N-400 December 2013 Filers

[jcarlo 2]

I had my interview this morning at Holtsville USCIS center. The office was huge, but parking aplenty. Give 5 minutes for airport-style security. They opened 10 minutes before 7am and I arrived 6:53 for my 7am interview. Handed my interview letter at exactly 7am. I waited 20-25 minutes and I was the 3rd person called in. I had a courteous, friendly gentleman and he obviously reviewed my file already because he asked how was my drive from my town etc. We chatted for a bit while we walked to his office. Before sitting down, he asked me to raise my right hand and swear to tell the truth, in which I said yes. Told me to say "Columbus day is in October", and I wrote down "Columbus day is October 25th". We asked me 6 questions: "Who succeeds if president and VP are incapable?", "What did declaration of independence do?", "How many years are senators elected for?", "Name a branch of the government", "What does the cabinet do?", "How many justices are there?". Then he reviewed my application, asked me to sign a couple of papers including my name-change file. He knew I worked at a nearby hospital and asked if I had work today to which I said yes to. He said that the interview should be over shortly. He reiterated a couple of questions from the application, and he checked everything really quickly. Then he started saying that 1-2 usually fail the exam everyday, once a month someone gets arrested during the interview. I asked for what, and he gave me several examples on why they would arrest someone. I was thinking in my head why is he telling me this?!" haha. He then compiled all the application and put it back in the folder. He saw that I had my IRS paperwork with me and he said that I won't even need it since he already reviewed them all previously. I saw him stamp a big "APPROVED" in front of the application and signed it. He handed me N-652 and checked "You passed the test of English and US history & government", and "A) ___ Congratulations. Your application has been recommended for approval."

He then said that was it, and walked me to the exit. He said to wait for the oath ceremony paper which should come in 3 weeks.

I'm happy to pass the interview and hoping to finish my journey soon!

Also, I made it to my exam at 8am right on time!

[DebbyNSeyi 15]

I had my interview this morning at Holtsville USCIS center. The office was huge, but parking aplenty. Give 5 minutes for airport-style security. They opened 10 minutes before 7am and I arrived 6:53 for my 7am interview. Handed my interview letter at exactly 7am. I waited 20-25 minutes and I was the 3rd person called in. I had a courteous, friendly gentleman and he obviously reviewed my file already because he asked how was my drive from my town etc. We chatted for a bit while we walked to his office. Before sitting down, he asked me to raise my right hand and swear to tell the truth, in which I said yes. Told me to say "Columbus day is in October", and I wrote down "Columbus day is October 25th". We asked me 6 questions: "Who succeeds if president and VP are incapable?", "What did declaration of independence do?", "How many years are senators elected for?", "Name a branch of the government", "What does the cabinet do?", "How many justices are there?". Then he reviewed my application, asked me to sign a couple of papers including my name-change file. He knew I worked at a nearby hospital and asked if I had work today to which I said yes to. He said that the interview should be over shortly. He reiterated a couple of questions from the application, and he checked everything really quickly. Then he started saying that 1-2 usually fail the exam everyday, once a month someone gets arrested during the interview. I asked for what, and he gave me several examples on why they would arrest someone. I was thinking in my head why is he telling me this?!" haha. He then compiled all the application and put it back in the folder. He saw that I had my IRS paperwork with me and he said that I won't even need it since he already reviewed them all previously. I saw him stamp a big "APPROVED" in front of the application and signed it. He handed me N-652 and checked "You passed the test of English and US history & government", and "A) ___ Congratulations. Your application has been recommended for approval."

He then said that was it, and walked me to the exit. He said to wait for the oath ceremony paper which should come in 3 weeks.

I'm happy to pass the interview and hoping to finish my journey soon!

Also, I made it to my exam at 8am right on time!

Congrats, Jcarlo! I'm glad you didn't get the same confusing response that my husband got. All I can do is hope that we don't wait too long to get approved.

[romnick 15]

USCIS Dallas/Lewisville, Texas Lockbox

=======================================
VJName............|Eligible|Sent....|NOA.....|ChkCashd|Biometr.|In Line |Int Ltr.|Intview.|Oath....|FieldOffice
DebbyNSeyi........|11/27/13|11/29/13|12/03/13|12/06/13|12/31/13|01/27/14|04/04/14|05/06/14|--/--/--|Holtsville, NY
gringasuramerican.|11/30/13|11/30/13|12/03/13|12/05/13|01/02|14|01/31/14|03/10/14|04/08/14|04/11/14|Miami, FL

Obormot...........|11/28/13|12/02/13|12/06/13|12/10/13|12/30/13|01/27/14|03/10/14|04/15/14|04/23/14|Houston,TX
jcarlo............|12/16/13|12/03/13|12/12/13|12/12/13|01/09/14|01/13/14|04/06/14|05/08/14|--/--/--|Holtsville, NY
nachos............|12/04/13|12/05/13|12/12/13|12/13/13|01/07/14|02/04/14|02/14/14|03/18/14|04/11/14|Pittsburgh, PA
Bookworm99........|--/--/--|12/05/13|--/--/--|12/06/13|01/07/14|--/--/--|--/--/--|--/--/--|--/--/--|Newark, NJ
raza123...........|02/27/07|12/05/13|12/11/13|12/09/13|01/03/14|01/07/14|03/10/14|04/17/14|--/--/--|Houston, TX
Theempara.........|--/--/--|12/06/13|--/--/--|12/13/13|01/06/14|02/10/14|--/--/--|03/17/14|04/08/14|W. Palm Beach, FL
romnick...........|10/26/13|12/06/13|12/09/13|12/11/13|01/07/14|01/07/14|05/08/14|06/09/14|--/--/--|Atlanta, GA
Goldfee111........|12/03/13|12/09/13|12/13/13|12/18/13|01/03/14|02/04/14|03/13/14 04/11/14|04/11/14|Dallas, TX

mikkopel..........|11/04/06|12/11/13|12/16/13|12/20/13|01/20/14|01/23/14|01/31/14|03/04/14|04/04/14|New York, NY
LostinNY07........|10/07/13|12/13/13|12/16/13|12/19/13|12/31/13|01/10/14|--/--/--|--/--/--|--/--/--|New York, NY
mimigrant.........|12/13/13|12/13/13|12/19/13|12/20/13|03/07/14|03/11/14|03/12/14|04/17/14|05/09/14|New York, NY
Paulette7.........|12/19/13|12/19/13|12/30/13|12/25/13|01/08/14|02/19/14|03/31/14|05/06/14|--/--/--|Houston, TX
Paulette7hubbie...|12/19/13|12/19/13|12/30/13|12/25/13|01/15/14|02/19/14|03/31/14|05/06/14|--/--/--|Houston, TX

bostonian.........|08/05/13|12/23/13|01/03/14|01/02/14|01/22/14|01/24/14|04/04/14|05/05/14|--/--/--|Boston, MA
CbpTLS............|12/30/09|12/23/13|12/24/13|12/28/13|01/16/14|01/20/14|03/11/14|04/15/14|--/--/--|Dallas, TX
Trochero..........|01/24/01|12/24/13|01/02/14|12/31/13|01/13/14|01/24/14|02/24/14|03/24/14|--/--/--|Orlando, FL
CbpTLSwife........|12/30/09|12/26/13|12/30/13|01/06/14|01/30/14|02/03/14|03/12/14|04/17/14|--/--/--|Dallas, TX
DM2008............|12/03/13|12/28/13|01/06/14|01/06/14|01/24/14|02/03/14|03/12/14|04/18/14|04/22/14|Dallas, TX

===============================
USCIS Phoenix, Arizona Lockbox
===============================
VJName............|Eligible|Sent....|NOA.....|ChkCashd|Biometr.|In Line |Int Ltr.|Intview.|Oath....|FieldOffice
David.............|--/--/--|12/02/13|12/09/13|12/06/13|12/27/13|12/31/13|--/--/--|--/--/--|--/--/--|Denver, CO
Mary..............|--/--/--|12/02/13|12/10/13|--/--/--|--/--/--|12/30/13|--/--/--|--/--/--|--/--/--|Chicago, IL
kdj5k.............|09/01/13|12/06/13|12/12/13|--/--/--|12/31/13|01/03/14|02/03/14|03/10/14|04/08/14|Phoenix, AZ
Nadiia and Eric...|--/--/--|12/06/13|12/12/13|12/16/13|01/07/14|--/--/--|--/--/--|03/24/14|04/11/14|Kansas City, MO
exsocal...........|07/30/13|12/07/13|12/17/13|12/15/13|01/09/14|01/13/14|02/20/14|03/26/14|04/09/14|Chicago, IL

ShadowYU..........|10/17/13|12/28/13|01/03/14|01/06/14|01/30/14|02/03/14|03/26/14|04/30/14|04/30/14|Seattle, WA

==========================================================================
USCIS Lincoln, Nebraska Lockbox (Filing under 319b, 328 or 329 of the INA)
==========================================================================
VJName............|Eligible|Sent....|NOA.....|ChkCashd|Biometr.|In Line |Int Ltr.|Intview.|Oath....|FieldOffice
BarkerFamily......|--/--/--|12/09/13|12/21/13|12/13/13|01/02/14|12/26/13|01/23/14|02/03/14|02/03/14|Fairfax, VA

[rtm 0]

I had my interview this morning at Holtsville USCIS center. The office was huge, but parking aplenty. Give 5 minutes for airport-style security. They opened 10 minutes before 7am and I arrived 6:53 for my 7am interview. Handed my interview letter at exactly 7am. I waited 20-25 minutes and I was the 3rd person called in. I had a courteous, friendly gentleman and he obviously reviewed my file already because he asked how was my drive from my town etc. We chatted for a bit while we walked to his office. Before sitting down, he asked me to raise my right hand and swear to tell the truth, in which I said yes. Told me to say "Columbus day is in October", and I wrote down "Columbus day is October 25th". We asked me 6 questions: "Who succeeds if president and VP are incapable?", "What did declaration of independence do?", "How many years are senators elected for?", "Name a branch of the government", "What does the cabinet do?", "How many justices are there?". Then he reviewed my application, asked me to sign a couple of papers including my name-change file. He knew I worked at a nearby hospital and asked if I had work today to which I said yes to. He said that the interview should be over shortly. He reiterated a couple of questions from the application, and he checked everything really quickly. Then he started saying that 1-2 usually fail the exam everyday, once a month someone gets arrested during the interview. I asked for what, and he gave me several examples on why they would arrest someone. I was thinking in my head why is he telling me this?!" haha. He then compiled all the application and put it back in the folder. He saw that I had my IRS paperwork with me and he said that I won't even need it since he already reviewed them all previously. I saw him stamp a big "APPROVED" in front of the application and signed it. He handed me N-652 and checked "You passed the test of English and US history & government", and "A) ___ Congratulations. Your application has been recommended for approval."

He then said that was it, and walked me to the exit. He said to wait for the oath ceremony paper which should come in 3 weeks.

I'm happy to pass the interview and hoping to finish my journey soon!

Also, I made it to my exam at 8am right on time!

Congratulations jcarlo! Good to know the lay of the land at the Holtsville office. Two quick questions. Did he say anything about being able to get an oath ceremony letter the same day? And I am curious what people actually get arrested for?! Thanks!

[jcarlo 2]

Congratulations jcarlo! Good to know the lay of the land at the Holtsville office. Two quick questions. Did he say anything about being able to get an oath ceremony letter the same day? And I am curious what people actually get arrested for?! Thanks!

On the paper handed to me when I finished the interview, there was a portion at the bottom to fill out the time to return to receive oath letter, so I'm assuming there's a way to get it on the same day. The USCIS center is huge, there were several huge auditoriums that I saw on the way in/out that looks like something for oath taking, etc., so it's plausible they hold it there too. I didn't ask the IO about it only because I was in a real hurry to get to school for my other exam!

I actually asked the IO about the arrest thing he told me, he says usually there'll be people who have warrants for their arrests that show up on the background check so they arrest them there; sometimes people are found to be married in other countries; he's seen people have others use their green card to travel abroad and use the ID when they get in trouble with the law overseas.

[nounou11 1]

Hi guys..i receive this text : On May 9, 2014, we placed your application in the oath scheduling que. We will send a notice when the ceremony is scheduled. If you move prior to the scheduled ceremony, please use our Change of Address online tool to update your case with your new address or call our customer service center at 1-800-375-5283.

So guys,how long am i gonna wait for the actual oath letter?

There is an oath ceremony every 21st of every month in los angeles..

I hope i get the one on the 21st of may.. do you guys think its gonna be possible or there is not enough time to squize in ?

[Tiferny 0]

I think u r gonna make the May 21st! : )

[nounou11 1]

I think u r gonna make the May 21st! : )

Thanks Tiferny...I really hope so.. I dont wanna wait 42 days..

[Tiferny 0]

100% May 21st : )

Thanks Tiferny...I really hope so.. I dont wanna wait 42 days..

[mimigrant 0]

Took my Oath today! Crazy to think this journey is over. And crazy to be able to finally say: I'm American!

My last wish here is that Americans (well, us! ) wake up and realize that they should make immigration for qualified professionals easier and more attractive. We are losing all the interesting people to countries like Canada.

Good luck to everyone who is still waiting, it's going to be over soon! This phase was indeed the easiest one. Thanks to all of you at VJ and specially at the December 2013 thread with all your helpful tips!

--

USCIS Dallas/Lewisville, Texas Lockbox

=======================================
VJName............|Eligible|Sent....|NOA.....|ChkCashd|Biometr.|In Line |Int Ltr.|Intview.|Oath....|FieldOffice
DebbyNSeyi........|11/27/13|11/29/13|12/03/13|12/06/13|12/31/13|01/27/14|04/04/14|05/06/14|--/--/--|Holtsville, NY
gringasuramerican.|11/30/13|11/30/13|12/03/13|12/05/13|01/02|14|01/31/14|03/10/14|04/08/14|04/11/14|Miami, FL

Obormot...........|11/28/13|12/02/13|12/06/13|12/10/13|12/30/13|01/27/14|03/10/14|04/15/14|04/23/14|Houston,TX
jcarlo............|12/16/13|12/03/13|12/12/13|12/12/13|01/09/14|01/13/14|04/06/14|05/08/14|--/--/--|Holtsville, NY
nachos............|12/04/13|12/05/13|12/12/13|12/13/13|01/07/14|02/04/14|02/14/14|03/18/14|04/11/14|Pittsburgh, PA
Bookworm99........|--/--/--|12/05/13|--/--/--|12/06/13|01/07/14|--/--/--|--/--/--|--/--/--|--/--/--|Newark, NJ
raza123...........|02/27/07|12/05/13|12/11/13|12/09/13|01/03/14|01/07/14|03/10/14|04/17/14|--/--/--|Houston, TX
Theempara.........|--/--/--|12/06/13|--/--/--|12/13/13|01/06/14|02/10/14|--/--/--|03/17/14|04/08/14|W. Palm Beach, FL
romnick...........|10/26/13|12/06/13|12/09/13|12/11/13|01/07/14|01/07/14|05/08/14|06/09/14|--/--/--|Atlanta, GA
Goldfee111........|12/03/13|12/09/13|12/13/13|12/18/13|01/03/14|02/04/14|03/13/14 04/11/14|04/11/14|Dallas, TX

mikkopel..........|11/04/06|12/11/13|12/16/13|12/20/13|01/20/14|01/23/14|01/31/14|03/04/14|04/04/14|New York, NY
LostinNY07........|10/07/13|12/13/13|12/16/13|12/19/13|12/31/13|01/10/14|--/--/--|--/--/--|--/--/--|New York, NY
mimigrant.........|12/13/13|12/13/13|12/19/13|12/20/13|03/07/14|03/11/14|03/12/14|04/17/14|05/09/14|New York, NY
Paulette7.........|12/19/13|12/19/13|12/30/13|12/25/13|01/08/14|02/19/14|03/31/14|05/06/14|--/--/--|Houston, TX
Paulette7hubbie...|12/19/13|12/19/13|12/30/13|12/25/13|01/15/14|02/19/14|03/31/14|05/06/14|--/--/--|Houston, TX

bostonian.........|08/05/13|12/23/13|01/03/14|01/02/14|01/22/14|01/24/14|04/04/14|05/05/14|--/--/--|Boston, MA
CbpTLS............|12/30/09|12/23/13|12/24/13|12/28/13|01/16/14|01/20/14|03/11/14|04/15/14|--/--/--|Dallas, TX
Trochero..........|01/24/01|12/24/13|01/02/14|12/31/13|01/13/14|01/24/14|02/24/14|03/24/14|--/--/--|Orlando, FL
CbpTLSwife........|12/30/09|12/26/13|12/30/13|01/06/14|01/30/14|02/03/14|03/12/14|04/17/14|--/--/--|Dallas, TX
DM2008............|12/03/13|12/28/13|01/06/14|01/06/14|01/24/14|02/03/14|03/12/14|04/18/14|04/22/14|Dallas, TX

===============================
USCIS Phoenix, Arizona Lockbox
===============================
VJName............|Eligible|Sent....|NOA.....|ChkCashd|Biometr.|In Line |Int Ltr.|Intview.|Oath....|FieldOffice
David.............|--/--/--|12/02/13|12/09/13|12/06/13|12/27/13|12/31/13|--/--/--|--/--/--|--/--/--|Denver, CO
Mary..............|--/--/--|12/02/13|12/10/13|--/--/--|--/--/--|12/30/13|--/--/--|--/--/--|--/--/--|Chicago, IL
kdj5k.............|09/01/13|12/06/13|12/12/13|--/--/--|12/31/13|01/03/14|02/03/14|03/10/14|04/08/14|Phoenix, AZ
Nadiia and Eric...|--/--/--|12/06/13|12/12/13|12/16/13|01/07/14|--/--/--|--/--/--|03/24/14|04/11/14|Kansas City, MO
exsocal...........|07/30/13|12/07/13|12/17/13|12/15/13|01/09/14|01/13/14|02/20/14|03/26/14|04/09/14|Chicago, IL

ShadowYU..........|10/17/13|12/28/13|01/03/14|01/06/14|01/30/14|02/03/14|03/26/14|04/30/14|04/30/14|Seattle, WA

==========================================================================
USCIS Lincoln, Nebraska Lockbox (Filing under 319b, 328 or 329 of the INA)
==========================================================================
VJName............|Eligible|Sent....|NOA.....|ChkCashd|Biometr.|In Line |Int Ltr.|Intview.|Oath....|FieldOffice
BarkerFamily......|--/--/--|12/09/13|12/21/13|12/13/13|01/02/14|12/26/13|01/23/14|02/03/14|02/03/14|Fairfax, VA

Edited May 10, 2014 by mimigrant

[mimigrant 0]

A little review on taking the Oath at 225 Cadman Plaza in Brooklyn, NY.

It was my first time at the Federal Courthouse in Brooklyn, it's located in a beautiful park and it's quite beautiful.

I had an allergy Spring seasonal attack (welcome to the US folks, I only have it here!) and had to scratch my eyes for the whole 3, long, hours. But it was well worth it!

Apparently they have an Oath every day and there were more than a 100 people there today only. First thing is they call people per rows and we hand out our green cards and proceed to sign the Naturalization certificate, which they only give you later. The officers presenting the ceremony before the judge came in were "funny", making jokes all the time to lighten up the room. They brought people to speak about elections (I lost the speech while going to the cafeteria for a coffee but managed to still fill the application to vote and hand it out to them), and also someone who spoke about the Commission of Human Rights in NYC (discrimination laws, etc). The judge finally came in, he had a strong presence and gave a very interesting speech on becoming American, participating in jury duty, etc. Then we handed out our appointment letters and we got our certificates... and it was over. 3 hours total, seemed like forever.

I still don't understand why the government makes the process so difficult, this long journey could have been easier and less annoying... what is all the drama for? Anyway, relieved to have this done and not worry about immigration officers in airports. Also, I hope we get more respect somehow as it's not pleasant to feel like a second class resident. It's great to think I will finally be able to vote and decide the future in the country I live in. I'm excited that I will be able to vote for the first time in the Federal Primaries soon.

Applied for passport today as by law apparently you can't use your foreign passport anymore to leave the States after you become American. Hopefully will get it in 2-3 weeks (versus 4-6) in expedite mode.

Again, good luck to all of you and thanks for all the helpful tips and encouragement!

Edited May 10, 2014 by mimigrant

[jcarlo 2]

Thanks for sharing your experience mimigrant! It was a nice journey to share with you! Cheers!

[mimigrant 0]

Thank you jcarlo, likewise! Congrats on passing the interview and hopefully you'll have your Oath soon

Thanks for sharing your experience mimigrant! It was a nice journey to share with you! Cheers!

[nounou11 1]

Congrats mimigrant !!!! You've been very active on this forum and you deserve everything good that is happening to you... And dont forget, when you get your passport,kiss it and cuddle with it for at least a week,because thats exactly what i will do..it has been a long journey....now you have the ultimate prize and you should be very proud of yourself...As for me,yesterday i've been placed in the oath scheduling que...i dont know when i will receive the actual letter..I hope very soon so i can make the May 21st oath in los angeles.. Enjoy

Edited May 10, 2014 by nounou11

[nounou11 1]

Hi debbynseyi. Any updates??