Naturalization Interview Experience: USCIS Indianapolis

[visajuser 0]

Good morning, everyone.

I have noticed that there aren't too many stories or experiences of the naturalization interviews from Indy on this forum. I searched for it earlier because I was due to have my interview today and I was very worried of not knowing what to expect, the procedures and policies, and just lacking general information about how it is done in Indianapolis. So, I decided to share my experience with hopes that perhaps it will help someone here.

First thing to know is that USCIS Indianapolis office opens at 8:00AM. The interview will take place on the same floor (the 4th one). You cannot use the stairs; you must use the elevator. The office's opening time was also the time set for my interview. I arrived 10 minutes prior with few people lined in front of the closed doors. Some of the people were with their Naturalization booklets, studying for the test. Others were just standing around not doing anything.

I strongly recommend that you do not bring anything except for your appointment letter, supporting documents, and green card. Do not bring purses, bags, cell phones or anything else. The security guard checks everything and if you have too many things on you, it will get a bit messy. The lady in front of me brought a lot of stuff and all of it had to be cleared by the security guards. I only brought all of my documents, cards (in one envelope), and a pen. I was cleared within 10 seconds.

When we entered the waiting room, the check-in windows were still closed. Everyone took a seat and started to wait. If you are coming for your biometrics, take the form and a pen from the table in the center and fill it out before you give your letter to the officer in the check-in window (this will save time). The window finally opened, everyone got their letters in and sat down for the name call.

Again, there was only about 8 people present because the office was just opened. However, other people begun to arrive and I already started to see a pile-up in the security checkpoint.

My interview was set for 8:00AM. It was 8:07 when I was called in. A nice lady announced my name and I followed her into a room. I was sworn in and took a seat. She immediately asked me for my green card; she did NOT ask me for my state ID or driver's license (I know some people are concerned with this). After accessing my file, we started to go over my application.

She asked me if I wanted to change my name. I stated that yes, I would (I want to make a little bit shorter) and asked if this would cause a delay. She said that no, there won't be any additional delays but I would have to sign few additional forms. She asked me for any changes in address, phone, school information etc. I told her that I am now attending a university (ERAU). She asked me if I had a student card on me and I gave it to her. She then asked me a series of yes/no questions from the application. During this step, I was asked if I belong to any organizations. Since I filed the application, I joined American Eagle Foundation so I gave her the membership card. She took a notice of it and made a copy.

I gave her my SSS card. She then asked me to sign some additional documents (confirmations that everything is correct) and photos. She showed me a document about my name change and told me that it will be sent to Court, be signed by a judge and sealed. I would receive it along with my naturalization certificate during the Oath ceremony. I had to sign a confirmation document with my new name.

The reading test was just one question. I had to read a question about Abraham Lincoln. The writing test was just having to write the answer to that question. The civics test was a complete joke: I studied so hard for it and the 6 questions were the easiest ones. In a way, I felt cheated (just kidding). She gave me a paper that states I passed the test and that she would recommend my application to be approved. She told me that the name change may be a little slow to be signed by a judge but I should be a citizen with 3 months. I don't mind, I can wait.

And, that is pretty much it! She gave me back my green card and escorted me out. The entire thing took less than 15 minutes and I am not kidding. It was 8:18AM when I exited. One thing I noticed, however, was that now almost the entire waiting room was filled with people. I was so lucky to have had my interview scheduled for morning, I think it played a great role in this.

So, this was my experience. I know it is not much but perhaps it will help someone out.

Thank you so much for your great forum. I am a long-time lurker and this is the first time I decided to register.

Cheerio!

[N400-2011 24]

Congratulations Yevhen!

[w8inglongtime 29]

Good morning, everyone.

I have noticed that there aren't too many stories or experiences of the naturalization interviews from Indy on this forum. I searched for it earlier because I was due to have my interview today and I was very worried of not knowing what to expect, the procedures and policies, and just lacking general information about how it is done in Indianapolis. So, I decided to share my experience with hopes that perhaps it will help someone here.

First thing to know is that USCIS Indianapolis office opens at 8:00AM. The interview will take place on the same floor (the 4th one). You cannot use the stairs; you must use the elevator. The office's opening time was also the time set for my interview. I arrived 10 minutes prior with few people lined in front of the closed doors. Some of the people were with their Naturalization booklets, studying for the test. Others were just standing around not doing anything.

I strongly recommend that you do not bring anything except for your appointment letter, supporting documents, and green card. Do not bring purses, bags, cell phones or anything else. The security guard checks everything and if you have too many things on you, it will get a bit messy. The lady in front of me brought a lot of stuff and all of it had to be cleared by the security guards. I only brought all of my documents, cards (in one envelope), and a pen. I was cleared within 10 seconds.

When we entered the waiting room, the check-in windows were still closed. Everyone took a seat and started to wait. If you are coming for your biometrics, take the form and a pen from the table in the center and fill it out before you give your letter to the officer in the check-in window (this will save time). The window finally opened, everyone got their letters in and sat down for the name call.

Again, there was only about 8 people present because the office was just opened. However, other people begun to arrive and I already started to see a pile-up in the security checkpoint.

My interview was set for 8:00AM. It was 8:07 when I was called in. A nice lady announced my name and I followed her into a room. I was sworn in and took a seat. She immediately asked me for my green card; she did NOT ask me for my state ID or driver's license (I know some people are concerned with this). After accessing my file, we started to go over my application.

She asked me if I wanted to change my name. I stated that yes, I would (I want to make a little bit shorter) and asked if this would cause a delay. She said that no, there won't be any additional delays but I would have to sign few additional forms. She asked me for any changes in address, phone, school information etc. I told her that I am now attending a university (ERAU). She asked me if I had a student card on me and I gave it to her. She then asked me a series of yes/no questions from the application. During this step, I was asked if I belong to any organizations. Since I filed the application, I joined American Eagle Foundation so I gave her the membership card. She took a notice of it and made a copy.

I gave her my SSS card. She then asked me to sign some additional documents (confirmations that everything is correct) and photos. She showed me a document about my name change and told me that it will be sent to Court, be signed by a judge and sealed. I would receive it along with my naturalization certificate during the Oath ceremony. I had to sign a confirmation document with my new name.

The reading test was just one question. I had to read a question about Abraham Lincoln. The writing test was just having to write the answer to that question. The civics test was a complete joke: I studied so hard for it and the 6 questions were the easiest ones. In a way, I felt cheated (just kidding). She gave me a paper that states I passed the test and that she would recommend my application to be approved. She told me that the name change may be a little slow to be signed by a judge but I should be a citizen with 3 months. I don't mind, I can wait.

And, that is pretty much it! She gave me back my green card and escorted me out. The entire thing took less than 15 minutes and I am not kidding. It was 8:18AM when I exited. One thing I noticed, however, was that now almost the entire waiting room was filled with people. I was so lucky to have had my interview scheduled for morning, I think it played a great role in this.

So, this was my experience. I know it is not much but perhaps it will help someone out.

Thank you so much for your great forum. I am a long-time lurker and this is the first time I decided to register.

Cheerio!

Congratulations and hope you get approved shortly. Thanks for sharing your experience with the rest of the VJ family.

[visajuser 0]

Thanks for your kindness, guys!

[AlmaD 2]

Congratulations !

[Caroline and Phil 14]

That was nice, thanks for sharing and congratulations on passing it!

[OBX 51]

Congratulations and thanks for sharing your experience!

[visajuser 0]

Thank you, guys!

[NickD 203]

Thank you, guys!

Sounds like you applied for the five year, a lot simpler. We were either routed to the St. Paul or Milwaukee office, in regards to the guards, pretty much the same as your description of Indianapolis

Did your IO check your your decision cannot be made at this time or that congratulations box. Did your IO say anything about the oath ceremony? You can ask about that if you passed. When my stepdaughter told me a decision cannot be made at this time, she said it wasn't anything to worry about, it was, a three week nightmare. Will say congratulations when you get your certificate.

[visajuser 0]

Sounds like you applied for the five year, a lot simpler. We were either routed to the St. Paul or Milwaukee office, in regards to the guards, pretty much the same as your description of Indianapolis

Did your IO check your your decision cannot be made at this time or that congratulations box. Did your IO say anything about the oath ceremony? You can ask about that if you passed. When my stepdaughter told me a decision cannot be made at this time, she said it wasn't anything to worry about, it was, a three week nightmare. Will say congratulations when you get your certificate.

The IO told me that she would recommend my application for approval. The "Congratulations" box was checked on the receipt that she gave me. She told me that I should soon receive the oath ceremony letter. She also told me that the document that certifies my change of name will be given to me together with my naturalization certificate during the ceremony after it is signed by a judge and sealed.

[aleful 1,905]

congrats!!!!