Detroit MI - N-400 Timeline
- Thread starter martianz01
- Start date
IndieMocha
Registered Users (C)
My interview experience.
I reached the USCIS Office at 11411 E Jefferson around 1.15 pm for my 2:00 pm appointment. I then proceeded to quiz myself on the civics test questions in my car (cd player in random mode) at the visitor parking lot.
Around 1:30 I entered the office and went through security check. I was directed to a waiting room (different from the FP waiting room) and dropped my appointment letter at counter # 8.
I picked up a seat opposite one of the many flat screen tv's and settled down for my name to be called. My name was finally called around 2:10pm and I walked up to the door. The officer was a middle aged Hispanic woman who asked me to follow her. On reaching her office, I was asked to place my case on the chair and raise my right hand for oath.
The first thing she asked for was my Passport, GC and Driver License which I handed over (including my older cancelled passport).
She then got into the N400 application - went through almost all the questions including asking me to verify my social security number, my current address and place of work. As she was asking me the Yes/No questions towards the end, she began preparing the forms for final signatures.
Then came the tests of English and US history and government.
From one sheet, she asked me to read: When is Columbus Day?
On another she asked me to write : Columbus Day is in October.
I was asked the following questions:
What did the Declaration of Independence do? >> Announced our independence (from Great Britain)
Name one branch or part of the government? >> Judicial (among others)
What does the President’s Cabinet do? >> Advises the President.
We elect a U.S. Senator for how many years? >> Six (6)
How many justices are on the Supreme Court? >> Nine (9)
If both the President and the Vice President can no longer serve, who becomes President? >> The Speaker of the House
The officer then asked me to write my name along the side of the photographs with a Sharpie (provided by the officer). I then signed the N400 application (part 13 and 14). The officer asked me to verify my information for the naturalization (citizenship) certificate and asked me to sign that document as well if everything was okay.
She then handed me the form N-652 (Naturalization Interview Results) and congratulated me on passing the tests and that she has recommended my application for approval. I inquired about next steps and she stated that, typically, I should receive the oath letter in about 5 weeks and the oath ceremony is about 10 days after that. She also mentioned that there was a good chance that it may be scheduled sometime in the first two weeks of December.
All this took place in about 15 minutes and I was escorted to the door where I thanked her.
Other thoughts:
I was not asked to provide any additional documentation to support the application. But I am glad I did take all documents as recommended in these forums - I had no secondary distractions on what may or may not be required.
Although my interview appointment letter asked me to provide evidence of Selective Service registration (even though I was never required to based on my date of entry and immigration status), I was never asked for any evidence during the interview. I did have a written statement ready just in case I was asked.
I found out that the Detroit DO has two oath ceremonies every week - Mondays and Thursdays - normally held at the Theodore Levin U.S. Courthouse (US Distric Court - Eastern District) . There are special ceremonies held on certain occasions - at the COBO hall or like this morning at the USCIS office (upper floor) itself.
Thanks to all on this forum - it has been of immense help!
Now the wait until the next milestone
I reached the USCIS Office at 11411 E Jefferson around 1.15 pm for my 2:00 pm appointment. I then proceeded to quiz myself on the civics test questions in my car (cd player in random mode) at the visitor parking lot.
Around 1:30 I entered the office and went through security check. I was directed to a waiting room (different from the FP waiting room) and dropped my appointment letter at counter # 8.
I picked up a seat opposite one of the many flat screen tv's and settled down for my name to be called. My name was finally called around 2:10pm and I walked up to the door. The officer was a middle aged Hispanic woman who asked me to follow her. On reaching her office, I was asked to place my case on the chair and raise my right hand for oath.
The first thing she asked for was my Passport, GC and Driver License which I handed over (including my older cancelled passport).
She then got into the N400 application - went through almost all the questions including asking me to verify my social security number, my current address and place of work. As she was asking me the Yes/No questions towards the end, she began preparing the forms for final signatures.
Then came the tests of English and US history and government.
From one sheet, she asked me to read: When is Columbus Day?
On another she asked me to write : Columbus Day is in October.
I was asked the following questions:
What did the Declaration of Independence do? >> Announced our independence (from Great Britain)
Name one branch or part of the government? >> Judicial (among others)
What does the President’s Cabinet do? >> Advises the President.
We elect a U.S. Senator for how many years? >> Six (6)
How many justices are on the Supreme Court? >> Nine (9)
If both the President and the Vice President can no longer serve, who becomes President? >> The Speaker of the House
The officer then asked me to write my name along the side of the photographs with a Sharpie (provided by the officer). I then signed the N400 application (part 13 and 14). The officer asked me to verify my information for the naturalization (citizenship) certificate and asked me to sign that document as well if everything was okay.
She then handed me the form N-652 (Naturalization Interview Results) and congratulated me on passing the tests and that she has recommended my application for approval. I inquired about next steps and she stated that, typically, I should receive the oath letter in about 5 weeks and the oath ceremony is about 10 days after that. She also mentioned that there was a good chance that it may be scheduled sometime in the first two weeks of December.
All this took place in about 15 minutes and I was escorted to the door where I thanked her.
Other thoughts:
I was not asked to provide any additional documentation to support the application. But I am glad I did take all documents as recommended in these forums - I had no secondary distractions on what may or may not be required.
Although my interview appointment letter asked me to provide evidence of Selective Service registration (even though I was never required to based on my date of entry and immigration status), I was never asked for any evidence during the interview. I did have a written statement ready just in case I was asked.
I found out that the Detroit DO has two oath ceremonies every week - Mondays and Thursdays - normally held at the Theodore Levin U.S. Courthouse (US Distric Court - Eastern District) . There are special ceremonies held on certain occasions - at the COBO hall or like this morning at the USCIS office (upper floor) itself.
Thanks to all on this forum - it has been of immense help!
Now the wait until the next milestone
N-400_2009
Registered Users (C)
congrat.
did u have LUD after u did a walk-in FP.?
did u have LUD after u did a walk-in FP.?
IndieMocha
Registered Users (C)
Nope - my online LUD dates hadn't changed until after I received the email notification for my interview. After that there were a couple of LUD changes and then it stopped.
N400 Interview
Just returned from my N400 interview - very pleasant experience.
I was called at my scheduled time. The officer asked me for my passport, driver's license and green card and then asked me to raise my right hand to take the oath that I am saying the truth. You have to say "I do" in response once the officer completes speaking the oath.
The officer then went through each and every answer on N400 forms. Since I had additional trips outside US it took a little more time to complete the review. I gave my updated trips lists outside the United States. I also had a child since the application - gave her copy of the birth certificate since the child was born outside the United States and updated the children's section. She did not take the updated form copy but instead wrote down the updates on my original form.
The officer then asked me questions from the list (I don't remember all) -
1) Name three original state.
A. Virginia, Maryland, New York.
2) What are two main parties?
A. Democratic and Republican
3) Who is the commander-in-chief.
A. The President
4) What is his party?
A Democratic
5) Name one state bordering Mexico.
A. Arizona
I don't remember the sixth question.
The officer then gave me one paper sheet and ask me to read the third point listed on the paper.
I read it correctly.
The officer then gave me another sheet of paper and ask me to write down the answer she gave me on the third point.
The officer then marked both the sheets that I have completed the answers successfully.
The officer then completed the sheet with my name and date on it and checked the box suggesting that I have passed the interview.
The officer then stamped "APPROVED" on my file and then gave me the document with his/her name and test results and congratulated me saying that I have approved your application. The officer mentioned that I should receive the oath notification in another 30 to 60 days.
I thank you all for answering my questions. This forum has been a great help.
Just returned from my N400 interview - very pleasant experience.
I was called at my scheduled time. The officer asked me for my passport, driver's license and green card and then asked me to raise my right hand to take the oath that I am saying the truth. You have to say "I do" in response once the officer completes speaking the oath.
The officer then went through each and every answer on N400 forms. Since I had additional trips outside US it took a little more time to complete the review. I gave my updated trips lists outside the United States. I also had a child since the application - gave her copy of the birth certificate since the child was born outside the United States and updated the children's section. She did not take the updated form copy but instead wrote down the updates on my original form.
The officer then asked me questions from the list (I don't remember all) -
1) Name three original state.
A. Virginia, Maryland, New York.
2) What are two main parties?
A. Democratic and Republican
3) Who is the commander-in-chief.
A. The President
4) What is his party?
A Democratic
5) Name one state bordering Mexico.
A. Arizona
I don't remember the sixth question.
The officer then gave me one paper sheet and ask me to read the third point listed on the paper.
I read it correctly.
The officer then gave me another sheet of paper and ask me to write down the answer she gave me on the third point.
The officer then marked both the sheets that I have completed the answers successfully.
The officer then completed the sheet with my name and date on it and checked the box suggesting that I have passed the interview.
The officer then stamped "APPROVED" on my file and then gave me the document with his/her name and test results and congratulated me saying that I have approved your application. The officer mentioned that I should receive the oath notification in another 30 to 60 days.
I thank you all for answering my questions. This forum has been a great help.
Last edited by a moderator:
After FP I received notification only once - when they sent me the interview notice and updated my file.
A quick couple of questions
All,
I have a couple of questions, and would appreciate your help. Yesterday we finally received our interview letter (12/22), but the problem is that we are going to be out of the country at that time frame (leaving a little before that for about 3 weeks). We called the toll free number, and they wrote a message to the Detroit service center and gave us case numbers for the reschedule. They did mention they have 45 days to answer with a new date, but it would be past our original appointment time. My question is: Has this happened to anybody else? if so, what is your experience in terms of pulling the appointments (my wife and I) ahead a little so we do it before we leave? time of response? etc.
Also, they list several documents to take with us (GC, passport, driver license. we don't have tickets) but nowhere do they say tax return forms, etc. I have seen messages where people were saying that they took the last 3-5 years, etc. My question is: which is it? to take....or not to take...that is the question
Any help and insight could help,
Cheers, G.
All,
I have a couple of questions, and would appreciate your help. Yesterday we finally received our interview letter (12/22), but the problem is that we are going to be out of the country at that time frame (leaving a little before that for about 3 weeks). We called the toll free number, and they wrote a message to the Detroit service center and gave us case numbers for the reschedule. They did mention they have 45 days to answer with a new date, but it would be past our original appointment time. My question is: Has this happened to anybody else? if so, what is your experience in terms of pulling the appointments (my wife and I) ahead a little so we do it before we leave? time of response? etc.
Also, they list several documents to take with us (GC, passport, driver license. we don't have tickets) but nowhere do they say tax return forms, etc. I have seen messages where people were saying that they took the last 3-5 years, etc. My question is: which is it? to take....or not to take...that is the question
Any help and insight could help,
Cheers, G.
wantmygcnow
Volunteer Moderator
All,
I have a couple of questions, and would appreciate your help. Yesterday we finally received our interview letter (12/22), but the problem is that we are going to be out of the country at that time frame (leaving a little before that for about 3 weeks). We called the toll free number, and they wrote a message to the Detroit service center and gave us case numbers for the reschedule. They did mention they have 45 days to answer with a new date, but it would be past our original appointment time. My question is: Has this happened to anybody else? if so, what is your experience in terms of pulling the appointments (my wife and I) ahead a little so we do it before we leave? time of response? etc.
Also, they list several documents to take with us (GC, passport, driver license. we don't have tickets) but nowhere do they say tax return forms, etc. I have seen messages where people were saying that they took the last 3-5 years, etc. My question is: which is it? to take....or not to take...that is the question
Any help and insight could help,
Cheers, G.
My interview date is on the 28th and I was supposed to be out of country from 12/20/09 to 1/20/10, however I am going to reschedule my travel. To reschedule your interview is a mess with USCIS..you dont know when you will get your new date. If your travel is just vacation, I would reschedule it..at least you dont have to worry about it later when you will be dying to get the Interview date.
As for tax forms, they are asked for people who filed through their USC spouse. If your case isn't like that, they wont ask you, however you can take a copy with you..wont hurt to have it in your bag.
Thanks
Thanks, and I wish I could. The price of rescheduling flying tickets for 4 is high, and we already have plans in our destination with set reservations. to move the whole thing back may be messier.
Your point regarding the taxes is well taken. Probably the last year would do just fine.
Does anybody have any other experience with this?
Thanks to all your feedback.
G.
Thanks, and I wish I could. The price of rescheduling flying tickets for 4 is high, and we already have plans in our destination with set reservations. to move the whole thing back may be messier.
Your point regarding the taxes is well taken. Probably the last year would do just fine.
Does anybody have any other experience with this?
Thanks to all your feedback.
G.
IndieMocha
Registered Users (C)
Well its been a great thanksgiving. I just received my oath letter today for the oath ceremony on Thursday, December 3. Happy holidays indeed!
An update
All,
Just a quick update regarding my rescheduling question:
A day after calling USCIS toll-free number for an appointnment reschedule, I received and email from USCIS to schedule an appointment with USCIS to discuss my pending application with my local District Office. I went to Infopass and scheduled 12/9/09 at 2PM. I assume my interview will take place at that time? (anybody has an idea????). My assumption is based on the fact that if they had a real update they would have communicated it to me (i.e. interview date, etc).
I prepared all my paperwork, and am studying for this appointment assuming it is my interview.
If anybody can answer my question that would be great,
Cheers,
G.
All,
Just a quick update regarding my rescheduling question:
A day after calling USCIS toll-free number for an appointnment reschedule, I received and email from USCIS to schedule an appointment with USCIS to discuss my pending application with my local District Office. I went to Infopass and scheduled 12/9/09 at 2PM. I assume my interview will take place at that time? (anybody has an idea????). My assumption is based on the fact that if they had a real update they would have communicated it to me (i.e. interview date, etc).
I prepared all my paperwork, and am studying for this appointment assuming it is my interview.
If anybody can answer my question that would be great,
Cheers,
G.
IndieMocha
Registered Users (C)
G,
From what little I know, the Infopass appointment will probably give you face to face time with an IO (hopefully) and the opportunity to reschedule your upcoming interview.
I definitely do not see this as an appointment for the interview itself.
Having said that, there is no harm in preparing for it like it was "the interview". By all means, carry all pertinent documentation, including your travel itinerary to this appointment.
From what little I know, the Infopass appointment will probably give you face to face time with an IO (hopefully) and the opportunity to reschedule your upcoming interview.
I definitely do not see this as an appointment for the interview itself.
Having said that, there is no harm in preparing for it like it was "the interview". By all means, carry all pertinent documentation, including your travel itinerary to this appointment.
still waiting
Congratulations. I am still waiting - no email updates or letter from USCIS yet.
Congratulations. I am still waiting - no email updates or letter from USCIS yet.
IndieMocha
Registered Users (C)
Folks, I am now officially a Gringo, Yankee, Firanga or whatever other slang have you ... I completed the oath this morning and am now a proud US citizen!
It was an amazingly short ride - 107 days from start to finish (and I had expected it to be much much longer!!).
To all of you still waiting, I wish you a speedy process the rest of the way. Good luck and God bless!
... I completed the oath this morning and am now a proud US citizen! It was an amazingly short ride - 107 days from start to finish (and I had expected it to be much much longer!!).
To all of you still waiting, I wish you a speedy process the rest of the way. Good luck and God bless!
Congratulations
Congratulations Indie.
Folks, I am now officially a Gringo, Yankee, Firanga or whatever other slang have you
It was an amazingly short ride - 107 days from start to finish (and I had expected it to be much much longer!!).
To all of you still waiting, I wish you a speedy process the rest of the way. Good luck and God bless!
Congratulations Indie.