N-400 2008 October Filers

[stiglet 0]

Hello All,

My wife finally got her oath notice yesterday. So if you can update the table the oath date is 2/20/2009.

Thanks

[mnbinth 2]

Hello All,

My wife finally got her oath notice yesterday. So if you can update the table the oath date is 2/20/2009.

Thanks

Congratulations!

UserName........ Sent...........NOA1.......Biometrics....Int letter rec.....Interview.....Oath.........Office

kaino.......................................................12/31/08.........2/09/09

pdxBoof.........09/29/08......10/13/08......11/07/08........12/07/08.........1/27/09..................NSC/Portland

mnbinth.........08/28/08......10/29/08......11/20/08........12/09/08.........1/15/09..................NSC/Des Moines

Ze Maria........10/07/08......10/25/08......11/21/08........12/08/08.........1/29/09..................VSC/Baltimore

Chelsea.........10/07/08......10/22/08......11/28/08........12/08/08.........1/26/09..................TSC

Avvypudge.......10/10/08......10/30/08......11/21/08........1/2/09...........2/18/09..................VSC/Newark

bgbirl..........10/10/08......10/20/08......11/13/08..................................................CSC (NBC transfer)/

thea............10/11/08......10/24/08......11/28/08........01/07/09.........02/03/09.................VSC (NBC transfer)/Washington DC

stiglet.........10/14/08......10/30/08......11/19/08........11/28/08.........12/29/08....2/20/09......VSC/Manchester

TX101...........10/15/08......10/24/08......11/03/08..................................................TSC/Texas

AJ .............10/15/08......10/30/08......12/09/08........12/27/08.........2/18/09..................VSC (Newark/NBC transfer)

zhz.............10/17/08......10/31/08......11/21/08........12/26/08.........2/09/09..................TSC/Atlanta

tyme............10/20/08......11/03/08......xx/xx/xx.........1/25/09.........3/9/09...................TSC/Charlotte/Durham

ikinNJ..........10/21/08......10/31/08................................................................VSC (NBC transfer)

Dima............10/23/08......11/07/08......11/21/08........12/17/08.........1/29/09..................NSC/Indianapolis

T and..M........10/23/08......11/03/08......xx/xx/08........12/26/08.........2/12/09..................TSC (NBC transfer)/Atlanta

tmman...........10/23/08......11/12/08......11/29/08..................................................TSC/Memphis

drs.............10/23/08......11/07/08......11/20/08........12/27/08.........2/09/09..................NSC/Cincinnati

kokobearus......10/27/08......11/01/08......12/03/08........12/27/08.........2/18/09..................VSC/Baltimore

oldahmed........10/27/08......10/31/08......12/06/08........01/10/09.........02/04/09.................VSC/Washington DC

Virginian.......10/31/08......11/04/08......11/28/08..................................................VSC/Norfolk

[mnbinth 2]

I got an e-mail from the local office director via Senator's office. She said "I am reviewing today. An answer is shortcoming." Ohhh the suspense!

[Stella08 0]

I got an e-mail from the local office director via Senator's office. She said "I am reviewing today. An answer is shortcoming." Ohhh the suspense!

I'm keeping my fingers crossed. Keep us posted.

[mnbinth 2]

We got a call today that the director of our office reversed the IO's decision and my wife's oath is on Thursday! The end is in sight! Thanks for all your help and support!

UserName........ Sent...........NOA1.......Biometrics....Int letter rec.....Interview.....Oath.........Office

kaino.......................................................12/31/08.........2/09/09

pdxBoof.........09/29/08......10/13/08......11/07/08........12/07/08.........1/27/09..................NSC/Portland

mnbinth.........08/28/08......10/29/08......11/20/08........12/09/08.........1/15/09.....1/29/09......NSC/Des Moines

Ze Maria........10/07/08......10/25/08......11/21/08........12/08/08.........1/29/09..................VSC/Baltimore

Chelsea.........10/07/08......10/22/08......11/28/08........12/08/08.........1/26/09..................TSC

Avvypudge.......10/10/08......10/30/08......11/21/08........1/2/09...........2/18/09..................VSC/Newark

bgbirl..........10/10/08......10/20/08......11/13/08..................................................CSC (NBC transfer)/

thea............10/11/08......10/24/08......11/28/08........01/07/09.........02/03/09.................VSC (NBC transfer)/Washington DC

stiglet.........10/14/08......10/30/08......11/19/08........11/28/08.........12/29/08....2/20/09......VSC/Manchester

TX101...........10/15/08......10/24/08......11/03/08..................................................TSC/Texas

AJ .............10/15/08......10/30/08......12/09/08........12/27/08.........2/18/09..................VSC (Newark/NBC transfer)

zhz.............10/17/08......10/31/08......11/21/08........12/26/08.........2/09/09..................TSC/Atlanta

tyme............10/20/08......11/03/08......xx/xx/xx.........1/25/09.........3/9/09...................TSC/Charlotte/Durham

ikinNJ..........10/21/08......10/31/08................................................................VSC (NBC transfer)

Dima............10/23/08......11/07/08......11/21/08........12/17/08.........1/29/09..................NSC/Indianapolis

T and..M........10/23/08......11/03/08......xx/xx/08........12/26/08.........2/12/09..................TSC (NBC transfer)/Atlanta

tmman...........10/23/08......11/12/08......11/29/08..................................................TSC/Memphis

drs.............10/23/08......11/07/08......11/20/08........12/27/08.........2/09/09..................NSC/Cincinnati

kokobearus......10/27/08......11/01/08......12/03/08........12/27/08.........2/18/09..................VSC/Baltimore

oldahmed........10/27/08......10/31/08......12/06/08........01/10/09.........02/04/09.................VSC/Washington DC

Virginian.......10/31/08......11/04/08......11/28/08..................................................VSC/Norfolk

Edited January 28, 2009 by mnbinth

[dianabd 0]

What was the interview like did u have to take a Multiple choice question test ,did they ask u questions and did u take the new N-400 test. plz reply at reffar_ali@yahoo.com.

[mnbinth 2]

What was the interview like did u have to take a Multiple choice question test ,did they ask u questions and did u take the new N-400 test. plz reply at reffar_ali@yahoo.com.

I just realized I forgot to talk about the interview. My wife and I got there 50 minutes early because it was snowing and we weren't sure of traffic. The interview letter says not to get there more than 30 minutes before and the security guard didn't look too thrilled, but we weren't going to risk being late. We sat in a room with other people until 30 minutes past our scheduled time. When we first got there, we had to show the interview letter to the security guard and then shove the paper through a hole in the wall which seemed odd. They called my wife into an office and I wasn't allowed in until later when she wanted to explain the initial denial, but that won't happen to any of you hopefully. The office was just a small office you might walk into at a bank with comfortable chairs. First my wife had to swear to tell the truth. Then the IO went through her entire N-400 and asked her every question (are you communist, are you a prostitute, etc...). Then the computer chose 10 random questions of the 100 you study. Since the questions are chosen randomly, make sure you know all 100 fairly well. The IO read 10 orally and my wife got them all right. Boo yah! Then the IO gave her a list of 3 sentences to choose from on paper. She was to read one sentence out loud. After my wife read the question out loud, the IO gave her the answer orally. My wife had to write down the answer to show her English writing skills. The IO also went through each of the documents they say to bring on the interview letter. Even though they initially denied her, the IO was very friendly; probably the friendliest face we've ever met in a federal building or embassy. So that was our experience.

Other thoughts...

1. I thought it was awful the way the waiting room was set up. It's the same room where you go if you have an infopass meeting. You could sit and listen to other people ask questions. There was absolutely no privacy and there were people talking about some very private issues. One guy's wife abandoned him and he needed help with documents; I felt so bad for the guy having 25 strangers listen in.

2. The security guard did NOT have us scheduled on his list of people coming in that day, but it wasn't a problem since we had the interview notice with us.

3. They were throwing away and giving away anything with George Bush's name on it. I thought that was a nice use of our tax dollars.

4. I can understand why some of the people that work in USCIS are so upset when you talk to them. There were 2 people that showed up without any ID. Who are these people? They must not use visajourney!

[Stella08 0]

We got a call today that the director of our office reversed the IO's decision and my wife's oath is on Thursday! The end is in sight! Thanks for all your help and support!

Yeeeeaaaaaah!!!! I'm so happy for you!!!! Wow, that was exciting and stressful! Congratulations!!!

[JOSHIE 0]

mnbinth - Do they allow cellphones inside Des MOine Office ? Hubby & me have interviews 9 & 11 will I be allowed to wait. Is there a coffee shop or something inside the building where we can wait

We got a call today that the director of our office reversed the IO's decision and my wife's oath is on Thursday! The end is in sight! Thanks for all your help and support!

UserName........ Sent...........NOA1.......Biometrics....Int letter rec.....Interview.....Oath.........Office

kaino.......................................................12/31/08.........2/09/09

pdxBoof.........09/29/08......10/13/08......11/07/08........12/07/08.........1/27/09..................NSC/Portland

mnbinth.........08/28/08......10/29/08......11/20/08........12/09/08.........1/15/09.....1/29/09......NSC/Des Moines

Ze Maria........10/07/08......10/25/08......11/21/08........12/08/08.........1/29/09..................VSC/Baltimore

Chelsea.........10/07/08......10/22/08......11/28/08........12/08/08.........1/26/09..................TSC

Avvypudge.......10/10/08......10/30/08......11/21/08........1/2/09...........2/18/09..................VSC/Newark

bgbirl..........10/10/08......10/20/08......11/13/08..................................................CSC (NBC transfer)/

thea............10/11/08......10/24/08......11/28/08........01/07/09.........02/03/09.................VSC (NBC transfer)/Washington DC

stiglet.........10/14/08......10/30/08......11/19/08........11/28/08.........12/29/08....2/20/09......VSC/Manchester

TX101...........10/15/08......10/24/08......11/03/08..................................................TSC/Texas

AJ .............10/15/08......10/30/08......12/09/08........12/27/08.........2/18/09..................VSC (Newark/NBC transfer)

zhz.............10/17/08......10/31/08......11/21/08........12/26/08.........2/09/09..................TSC/Atlanta

tyme............10/20/08......11/03/08......xx/xx/xx.........1/25/09.........3/9/09...................TSC/Charlotte/Durham

ikinNJ..........10/21/08......10/31/08................................................................VSC (NBC transfer)

Dima............10/23/08......11/07/08......11/21/08........12/17/08.........1/29/09..................NSC/Indianapolis

T and..M........10/23/08......11/03/08......xx/xx/08........12/26/08.........2/12/09..................TSC (NBC transfer)/Atlanta

tmman...........10/23/08......11/12/08......11/29/08..................................................TSC/Memphis

drs.............10/23/08......11/07/08......11/20/08........12/27/08.........2/09/09..................NSC/Cincinnati

kokobearus......10/27/08......11/01/08......12/03/08........12/27/08.........2/18/09..................VSC/Baltimore

oldahmed........10/27/08......10/31/08......12/06/08........01/10/09.........02/04/09.................VSC/Washington DC

Virginian.......10/31/08......11/04/08......11/28/08..................................................VSC/Norfolk

[mnbinth 2]

mnbinth - Do they allow cellphones inside Des MOine Office ? Hubby & me have interviews 9 & 11 will I be allowed to wait. Is there a coffee shop or something inside the building where we can wait

They let me bring my cell phone in last time. I thought it would be an issue, but they said nothing when I put it through the security scanner. The stupid zipper on my sweatshirt kept going off so I got "wanded" a few times. I'm planning to bring a camera to the oath ceremony in the same building tomorrow; we'll see how that goes. There's no coffee shop or waiting area that I saw, but I had no intentions of being anywhere but in the USCIS office the whole time in case they needed me during my wife's interview. I suggest you hang out there too. It's a long wait sometimes so I'm sure your spouse would appreciate the company. They seemed a bit ####### about people leaving the USCIS waiting room for anything but emergency bathroom breaks. I'm sure every office is setup different though. Ours had a bunch of magazines to read and a fuzzy tv to watch, but I was so anxious I couldn't read and just stared at a giant pictures of President Bush for an hour and a half. I don't suggest doing that.

[pdxBoof 0]

I would like to sincerely thank VisaJourney and everyone's contributions on helping people like me to get through the last bit of the process. My interview went smoothly and IOs were exceptional friendly. I was able to take my oath the same day. Good luck to everyone.

UserName........ Sent...........NOA1.......Biometrics....Int letter rec.....Interview.....Oath.........Office

kaino.......................................................12/31/08.........2/09/09

pdxBoof.........09/29/08......10/13/08......11/07/08........12/07/08.........1/27/09.....1/27/09.......NSC/Portland

mnbinth.........08/28/08......10/29/08......11/20/08........12/09/08.........1/15/09.....1/29/09......NSC/Des Moines

Ze Maria........10/07/08......10/25/08......11/21/08........12/08/08.........1/29/09..................VSC/Baltimore

Chelsea.........10/07/08......10/22/08......11/28/08........12/08/08.........1/26/09..................TSC

Avvypudge.......10/10/08......10/30/08......11/21/08........1/2/09...........2/18/09..................VSC/Newark

bgbirl..........10/10/08......10/20/08......11/13/08..................................................CSC (NBC transfer)/

thea............10/11/08......10/24/08......11/28/08........01/07/09.........02/03/09.................VSC (NBC transfer)/Washington DC

stiglet.........10/14/08......10/30/08......11/19/08........11/28/08.........12/29/08....2/20/09......VSC/Manchester

TX101...........10/15/08......10/24/08......11/03/08..................................................TSC/Texas

AJ .............10/15/08......10/30/08......12/09/08........12/27/08.........2/18/09..................VSC (Newark/NBC transfer)

zhz.............10/17/08......10/31/08......11/21/08........12/26/08.........2/09/09..................TSC/Atlanta

tyme............10/20/08......11/03/08......xx/xx/xx.........1/25/09.........3/9/09...................TSC/Charlotte/Durham

ikinNJ..........10/21/08......10/31/08................................................................VSC (NBC transfer)

Dima............10/23/08......11/07/08......11/21/08........12/17/08.........1/29/09..................NSC/Indianapolis

T and..M........10/23/08......11/03/08......xx/xx/08........12/26/08.........2/12/09..................TSC (NBC transfer)/Atlanta

tmman...........10/23/08......11/12/08......11/29/08..................................................TSC/Memphis

drs.............10/23/08......11/07/08......11/20/08........12/27/08.........2/09/09..................NSC/Cincinnati

kokobearus......10/27/08......11/01/08......12/03/08........12/27/08.........2/18/09..................VSC/Baltimore

oldahmed........10/27/08......10/31/08......12/06/08........01/10/09.........02/04/09.................VSC/Washington DC

Virginian.......10/31/08......11/04/08......11/28/08..................................................VSC/Norfolk

[kokobearus 4]

ZE MARIA, did you get to take the oath today too? Pls share with us what happend today? Thank you!

[DEK 0]

Hello all,

Well, it's over! I had my interview this morning and it went fine. The officer was friendly and I had no difficulties. The interview was scheduled at 9 am and the officer called me around 9:15 - we went to his office, and he asked to see my ID, greencard and passport (I had brought lots of other stuff but he never asked for them). He had me swear to tell the truth and then reviewed some demographics and questions from the N-400. Then he printed out a randomly generated civics test and asked me the 10 questions. Then we did the English test - I had to read and then write a sentence. And that was it! He gave me a form stating I had passed and that my "application has been recommended for approval". They don't do same-day oaths here, so he said I'd get a notice in the mail regarding the oath ceremony. Almost done! I really appreciate the information and help available on this site, as it helped me know better what to expect. Oh by the way, I did bring my poor husband along but they ignored him Oh well, better to be over-prepared than under I guess. Good luck to everyone else!

Dima

Hello all,

Well, it's over! I had my interview this morning and it went fine. The officer was friendly and I had no difficulties. The interview was scheduled at 9 am and the officer called me around 9:15 - we went to his office, and he asked to see my ID, greencard and passport (I had brought lots of other stuff but he never asked for them). He had me swear to tell the truth and then reviewed some demographics and questions from the N-400. Then he printed out a randomly generated civics test and asked me the 10 questions. Then we did the English test - I had to read and then write a sentence. And that was it! He gave me a form stating I had passed and that my "application has been recommended for approval". They don't do same-day oaths here, so he said I'd get a notice in the mail regarding the oath ceremony. Almost done! I really appreciate the information and help available on this site, as it helped me know better what to expect. Oh by the way, I did bring my poor husband along but they ignored him Oh well, better to be over-prepared than under I guess. Good luck to everyone else!

Dima

[Ze Maria 0]

ZE MARIA, did you get to take the oath today too? Pls share with us what happend today? Thank you!

Here we go...

I'd like to thank the academy, my mom, dad, the parrot... wait... wrong text... hold on....

Before reading on plz note that by writing the way I am writing I don't mean to hurt anyone's feelings or make funny of a rather important event such as this one. I am just venting a little bit and trying to make it fun along the way.

NOW THAT YOU'VE BEEN WARNED

Got in there early (about 1.5 early, believe it or not). It was packed.... so that "did away" with my hopes of being called earlier than my form said. It felt like production line work, people were going in and out . As for results, I couldn't read much on anyone's faces, but saw this one lady leaving with a flag and on another instance the immigration officer actually asked this other lady if she wanted to participate on the same day oath (out loud... mind you) .

Although I passed all the tests, my case not being the norm got my IO a little confused. By her accounts I wasn't even a permanent resident anymore ... so she said she had to consult with her supervisor and even gave me that dreadful form that reads: "A decision cannot yet be made about your application" . I'm keeping that one as a souvenir . She said I should go back home and wait for a letter

Well I pleaded with her not to send me away (it got a little tense for a minute -- because I knew she was only doing her job, the supervisor wasn't available for an immediate resolution, yadda, yadda, yadda). She finally agreed that I wait until her supervisor become available for the final verdict . Of course I had to wait them finish almost everyone before she called my name again . Did I mention that place was packed? ... anywayz... in the end it seems like experience spoke louder and the supervisor agreed to go ahead with the Naturalization proceedings (can I have an amen!)

By then it was too late for the holy grail of "same day oath in Baltimore" , so I was scheduled for an oath ceremony on Feb 9th at 1pm (y'all invited too! )...

Woo, f***, hoo !!!! I mean... can I get an amen! Plz?!

Overall it was very stressful but with a good outcome. In my opinion the IO was extremely helpful and did her best to follow the book but also went the extra mile after all my pleading in order not to let me wait for yet another letter. Hint, Hint... hone your pleading skills... If a supervisor has to be consulted on your case, ask if you can wait for the answer outside and volunteer to wait. In my case I was ready to ask if I could talk to the supervisor myself in the case of a undesirable outcome.

That's all folks... remember we have a date @ the Baltimore Office on February 9th for my oath ceremony... all invited (dress warm because it may be cold and ya'll may have to wait outside), but once it's done, I'll forever grateful for those of you who've come.

Sorry to be posting this so late... I needed "a moment" after all of this so I just started walking and walking and walking (picture Forest Gump ya'll), then I saw a mall... well needless to say I went in and my worries went out... I had plenty of "mall"tertainment... so I'm ok now....

Good luck to you all, and plz share the love so that others may benefit from your experiences.

PLZ GODS OF THE HOLY TABLE.... UPDATE MY OATH CEREMONY TO 02/09/2009.

[Ze Maria 0]

PLZ NOTE THAT THE POST BELOW DOES NOT CONSTITUTE LEGAL ADVICE AND SHOULD NOT BE INTERPRETED AS SUCH

Here we go...

I'd like to thank the academy, my mom, dad, the parrot... wait... wrong text... hold on....

Before reading on plz note that by writing the way I am writing I don't mean to hurt anyone's feelings or make funny of a rather important event such as this one. I am just venting a little bit and trying to make it fun along the way.

NOW THAT YOU'VE BEEN WARNED

Got in there early (about 1.5 early, believe it or not). It was packed.... so that "did away" with my hopes of being called earlier than my form said. It felt like production line work, people were going in and out . As for results, I couldn't read much on anyone's faces, but saw this one lady leaving with a flag and on another instance the immigration officer actually asked this other lady if she wanted to participate on the same day oath (out loud... mind you) .

Although I passed all the tests, my case not being the norm got my IO a little confused. By her accounts I wasn't even a permanent resident anymore ... so she said she had to consult with her supervisor and even gave me that dreadful form that reads: "A decision cannot yet be made about your application" . I'm keeping that one as a souvenir . She said I should go back home and wait for a letter

Well I pleaded with her not to send me away (it got a little tense for a minute -- because I knew she was only doing her job, the supervisor wasn't available for an immediate resolution, yadda, yadda, yadda). She finally agreed that I wait until her supervisor become available for the final verdict . Of course I had to wait them finish almost everyone before she called my name again . Did I mention that place was packed? ... anywayz... in the end it seems like experience spoke louder and the supervisor agreed to go ahead with the Naturalization proceedings (can I have an amen!)

By then it was too late for the holy grail of "same day oath in Baltimore" , so I was scheduled for an oath ceremony on Feb 9th at 1pm (y'all invited too! )...

Woo, f***, hoo !!!! I mean... can I get an amen! Plz?!

Overall it was very stressful but with a good outcome. In my opinion the IO was extremely helpful and did her best to follow the book but also went the extra mile after all my pleading in order not to let me wait for yet another letter. Hint, Hint... hone your pleading skills... If a supervisor has to be consulted on your case, ask if you can wait for the answer outside and volunteer to wait. In my case I was ready to ask if I could talk to the supervisor myself in the case of a undesirable outcome.

That's all folks... remember we have a date @ the Baltimore Office on February 9th for my oath ceremony... all invited (dress warm because it may be cold and ya'll may have to wait outside), but once it's done, I'll forever grateful for those of you who've come.

Sorry to be posting this so late... I needed "a moment" after all of this so I just started walking and walking and walking (picture Forest Gump ya'll), then I saw a mall... well needless to say I went in and my worries went out... I had plenty of "mall"tertainment... so I'm ok now....

Good luck to you all, and plz share the love so that others may benefit from your experiences.

PLZ GODS OF THE HOLY TABLE.... UPDATE MY OATH CEREMONY TO 02/09/2009.