I had my interview yesterday and wanted to share my experience with you all.
I made it 20 minutes before the scheduled time on the notice. My interview started 15 minutes late (it was quite busy at the USCIS office yesterday).
The officer escorted me to her office and made me take the oath. After that, she walked me through the process and told me that we will be starting with the civics test, then reading and writing and end with a few questions about my application.
The civics test was simple. Got the first 6 questions correct. The questions were -
What does the judicial branch do?
Who is the commander-in-chief of the military?
Name one state that borders Mexico?
What movement tried to end racial discrimination?
Why does the flag have 50 stars?
Who was the first President?
Reading (on the tablet): How many U.S. senators are there? / Writing (on the tablet): There are 100 senators
The standard Yes/ No Question, followed by Oath of Allegiance questions.
After that, she made a couple of updates to my application and asked me to review it on the tablet and sign. She asked me if I wanted to change my name on the naturalization certificate (that's when I knew I had passed)
After all that, she congratulated me, told me she had approved my application, and asked me if I was traveling in the coming weeks. I told her about travel during Christmas, and she was very accommodating and said she would make a note and have my oath scheduled in Jan 2024.
Later in the evening, I got the letter and my oath ceremony is scheduled for January 4th! Excited to start 2024 on a happy & positive note!!
Wishing you all the very best, and if there is one suggestion I have for you during the interview - take deep breaths and calm yourself when you are waiting in the waiting area (getting to the office a little early helps). For many of you, this journey might have taken anywhere between 3-20+ years and you will go through a rush of emotions. Just remember that the officers there are there to help you and are just doing their job. Not every officer might come out as friendly (mine, for example, was courteous, professional, and had a straight face for the most part. Don't let that intimidate you).
Happy to answer any questions!
Cheers!