Hi all! Wanted to post more detailed review on how my N-400 interview went after I got done with a full process. Interview experience was very interesting, for sure worth sharing.
Here is my N-400 timeline in San Antonio FO based on 3 year rule with approved VAWA case:
7/7/2024: N-400 filed (biometrics waived)
10/31/2025: Interview Scheduled
12/16/2024: Interview held (case went into additional review)
12/18/2024: USCIS requested more evidence specifically around where I lived 90 days prior to application since I moved last year.
12/19/2024: I responded with evidence.
12/31/2024: Case recommended for approval / Oath ceremony to be scheduled.
1/25/2025: Ceremony Completed
I never had an interview when my VAWA case got approved and a 10 year PR card got issued - maybe this is the reason for how my N-400 interview was conducted.
My N-400 interview was more like an interrogation that lasted ~ 40 mins. I read online most people get only a 5-10 mins interview, but yes mine lasted around 40 mins.
In the past I really loved watching FBI interrogations on youtube just because it is entertaining, so I realized that I am in one pretty quickly.
Officer in my interview was not friendly, interview was strictly business. Almost every single question that I got asked was double or triple questioned with psychological tactics of putting my answer in absolute doubt or even directly saying that USCIS got information on file that is not matching my answer etc. Examples:
- Q: "Have you ever been arrested ?" I answer: "No." (Office pretending like she is reading something in her computer and makes an absolutely SHOCKED facial expression, turns back to me and asks "Are you suuuureee ????"
- Q: "Did you enter a marriage for immigration benefit?" I answer: "No." (Office pretending like she is reading something in her computer and makes an absolutely SHOCKED facial expression again, turns back and says: "Seems like we might have information that somebody provided to us that you entered marriage for immigration benefit and you paid your wife, could there be someone who would submit that information to us in your opinion?". I answer: "Absolutely not".
- Same tactic of putting my original answer in doubt was done even for a question about if I have any unpaid taxes in the past 5 years.
*Note: almost every single question was double or triple questioned using the above described methods.
Interview ended very abruptly as well, I got walked out and the officer didn't even look at me or say good bye, she looked at the floor (not looking at me) and just pointed at the door and said: "that door". That's how it ended.
My case is absolutely legit and real. I wish I didn't go through the experience I had that led to a VAWA case. After N-400 interview I was in a little shock for probably another 30 mins processing what just happened.
Maybe the reason for such extensive and interrogation style interview was because I never had an interview for a GC and also I am no longer married.
Also, if someone would ask me to rate the office I would absolutely give her 10/10. Wow! She is skilled and very well trained at her job! I hope all USCIS officers are as good, so that nobody can abuse the system!