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Baltimore MD USCIS Office Reviews
Average Rating: 3.5
/ 5
109 Review(s)
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| Baltimore MD |  Review #32620 on October 20, 2023: |
yuna628
Rating: 
Click here if you found this review helpful | Review Topic: Naturalization
My husband had his Naturalization interview this week. Ironically the day after Kevin McCarthy got tossed out of speakership, so we wondered how that question could be answered correctly if it came up. It was quite a long trip for us, and I wasn't sure if I
would be allowed in with him so he went in by himself. He arrived 20 minutes before his appointment. It wasn't too busy. There was TSA style security first, and then waiting for his appointment was about 45 minutes. You are given a number which is supposed to show up on the screen. His number took about 20 minutes to appear on the screen, so if your number doesn't appear immediately don't worry.
His interview was about 10 minutes in length. The officer was very polite and no-nonsense. He asked for his NOA and asked for his US ID and his green card. My husband was very nervous and accidently handed him his UK driving license without realizing it. The officer was confused by this, but eventually that got cleared up, and had a laugh. He asked to confirm personal details and a few of the N400 questions.
Keep in mind we had been initially nervous about tax questions, since we were unable to obtain every single tax transcript from the IRS, but were able to give them tax forms. But the officer did not want to see any of it. So I'd say as long as you have some sort of a combination of transcripts and forms this is not really an issue. Another potential issue was the green card itself - it had originally been issued with a typo of his gender. Changing him from male to female. For a variety of factors we chose not to correct it. The office was not interested and it wasn't a problem. All information in their system had my husband listed with the correct gender, so the office surmised it was the fault of the printing office that printed it. We also could not find his EAD to return it with the green cards for the ceremony. They were not bothered by that either.
He asked the six questions:
1) What is the economic system in the United States
2) In what month do we vote for President
3) What is the name of the Vice President
4) Who is the Commander in Chief of the military
5) What is one responsibility that is only for US citizens
6) Who was President during the Great Depression and WW II (hilariously the question that would trip him up the most)
The reading was: When is Columbus Day
The writing was: Columbus Day is in October
He was informed that he had passed the test and that he needed to confirm the information that was going to be
on his naturalization certificate. After showing him the Oath, my husband requested a modified oath, which was granted. He then informed that he would be notified by mail that his oath ceremony would be scheduled. Later in the day the website updated to reflect his Oath ceremony would be scheduled, and the next morning his Oath appointment letter was uploaded.
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For the Oath Ceremony we arrived 30 minutes beforehand. I attended with my husband as well as a friend. Everyone was friendly and congratulatory. They did not care how many guests and did not ask for ID. After going through TSA style security, we were directed into a crowded waiting area (over 100 people). A few minutes later, some officers directed all guests, translators, and family of the immigrants to leave and go to the ceremony room. This caused some confusion due to language barrier. Most people opted to dress up, some wore whatever they wanted, and others wore their outfits of national origin proudly. Young and old were all here to celebrate this day. It was moving to hear some of the stories of what people had been through.
I wished my husband luck and waited with our friend in the other room. About 15 minutes later my husband joined us after surrendering his green cards and ensuring his certificate was correct. He was holding his ceremony packet. It contained his citizenship certificate, information leaflet, Presidential letter, and flag. We were somewhat confused that the photograph they used was quite old (from 2016) instead of a current one they had recently taken at the office.
The ceremony began late at this point. The officiant for the ceremony was the Officer that had presided over my husband's interview, and indeed he was the officer who had handled every case in the room that day - 58 individuals from 35 countries. It was remarkable to see so many proud faces. He honored veterans in the room and all the immigrants one by one to applause. After taking the oath, we watched a message from the President, sang the national anthem, and recited the pledge.
After giving final instructions, he wished all new citizens well, and allowed us to gather and take photos. There was so much joy in that room! Overall our experience with the Baltimore office was smooth and pleasant, compared to the rest of our journey that at times provided stress.
| | | Baltimore MD | Review #31660 on December 22, 2022: |
aratamorne
Rating: 
· 1 person found this review helpful
Click here if you found this review helpful | Review Topic: Naturalization
My wife had her Oath Ceremony Dec 21st. Before this all her experiences at Baltimore were fine. AOS interview, no issues, Citizenship interview, no issues. Oath ceremony, what a let down. After everyone was seated, a rep gave a do's and don'ts for the Naturalization Certificate. Then she explained what was in the packet and had everyone remove the Oath guide. Instructed interpreters to assist. Then they just got right into the Oath taking. Once everyone was done repeating, she congratulates the new citizens and releases them. No ceremony, no National Anthem, no Pledge of Allegiance, no speech from a senator or the President. Like zero solemnity for the granting of citizenship to new immigrants. My wife noted that most looked disheveled or stressed, like they just wanted to get it over with.
After numerous years and for some, I can only imagine the RFEs, stress, etc., for the people at the Baltimore office to perform the Oath taking in that manner is truly a bit disgraceful. As a bi-stander watching from the guest seating, I cringed at the obvious rush with which they ran through the process, doing the bare minimum to allow everyone to leave "sworn in" as US Citizens.
Shame on the Baltimore office on taking what should have been a solemn and dignified ceremony and turning it into a generic visit to an office. My wife would have a better experience going to DMV than what USCIS Baltimore provided.
| | | Baltimore MD | Review #31406 on September 7, 2022: |
yoh
Rating: 
Click here if you found this review helpful | Review Topic: Naturalization
The processing of documents were slow in this office as compared to the ones I have experienced in California. Maybe it is due to the lack of staff and the pandemic. Nevertheless, the onsite experience were great. Security guards and the officer who interviewed us were all smiles and friendly. There was not too much people inside and the interview went well. I got an approval on the spot.
| | | Baltimore MD | Review #31091 on May 30, 2022: |
lyzozyme
Rating: 
Click here if you found this review helpful | Review Topic: Naturalization
Rating only
| | | Baltimore MD | Review #30363 on November 9, 2021: |
TKDC
Rating:
· 1 person found this review helpful
Click here if you found this review helpful | Review Topic: Adjustment of Status
Below is my Interview experience which was finished on Nov 4th 2021 @2.00 pm
We reached the field office at 1.30 pm and were asked to wait outside until 1.45 pm .There was big line already and at 1.45 pm the security guard opened the doors and gradually let us in after checking our interview appointment letter
As soon as we entered the office we had go thru security like the airport security of removing watches ,belts ,jackets and putting them thru the scanner along with our purse and other personal belongings
After we pass thru security we enter the common waiting area where my husband was asked to be seated and I was waiting in the line to get my token number since I was the applicant
Once I was assigned a token number I was asked to sit on the right side of the waiting area because our officer would come out of the door on the right side and call our name .
We waited for about 10-15 mins and our number was called
Officer was very warm and friendly .She greeted us cordially and walked us to her office
After we entered her office we were made to take the oath and then she asked us to get seated
Since I had an approved I 29F Petition she acknowledged the same and started with the questions of I 485
Questions for me:
My full name
DOB
Mailing address
Wedding date
Husband’s date of birth
Husband’s full name
Husband’s place of Birth
Verified if I was working or not
Security Yes or No Questions
Questions for my husband:
My parents full name
My ex husband’s full name
How many times I was married
Questions she said either one of us can answer:
How we met basically our love story
Why did I decide to marry to him
Rest of interview was super casual we talked about the places we traveled,fun stuff we did together as a couple ,she shared her travel stories and the places she visited.
Towards the end she asked what joint evidence we wanted to provide.We gave her our joint bank accounts, joint health insurance, joint car insurance and utility bill which has both of our names
She didn’t even ask to show any photos but I showed her two of my favorite photos
In the end she asked me sign the I 485,printed the standard paper saying my case is in review and said they have upto 120 days to make a decision.She reiterated not to follow up before 120 days.
The entire interview lasted for about 20-25 mins but never even once we felt as though we were being interviewed.She was a very kind and sweet officer
Update 5.30 pm : New card produced
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