My N-400 interview experience

[suzukiwookie 1]

I had my interview today at the local USCIS office and it was a very positive experience!

Arrived 30 minutes before scheduled time. Was called by name by an Interview Officer right at the scheduled time. The interview took about 10 minutes. The IO was a very nice guy. They work fast and are in a hurry to get as many people through as possible, but they are very thorough.

Here are some notes from the interview:

- I was asked for passport and green card. No other documents were requested

- Speak and Write test were "Columbus day is in October"

- I got all 6 civics questions right:

1. How many supreme court judges are there?
2. How long do we elect a US Rep for?
3. How long do we elect a Senator for?
4. What did the constitution do?
5. Who is your state governor?
6. If the president and the vice-pres can't serve? Who serves?

At the end of the short interview, the IO said that he recommended me for approval and that I will receive a letter with the oath ceremony date in a week, and that the ceremony will be in less than 2 weeks from today - Nice and fast, like I was hoping!

All in all, a really pleasant experience!

As a side note, I saw three different people come out of the interview rooms crying... I guess they were not approved. Most likely because they did not speak English well enough to answer the Civics questions, or do the read/write test. There was a lady in front of us in the waiting room that did not speak a word of English who was being coached by her daughter on what to do when the IO says, "Raise your right hand". I'm sure the daughter did her N-400 for her. I doubt that she passed the interview today. I'm not sure how people who don't speak a word of English expect to become an American citizen. Furthermore, I don't know how someone can live in America for years and not pick up even basic English? This is an observation, more than a criticism.

[rowanheather 23]

Congrats! Glad it was such a positive experience for you -- it's always nice to hear good news.

[Shub 78]

Glad it went well for you!

As a side note, I saw three different people come out of the interview rooms crying... I guess they were not approved. Most likely because they did not speak English well enough to answer the Civics questions, or do the read/write test. There was a lady in front of us in the waiting room that did not speak a word of English who was being coached by her daughter on what to do when the IO says, "Raise your right hand". I'm sure the daughter did her N-400 for her. I doubt that she passed the interview today. I'm not sure how people who don't speak a word of English expect to become an American citizen. Furthermore, I don't know how someone can live in America for years and not pick up even basic English? This is an observation, more than a criticism.

I had a similar experience when I was waiting for my interview, there was a trio of Latinos sitting in front of me, I speak some Spanish so I know the husband was grilling his wife on civics questions and she was doing fine with the answers, but she was answering in Spanish, too; she didn't look like she would qualify for any of the waivers related to English or civics and her complexion was positively green.

I can relate somewhat though: it's never fun being questioned by USCIS (or worse: CBP!) since they're just shy of having the power of life and death over you..

[suzukiwookie 1]

Glad it went well for you!

I had a similar experience when I was waiting for my interview, there was a trio of Latinos sitting in front of me, I speak some Spanish so I know the husband was grilling his wife on civics questions and she was doing fine with the answers, but she was answering in Spanish, too; she didn't look like she would qualify for any of the waivers related to English or civics and her complexion was positively green.

I can relate somewhat though: it's never fun being questioned by USCIS (or worse: CBP!) since they're just shy of having the power of life and death over you..

What made me feel the worst about the people that failed the interview was the thought that they potentially flushed $680 down the drain. And possibly more if they paid someone else to prepare the forms for them. This application is not cheap!

Anyways, I don't want to focus on the negative. I congratulate all the other people there today that did well on their interview, and I look forward to seeing them at the oath ceremony. The finish line is so close!! I've had a smile on my face all day

[Birdo 16]

Congratulations and thank you for sharing your interview experience!

[obormot 0]

Well, I am one of those children who did the N-400 aplication for their old mothers with limited English. Application sent early December 2013, figngerprints passed December 30, in line for interview from January 27. And I am worried about the outcome of the interview. My mother is 69 now.

However consider the following: she came to USA when she was over 60 already, never studied any foreighn language before in her life, and her native language is very different from English. Also, she came sponsored by me, so she moved in with us (hence, talked her native language, with us and gradndchildren, at home) and did not have to go to work in USA (and anyway, she is not healthy, it would be very hard for her to find any job given her health and her knowledge of English, so we are happy it was not financially nesessary). She is in USA from 2008, and repeatedly tried to study English, on her own, in group, and even with private tutors, but it goes "in and out", she does not retain much. She can explain herself in a shop or so, but she still has dificulties forming proper sentences, just uses spare words.

I personally think that USCIS should relax (or even abolish) language requirements for immigrants who are above retirement age (so will not go to work anyway), and who came to USA late in life (typically sponsored by children, sometimes spouse). It simply amounts for harassing an old person. In other countries I know of, immigration law does not require people over 65 to pass language test fo naturalization. Here one has to wait untill s/he is 15 years on Green Card before being allowed not to pass English test. Majority of people who came to USA late in life would be dead by that time.

[Udella&Wiz 325]

Congratulations Suzukiwookie! Nothing like the relief the citizenship interview brings eh?

I had a similar experience when at my oath ceremony. A gentleman who didn't look very old indicated he couldn't take the oath in English...huh, what? Really?

All I know is my grandparents were both immigrants to Canada in the 1930's. They made it their business to learn English and blend in with the locals in order to obtain jobs and become established in the community. While they spoke German at home, they knew what they needed to do. They didn;t come there expecting to be catered to. I'm not sure how I feel about the rules for seniors being sponsored by family members ...I can see the point that some of teh rules should be more relaxed.

[tadli77 18]

Congratulations, suzukiwookie!!! Your experience was similar to mine here in Kansas City, too. The interviewer was so so nice and even though I was so nervous, she made me feel at ease. I waited about 45 minutes before being called in and while waiting I did notice other people who spoke very few English. One man asked me something in Korean and I told him I am sorry I do not speak his language as I am from the Philippines and not Korea. He pointed at his form and pointed at the door to the interview rooms, and I read his form and it was his appointment letter. I signaled to the clock and gave him the thumbs up, hopefully indicating that he was right on time. I felt really bad because he barely understood anything I was saying in English. It made me sad because he was elderly and he was alone. I had to admire him for being there and wanting to be part of our country. I still think of him, and I hope he made it somehow.

I had my interview today at the local USCIS office and it was a very positive experience!

Arrived 30 minutes before scheduled time. Was called by name by an Interview Officer right at the scheduled time. The interview took about 10 minutes. The IO was a very nice guy. They work fast and are in a hurry to get as many people through as possible, but they are very thorough.

Here are some notes from the interview:

- I was asked for passport and green card. No other documents were requested

- Speak and Write test were "Columbus day is in October"

- I got all 6 civics questions right:

1. How many supreme court judges are there?
2. How long do we elect a US Rep for?
3. How long do we elect a Senator for?
4. What did the constitution do?
5. Who is your state governor?
6. If the president and the vice-pres can't serve? Who serves?

At the end of the short interview, the IO said that he recommended me for approval and that I will receive a letter with the oath ceremony date in a week, and that the ceremony will be in less than 2 weeks from today - Nice and fast, like I was hoping!

All in all, a really pleasant experience!

As a side note, I saw three different people come out of the interview rooms crying... I guess they were not approved. Most likely because they did not speak English well enough to answer the Civics questions, or do the read/write test. There was a lady in front of us in the waiting room that did not speak a word of English who was being coached by her daughter on what to do when the IO says, "Raise your right hand". I'm sure the daughter did her N-400 for her. I doubt that she passed the interview today. I'm not sure how people who don't speak a word of English expect to become an American citizen. Furthermore, I don't know how someone can live in America for years and not pick up even basic English? This is an observation, more than a criticism.

[suzukiwookie 1]

Well, I am one of those children who did the N-400 aplication for their old mothers with limited English. Application sent early December 2013, figngerprints passed December 30, in line for interview from January 27. And I am worried about the outcome of the interview. My mother is 69 now.

However consider the following: she came to USA when she was over 60 already, never studied any foreighn language before in her life, and her native language is very different from English. Also, she came sponsored by me, so she moved in with us (hence, talked her native language, with us and gradndchildren, at home) and did not have to go to work in USA (and anyway, she is not healthy, it would be very hard for her to find any job given her health and her knowledge of English, so we are happy it was not financially nesessary). She is in USA from 2008, and repeatedly tried to study English, on her own, in group, and even with private tutors, but it goes "in and out", she does not retain much. She can explain herself in a shop or so, but she still has dificulties forming proper sentences, just uses spare words.

I personally think that USCIS should relax (or even abolish) language requirements for immigrants who are above retirement age (so will not go to work anyway), and who came to USA late in life (typically sponsored by children, sometimes spouse). It simply amounts for harassing an old person. In other countries I know of, immigration law does not require people over 65 to pass language test fo naturalization. Here one has to wait untill s/he is 15 years on Green Card before being allowed not to pass English test. Majority of people who came to USA late in life would be dead by that time.

I do actually feel bad for someone like your mom. I know that it must be very hard. My parents actually immigrated to Canada when I was a kid, and it was very tough to be immersed in a new culture. But my parents, as hard as it was, learned English and managed to provide a good life for my sister and I. My grandmother is 90, she lives with my uncle and she came from Europe in her 80's, and she has made an effort to learn enough English to be able to converse with Americans. So where there is a will, there is a way.

I still think that if you're going to join American society (or any society), you should actually want to be part of American society. A society is people living together in organized communities with shared laws, traditions, and values. And the glue that brings these things together is language. You can't expect to share laws, understand laws, adopt values or traditions without speaking the language of the group. If you don't speak the language, then you may be living in the vicinity of that society, but you're not really part of that society.

I'm not trying to sound heartless, I know there are a lot of places in this world where human rights do not exist, and people need to escape to a better place, but I think that you owe it to a society that offers to take you in, and provide you with protection, rights and freedoms, to at least learn their language so that you can somewhat contribute to that society.

This is my personal view on it. I hope I don't piss anyone off by saying this. It's not my intention to do so. I just feel very passionate that you owe it to a society to make an effort to belong if they take you in.

[suzukiwookie 1]

Congratulations Suzukiwookie! Nothing like the relief the citizenship interview brings eh?

I had a similar experience when at my oath ceremony. A gentleman who didn't look very old indicated he couldn't take the oath in English...huh, what? Really?

All I know is my grandparents were both immigrants to Canada in the 1930's. They made it their business to learn English and blend in with the locals in order to obtain jobs and become established in the community. While they spoke German at home, they knew what they needed to do. They didn;t come there expecting to be catered to. I'm not sure how I feel about the rules for seniors being sponsored by family members ...I can see the point that some of teh rules should be more relaxed.

Yes, it was quite a relief! But I won't breathe a total sigh until after the oath ceremony.

BTW, it took me three years of living here to stop saying "Eh" at the end of all my sentences! lol

[obormot 0]

...I know there are a lot of places in this world where human rights do not exist, and people need to escape to a better place, but I think that you owe it to a society that offers to take you in, and provide you with protection, rights and freedoms, to at least learn their language so that you can somewhat contribute to that society.

I agree with you that one moving to another country should make a serious effort to learn the language (I moved around a lot, and I learned four, English being the 3-rd of them; how many did you learn, by the way?) to understand the culture, and to adapt to it till reasonable extent, as it is very important part of integrating.

However:

1. "Where is a will there is a way" is just a saying, too often simply used by those who succeeded to put down those who did not. People are different, it would be nice if will would always concur everything.. I saw people in their 90-s with sound mind and perfect memory, and people in their 50-s with declining abilities. I am happy that your gran is more of a former then later. And?

On the other hand, as somebody who had to "immerse in a new culture" several times, I do not think it is very hard for either a kid, or somebody in their prime age. Should I make any inferences about your family, given that you found it very hard?

Moreover, I think that saying "where there is a NEED there is a way" would reflect real life much more accurately. I suspect that in the case of my mum she would speak much better English by now if she would not be protected by our comfortable family situation, but would have to fight for survival (which probably was the case for your family). I do not think I should have artificially exposed my mother to that, do you?

In addition, USA already recognizes that older people as a group have serious limitations. They receive health insurance and pension - those who did not work enough receive socially sponsored pension and health insurance. Why do you think it is? If "when there is will there is a way", then everybody should be able to work until death, and find some private health insurance which would accept them, no? Should we abolish Medicare, Medicaid, and SSI for our elders?

2. Generally, people who change country late in life to join family of their children do not do it to explore a new, more exiting (more free, more reach, whatever..) society. The society itself could be worse that the one they are leaving. They do it to be with their children and grandchildren, to give them love, and to receive care, physical end emotional, as they are getting old and their participation in society declines. Many of parents of my friends would refuse to move to USA as long as they have enough energy to work and/or have active social life.

Yes, once those seniors move, they try to adapt to a new society, but it is always a limited adaptation. Their life is mostly spent among family and in community of expats from their country. In fact, allowing sponsoring of elder parents has mostly the goal of reuniting the families and relieving moral and emotional burden of primary immigrants (sponsors), who are active society members. Those children, who immigrate at prime age, indeed make a big decision to join a new society. Old parents just make decision to join their nuclear family.

Simply put, those old grandparents contribute a lot to their new society simply by providing psychological comfort and piece of mind for their younger family members, who are active participants in their new society - for their children who work, build the country, pay taxes, and for their grandchildren, who are the future of this country.

It definitely would help integration of children and grandchildren, if they would feel that their new country accepts their old family members, without putting too harsh demands on them to become "like romans" in all respects.

In North American cultures ties between adult children and aging parents are less important, so probably it is difficult for you to internalize the motivation and feelings of parts involved.

Note again, that many countries recognize it, and do put much easier demands on old people at time of naturalization.

3. I quoted above the part which disturbed me the most. Nowadays there are many people who do not move from one country to another because they try to escapee to a better place. They move because they are professionals of international standing, and their skills are required in many places. People then simply chose better job conditions (better package), and they could be very aggressively courted my potential employers.

It would not come to your mind that one moving from, say, Pittsburg to Dallas, after more interesting options, is escaping from a place where human rights do not exist to a place which would provide you protection, rights, and freedom, would it?

So I hope you are not locked in a cold war mentality, and could admit that many people do not think in those terms when changing countries either.

USA is not the best society on Earth. It is one of many more or less decent ones, with its positives and negatives.

When one decides to move to another country, and build their life there, one should be ready to accept its norms and to integrate, and growing attachment, involvement, and interest in its future come naturally, if gradually, after this decision. But it has nothing to do with a "refugee" mentality of being "grateful for protection, rights, and freedom".

There is not a small fraction of immigrants who provide more benefit to the society they join then the society provides for them. So probably gratitude should be mutual.

4. I think I will wait until my mother finally gets US citizenship (so that it would become less of a "selfish" issue), and then will try to push my position beyond internet discussions - just to do something useful in terms of participating in building the country..

[suzukiwookie 1]

I agree with you that one moving to another country should make a serious effort to learn the language (I moved around a lot, and I learned four, English being the 3-rd of them; how many did you learn, by the way?) to understand the culture, and to adapt to it till reasonable extent, as it is very important part of integrating.

However:

1. "Where is a will there is a way" is just a saying, too often simply used by those who succeeded to put down those who did not. People are different, it would be nice if will would always concur everything.. I saw people in their 90-s with sound mind and perfect memory, and people in their 50-s with declining abilities. I am happy that your gran is more of a former then later. And?

On the other hand, as somebody who had to "immerse in a new culture" several times, I do not think it is very hard for either a kid, or somebody in their prime age. Should I make any inferences about your family, given that you found it very hard?

Moreover, I think that saying "where there is a NEED there is a way" would reflect real life much more accurately. I suspect that in the case of my mum she would speak much better English by now if she would not be protected by our comfortable family situation, but would have to fight for survival (which probably was the case for your family). I do not think I should have artificially exposed my mother to that, do you?

In addition, USA already recognizes that older people as a group have serious limitations. They receive health insurance and pension - those who did not work enough receive socially sponsored pension and health insurance. Why do you think it is? If "when there is will there is a way", then everybody should be able to work until death, and find some private health insurance which would accept them, no? Should we abolish Medicare, Medicaid, and SSI for our elders?

2. Generally, people who change country late in life to join family of their children do not do it to explore a new, more exiting (more free, more reach, whatever..) society. The society itself could be worse that the one they are leaving. They do it to be with their children and grandchildren, to give them love, and to receive care, physical end emotional, as they are getting old and their participation in society declines. Many of parents of my friends would refuse to move to USA as long as they have enough energy to work and/or have active social life.

Yes, once those seniors move, they try to adapt to a new society, but it is always a limited adaptation. Their life is mostly spent among family and in community of expats from their country. In fact, allowing sponsoring of elder parents has mostly the goal of reuniting the families and relieving moral and emotional burden of primary immigrants (sponsors), who are active society members. Those children, who immigrate at prime age, indeed make a big decision to join a new society. Old parents just make decision to join their nuclear family.

Simply put, those old grandparents contribute a lot to their new society simply by providing psychological comfort and piece of mind for their younger family members, who are active participants in their new society - for their children who work, build the country, pay taxes, and for their grandchildren, who are the future of this country.

It definitely would help integration of children and grandchildren, if they would feel that their new country accepts their old family members, without putting too harsh demands on them to become "like romans" in all respects.

In North American cultures ties between adult children and aging parents are less important, so probably it is difficult for you to internalize the motivation and feelings of parts involved.

Note again, that many countries recognize it, and do put much easier demands on old people at time of naturalization.

3. I quoted above the part which disturbed me the most. Nowadays there are many people who do not move from one country to another because they try to escapee to a better place. They move because they are professionals of international standing, and their skills are required in many places. People then simply chose better job conditions (better package), and they could be very aggressively courted my potential employers.

It would not come to your mind that one moving from, say, Pittsburg to Dallas, after more interesting options, is escaping from a place where human rights do not exist to a place which would provide you protection, rights, and freedom, would it?

So I hope you are not locked in a cold war mentality, and could admit that many people do not think in those terms when changing countries either.

USA is not the best society on Earth. It is one of many more or less decent ones, with its positives and negatives.

When one decides to move to another country, and build their life there, one should be ready to accept its norms and to integrate, and growing attachment, involvement, and interest in its future come naturally, if gradually, after this decision. But it has nothing to do with a "refugee" mentality of being "grateful for protection, rights, and freedom".

There is not a small fraction of immigrants who provide more benefit to the society they join then the society provides for them. So probably gratitude should be mutual.

4. I think I will wait until my mother finally gets US citizenship (so that it would become less of a "selfish" issue), and then will try to push my position beyond internet discussions - just to do something useful in terms of participating in building the country..

I wish you and your family all the best. Good luck to you. VisaJourney is a great resource. I couldn't have made it here without them.