Interview Experience

[Alonso Ramirez 32]

Hello everyone,

 

After 20 years in this country I became a US Citizen today. I wanted to share my interview experience with everyone. I interviewed at the San Bernardino, CA office.

 

Walked in, went through security and provided the front desk lady the first page of the interview notice I received. I was about 10 minutes early. I was called by an officer right on time. I went into his office and he asked for my ID and green card, then immediately made me swear in. He introduced himself and went straight to the civics questions. I hadn’t even finished sitting down before he started asking the questions. Answered all six correctly in about 45 seconds. He didn’t go through my application beyond asking me briefly about a traffic ticket in 2008 and asked if I had fines (ticket was dismissed). Then he asked me about the trip I made to Europe in 2015 and how I liked it. Then he asked the “yes and no” questions, which was about 60 seconds. Then he printed out a paper saying Congratulations! and that I had been recommended for approval. He ushered me out of the floor and asked me to take that form and my green card to the first floor where I’d do the oath and receive my certificate. The entire interview took approximately 7 minutes. 
 

Downstairs I went straight to the table where the lady was located with a lap top and gave me a document to put my address and sign. I went to a table on the side, filled out the paperwork and went back to her. Then she gave me a packet with the passport info and asked me to sit and wait. Five other people walked in and did the same as me. Then about 5 minutes later she asked all six of us to stand, we did the oath, and got our certificates. Then I left. 
 

The entire thing from the moment I entered took about 20 to 25 minutes. The entire citizenship process took approximately 12.5 months. 
 

Hope everyone’s process is as smooth as mine. After 8 years of using Visa Journey to fill out my green card paperwork, removal of conditions, and citizenship, I can’t believe this will be my last topic and now I’m finally done. 
 

Thanks for all the help everyone provided over the years. You have all been fantastic! 

[wololo 28]

I'm confused here, you did your interview and oath on the same day or these are separate events on different days? I thought the oath ceremony was supposed to happen after your interview (like days/weeks after).

[Alonso Ramirez 32]

1 hour ago, wololo said:

I'm confused here, you did your interview and oath on the same day or these are separate events on different days? I thought the oath ceremony was supposed to happen after your interview (like days/weeks after).

Now a lot of USCIS offices are doing on the spot swearing in ceremonies instead of larger events due to covid. 

[CMFries 0]

1 hour ago, Alonso Ramirez said:

Now a lot of USCIS offices are doing on the spot swearing in ceremonies instead of larger events due to covid. 

Good to know. Were you informed about this in advance? I have an interview appointment letter but it doesn't mention the oath ceremony.

[SusieQQQ 11,586]

15 minutes ago, CMFries said:

Good to know. Were you informed about this in advance? I have an interview appointment letter but it doesn't mention the oath ceremony.

My husband had same day oath offered, nothing was in his interview letter (San Francisco). I guess they can't state that in case you aren't approved on the spot? 

[Alonso Ramirez 32]

25 minutes ago, CMFries said:

Good to know. Were you informed about this in advance? I have an interview appointment letter but it doesn't mention the oath ceremony.

As the other person stated, I was not told anything before the interview, but I knew it was a possibility as I read here that some people received that.