I'm not sure how the interviews are different - but I can certainly share my experience from a marriage based application. I put together all the paper work from the ones requested and I made an additional list from the forum posts here. My husband was with me but was not allowed to go in with me to the interview. He had to wait outside.
My interview was very short and very straight forward. The officer looked at my passport, verified my travel dates and the number of days I had spent outside of the country. He made corrections on my N-400 form (the form had asked for days outside of the country in the last 5 years and my number was high....though within the allowed range - I can't remember the exact details. He insisted the number was lower as per my passport and I didn't argue.
). Verified a few things on the form and had me verbally confirm that it was correct. The test was verbal - I got the first six answers right and he didn't ask the remaining. I had to write a simple sentence and read a simple sentence.
Although I had a bag full of 20-30 pounds of paperwork
- I didn't have to even open the bag. I did go thoroughly prepared with all the papers and I would recommend anyone going in for the interview should take everything, just in case one gets asked.
I didn't have any speeding tickets or anything else to provide papers for. I could tell the officer had reviewed my file in detail before I was called in because he referenced a newspaper article I had submitted about my husband and me. He just made a generic comment about it so I know he had the complete file and had reviewed it in some detail. The interview was very straight forward and the officer explained he was recommending my case for approval and I would get the oath ceremony letter in the mail. I was out in 10-15 minutes. It surprised me and my husband because every applicant that went in ahead of me seemed to take a good 30 minutes at least.
My interview was on the 12th of Feb, 2008 and I got my oath ceremony letter today (May 2nd 2008). The oath ceremony is scheduled for the 21st of May. This is out in Louisiana.
I don't have anything complex to share - but on the other hand, I know how some nervousness sets in before the interview and it helps to know that it can be a very simple, straight forward and positive experience as well. The officer was great. Friendly and professional.
Good luck with your interview!
Saicool