N-400 2008 October Filers

bggirl · January 30, 2009

Congratulations to Ze Maria, Dima and pdxBoof on passing the interviews successfully! I am updating my timeline: (seems like my interview is the latest so far :unsure: )

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.....2/09/09......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........1/23/09..........3/23/09..................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.........2/04/09.................VSC/Washington DC

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

mnbinth · January 30, 2009

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!

haha, I know the ignored feeling. Congratulations!

mnbinth · January 30, 2009

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!)

I got a little panicked too when our IO couldn't approve. That's 2 of us that have had issues on the day of the interview where persistence paid off. Congratulations!

mnbinth · January 30, 2009

My wife had her oath ceremony yesterday. Des Moines does same day oaths for everyone that gets approval so under normal circumstances that's pretty nice. We got there half an hour early and they started promptly at 3 so make sure you're there early. I guess they consider this a little more important than interviews. There were only 5 people being naturalized including my wife and they were all from different countries which was special. One person was approved and never showed up. The director of the office who ran the ceremony said "I can't believe how many people miss their oath." What?!?! Everyone had several family members with them. Yes, you can bring your cell phones. Yes, you can bring your cameras and even video camera.

Before the ceremony, you'll have to fill out the form about not being arrested or joining the communist party since the interview if you haven't done that already. Then you turn that form in along with your green card, EAD card or whatever gov't issued cards you have. (I'm not sure what else there is). They never looked at any other documents we brought. The ceremony was pretty straight forward. The director had some welcoming words, a short speech about being a citizen, and then everyone took the oath standing up at the same time. There was much applause and we all waved our little flags that were handed out. Normally there would be a long video from the President, but since Obama hasn't made one yet and they can't show Bush's, they didn't show anything. We have the option of coming back to watch it next month if we want. Uhmmmm, no thanks.

Next, everyone stood up and did the pledge of allegiance, then came up to the podium one by one to receive their certificate, and that was it. The whole thing lasted about 15 minutes. There was a social security office below us so we went and ordered my wife's new card immediately after and drove straight to Chi-town to get a passport. First we stopped in at our Senator's office. Unfortunately he's in DC but everyone in the office congratulated my wife and made her feel so welcome. We took a few pictures in the big man's office so that was cool. What a feeling it was to walk out of the building; even more so for my wife. All the security in the building knew about the ceremony and were congratulating everyone as we left which was a nice ending to our journey. :thumbs:

bggirl · January 30, 2009

Congratulations, mnbinth, on your wife's oath!!

I am happy for you two and stories like this are what keeps us optimistic about the immigration nightmare! Good luck to both of you in everything you undertake :yes: :dance:

Ze Maria · January 30, 2009

We have the option of coming back to watch it next month if we want. Uhmmmm, no thanks.

LOL... congratulations and God speed! :thumbs:

brewerFan · January 30, 2009

My interview experience in Milwaukee

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Milwaukee DO looked busy. There is a separate waiting area for Citizenship and Adjustment of Status interviews. There were 6 people waiting when I arrived. Another 2 arrived while I was waiting. It seems they allow people other than the applicant into the waiting area. The older woman sitting next to me had two people who had accompanied her. They did not go into the interview room however.

I put my interview letter in the little mail-slot and waited. The officer called me at the exact time on the appointment letter. He walked me to his office and asked me to raise my right hand and swore me in. He asked me for my green card gave me the option of the old or new test. I opted for the new test. I applied after Oct’08 and did not think the old test was an option.

He asked me 5 questions. Then he asked me to read one of the questions and write the answer on a separate sheet of paper. After that, he verified my address and asked me to sign the application.

Then he filled out an N-652 with check marks next to “You passed the tests of English….” and “ Congratulations your application was recommended for approval….”

It was over in less than 5 minutes.

I had the full set of naturalization documents mentioned in the forum Sticky but only had to show my green card.

Good luck with your interview.

tyme · January 31, 2009

My wife had her oath ceremony yesterday. Des Moines does same day oaths for everyone that gets approval so under normal circumstances that's pretty nice. We got there half an hour early and they started promptly at 3 so make sure you're there early. I guess they consider this a little more important than interviews. There were only 5 people being naturalized including my wife and they were all from different countries which was special. One person was approved and never showed up. The director of the office who ran the ceremony said "I can't believe how many people miss their oath." What?!?! Everyone had several family members with them. Yes, you can bring your cell phones. Yes, you can bring your cameras and even video camera.
Before the ceremony, you'll have to fill out the form about not being arrested or joining the communist party since the interview if you haven't done that already. Then you turn that form in along with your green card, EAD card or whatever gov't issued cards you have. (I'm not sure what else there is). They never looked at any other documents we brought. The ceremony was pretty straight forward. The director had some welcoming words, a short speech about being a citizen, and then everyone took the oath standing up at the same time. There was much applause and we all waved our little flags that were handed out. Normally there would be a long video from the President, but since Obama hasn't made one yet and they can't show Bush's, they didn't show anything. We have the option of coming back to watch it next month if we want. Uhmmmm, no thanks.

Next, everyone stood up and did the pledge of allegiance, then came up to the podium one by one to receive their certificate, and that was it. The whole thing lasted about 15 minutes. There was a social security office below us so we went and ordered my wife's new card immediately after and drove straight to Chi-town to get a passport. First we stopped in at our Senator's office. Unfortunately he's in DC but everyone in the office congratulated my wife and made her feel so welcome. We took a few pictures in the big man's office so that was cool. What a feeling it was to walk out of the building; even more so for my wife. All the security in the building knew about the ceremony and were congratulating everyone as we left which was a nice ending to our journey.

waow!congratulations!!This is great news indeed for you guys...

T and M · January 31, 2009

My interview experience in Milwaukee
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Milwaukee DO looked busy. There is a separate waiting area for Citizenship and Adjustment of Status interviews. There were 6 people waiting when I arrived. Another 2 arrived while I was waiting. It seems they allow people other than the applicant into the waiting area. The older woman sitting next to me had two people who had accompanied her. They did not go into the interview room however.

I put my interview letter in the little mail-slot and waited. The officer called me at the exact time on the appointment letter. He walked me to his office and asked me to raise my right hand and swore me in. He asked me for my green card gave me the option of the old or new test. I opted for the new test. I applied after Oct’08 and did not think the old test was an option.

He asked me 5 questions. Then he asked me to read one of the questions and write the answer on a separate sheet of paper. After that, he verified my address and asked me to sign the application.

Then he filled out an N-652 with check marks next to “You passed the tests of English….” and “ Congratulations your application was recommended for approval….”

It was over in less than 5 minutes.

I had the full set of naturalization documents mentioned in the forum Sticky but only had to show my green card.

Good luck with your interview.

Congratulations! It sounds like we now know why the English vocabulary list has changed! They now one of the Civics questions as the English test! Do you recall which question they had you read aloud and write down?

We go on Thursday! 5 days!!!

T and M · January 31, 2009

My wife had her oath ceremony yesterday. Des Moines does same day oaths for everyone that gets approval so under normal circumstances that's pretty nice. We got there half an hour early and they started promptly at 3 so make sure you're there early. I guess they consider this a little more important than interviews. There were only 5 people being naturalized including my wife and they were all from different countries which was special. One person was approved and never showed up. The director of the office who ran the ceremony said "I can't believe how many people miss their oath." What?!?! Everyone had several family members with them. Yes, you can bring your cell phones. Yes, you can bring your cameras and even video camera.
Before the ceremony, you'll have to fill out the form about not being arrested or joining the communist party since the interview if you haven't done that already. Then you turn that form in along with your green card, EAD card or whatever gov't issued cards you have. (I'm not sure what else there is). They never looked at any other documents we brought. The ceremony was pretty straight forward. The director had some welcoming words, a short speech about being a citizen, and then everyone took the oath standing up at the same time. There was much applause and we all waved our little flags that were handed out. Normally there would be a long video from the President, but since Obama hasn't made one yet and they can't show Bush's, they didn't show anything. We have the option of coming back to watch it next month if we want. Uhmmmm, no thanks.

Next, everyone stood up and did the pledge of allegiance, then came up to the podium one by one to receive their certificate, and that was it. The whole thing lasted about 15 minutes. There was a social security office below us so we went and ordered my wife's new card immediately after and drove straight to Chi-town to get a passport. First we stopped in at our Senator's office. Unfortunately he's in DC but everyone in the office congratulated my wife and made her feel so welcome. We took a few pictures in the big man's office so that was cool. What a feeling it was to walk out of the building; even more so for my wife. All the security in the building knew about the ceremony and were congratulating everyone as we left which was a nice ending to our journey.

Congratulations mnbinth. I'm sure it is a relief to know you and your wife will never have to deal with US immigration again.

Are you ready to start the immigration procedure for your wife's country? Just kidding.

Well done.

thea · February 3, 2009

I got approved this morning and the oath ceremony was this afternoon.

mnbinth · February 3, 2009

I got approved this morning and the oath ceremony was this afternoon.

Congratulations!!!