Naturalization Interview in Detroit

[Autumnal 25]

A bit of background: I filed AOS through marriage in 2005, divorced my USC sponsor in 2011. I had changes after filing my N-400 in February: remarriage (March 2013), 3 trips outside the US, a new job, pregnancy. I wrote these down for the IO to adjust my application as necessary.

I went for my naturalization interview at the Detroit USCIS office on a glorious, sunny day. Getting through security was a breeze and the officer at the front desk greeted everyone with a smile and light conversation. Lots of families came to take oath ceremonies.

Per biometrics regulations, I left my mobile phone in the car and it turns out everyone else carried one right in. Note also washrooms and vending machines are not in the waiting area.

After checking in, I waited at least thirty minutes for my name to be called. The IO called me to her office, had me swear the oath, and asked for my green card, passports, and driver's license. She confirmed I wanted to use my maiden name rather than former married name on my green card or a new married name. I noted the changes for my job, vacations abroad, pregnancy, and the new spouse. She reviewed the N-400 application section by section and administered all the yes/no questions. It took all of 10 minutes.

She did not catch I was remarried before printing off review sheet of certificate information (with full name, address, etc.). I corrected the status as married, not divorced. The IO was grumpy about that. She insisted I must declare all information to USCIS, telling the full truth was mandatory, and I was under oath. She "couldn't be expected to read the [half] page of changes brought." After telling her the corrections on the N-400 while we were reviewing each section, and bringing a summary for it? I mentioned being remarried more than once. Err... That shook me up some, I apologized, and stayed quiet until she made all edits.

I was given the oral test, reading and written exams. I was asked:

* What is freedom of religion?

* How many Senators are there?

* When was the Constitution written?

* When must all men register for the Selective Service?

* Name a state that borders Canada.

* What is the ocean on the east coast of the US?

She recommended me for approval, signed all the appropriate documentation, and gave me the standard "you'll receive a letter for your oath ceremony in 4 to 6 weeks." I asked about same day oath ceremonies. Detroit doesn't do them ("too much paperwork") so I wait with baited breath on my mailbox.

Paperwork I brought:

1. Appointment notice*

2. Green card (original, copy)*

3. Passport (original, copy, expired)*

4. Social security card (original, copy)

5. Driver's license (original, copy)*

6. Marriage certificate (original, copy)^

7. Divorce paperwork (original, copy)

8. 2 passport style photos

9. Tax returns (2008-2012, original transcripts)

10. Proof of tax return payment (2012)

11. Pay stubs for new job

12. Itineraries for 3 trips taken after application

13. N-400 application (copy)

14. Civics booklet

15. Summary of changes to N-400 application^

* indicates IO asked to see the documentation.

^ indicates IO was provided with documentation.

Edited May 16, 2013 by Autumnal

[only_me 1]

Congrats !!!!

Congrats !!!!

[hikergirl 277]

Congratulations!

[Autumnal 25]

Thank you!

[GandD 5,966]

Congrats