Interview Update
I cannot recall the exact date of when we got the IL but it was in early October 2007. I don't even have the form anymore as it was taken at the interview.
Update - Interview day
Arrive -
I went in with him - your famiy is allowed as far I saw.
At security - was told to leave my camera - which was BS - as they allowed pictures to be taken during the ceremony. Not sure why they told me no - but it was fine - we were not that sentimental anyway - but if you are - take it discreetly - just in case.
Upstairs - 2nd Floor (this was at the location on Lavista Rd)
1. Check in at window - told to sit and wait for name for name to be called.
2. Long wait (76 people that day for ceremony).
3. Interview time was 9:30 - never mattered - seemed it was first come first served - plus the earlier you came - the longer time you spent in the building IF you wanted same day OATH. So I am thinking if your time is later - its no big deal.
4. Name called - person who called name was the interviewing officer. I could not go - unless I was an interpreter or such needed person.
5. Interview took about 20 minutes. He had to write a VERY SIMPLE sentence and answered 10 of the questions - so study ! People were studying in the waiting area also.
6. Dress code - Sunday best was not necessary - depending on how big of a day it means for you.
7. After interview - he did come out with a paper (Form N652) that gave the results of interview. It told if you passed the test and will say you are RECOMMENDED for approval or that a decision cannot be made. So you would have known that when coming from the interview.
8. So in our case - it said recommended. I found that odd but I later found out that the paperwork and such had to be double checked. Meaning a higher authority had to sign off on the interviewing officer's APPROVAL. That meant - waiting again in the lobby area for them to later all your name and give the form with the final results.
9. That form - said to come back at 2pm for the OATH ! So that was basically the final approval. My husband told me you would have been given the option to have same day oath if you so desired. Not sure what happens if you said no - but it is in your best interest to take that option - BECAUSE - interview only does not make you a citizen - it is AFTER taking the OATH that you are - plus you get the certificate at the end of the ceremony !!
10. So by the time we this final paper - it was 12:30. We went to eat in the area and came back b4 2 - luckily because there was a long line of persons coming in behind us ( for the ceremony)....so we missed the 'rush'.
11. Upstairs again - we waited shortly and then someone came and told the audience - that only the applicants could enter the ceremony room. Seriously - there is no need to try to sit up front close to the doors - or rush. There is ample space and no one was got through b4 the other - it was a process that had to take it's time.
12. So family was left outside - which I was sad about - until I later found out that the ACTUAL ceremony was gonna start at 3pm - the 2pm thing was to get the applicants inside to verify information and ask questions without family and friends being with them. NOW - if you are late (which seemed ok - as several persons were - and they were totally fine) - don't come in the lobby and sit with the people you see sitting and assume they are applicants like yourself.
It happened that I saw a guy who was late and he came and sat near me -Luckily he had that final paper in his hand and I saw it and asked him if he was apart of the group (so to speak )and he said yes - I had to tell him to go INSIDE the room - which he did not realize that they other persons were already inside. There was no one (USCIS person) to direct folks as they came off the elevator - so you gotta ask questions for yourself - be vigilante !
13. So the family and friends were later called - no specific number or limit - BIG ROOM ! That doesnt mean bringing an army I am sure - kids were inside as well and babies - so it seemed ok.
14.
Inside - This part is - YOU WILL SEE - no need to say anything.
15. Certificates handed out - photos taken - and hugs given - new friends made - email addresses and phone numbers exchanged and your new begins.
16. Your PR card will be taken so if you want have your passport applications filled out prior to to day and have it ready - wherein the only thing needed is the ORIGINAL certificate that YOU WILL need to send in for your new passport. I suggest making a copy first though.
17. I noticed people - out of then ignorance - were trying to take pictures through the glass doors - when the applicants were initially called into the room. It turned out it was not necessary as the ceremony was not yet started. We just did not know that our time of going inside would come - Its funny now looking back !!
So that was it - hope my 2 cents helps - I still have
my process to do as I am about to get my GC through my husband and later in 3 years do this same process if the laws remain unchanged.
I am currently out of status F1 student - out of status because the school I transferred to refused to give my I-20 to keep my F1 status - because they found out my husband had filed the I130 for me. I now know that some schools/colleges will do this if they are 'not nice' and some will not make it an issue. As for USCIS - they told me it was up to the school !!
Good luck and good night Y'all
