n-400 N-400 September 2019 Filers

[supremecomplex 8]

September 2019 filer here! 

 

My original interview was scheduled the day ALL THE OFFICES CLOSED on March 31st, 2020 because of COVID. So you can only imagine my surprise come earlier this month to find out that it was rescheduled for last week! Here's a quick review on my interview + oath process:

 

My interview was at the USCIS building here in Portland, OR last week. I came about 10 minutes before my interview, and there were already 5 other people who looked like they were also getting their naturalization waiting upstairs in the waiting room (it's very spaced and blocked off). Name was called, and I was taken to the Immigration officer's office. I got sworn in, and gave my ID's. I brought ALL the documentation that they asked for on the application form PLUS my actual application form printed: 

- passport, green card, husband's passport + birth certificate 

- our child's birth certificate, my birth certificate, our marriage certificate

- summary of the last three years of our bank + cc statements we share 

- insurance / wills / beneficiary forms / mortgage + home statements and titles

- copies of everything 

 

Luckily, I didn't have to bring ANY of that out. Officer then started off with the Civics/history test first: 

1) What is the supreme law of the land? (The Constitution) 

2) When is Independence Day? (July 4) 

3) How many amendments does the Constitution have? (27) 

4) What is one of the two longest rivers in the US? (Mississippi River) 

5) Why did the colonists fight the British? (High taxes) 

6) Name one right of American citizens. (Vote in a federal election)

 

Then I had to read a sentence off the tablet (I totally forgot what it said), and then write a sentence (California has the most people). After that, we went into my application. I had a few changes, and the officer was able to update it. Once that was done, the officer let me look through it again on the tablet, I signed, and then said I was approved! I signed the tablet again, then was given back my ID's minus my green card, and then was given two envelopes - one had a "Congratulations, you're a US Citizen" paperwork inside, and another one had a holder for my certificate. After that, I read the oath with the officer, signed another document (officer said that since we were doing same day oath swearing in, that it would basically be the document that says that I "attended" my ceremony), and that was it! Officer told me to wait in the waiting room for 5-10 minutes as they would sent the certificate the printer upstairs, and someone would come down and look for me (since my photo would be on the certificate). 

 

Officer walked me out, and I probably waited for 5 minutes in the waiting room before someone did come down, call out my name, verified my name / birthdate / information on the certificate, and let me know to sign the certificate in black ink. Did that right away, and that was it! From start to finish, it was probably... 30-35 minutes? SUPER QUICK and BEST DAY EVER. I was and am super thankful to be done and finished with USCIS! 

 

To those waiting for an interview: don't worry! It'll happen and come. Don't forget to check MyUSCIS - I didn't even check mine, I only found out that I was getting an interview because I have access to my scanned mail through USPS and saw something coming from USCIS. If I didn't see that, I would've never known! And GOOD LUCK! Don't be nervous - this is just the last step before becoming a citizen! 

 

To those who received their citizenship: congratulations! I now know how it feels and honestly - what a relief. I'm super thankful and happy - now all I have to do is head to the DMV, register to vote, get my passport, and change my SSN whenever the offices decide to open here in Oregon! 

Edited July 27, 2020 by supremecomplex

[supremecomplex 8]

On 7/24/2020 at 1:56 PM, TreasureHunt said:

Passport is through department of state, not USCIS. I did apply yesterday, but there seems to be a very long queue right now. 4 months according to the acceptance officer.

Hi! It's looks like you're from Portland, OR too - where did you end up going to apply for a passport?  How was the wait time?

[TreasureHunt 7]

48 minutes ago, supremecomplex said:

Hi! It's looks like you're from Portland, OR too - where did you end up going to apply for a passport?  How was the wait time?

Beaverton city hall (finance department or something). You have to call ahead and schedule with them. I was able to get an appointment the following day. The guy said it’s 4 months wait for passport. I’m just crossing my fingers now. 

[supremecomplex 8]

Just now, TreasureHunt said:

Beaverton city hall (finance department or something). You have to call ahead and schedule with them. I was able to get an appointment the following day. The guy said it’s 4 months wait for passport. I’m just crossing my fingers now. 

Thank you! I live close by there, so I'll schedule an appointment with them. Hopefully it won't be that long of a wait! Did you give your naturalization certificate, etc? Do they mail out the application or do you just give them all the paperwork, etc?

[Leo Marti 33]

59 minutes ago, supremecomplex said:

September 2019 filer here! 

 

My original interview was scheduled the day ALL THE OFFICES CLOSED on March 31st, 2020 because of COVID. So you can only imagine my surprise come earlier this month to find out that it was rescheduled for last week! Here's a quick review on my interview + oath process:

 

My interview was at the USCIS building here in Portland, OR last week. I came about 10 minutes before my interview, and there were already 5 other people who looked like they were also getting their naturalization waiting upstairs in the waiting room (it's very spaced and blocked off). Name was called, and I was taken to the Immigration officer's office. I got sworn in, and gave my ID's. I brought ALL the documentation that they asked for on the application form PLUS my actual application form printed: 

- passport, green card, husband's passport + birth certificate 

- our child's birth certificate, my birth certificate, our marriage certificate

- summary of the last three years of our bank + cc statements we share 

- insurance / wills / beneficiary forms / mortgage + home statements and titles

- copies of everything 

 

Luckily, I didn't have to bring ANY of that out. Officer then started off with the Civics/history test first: 

1) What is the supreme law of the land? (The Constitution) 

2) When is Independence Day? (July 4) 

3) How many amendments does the Constitution have? (27) 

4) What is one of the two longest rivers in the US? (Mississippi River) 

5) Why did the colonists fight the British? (High taxes) 

6) Name one right of American citizens. (Vote in a federal election)

 

Then I had to read a sentence off the tablet (I totally forgot what it said), and then write a sentence (California has the most people). After that, we went into my application. I had a few changes, and the officer was able to update it. Once that was done, the officer let me look through it again on the tablet, I signed, and then said I was approved! I signed the tablet again, then was given back my ID's minus my green card, and then was given two envelopes - one had a "Congratulations, you're a US Citizen" paperwork inside, and another one had a holder for my certificate. After that, I read the oath with the officer, signed another document (officer said that since we were doing same day oath swearing in, that it would basically be the document that says that I "attended" my ceremony), and that was it! Officer told me to wait in the waiting room for 5-10 minutes as they would sent the certificate the printer upstairs, and someone would come down and look for me (since my photo would be on the certificate). 

 

Officer walked me out, and I probably waited for 5 minutes in the waiting room before someone did come down, call out my name, verified my name / birthdate / information on the certificate, and let me know to sign the certificate in black ink. Did that right away, and that was it! From start to finish, it was probably... 30-35 minutes? SUPER QUICK and BEST DAY EVER. I was and am super thankful to be done and finished with USCIS! 

 

To those waiting for an interview: don't worry! It'll happen and come. Don't forget to check MyUSCIS - I didn't even check mine, I only found out that I was getting an interview because I have access to my scanned mail through USPS and saw something coming from USCIS. If I didn't see that, I would've never known! And GOOD LUCK! Don't be nervous - this is just the last step before becoming a citizen! 

 

To those who received their citizenship: congratulations! I now know how it feels and honestly - what a relief. I'm super thankful and happy - now all I have to do is head to the DMV, register to vote, get my passport, and change my SSN whenever the offices decide to open here in Oregon! 

Congratulations!!, and thanks for sharing your experience. 

[TreasureHunt 7]

41 minutes ago, supremecomplex said:

Thank you! I live close by there, so I'll schedule an appointment with them. Hopefully it won't be that long of a wait! Did you give your naturalization certificate, etc? Do they mail out the application or do you just give them all the paperwork, etc?

I went online to state department website. They have DS-11 form filler, so it’ll all get printed out nicely. The requirements are naturalization certificate original and a copy, one form of ID (driver’s license) and photos (costco does it well and cheap). Also, bring your check book, you’ll write two checks, one to department of state and the other to city of Beaverton. 
 

The guy there will take your form and all the documents, fill up the “official section”, make you swear to tell the truth, and have you sign the form. He’s going to collect everything, and mail it for you. Basically you dont even know the tracking number of the envelope going to DoS.

[supremecomplex 8]

1 hour ago, TreasureHunt said:

I went online to state department website. They have DS-11 form filler, so it’ll all get printed out nicely. The requirements are naturalization certificate original and a copy, one form of ID (driver’s license) and photos (costco does it well and cheap). Also, bring your check book, you’ll write two checks, one to department of state and the other to city of Beaverton. 
 

The guy there will take your form and all the documents, fill up the “official section”, make you swear to tell the truth, and have you sign the form. He’s going to collect everything, and mail it for you. Basically you dont even know the tracking number of the envelope going to DoS.

 

Thank you for all this information! Isn't it crazy that we'll be giving them our naturalization certificate ORIGINAL - the only one we have - and they don't give us a tracking number!? Hopefully you'll be able to get your passport quickly - please let us know when you get it! I'll most likely be going there in the next week or so! 

[Roms 17]

I am VERY happy to tell you guys that I am having my interview on August 10, 2020 in West Palm Beach field office. My original interview date was April 13, 2020 in D.C. office but we moved to Florida in March so I am happy that I didn't lose a lot of time with this changing of field office.

[lesly87 27]

4 minutes ago, Roms said:

I am VERY happy to tell you guys that I am having my interview on August 10, 2020 in West Palm Beach field office. My original interview date was April 13, 2020 in D.C. office but we moved to Florida in March so I am happy that I didn't lose a lot of time with this changing of field office.

Whoa congrats! I know a lot of people from Florida office are waiting to hear eagerly on their rescheduled interview dates so you certainly give them hope. 🙏

[Leo Marti 33]

33 minutes ago, Roms said:

I am VERY happy to tell you guys that I am having my interview on August 10, 2020 in West Palm Beach field office. My original interview date was April 13, 2020 in D.C. office but we moved to Florida in March so I am happy that I didn't lose a lot of time with this changing of field office.

Congratulations!, it's only 4 days after mine, that is great!, hope everything goes out fine. 

[Roms 17]

29 minutes ago, Leo Marti said:

Congratulations!, it's only 4 days after mine, that is great!, hope everything goes out fine. 

Thank you!! Good luck to us! yours is next week already. I am busy memorizing now hehe 😄

[Amadia 711]

7 hours ago, Roms said:

I am VERY happy to tell you guys that I am having my interview on August 10, 2020 in West Palm Beach field office. My original interview date was April 13, 2020 in D.C. office but we moved to Florida in March so I am happy that I didn't lose a lot of time with this changing of field office.

That's great news!!!! Please keep us updated on how it goes for you 😁🤞

[MandG 15]

My wife got the reschedule letter!   The new date is August 17th out of the Santa Ana office!   It just appeared in the documents tab.  I was so excited to see it, I scared my wife. 😂  The appointment was originally for March 24th.

 

 

Edited July 29, 2020 by MandG

[Goldfish123 38]

Done with interview today, Washing DC Office. 

Passed the test. In line for oath ceremony (name change)

[Leo Marti 33]

17 minutes ago, Goldfish123 said:

Done with interview today, Washing DC Office. 

Passed the test. In line for oath ceremony (name change)

Congratulations!!,  Can you please share your experience with us?, how long did the interview take, how many questions were you asked?, I'm so nervous because my interview is next week.