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| Baltimore MD |  Review on April 11, 2025: |
vilamp
Rating:  | Review Topic: Naturalization
Happy day today! Had my interview in the morning and the oath ceremony the same afternoon.
Filed our ROC (I-751) in November 2023 and my N-400 in November 2024, both in the Baltimore area.
General Tips:
- Plenty of free parking available in the lot outside the USCIS office.
- They begin allowing entry about 30 minutes before scheduled interviews.
- Check-in is indoors, smooth, and quick, especially during early appointments.
- Food, drinks, and cellphone usage are not permitted in the seating area.
- Restrooms and water dispensers are available outside the seating area.
Interview Experience:
- Arrived very early, and secured a parking spot directly in front of the entrance.
- Entered the building through security approximately 30 minutes before the interview. Standard TSA-style security (removal of belts, jewelry, etc.)
- After security, proceeded to an additional indoor check-in counter (multiple counters available, short wait).
- Presented my interview notice (they kept this) and ID, and completed fingerprinting.
- Went back to sit down and wait. Ample seating in the waiting area; the atmosphere was relaxed; people were comfortable and chatting quietly.
- Officers called interviewees from two doors located on either side of the room.
- The interview began on schedule and I was called in by my USCIS officer. The officer saw my partner but did not ask him to join the interview.
- Requested my ID and green card; no additional documents were requested (both my applications were heavily front-loaded, and she had all documents on hand).
- Brief casual conversation about our relationship, history of moving around, and home life. I was a little nervous initially but the officer made me feel at ease very soon.
- She told me that should begin the civics test. I was passed after correctly answering 6 questions.
- Questions asked:
1) When was the Constitution written?
2) Who was the first President?
3) What is the name of the President of the United States now?
4) In what month do we vote for President?
5) Under our Constitution, some powers belong to the states. What is one power of the states?
6) There were 13 original states. Name three.
- Reading test:
"Who was Abraham Lincoln?"
- Writing test
"Abraham Lincoln was the president during the Civil War"
- The writing test was administered on an iPad so you kind of have to write with your fingers (tip: shorter nails help for easier writing!).
- We reviewed personal details (name, DOB, address) and the Yes/No questions from the N-400 application.
- The officer confirmed approval of both ROC and N-400 applications and offered same-day oath ceremony; I was happy to accept!
- The officer provided a printed letter with instructions for the 2 PM oath ceremony, congratulated me warmly, and reminded me to bring my EADs and expired green card.
- The entire interview process took about 20 minutes; pleasant and efficient experience.
- Received a "case updated" notification shortly after leaving.
Oath Ceremony Experience:
- Arrived 30 minutes early, and passed through security again (this time shoes had to be removed). Longer lines too at this point, lots of folks and their families coming for the ceremony. Festive energy in the air!
- Once inside, we were asked to wait in the main seating area with family and guests until 2 pm.
- Guests were admitted first, followed shortly by naturalization candidates.
- Lined up for approximately 20 minutes, then entered the ceremony room for check-in with USCIS officers.
- Officers collected expired green cards and EADs, distributed naturalization certificates, verified accuracy, and provided citizenship informational flyers and a small American flag. We were then allowed to go sit with our family members/guests.
- The ceremony was emotional and warm; a senior USCIS officer offered heartfelt remarks about the naturalization process. She also shared important reminders (don't sign your certificate with blue ink!) There was also an option to request interpreters, but no one at our ceremony asked for one.
- We began the ceremony by clapping for all represented countries in the room, then singing the national anthem, reciting the oath of citizenship, and shaking hands with our seat neighbors—a very moving experience.
- We concluded by reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. [All the text was shown on screens before us.]
- Time was available for photos before and after the ceremony; many attendees recorded the event.
Overall, it was a wonderful, amazing day. So grateful to have reached this milestone. Wishing everyone else equally positive experiences!
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Consulate / USCIS Member Review #33626