Vikingoutwest

28 minutes ago, EmilyRosePF said:

Got the notification from USCIS today that an interview date for my wife has been set! Now we wait for the letter. I'm very surprised, as she had literally logged in earlier today and it still said the estimated time of completion was still June 2020. 

 

(haha whoops, meant to post this in March filers, and I can't seem to figure out how to delete this!)

Congratulations anyway haha:-) Good luck in your journey!

54 minutes ago, emerlee85 said:

Thank you! Feel nervous about tomorrow. To add in something extra the company I worked for closed it doors last week and I was laid off that day. So let's see how that goes explaining that part tomorrow!

 

I post an update afterwards

 

Thanks

It will be okay! Nothing but good vibes coming your way 😄 Thank you for keeping us updated 🙂

Time for current group stats:-)

60 filers

36 have had/are scheduled for interviews (60% of us - woohoo)

19 have become citizens!

5 more are scheduled for the Oath!

This coming week we have 2 interviews and 1 Oath:

@emerlee85 has an interview on 10/16

@sparksfly has an interview on 10/17

@sw88 has the Oath on 10/17

Congratulations and Good Luck All! 

4 hours ago, SONG41 said:

At last Interview Scheduled for November 15th so DC is not too far out....time for studying!

Wooohooo! Congratulations on getting your interview date!!! A month is a perfect amount of study time 😄

2 hours ago, Alcione said:

My ceremony date is 11/19th.

Congrats on getting your ceremony date!!! And thank you for updating your info in our tracker:)

35 minutes ago, _Blossom_ said:

Hey everyone, so just a little update on my case - I became a US citizen this afternoon!

The ceremony took place at a community college's auditorium downtown where I live. It wasn't as long as I had expected, it probably lasted about an hour and a half, but before it began we waited for about an hour, just to get everyone settled and seated. I was surprised to see I was the only one from Brazil, but there were so many other nationalities present! We got sworn in by a really nice female judge, who went over what it'd be like to be a US citizen, what responsibilities vs. rights we'd have after taking the oath, etc etc. It was a very interesting and pretty emotional ceremony. Everyone was very cordial and professional. I got my certificate, registered to vote, and went to the post office to apply for a passport right away! Next step is to wait about 10 days or so until going to the SS building to update my status on their database.

Good luck to all of us, from now on forward! Good luck to those who are still waiting as well. And many thanks to everyone. We've become a community who have held each other up through the ups and downs. I'm just honestly so glad I'm done with USCIS (for now at least). Thanks again & best of luck to all! 😁

WooooopWoooop Blossom!!! CONGRATULATIONSSSS! "Just a little update"...lmao, #itISaBIGDEAL !!! I bet it is an amazing feeling to be all done  Thank you for sharing your uscis journey with us- now go celebrate! 😄 

40 minutes ago, Anna&Jim said:

Happy to report my interview has been scheduled for November 5th in Nashville, TN!! 😁

YaaaaY! Congratulations on getting your date! Best of luck you guys 😄

1 hour ago, chars said:

N400 Interview Experience at Philadelphia USCIS' Field Office October 9, 2019 @ 10am

 

 

So my situation is not strange to every original filer on this group. I had earlier on intended to withdraw my N400 application at the interview due to bitter marriage confusion that I thought would've led to an immediate divorce. Well, two (2) days before my interview, I made the decision not to withdraw based on advise from people like you, immediate relatives, and two (2) lawyers. 

had my interview in Philadelphia today (filed late March, 3 years rule). 

I arrived 3 hours early before my interview to avoid any unforeseen circumstances. I played it rather safe than sorry because of traffic, mechanical breakdown, traffic stop, etc. I didn't check in until it was time.  Check in was super easy and then the wait started. There are three doors out of which the officers will come and call your number. Mine was number 1. The receptionist will let you know which door or/section is yours when you checked in. Please be informed that even though you arrived early, they will not call you in until it's your time.

I waited for about 20 minutes after I checked in before my number was called. The officer, an African American woman in her 50s came out, called my name and walked me through the door that leads to her office.

 

NOTE: I took every single document related to my immigration history. Always play it safe.

 

She placed me under oath, and then requested my diver's license, green card, and passport. She took my picture and my fingerprints. 
First up was the test.

 

My six questions were:

1. Who is the father of our country?
2. If the President can no longer serve, who becomes President?
3. Name one branch of the government?

4. There are how many justices on the supreme Court?
5. Who veto bills?
6. We vote US senator for how many years?
The 'read' sentence was ' Who was the first president of the United States?'
The 'write' sentence was ' Washington was our first president.

 

Then we went through the application, asked me to state my full name, date of birth, whether I'm working, my wife's name,  and she made some corrections for me (for example I put in that my wife was married '1' time, which obviously she was married before. It should've been 2 times and not 1. (This was honest  misunderstanding of that question) She also asked me for the full name of wife's prior spouse, if we have any kids. She asked me whether my traffic citation was paid. She asked if I'm still married and living with my spouse. She didn't ask me when I became permanent resident, what date I got married, what date I started work or how long I been there. She didn't ask me for any dates on my application with the exception of my date of birth.

 

NOTE: I memorized all the dates on my application.

 

She then went to the 'YES' and 'NO' questions and asked every single question. As others have said, they go through all questions again. 

At the end I had to sign for the changes she made and then sign for the oath. 

 

For some reason, she couldn't find my tax returns' documents, marriage certificate, divorce decree, and our son's birth certificate on her system. I told her I did upload all of them, but she insisted she can't find it. I kindly ask her to check to (Upload additional evidence tab)... and yes behold it was right there. I took deep breath of relieve. She looked at the supporting documents I had uploaded. She didn't ask for any of the originals that I brought (wife's's passport or naturalization cert or anything).

Then she took the piece of paper with the boxes and marked  'passed civic and history and recommending my application for approval'.

 

My officer was super really really nice, friendly, professional, and interactive. She made me feel at ease; even though I was 10% nervous and 90% anxious which is normal for this process. We talked about the weather, how she was feeling hungry and planned on going for lunch right after her next interview. 

 

FUN FACT:

The officer who interviewed me for my N400 is the best friend to the lady who interviewed us during our Adjustment of Status interview but has since retired. 

 

 

What were my tips.

1. I maintained eye contact and smile throughout the interview

2. I was truthful

3. I only answered questions that were asked (I didn't volunteer answers or talk too much)

4. I prepared very well ( studied the civics and history and memorized all the answers.

5. I reviewed my N400 application and knew my responses

 

Each case is unique and different. Don't read too much into people's negative interview experiences and conclude that yours will be the same as theirs. Be yourself, be positive, keep the 'WHY IF' out of your mind. Be respectful, professional, truthful and honest. Sometimes the little things that we intend to hide doesn't matter or wouldn't affect USCIS' decision about your case. 

 

However, this journey is not over yet but my anxiety has dropped to 10%. Good luck to everyone and be blessed.

YAAAAAAAAAAAAAY CHARSSSSS! Omg I am so happy to hear your news! And I am so so glad that you decided to go ahead with the interview (I was really hoping you would)! Thank you for your detailed helpful description of the interview process, and how you prepared - this will be super helpful to so many of us 😄 I am seriously smiling ear to ear right now at this news, because I really felt for you having to deal with a difficult situation. CONGRATULATIONS! I will cross fingers that your oath date comes soon also 🙂

3 hours ago, Alcione said:

Passed my combo interview!

 

1) What is an amendment?

2) What did the declaration of independence do?

3) Who Veto bills?

4) Name one branch or part of the government. 

5) What did the Declaration of Independence do?

6) There were 13 original colonies. Name 3.

 

 

Congratulations!!! And thank you for sharing the questions you got. Let us know when your oath will be!!

2 hours ago, mjtollef said:

Hi all!  Just updating - husband filed N-400 in April in Minnesota.  They estimate an almost 2-year processing time initially, but it eventually went down to 1 year.  We moved to Massachusetts at the end of August.  His case was immediately transferred to the Boston field office, and about a week later he got notice of his interview.  He had the interview on 10/4 and passed!  Now we're just waiting for the oath ceremony.

 

Good luck to everyone!  We're all so close to the end ❤️  And thanks to all those that have shared their experiences and lent support to one another during this long and difficult journey.

Woooow! Congratulations mjtollef! I am so glad it went wayy faster than they predicted for you guys:-) Thank you very much for the luck, and for letting us all know your awesome news!

58 minutes ago, Frips said:

Just found out that my interview is scheduled for Nov 5th:)

Congratulations - just a month away! Awesome:-) I don't think we have you listed on our spreadsheet - you can add yourself if you'd like. Here's the link https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/19px0T7I0L1r79JhIJJriP1EXI1sO3u1ImNhcP38FETQ/edit#gid=0

Current Stats of our group:

58 Applicants

32 have had/are scheduled for interviews

17 have become citizens

4 more have scheduled oath ceremonies

This coming week is another great one for the group!

3 interviews, 2 oath ceremonies:

@adcg has an interview 10/8

@chars has an interview 10/9

@Quitty has an interview 10/10

@T&T has an oath ceremony 10/8

@blossom has an oath ceremony 10/10

Congratulations and Good Luck to everyone:-D

6 hours ago, shearar said:

Meet your new citizen

The oath ceremony was simple, nice and exciting. 

We sang " this Land is your land" song .. my fav song ! ...speech was from the judge and the announcer, the told us, you now have 2 birthdays, one is Oct 4th, the other is your original BD.

I signed up to vote and for the passport (advice, fill the form before you get  to the ceremony to save time) and bring a picture !.

Thank you everyone, it was a long journey, and wish for you all the same successes and the smooth process.

I will keep checking on April filers to make sure wall ended citizens !

 


  

CONGRATULATIONsssss!!!! So happy you have reached the end of the uscis journey! Thank you so much for sharing your experience! ENJOY 😄

19 minutes ago, sw88 said:

Thanks alot!!! No need to get nervous, we all can do it. Just have all things ready, learn civics test and Relax. 

 

My oath date is showing now online. October 17 it is

 

Can I get same day passport without travelling itenirary ?

Congratulations on getting your date!! A couple of weeks and you will be doooooone! Also, thank you for the encouragement:-) I have no idea about the passport process, but I am sure someone else here knows! 

3 hours ago, El Burro said:

My wife's oath ceremony has been scheduled (yay!) for 10/30 at the Indiana War Memorial....a very somber and fitting venue for this! Hope they'll let me take video!

Hurray!! Congratulations on receiving the date! And that sounds like it will be a very cool place for the ceremony! I hope for you guys too that you get to video the event - it would be super nice to have for a special memory:-) 

2 hours ago, sw88 said:

Thank you @Vikingoutwest for your wishes.

 

I had my Interview today at 1.30pm and I'm happy to share it went good.

 

My officer was nice and polite . After swearing , My legal name was confirmed and phone number, my date of gc issuance.

I had some updates to share to him(address and a short 3 day trip to Canada), so we updated as he went along that specific sections. He then went over the form with Yes and no questions. 

After that I was asked civics questions:

 

1. What does the United States constituntion do?
2. What is the Supreme law of land?
3. How many senators are there?
4. Name One state that borders Canada?
5. When is Independence day celebrated?
6. Name the president in world war 1?

 Reading : When is Columbus day ?

Written: Columbus day is in October.

 

I passed Civics , English reading and writing.

 

He then asked to review updates and took signatures.

After this , Officer congratulated me and said if any thing required they will let me know, otherwise  Oath ceremony will be in this or next month.

 

Around 4:00pm : I received email that I'm placed in line for Oath

 

I wish you and everyone in this long journey , a wonderful and a smooth one  

 

 

 

 

Yaay!!! Congratulations!! So happy for you that everything went well, and you only have a short time left to wait:-) Thank you very much for sharing the details of your experience - I know it helps me be less nervous:-) 

2 hours ago, Anna&Jim said:

Hello group!! I just got this notification!! I can't see my interview date yet but omggg I'm so excited!!

 

Yaaay!!! Congratulations on being scheduled, that is awesome!! Let us know when you get the date 😄

Here's the link https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/19px0T7I0L1r79JhIJJriP1EXI1sO3u1ImNhcP38FETQ/edit#gid=0

🙂

43 minutes ago, Aaron001 said:

Today I'm official Citizen of United States, it held on the downtown Cincinnati with 71 immigrant. The oath ceremony actually starts at 10 am and finished at around 11 with the certificate hang it out to everyone, it was a pleasant experience, good luck with everyone and wish you all the best!

 

 

Congratulations!!! Thank you for sharing your experience and have a  great celebration!

3 minutes ago, SONG41 said:

Vikingoutwest

Which website normally updates first? Mine is saying 16 days but not what is happening in 16 days?

Thanks

Many people have said the egov site is what got updated first when there was a status change - I don't know if that is true in all cases. If the 16 days you mentioned is from your myuscis account then it is most likely referring to "ESTIMATED wait time", which is the system's guess on when the next action on your case will be. My count down reached 0 on 8/30, and has said "we are taking longer than expected to process your case" since then. My best advise: Try not to pay attention to the estimates, because they really are just estimates, and not any real kind of time line that you can trust. Just continuing to monitor both sites for any updates is about all we can do. I will cross fingers that you hear something soon:-)

6 minutes ago, Display_Name said:

I am on the 5-year track if that adds any clarity. I have been in and out the country many times for work and family visits (under ~4 weeks at the time, once a year in the last 5 years). I also called the USCIS a couple times to speak the customer service agent.

Oh cool, thank you for letting us know that. Yep, definitely no patterns then:-) Will just keep monitoring the sites and update you guys as soon as something changes.

34 minutes ago, SONG41 said:

I am checking daily for any updates on this link to my USCIS https://myaccount.uscis.gov 

Is there another link to check your status updates?

Congratulations all who have already become citizens.

There is this link too, where you have to put in your case number manually https://egov.uscis.gov/casestatus/landing.do

10 minutes ago, Kyle and Linh said:

Added my wife to your spreadsheet.  April Filer.  Interview Oct 22 in Memphis.  We live in the Nashville area and wished we had the interview here.  Good Luck to all!

Congratulations on getting your interview! Welcome to our group, and thank you for the good luck:-D

2 hours ago, Numii said:

Another Q guys..

Any idea on how to provide employment history?

Back in 2014/2015, I received both W2's and 1099. How should I provide this information? Also Do I write selfemployed, and my home address ?

 

Looks like overlapping dates can't be enter.

Anyone else had the same situation?

 

Numii, these are questions you can find answers to in the general citizenship discussion threads - or start a new thread there. Your question will be seen by many more people there, not only by us April 2019 filers. I had several different jobs at one time, and I just put an entry for each one. There are threads specific to traffic violations somewhere in the forum too, I'm sure someone there had an almost identical situation to yours. Good luck!

1 hour ago, mixxin said:

It's evident that applications and interviews aren't handled chronologically. Curious if they put a priority on those applying via the 3-year vs 5-year rule. Perhaps it takes longer for the background check if you've traveled outside the US during the process? Brainstorming while I impatiently wait lol.

Lol, I know! I have been trying to find any kind of pattern, and there is seemingly none what so ever. It does look like 3 year applications are faster, but I have no idea why they would be. And maybe the travelling makes a difference somehow - but definitely not in my case 'cause I haven't traveled outside the U.S. since 2013 - so prior to the latest 5 years leading up to my application. I have lived in multiple states in the U.S. so maybe moving a lot delays something...idk. My brain WANTS a pattern hahaha