Boston Interview experience

[WAITmore]

Hello,

I had my interview on May 21, 07. I passed it, although with a few nervous moments. My case was as simple as can be, except for 3 traffic tickets. The moment the immigration officer (woman from Jamaica?) got to the citation section, she said "I would like to see your ticket information", although all tickets were speeding/stop sign violation with no arrest, drunk driving etc. She got hung up on the difference in the city name of citation on one of the tickets between my application and the photocopy of the ticket. It took some convincing by showing her my driving record, a letter from RMV showing a record of all payments made, and a court disposition for a ticket from 7 years ago - RIDICULOUS. Basically, be extremely well prepared to show all documentation of your tickets. I, fortunately, was. I strongly suggest not mentioning them if they are below $500. It is an unnecessary headache. The interview lasted for about 40 minutes, after which she complained that I had thrown her schedule out of the window. Bloody hell, who asked her to investigate minor tickets so thoroughly. Overall, I passed, but the experience was far from cordial/pleasant.

By the way, I took the new english/civics test which was a breeze.

My oath date is on July 12 @ noon. Let me know if you have any questions.

WAITmore

 

[Flydog]

What's your timeline look like?

 

[rwsh]

Wow ... I could not have produced any documentation for my several minor traffic violations (except the last that was four years ago). Anyway, glad its over for you and congratulations on passing. My IO got rather hung up with my old travel schedule although in a cordial and claryfing way. I guess the lesson learned is "Be Prepared" at interview time.

 

[SriniB]

Wow ... I could not have produced any documentation for my several minor traffic violations (except the last that was four years ago). Anyway, glad its over for you and congratulations on passing. My IO got rather hung up with my old travel schedule although in a cordial and claryfing way. I guess the lesson learned is "Be Prepared" at interview time.

This is interesting, and worries me. I listed two tickets from 10+ years ago in my application, and do not have any paperwork for them. Does that mean it is an automatic problem for me during interview?

Any body else who listed tickets, but did not have documentation. What was your experience during interview?

 

[boatbod]

I listed two tickets from 10+ years ago in my application, and do not have any paperwork for them. Does that mean it is an automatic problem for me during interview?

Probably not, for two reasons; the first being these tickets are more than 5 yrs old (i.e. outside the "moral" window), and secondly, most IO's aren't interested in regular traffic citations. I think you'll find WAITmore was just unlucky to get such a thorough grilling.

 

[SriniB]

Probably not, for two reasons; the first being these tickets are more than 5 yrs old (i.e. outside the "moral" window), and secondly, most IO's aren't interested in regular traffic citations. I think you'll find WAITmore was just unlucky to get such a thorough grilling.

That is what I am thinking too (based on what I read on this board). I will just chance it, and deal with the consequences. Meaning, if the IO asks for more evidence during the interview, I will then work on getting it (yes, this could impact my timelines).

thanks,

 

[rwsh]

This is interesting, and worries me. I listed two tickets from 10+ years ago in my application, and do not have any paperwork for them. Does that mean it is an automatic problem for me during interview?

Any body else who listed tickets, but did not have documentation. What was your experience during interview?

I agree 100%, don't sweat it on very old traffic-ticket documentation (unless serious offences) but be 100% honest just in case the IO knows more than you do !!!!!!

 

[N400_SNA]

I agree 100%, don't sweat it on very old traffic-ticket documentation (unless serious offences) but be 100% honest just in case the IO knows more than you do !!!!!!

I agree with rwsh also completely. I dont think this should be an issue. I Think in the form documentation also they mention that no documentation is required unless the traffic tickets are some serious offense or more than $500 or something like that. So minor offenses like speeding should not adversely effect your case. However being truthful will always help.

Take Care and Good Luck,

 

[boatbod]

I Think in the form documentation also they mention that no documentation is required unless the traffic tickets are some serious offense or more than $500 or something like that.

Yup, thats exactly what it says on the N-400 instructions, but unfortunately the IO's don't always follow their own rules. Some appear to make things up as they go along!

 

[rahim]

Yes, and when an IO decides to be unreasonable or ignore the rules, it's really not advisable to correct them. I got questioned about minor traffic tickets as well, but luckily had the documentation. Even though my case was very simple, I would not have argued with the officer for fear of them creating problems. At this point, my interpretation of the instructions about tickets under $500 is to not report them. If you report them, it's best to have documentation.