Chicago N400 filers

[sw88 25]

59 minutes ago, flash9153 said:

No, nothing changed. It just went from interview was scheduled to scheduled your oath ceremony. No other notifications during those 17 days of waiting. 

okay, thank you. 

[sw88 25]

Did anyone also experience the same??
At the end of my n400 interview, I was asked to 'sign' a printed page that had only the last 6 questions of n400 form in which we say 'yes', although the IO asked them already. The IO called the second IO to witness my signature, and also signed as a witness. 
 

[DonaDony 3]

Hi guys, I'm just wondering if it is allowed to bring your phone to the interview? I know it is different from office to another, but not sure about Chicago office? any idea?

[kdg 24]

9 minutes ago, DonaDony said:

Hi guys, I'm just wondering if it is allowed to bring your phone to the interview? I know it is different from office to another, but not sure about Chicago office? any idea?

I took my phone in. Switched on silent of course but there is no security to take it away, other than going through security when you first enter the building. 

[DonaDony 3]

Just now, kdg said:

I took my phone in. Switched on silent of course but there is no security to take it away, other than going through security when you first enter the building. 

Thank you for the info!!

[flash9153 28]

Yes, agreed. Phones are totally fine.

[Lu_So 32]

I just found this forum, "N-400 Chicago Filers" and let me share my interview experience since I'm a Chicago filer. My interview was on October, 24. Things didn't start good, and it was my fault. I arrived 20 minutes after my scheduled appointment. When my IO called me, which is apparent that she had tried before, she was not happy at all. I decided, at that time not to request to be joined by my wife and newborn because I did want to subject them to any tension. While walking to her office, she asked why I was late and firstly, I apologized and explained . She is one of the most consummate professionals I have encountered. She didn't waste no time, advised me of every step she was about to take. We went through the civic test, and here are the questions she asked; What is the national anthem called?, What took place on September, 11, 2001?, What ocean is on the west coast of USA?, Which war did Dwight Eisenhower fight on?, Who does a US Senator represent? We went through sentence reading and writing. She went through everything that I filled in my N-400 application; and verified, I mean, name, birth date, address, work, international visits to those YES or NO questions. When she finished, she asked for additional updated information since my last interview, which was in July, for I-751. I submitted my current (2017) taxes, recent auto insurance, life policy I took last year which we never requested in my last interview. She asked for updated bank statements, and unfortunately I didn't bring. My other mistake was to bring the original taxes without making copies. She advised me that she couldn't make a decision about my case until she receives copies of my taxes, bank statements, and I was given a month to mail or a possibility of my case being dismissed. I requested to submit them within an hour and she liked the idea. That's the first time I sensed her warm nature, because we went through the interview so fast after my late arrival and she was just all professional.  She told me to submit those documents with the receptionist. We left and I asked the security guard for the nearest printing business, and  was directed to UPS which was not far. I made copies and accessed my banks online and made copies of current statements. My online case status was already showing that RFE (needed more information). 

We need more information from you

View your letter on your documents tab for more information. You must respond with your document(s) on or before the date in your letter or your application may be denied.

I submitted those documents and was given a receipt by the receptionist. When I got home, my USCIS App notified me that:

Oath Ceremony Will Be Scheduled

We placed you in line for your oath ceremony and will send you a notice for Receipt Number IOEXXXXXXXXXX, with the date, time, and location of your oath ceremony. You should receive your notice within 30 days of its mailing date. 

 

  What a surprise and joy because I was beating myself for everything that led to a delay in deciding my case. My story is a combination of PATIENCE, WHAT NOT TO DO, DETERMINATION TO MAKE UP FOR MISTAKES and RESILIENCE UNDER THE STORM. I want to take this opportunity to thank those contributing members of this community, because you have given me so much SUPPORT, HOPE and KNOWLEDGE, though your own stories and advice. I also want to extend APPRECIATION and THANKS for those professional IOs who have made this journey worth every step, especially in our anguish because of protracted delays in adjudication. It has been a long road, 2 years and 2 months, for I-751 and 7 months for N-400. I hope my story will help those facing similar challenges to keep your head because there is hope and this road will come to an end. This is my current online status:

We approved your application

Your final step to becoming a citizen is to attend your naturalization ceremony

We will mail you a letter when we schedule your naturalization ceremony.

 

This journey is finally over!

[ssmhty 14]

23 hours ago, Lu & Soso said:

I just found this forum, "N-400 Chicago Filers" and let me share my interview experience since I'm a Chicago filer. My interview was on October, 24. Things didn't start good, and it was my fault. I arrived 20 minutes after my scheduled appointment. When my IO called me, which is apparent that she had tried before, she was not happy at all. I decided, at that time not to request to be joined by my wife and newborn because I did want to subject them to any tension. While walking to her office, she asked why I was late and firstly, I apologized and explained . She is one of the most consummate professionals I have encountered. She didn't waste no time, advised me of every step she was about to take. We went through the civic test, and here are the questions she asked; What is the national anthem called?, What took place on September, 11, 2001?, What ocean is on the west coast of USA?, Which war did Dwight Eisenhower fight on?, Who does a US Senator represent? We went through sentence reading and writing. She went through everything that I filled in my N-400 application; and verified, I mean, name, birth date, address, work, international visits to those YES or NO questions. When she finished, she asked for additional updated information since my last interview, which was in July, for I-751. I submitted my current (2017) taxes, recent auto insurance, life policy I took last year which we never requested in my last interview. She asked for updated bank statements, and unfortunately I didn't bring. My other mistake was to bring the original taxes without making copies. She advised me that she couldn't make a decision about my case until she receives copies of my taxes, bank statements, and I was given a month to mail or a possibility of my case being dismissed. I requested to submit them within an hour and she liked the idea. That's the first time I sensed her warm nature, because we went through the interview so fast after my late arrival and she was just all professional.  She told me to submit those documents with the receptionist. We left and I asked the security guard for the nearest printing business, and  was directed to UPS which was not far. I made copies and accessed my banks online and made copies of current statements. My online case status was already showing that RFE (needed more information). 

We need more information from you

View your letter on your documents tab for more information. You must respond with your document(s) on or before the date in your letter or your application may be denied.

I submitted those documents and was given a receipt by the receptionist. When I got home, my USCIS App notified me that:

Oath Ceremony Will Be Scheduled

We placed you in line for your oath ceremony and will send you a notice for Receipt Number IOEXXXXXXXXXX, with the date, time, and location of your oath ceremony. You should receive your notice within 30 days of its mailing date. 

 

  What a surprise and joy because I was beating myself for everything that led to a delay in deciding my case. My story is a combination of PATIENCE, WHAT NOT TO DO, DETERMINATION TO MAKE UP FOR MISTAKES and RESILIENCE UNDER THE STORM. I want to take this opportunity to thank those contributing members of this community, because you have given me so much SUPPORT, HOPE and KNOWLEDGE, though your own stories and advice. I also want to extend APPRECIATION and THANKS for those professional IOs who have made this journey worth every step, especially in our anguish because of protracted delays in adjudication. It has been a long road, 2 years and 2 months, for I-751 and 7 months for N-400. I hope my story will help those facing similar challenges to keep your head because there is hope and this road will come to an end. This is my current online status:

We approved your application

Your final step to becoming a citizen is to attend your naturalization ceremony

We will mail you a letter when we schedule your naturalization ceremony.

 

This journey is finally over!

Wow, what a journey! Congratulations!

[Lu_So 32]

7 hours ago, ssmhty said:

Wow, what a journey! Congratulations!

Thanks @ssmhty, this has definitely been quite a protracted ride. The lesson has been about patience, endurance, and believing in the process. I cannot imagine the load of immigration application this country, when it is the most sought after country by immigrants like us. It is, however, challenging when in the process, but thank God it's almost over. The countdown is now to the Oath Ceremony, and I can't wait to get scheduled and close this chapter of my life.

[qiaoxiaopang 2]

On 10/18/2018 at 2:09 PM, himanshu.7710 said:

Online

Finally, the interview has been scheduled 12/4/18 in the morning. 😄

Hopefully the Oath ceremony comes same day or within a few weeks!

 

Judging by the way you filed and date USCIS received your application, Online filing is the way to go as it's faster.

My spouse's filing date and your's are pretty much days apart. Biometrics was also days apart and my wife's Interview is 12/4/18.

 

I've already received FAX copies of W2 transcripts for the last 3 years. It's better to get faxed copies instead of paper copies because mail can take a few days. I'd suggest anyone who needs copies to sign up for Efax and you can received fax copies via your online fax number instantly once you are ready to call the IRS.

Got copies and originals for marriage certificates and birth certificates.

- Need to make copies of the green card and drivers license I.D. 

- Need to get copies of bank statements in case*****

- Wifey needs to study a little bit more for Civics test. Spoken English won't be a problem as she speaks well. Hopefully they don't throw too many curveballs at her for the Civics test.

 

[Jane D 24]

5 hours ago, qiaoxiaopang said:

Finally, the interview has been scheduled 12/4/18 in the morning. 😄

Hopefully the Oath ceremony comes same day or within a few weeks!

 

Judging by the way you filed and date USCIS received your application, Online filing is the way to go as it's faster.

My spouse's filing date and your's are pretty much days apart. Biometrics was also days apart and my wife's Interview is 12/4/18.

 

I've already received FAX copies of W2 transcripts for the last 3 years. It's better to get faxed copies instead of paper copies because mail can take a few days. I'd suggest anyone who needs copies to sign up for Efax and you can received fax copies via your online fax number instantly once you are ready to call the IRS.

Got copies and originals for marriage certificates and birth certificates.

- Need to make copies of the green card and drivers license I.D. 

- Need to get copies of bank statements in case*****

- Wifey needs to study a little bit more for Civics test. Spoken English won't be a problem as she speaks well. Hopefully they don't throw too many curveballs at her for the Civics test.

 

They scheduled my N400 interview today too! But I don't know the date yet. I filed for I-751 in May 2017 and for N400 in May 2018, online.

Edited October 31, 2018 by Jane D

[Lu_So 32]

5 hours ago, qiaoxiaopang said:

Finally, the interview has been scheduled 12/4/18 in the morning. 😄

Hopefully the Oath ceremony comes same day or within a few weeks!

 

Judging by the way you filed and date USCIS received your application, Online filing is the way to go as it's faster.

My spouse's filing date and your's are pretty much days apart. Biometrics was also days apart and my wife's Interview is 12/4/18.

 

I've already received FAX copies of W2 transcripts for the last 3 years. It's better to get faxed copies instead of paper copies because mail can take a few days. I'd suggest anyone who needs copies to sign up for Efax and you can received fax copies via your online fax number instantly once you are ready to call the IRS.

Got copies and originals for marriage certificates and birth certificates.

- Need to make copies of the green card and drivers license I.D. 

- Need to get copies of bank statements in case*****

- Wifey needs to study a little bit more for Civics test. Spoken English won't be a problem as she speaks well. Hopefully they don't throw too many curveballs at her for the Civics test.

 

Congratulations, @qiaoxiaopang for your scheduled interview! This process is hard to endure sometimes, but keep doing your part and make a followup to every request asked and inquiry you have. Don't stop believing, because all shall come to an end. 

[Lu_So 32]

40 minutes ago, Jane D said:

They scheduled my N400 interview today too! But I don't know the date yet. I filed for I-751 in May 2017 and for N400 in May 2018, online.

Congratulations, @Jane D! I am very happy for you. This is the beginning  of the end. It has taken you about a year and half when it took me two years and two months, so you're doing pretty good under the circumstances. Your N-400 interview should be coming up in December. This is  probably gonna be over sooner than later. 

[Lu_So 32]

Yesterday, I received an alert from my USCIS App that my status has changed. After many months of worrying and wondering, these past two weeks have moved me from finally getting my I-751 approved, receiving my Green Card, N-400 Interview,  getting Approved and now receiving a notification that 

Oath Ceremony Notice Was Mailed

We scheduled your oath ceremony for Receipt Number IOEXXXXXXXXXX. We sent a notice with the date, time, and location of your oath ceremony to the address you gave us. Please follow the instructions in the notice.

 

This has been an incredible fortnight, and to all those who agitate at this process, I hope my story can make you believe that it can also rain in the desert. I believe that in spite of this protracted and sometimes hard-to-apprehend process, there is hope for all of us who are true to our immigration pursuits. I know that it might  seem easy to say, "hang in there, it's going to be resolved in due course", because I am an Oath Letter away, but hang in there that's what I have been doing the past 2 years and 2 months. Nothing is special about my status, but my time just came now and yours will, soon.

Edited October 31, 2018 by Lu & Soso

[Lu_So 32]

Yesterday, I received an alert from my USCIS App that my status has changed. After many months of worrying and wondering, these past two weeks have moved me from finally getting my I-751 approved, receiving my Green Card, N-400 Interview,  getting Approved and now receiving a notification that 

Oath Ceremony Notice Was Mailed

We scheduled your oath ceremony for Receipt Number IOEXXXXXXXXXX. We sent a notice with the date, time, and location of your oath ceremony to the address you gave us. Please follow the instructions in the notice.

 

This has been an incredible fortnight, and to all those who agitate at this process, I hope my story can make you believe that it can also rain in the desert. I believe that in spite of this protracted and sometimes hard-to-apprehend process, there is hope for all of us who are true to our immigration pursuits. I know that it might  seem easy to say, "hang in there, it's going to be resolved in due course", because I am an Oath Letter away, but hang in there that's what I have been doing the past 2 years and 2 months. Nothing is special about my status, but my time just came now and yours will, soon.