N400 Interview Experience - Baltimore

[yuna628 9,676]

My husband had his Naturalization interview last week. Ironically the day after Kevin McCarthy got tossed out of speakership, so we wondered how that question could be answered correctly if it came up. It was quite a long trip for us, as we were on vacation in another state and I wasn't sure if I would be allowed in with him so he went in by himself. He arrived 20 minutes before his appointment. It wasn't too busy. There was TSA style security first, and then waiting for his appointment was about 45 minutes. You are given a number which is supposed to show up on the screen. His number took about 20 minutes to appear on the screen, so if your number doesn't appear immediately don't worry.

 

His interview was about 10 minutes in length. The officer was very polite and no-nonsense. He asked for his NOA and asked for his US ID and his green card. My husband was very nervous and accidently handed him his UK driving license instead of his US one without realizing it. The officer was confused by this, but eventually that got cleared up, and had a laugh. He asked to confirm personal details and a few of the N400 questions. 

 

Keep in mind we had been initially nervous about tax questions, since we were unable to obtain every single tax transcript from the IRS (the IRS won't give them to you after a certain date), but were able to give them tax forms. But the officer did not want to see any of it. So I'd say as long as you have some sort of a combination of transcripts and forms this is not really an issue.

 

He asked the six questions:

1) What is the economic system in the United States?
2) In what month do we vote for President?
3) What is the name of the Vice President?
4) Who is the Commander in Chief of the military?
5) What is one responsibility that is only for US citizens?
6) Who was President during the Great Depression and WW II? (hilariously the question that would trip him up the most)

 

The reading was: When is Columbus Day?
The writing was: Columbus Day is in October.

 

He was informed that he had passed the test and that he needed to confirm the information that was going to be on his naturalization certificate. After showing him the Oath, my husband requested a modified oath, which was granted. He was then informed that he would be notified by mail that his oath ceremony would be scheduled. Later in the day the website updated to reflect his Oath ceremony would be scheduled, and the next morning his Oath appointment letter was uploaded. The ceremony is next week. All in all this has been a shockingly fast and easy process. Afterwards, since we were all dressed up we went on a nice date in the city before making the long trek back to our hotel. I hope this review helps others as to what to expect for Baltimore. It's a nice big facility that is not in the best area these days unfortunately. All in all the end of the journey has been the most simple experience. Thank you to all the guys and gals on VJ that has helped us through this whole process over many years.

[OldUser 6,639]

Hi @yuna628

Thank you for such detailed description of your husband's experience with N-400.

 

I have a question on modified oath (if it's OK with you). What was the basis for modification and did you have to provide evidence? Thank you

[yuna628 9,676]

4 minutes ago, OldUser said:

Hi @yuna628

Thank you for such detailed description of your husband's experience with N-400.

 

I have a question on modified oath (if it's OK with you). What was the basis for modification and did you have to provide evidence? Thank you

As an atheist my husband wanted to omit the "so help me god" part of the oath. The officer only wanted to know what religion or non religion my husband was and his reasoning. No evidence or documentation requested. He said my husband simply could omit that part during the ceremony.

[OldUser 6,639]

Just now, yuna628 said:

As an atheist my husband wanted to omit the "so help me god" part of the oath. The officer only wanted to know what religion or non religion my husband was and his reasoning. No evidence or documentation requested. He said my husband simply could omit that part during the ceremony.

Thank you

[Chancy 6,241]

*** Moved from US Citizenship General Discussion to Progress Reports ***

 

23 hours ago, yuna628 said:

He was informed that he had passed the test

 

Congratulations and thanks for sharing!

 

[EMBELL_17 102]

On 10/9/2023 at 1:22 PM, yuna628 said:

My husband had his Naturalization interview last week. Ironically the day after Kevin McCarthy got tossed out of speakership, so we wondered how that question could be answered correctly if it came up. It was quite a long trip for us, as we were on vacation in another state and I wasn't sure if I would be allowed in with him so he went in by himself. He arrived 20 minutes before his appointment. It wasn't too busy. There was TSA style security first, and then waiting for his appointment was about 45 minutes. You are given a number which is supposed to show up on the screen. His number took about 20 minutes to appear on the screen, so if your number doesn't appear immediately don't worry.

 

His interview was about 10 minutes in length. The officer was very polite and no-nonsense. He asked for his NOA and asked for his US ID and his green card. My husband was very nervous and accidently handed him his UK driving license instead of his US one without realizing it. The officer was confused by this, but eventually that got cleared up, and had a laugh. He asked to confirm personal details and a few of the N400 questions. 

 

Keep in mind we had been initially nervous about tax questions, since we were unable to obtain every single tax transcript from the IRS (the IRS won't give them to you after a certain date), but were able to give them tax forms. But the officer did not want to see any of it. So I'd say as long as you have some sort of a combination of transcripts and forms this is not really an issue.

 

He asked the six questions:

1) What is the economic system in the United States?
2) In what month do we vote for President?
3) What is the name of the Vice President?
4) Who is the Commander in Chief of the military?
5) What is one responsibility that is only for US citizens?
6) Who was President during the Great Depression and WW II? (hilariously the question that would trip him up the most)

 

The reading was: When is Columbus Day?
The writing was: Columbus Day is in October.

 

He was informed that he had passed the test and that he needed to confirm the information that was going to be on his naturalization certificate. After showing him the Oath, my husband requested a modified oath, which was granted. He was then informed that he would be notified by mail that his oath ceremony would be scheduled. Later in the day the website updated to reflect his Oath ceremony would be scheduled, and the next morning his Oath appointment letter was uploaded. The ceremony is next week. All in all this has been a shockingly fast and easy process. Afterwards, since we were all dressed up we went on a nice date in the city before making the long trek back to our hotel. I hope this review helps others as to what to expect for Baltimore. It's a nice big facility that is not in the best area these days unfortunately. All in all the end of the journey has been the most simple experience. Thank you to all the guys and gals on VJ that has helped us through this whole process over many years.

Congrats!!!!! How soon after filing did you receive notice of the interview?

[yuna628 9,676]

10 hours ago, EMBELL_17 said:

Congrats!!!!! How soon after filing did you receive notice of the interview?

We filed back in July, interview notice was around the end of September for the October interview date. Very fast, and we honestly think it was a fluke.