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| Houston TX |  Review on August 31, 2016: |
Vilya
Rating:  | Review Topic: Naturalization
My husband had his interview today in Houston. He was recommended for approval.
His appointment was at 7:15 am at the new USCIS office on Gears Road. We got there almost an hour early and waited in the parking lot. Lots of parking available. We went on in about 7 am. Security was similar to airport security, although we were able to leave our shoes on, thank goodness. The waiting area is actually pretty large, with plenty of seating and monitors showing the civics test questions and the like. Be aware there is no phone or electronic device usage in the lobby--a couple of people were loudly reprimanded by the receptionists and security guards on this issue. There were a good number of people there, some for Infopass appointments and others for interviews, but really it is quite spacious. We saw several large groups or families together. My advice is to wear a watch, and bring a book or magazine.
I brought a huge bag containing all the stuff we had sent in since the beginning of the visa process, photo albums, etc. My husband had a folder containing originals of everything we had sent with the citizenship application, plus the latest tax transcript and a few other updated bills and such. I figured if the officer wanted anything else, my husband could come out to the lobby and get it from me. He was called in in about 30 or 40 minutes.
I didn't attend the interview, so I can only go on what he told me about the actual process. He saw a female officer, and he says she was nice but kept it professional and efficient. She seemed busy so really didn't chat with him, except to ask him how the US immigration process compared to the Australian one (he worked for Australian immigration before moving here). First he gave her his green card, passport and other required documents. Then it was time for the civics test, which he passed easily.
Then she went over the yes/no questions on the application. The only supporting evidence she asked to see was our latest tax transcript. She did ask for a utility bill, but then realized we had sent them in with the application, and she was satisfied with that. That was pretty much it. She gave him his letter with 'recommended for approval' checked, and told him he would likely be taking the oath at the September ceremony, and to expect his oath letter in two weeks. It took about 15 minutes at most.
All in all, my husband felt that this was a good experience, and relatively painless.
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Consulate / USCIS Member Review #20299