This journey felt like one of those video game stories where the Last Boss was actually there in your starting town all along, back to where it all began. The FINAL BOSS battle was on the 8th Floor, but it felt more like procedure.
Had my N-400 Naturalization interview at the Downtown Los Angeles USCIS Field Office on October 24, 2024. Took LA Metro to Little Tokyo/Arts District Station, so didn't have to worry about parking. Walked three blocks up. There's a separate entrance about 15 steps to the north of the main entrance for interviews/USCIS appointments. Airport style security scanners, separate bags, phones, changers into the bins. Took the elevator up to Floor 8. There's a large waiting room with chairs, not many people. Arrived 25 minutes early and checked in at the window. They took a picture and then did left and right Index Finger prints. Appointment was right on schedule at 11:30am. Officer came out and called my name.
Remain standing, swear truth oath. Took seat, passed over my documents: appointment letter, Green Card, Passport, Driver's License, and Selective Service registration. Verified name/birth date.
Civics Test (6 questions):
* What is the name of the national anthem?
* Who was President during World War I?
* What is one right or freedom from the First Amendment?
* We elect a U.S. Representative for how many years?
* If the President can no longer serve, who becomes President?
* What is the name of the Vice President of the United States now?
English Test:
READ
"Who was Abraham Lincoln?"
WRITE
"Lincoln was the President during the Civil War."
Got all six Civics Test questions correct, stopped. Luckily, the questions were easy. I felt like the last two questions were planted for subliminal messaging. The stylus for writing was a horrible tiny stylus with a big, squishy, round rubber tip. After that the Officer went through/read every single line of the N400 application, name, address, phone, email, height, weight, work, travel, YES/NO questions and made me verify everything. Interview probably took 15+ minutes.
Was passed and handed two print-outs, N-652 Naturalization Interview Results "Congratulations! Approved" and the Same Day Oath paper downstairs. Noon Time/lunch break. There's a cafeteria on the second floor and the seating overlooks the main entrance lobby.
At around 12:45pm, lined up on the first floor, Room 1001. Let in at 1pm. About 15-20 or so people, some arrived late. Final Window, submit the Oath Paper and give up Green Card. Also, picture taken for the Certificate of Naturalization. Got two packets: Letter from President Biden, an info packet with Voter Registration/DS-11 Passport Application/New Citizen info, and finally a small flag.
Oath Ceremony started at 2pm. Presiding officer introduced himself and gave a short speech. Lined up in a row in front of the podium when name called. Repeat Oath after officer. Then handed Certificate graduation style by Officer after name called. Took about 15 minutes. Then free to go or stay and take pictures. Done!
Thanks to everyone in the forum for sharing their wonderful information/timelines, personal experiences, and details of their journeys. It really helps out to prepare and give a much better estimate than the website. Best of luck and positive vibes for those still waiting. Your interview will come soon.