way out. I asked for her to do so please.
 
Then walked out.  She made me wait on side when she went to ask someone.  Came back and told me that it will not be a problem.  I asked how long is wait time now.  Said about 3 weeks but they have 120 days to make decision.
 
Left feeling better that at least she said all should be fine.
 
My phone was dying with 5 % when I got txt alert case was updated.  2 alerts.  Had to wait to get home and then checked and said oath ceremony was being scheduled.  Yay.
 
Today I was able to log in and see date.  9/11 Brooklyn Cadman Plaza ceremony at 8:30 am.
 
So almost there.
 
Just wanted to update for anyone looking for info.
 
 

To share my fingerprints experience today:
 
In and out within 5 minutes, very friendly process. My location is Manchester, NH
-  The officer checked my extension stamp on my passport since my green card got collected.
- Only took my 4 fingers on the right hand (without thumb) for the fingerprints;
- She mentioned the interview is moving very quick recently,  (said 3 times) pretty quick recently, although she said she doesn't have the actual time.
 
My Online  DHS account get updated to 6 months after the fingerprints although I probably need to reschedule interview as I have a 3-week trip coming up.

Hello everyone, 
 
I like the new online USCIS system. I got the notice today after one day of filing for N-400 (NOA). The online portal allow you to see the notice that they will send you in the mail. It indicates that they have received the applicaion and they will send the biometric appointment in another notice. 
 
I am impressed with the new online system. I will keep updating visa timeline. 
 
Good Luck everyone 
 

Thanks for the welcome!  Yes I confess I was pretty surprised that the NYC estimate was lower than seemingly many other places... not getting excited yet but it's a positive start.  Good luck to you and the rest of the July 18 club too! 

Happy to report that I had a successful interview. The officer was quite friendly and the questions were entirely too easy. After speaking with him for about 30 minutes, he led us to another official person who scheduled my oath, which is next week. 
 
Thank you all for keeping this community going. It was my go-to website for the last few years. In these turbulent times, I hope we as new citizens will strive to improve this country and welcome new immigrants in the future. Having been party to the conversation on this thread leaves me optimistic about the future of our county.   

Welcome to the July club! Also, I've seen many posts of individuals going through New York who had a fairly quick and easy process in comparison to the rest. You are very lucky!! I bet your timeline will shrink down immensely from that 9 months! Good luck!