What to wear to citizenship interview and oath ceremony?

[antda 13]

Hi Everyone,

I was on the Canada forum here on VJ, talking about what to wear for an immigration interview, and then thought to myself:

"What should I wear for my N-400 Citizenship Interview and Oath Ceremony?"

A few years ago, for my AOS interview (during the fall/winter) here in the USA (Buffalo, NY), I wore the following:

I only brought about 2 weeks worth of clothes (spring/summer clothes) when I came here for a visit and then got married (see my VJ timeline for more info). And of course, I didn't have enough clothes then, as I had left almost all of it back in Canada and couldn't pick up my belongings while my case was pending....

So I wore what I had that looked decent enough to my interview: A white sweater (lol..which was the same sweater I got married in..no time for a formal wedding dress either when we spontaneously got married), a short sleeved pink shirt underneath (which I had bought while I was here), dark/navy blue jeans (thank goodness I had packed those), dark socks (ummm...I had to borrow my husband's larger sized socks), black dress shoes (thank goodness I packed those shoes too as I couldn't find a decent pair of shoes in my small size here), and the heart-shaped necklace I got on my wedding day (which I have now made into a keychain). My husband wore a dress shirt, brown dress pants, dark socks, and black dress shoes.

And yes, I/we was/were approved during the interview wearing those clothes......

Now a few years later, and it's time for me to meet with the USCIS again, and I wonder: What should me, my husband, and my baby wear for my N-400/Citizenship interview when the time comes for that in two weeks (November 18, in the fall/winter) and the subsequent oath ceremony after (sometime in December, I think, in the winter)? Should I/we wear more or less the same thing? Or should I/we wear something else that is suitable too?

Lol...I doubt that I fit in those 'skinny pants' or any of my other former clothes after pregnancy/post-patrum (yeah, the body certainly does change after one has a baby..lol...)....Any ideas for a 'post-pregnancy wardrobe' that's suitable for an interview and ceremony anyone?

Lol..Should my husband wear the same thing he did before?

Lol...What should the baby wear too? Any ideas for a baby wardrobe? (lol..yes, I'm bringing the baby with me too...)

Lol..Should I/we also wear something patriotic too?

Meanwhile, it's back to studying for the civics test, gathering the paperwork, wondering what to wear, and somewhat panicking...yikes!

Any thoughts, ideas, suggestions, advice, greatly appreaciated...Thanks....

Ant (What to wear for interview and oath ceremony...hmmmm....)

[Sprailenes 47]

Lol... i dont kno.

[antda 13]

Lol... i dont kno.

...I don't know either...that's why I asked...

Anyone else here on VJ have any ideas too?

By the way, to all you Canadians...Should I also include something "Canadian" in my wardrobe? And if so, what?

I already have a "Canadian/American flags" lapel pin thing.... ...That's a start...but is there anything else too?

Hmmmm.....

Lol..I'm better off figuring out American history than figuring out what to wear...Help!

Ant (Wardrobe-challenged...)

Edited October 30, 2009 by Ant+D+A

[IR5FORMUMSIE 850]

Hi Everyone,

I was on the Canada forum here on VJ, talking about what to wear for an immigration interview, and then thought to myself:

"What should I wear for my N-400 Citizenship Interview and Oath Ceremony?"

A few years ago, for my AOS interview (during the fall/winter) here in the USA (Buffalo, NY), I wore the following:

I only brought about 2 weeks worth of clothes (spring/summer clothes) when I came here for a visit and then got married (see my VJ timeline for more info). And of course, I didn't have enough clothes then, as I had left almost all of it back in Canada and couldn't pick up my belongings while my case was pending....

So I wore what I had that looked decent enough to my interview: A white sweater (lol..which was the same sweater I got married in..no time for a formal wedding dress either when we spontaneously got married), a short sleeved pink shirt underneath (which I had bought while I was here), dark/navy blue jeans (thank goodness I had packed those), dark socks (ummm...I had to borrow my husband's larger sized socks), black dress shoes (thank goodness I packed those shoes too as I couldn't find a decent pair of shoes in my small size here), and the heart-shaped necklace I got on my wedding day (which I have now made into a keychain). My husband wore a dress shirt, brown dress pants, dark socks, and black dress shoes.

And yes, I/we was/were approved during the interview wearing those clothes......

Now a few years later, and it's time for me to meet with the USCIS again, and I wonder: What should me, my husband, and my baby wear for my N-400/Citizenship interview when the time comes for that in two weeks (November 18, in the fall/winter) and the subsequent oath ceremony after (sometime in December, I think, in the winter)? Should I/we wear more or less the same thing? Or should I/we wear something else that is suitable too?

Lol...I doubt that I fit in those 'skinny pants' or any of my other former clothes after pregnancy/post-patrum (yeah, the body certainly does change after one has a baby..lol...)....Any ideas for a 'post-pregnancy wardrobe' that's suitable for an interview and ceremony anyone?

Lol..Should my husband wear the same thing he did before?

Lol...What should the baby wear too? Any ideas for a baby wardrobe? (lol..yes, I'm bringing the baby with me too...)

Lol..Should I/we also wear something patriotic too?

Meanwhile, it's back to studying for the civics test, gathering the paperwork, wondering what to wear, and somewhat panicking...yikes!

Any thoughts, ideas, suggestions, advice, greatly appreaciated...Thanks....

Ant (What to wear for interview and oath ceremony...hmmmm....)

Now repeat after me, "Honey I don't have anything to wear. Let's go shopping."

Wear something with a patriotic theme or business-like. That should do it.

[antda 13]

Now repeat after me, "Honey I don't have anything to wear. Let's go shopping."

Wear something with a patriotic theme or business-like. That should do it.

....Hmm...will have to convince my husband to go "shopping" with me....

Kind of hard to "endulge" in such luxuries, really, as we're broke enough as it is

(thanks again to the USCIS...with those high application fees..you'd think they throw in a free outfit or something..lol...)

Hmm...maybe can say to my husband, "Can you buy me an early Birthday/Christmas gift this year?..lol....

But will look around anyways..Hopefully I find something in time....

Lol...Anyone else on VJ want to go shopping with me?

For example, any online things you can recommend? (virtual shopping..works just as well?...lol....)

As for patriotic...there are so many ways to approach this..not sure how to go about it..any more ideas?

(and no, I'm not looking for patriotic pjs either..rofl..)

Business-like...I have somewhat of an idea...I just don't have the clothes for it, that's all

(as I haven't set foot working in an office-like environment for so many years...somewhat clueless here...)

Help....

Ant

[Hugglebuggles 60]

Personally, I think the baby should be dressed up like Uncle Sam, beard and all

[Carlawarla 1]

Wear something "nice". Whatever you have that isn't jeans and a t-shirt should be fine. A nice dress, or slacks and a blouse. If you want to wear something distinctly Canadian, you could wear a tuque, or red underpants. Your pin is fine as well. I think Kathyrn41 wore one of those pins. Are you sure you want to take your baby? I read another person's review in the Citizenship forum and they recommended not to. It was a long, long day, and this person said if you had someone to look after your baby, then you should look into this. One person almost missed their name being called because they were gone looking after their baby during the ceremony. Anyway, don't over think this. Just wear what you would say at a job interview or something.

[Udella&Wiz 325]

Wear something "nice". Whatever you have that isn't jeans and a t-shirt should be fine. A nice dress, or slacks and a blouse. If you want to wear something distinctly Canadian, you could wear a tuque, or red underpants. Your pin is fine as well. I think Kathyrn41 wore one of those pins. Are you sure you want to take your baby? I read another person's review in the Citizenship forum and they recommended not to. It was a long, long day, and this person said if you had someone to look after your baby, then you should look into this. One person almost missed their name being called because they were gone looking after their baby during the ceremony. Anyway, don't over think this. Just wear what you would say at a job interview or something.

Good grief - how long is it? I was thinking I'd arrive, I'd be there an hour or 2 at most - please tell me they don't drag you through hours of stupidness???

I will just get my citizenship because it makes sense, not because I'm dying to be American in particular

[Udella&Wiz 325]

Wear something "nice". Whatever you have that isn't jeans and a t-shirt should be fine. A nice dress, or slacks and a blouse. If you want to wear something distinctly Canadian, you could wear a tuque, or red underpants. Your pin is fine as well. I think Kathyrn41 wore one of those pins. Are you sure you want to take your baby? I read another person's review in the Citizenship forum and they recommended not to. It was a long, long day, and this person said if you had someone to look after your baby, then you should look into this. One person almost missed their name being called because they were gone looking after their baby during the ceremony. Anyway, don't over think this. Just wear what you would say at a job interview or something.

Good grief - how long is it? I was thinking I'd arrive, I'd be there an hour or 2 at most - please tell me they don't drag you through hours of stupidness???

I will just get my citizenship because it makes sense, not because I'm dying to be American in particular

Nvrmind - just found a nice review from Flames at the office I'll be going to. I don't plan to bring family or friends or anything, I guess I don't particularly think of it as a big deal....it's just something a i need to get done to make life easier

Flames.....

At the Fairfax VA office, there was seating for 100 applicants, but not a lot for family! Family were seated first (think some had to stay out in hallway) while we were processed downstairs! They didnt ask what countries we were from, the USCIS lady gave a brief statement on the do's don't with ur Naturalization certificate, passport info, naturalization if ur kids are under 18. Mentioned over 100 countries were represented in todays ceremony! Then the Judge came in, we did what had to be done and then 1 by 1, they called you up to get ur certificate. They allowed time for family to take pics, and the stressed and stressed they would be available for pics after the ceremony. She said USCIS has made you wait during this process,so now its our turn to wait,lol

I arrived at 0835, processing started around 0900, seated (upstairs) shortly after, ceremony started around 1010, and out the door at 1035! So approx 2 hours from start to finish at Fairfax VA office. I would guess there were about 70-80 new citizens. Lots of waiting around, so bring something to read.

[Peachey 10]

I got an Uncle Sam hat at my shower on Sunday... hehe

[darkchilde794 5]

I got an Uncle Sam hat at my shower on Sunday... hehe

It would be super cute if the baby can wear that!!!! And wave around a little flag! OF CANADA! LOL!!!

[warlord 73]

I just wore black pants and a black shirt. People were in all sorts of clothes, from suits to jeans and so forth. There was no theme and everyone pretty much just wore what they wanted. They say try and be a bit dressy, but no need to go all out...

[DeadPoolX 9]

I'd strongly suggest this piece of headgear:

[Inky 1,110]

I'd strongly suggest this piece of headgear:

NICE!! I say go with this one too.

[antda 13]

Hi Everyone,

Thanks for all your helpful and humourous replies so far........Hmmm...gives me something to think about, indeed!...

Hugglebuggles-Uncle Sam...Cute!..I like the idea of "Uncle Aaron of America" look...Though not sure if I can find a beard and/or costume in that small of a size (3-4 months old). Maybe next year, for a 4th of july or halloween constume or something like that?

Personally, I think the baby should be dressed up like Uncle Sam, beard and all

Carlawarla-Yes, I will definitely wear something "nice", that's not too casual. Slacks and a dress shirt/blouse sound "nice" enough? Lol...I like the tuque idea (will probaby have to wear a hat or something outside anyways...it gets cold up here in Buffalo, NY)... I remember those Canada roots hats they had years ago..wanted to get one of those..Tthough I don't know if they will let me wear a hat indoors, regardless of what hat it is...As for underpants..hmm..could wear red ones..lol...just nobody else would see such...oh well..at least I will know....lol...Yup, I'll definitely wear that pin that I had (actually, got that pin recently, during my last trip to Canada..thought it would be perfect for such an occasion). I also have those extra Canada Day flag pins...might wear those too..lol...I'll look like a walking pin cushion, decorated with Canadian/American pins....(just kidding)....

I'll try not to overthink this too much though, like you said, but yeah, I have to think "nice" here (oh how I like how you use that word...)...

As for the baby, well, I'm kind of in an odd predicament here...I understand that it is going to be a long day, and yes, I have read that others have had some problems with their babies/children at the interview/ceremony too. But I have no choice here, be it that a) I have nobody else to babysit the baby, other than my husband, who is coming to the interview and oath with me. b ) My husband is coming with me, for transportation purposes (it's a long distance drive, and I don't drive in the city...I'll end up dead before I come out of there alive..lol..) c) Umm..I'm nursing/breastfeeding the baby...the baby can't eat if I'm not around. d) This is a family event, so why can't my family be there with me? So yeah, I hope the USCIS is somewhat accomidation of my baby being there too...Oh well, we'll figure out what to do there and hope that the baby is well-behaved when I have to attend such..Sigh..why can't they just send the certificate in the mail instead..?

Wear something "nice". Whatever you have that isn't jeans and a t-shirt should be fine. A nice dress, or slacks and a blouse. If you want to wear something distinctly Canadian, you could wear a tuque, or red underpants. Your pin is fine as well. I think Kathyrn41 wore one of those pins. Are you sure you want to take your baby? I read another person's review in the Citizenship forum and they recommended not to. It was a long, long day, and this person said if you had someone to look after your baby, then you should look into this. One person almost missed their name being called because they were gone looking after their baby during the ceremony. Anyway, don't over think this. Just wear what you would say at a job interview or something.

Udella&Wiz-Lol..I was thinking the same thing too.."How long is it?", more so that I have a baby that's coming with me. I agree, what's the point in dragging this longer than it should be? Sigh, why can't they just send the certificate in the mail? 2 hours is more than enough for me and my family! Oh how they love to torture us like this! As for why I'm getting citizenship...I listed several personal reasons on my cover letter, some patriotic, some not..including one reason that said: "I want to end on a good experience with the USCIS, despite having unreasonable delays before" (lol..I'm tired of dealing with the USCIS for the rest of my life....enough said...)

Good grief - how long is it? I was thinking I'd arrive, I'd be there an hour or 2 at most - please tell me they don't drag you through hours of stupidness???

I will just get my citizenship because it makes sense, not because I'm dying to be American in particular

Peachey-Cool that you got an Uncle Sam hat at your shower! Definitely got to post a pic of that on vj! Save that hat for your citizenship/oath ceremony!

I got an Uncle Sam hat at my shower on Sunday... hehe

Darkchilde794-Oh yeah, I would love to get my son one of those hats! Cute!..I like the idea of "Uncle Aaron of America" look...Though not sure if I can find a hat and/or costume in that small of a size (3-4 months old). Maybe next year, for a 4th of july or halloween constume or something like that? As for a Canadian flag..I have some of those (saved those from Canada Days..years ago)...I just don't think they'll let us in the room with those Canadian flags...Maybe my son can have the American flag at the ceremony or something..lol....(I heard they gave those out at the oath ceremony...)

It would be super cute if the baby can wear that!!!! And wave around a little flag! OF CANADA! LOL!!!

Warlord-Black...What an interesting combination of clothes...Seems formal colour-wise...and serious.....I have black shoes already, does that count? lol....Good to know too, that people wear all sorts of clothes to occasions like this (even jeans..wow, I'm surprised at that..). Guess everyone's interpretation of what is "appropriate and/or proper" is different..lolo...Can I wear pjs too? (just kidding...). I agree though, need to wear something decent and dressed-up a bit, but no need to go all out....(besides, I don't like to be too dressy anyways..and I have no dresses..rofl...). So yeah, something comfortable, dressy (though not a dress), and decent is the way to go...and not go all out..lol....

I just wore black pants and a black shirt. People were in all sorts of clothes, from suits to jeans and so forth. There was no theme and everyone pretty much just wore what they wanted. They say try and be a bit dressy, but no need to go all out...

DeadPoolX-Lol..gotta love the headgear! Too bad, I don't drink though....and I don't think they'll let me in the ceremony with that crazy beer hat! Now if I were going to Ralph Wilson Stadium, or the HSBC Arena, that's a different story.....Will bring headgear to a football/hockey game..but not to an oath ceremony (unless it's a uncle sam hat...lol...). I wonder what would happen if someone actually did wear that hat...lol...hmm....

I'd strongly suggest this piece of headgear:

Ok, thanks everyone again, for the humour and helpful suggestions!....

A lot of great ideas...Meanwhile, I'll still deciding...

Something nice, decent, and not too dressy, that's for sure...

And yes, I'll include something "Canadian" in my wardrobe too.

Will let you know what my final wardrobe choice for me and my family will be for the interview and oath...

Stay tunned for more wardrobe updates here....

Yikes..I can't believe my interview is in 2 weeks or so (or whatever it says on my ticker below)...oh my!....

Ant (Raiding the closet..don't know what to wear...yikes...)

Edited November 1, 2009 by Ant+D+A