Interview Experience in Columbus, OH Today

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docrhee

Registered Users (C)
Hi All

I just came back from Columbus DO in OH. It was a pretty fast interview.

I arrived at the DO at 9:35am, and my interview was scheduled at 10:05am.

There were about 12 people waiting for the interview, and I started talking

with people there just to relax. Some were going over civics test, some were

talking with their lawyers, and some were just trying to relax like myself.

At exactly 10:05am, an IO called out my name and told me to follow him.

I got into a room and sat down. He asked me for my green card, and didn't

ask for any other documents nor passports. I had tons of documents with me.

All unneccesary. He told me to write down my full name on 2 photos.

The IO briefly went over my N-400 application and asked me

'yes or no' questions based on the application. After that, he asked me 6

simple civics questions, and told me to write down, "Today is a sunny day."

Then, he told me to print my name on a couple of documents.

After that, he handed me N-652 form, stating that I passed the tests of

English and U.S history, and government. Also, he marked on the column

where it says, "Congratulations! Your application has been recommended for

approval." The total interview process took about 11 minutes.

My little advice for the interview is as follows:

1) Be there 30 minutes early. 30 minutes of free time would be enough to handle most of unexpected surprises when heading to DO.
2) Please, say "hi or hello" to the IO.
3) Don't exaggerate anything as to why becoming a US citizen if it is asked.
4) Look straight in the eye of the IO when you answer. This is not being rude nor arrogant in the US unlike some other cultures from elsewhere.
5) Be honest.
6) Listen very carefully what your IO is saying and asking.
7) Do whatever your IO wants you to do during the interview.
8) Don't try to talk or explain too long. Be Brief on everything.
8) Thank your IO on the way out.

Good Luck to you all! ;)

docrhee :)
__________________
PD 07/02/2008
ND 07/08/2008
FP Notice RCD 07/11/2008
FP Done 07/26/2008
Interview Notice RCD 08/08/2008
Interview Done 09/19/2008
Waiting for Oath Letter
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Can you elaborate the following a little bit?
3) Don't exaggerate anything as to why becoming a US citizen if it is asked.
What would be the simple and reasonable answer according to you, my friend was asked such question and he answered 'I want to vote'. but I don't know if that is a good answer.


Hi All

I just came back from Columbus DO in OH. It was a pretty fast interview.

I arrived at the DO at 9:35am, and my interview was scheduled at 10:05am.

There were about 12 people waiting for the interview, and I started talking

with people there just to relax. Some were going over civics test, some were

talking with their lawyers, and some were just trying to relax like myself.

At exactly 10:05am, an IO called out my name and told me to follow him.

I got into a room and sat down. He asked me for my green card, and didn't

ask for any other documents nor passports. I had tons of documents with me.

All unneccesary. He told me to write down my full name on 2 photos.

The IO briefly went over my N-400 application and asked me

'yes or no' questions based on the application. After that, he asked me 6

simple civics questions, and told me to write down, "Today is a sunny day."

Then, he told me to print my name on a couple of documents.

After that, he handed me N-652 form, stating that I passed the tests of

English and U.S history, and government. Also, he marked on the column

where it says, "Congratulations! Your application has been recommended for

approval." The total interview process took about 11 minutes.

My little advice for the interview is as follows:

1) Be there 30 minutes early. 30 minutes of free time would be enough to handle most of unexpected surprises when heading to DO.
2) Please, say "hi or hello" to the IO.
3) Don't exaggerate anything as to why becoming a US citizen if it is asked.
4) Look straight in the eye of the IO when you answer. This is not being rude nor arrogant in the US unlike some other cultures from elsewhere.
5) Be honest.
6) Listen very carefully what your IO is saying and asking.
7) Do whatever your IO wants you to do during the interview.
8) Don't try to talk or explain too long. Be Brief on everything.
8) Thank your IO on the way out.

Good Luck to you all! ;)

docrhee :)
__________________
PD 07/02/2008
ND 07/08/2008
FP Notice RCD 07/11/2008
FP Done 07/26/2008
Interview Notice RCD 08/08/2008
Interview Done 09/19/2008
Waiting for Oath Letter
 
Can you elaborate the following a little bit?
3) Don't exaggerate anything as to why becoming a US citizen if it is asked.
What would be the simple and reasonable answer according to you, my friend was asked such question and he answered 'I want to vote'. but I don't know if that is a good answer.

Exaggeration would be "I want to become president" (which a naturalized citizen can't) or "I want to sponsor all my welfare ridden family dependents.":D
 
Cllin123,

In other words, do not overly make compliments and say pro-US comments.

As you've mentioned, 'I want to vote' is a simple, good answer.

If I were asked, I'd say 'I want to become a good citizen of the US where

opportunities are open to all hard-working people.'

As you know, everyone can come up with their own simple ones with a little

spin. ;)

Can you elaborate the following a little bit?
3) Don't exaggerate anything as to why becoming a US citizen if it is asked.
What would be the simple and reasonable answer according to you, my friend was asked such question and he answered 'I want to vote'. but I don't know if that is a good answer.
 
Exaggeration would be "I want to become president" (which a naturalized citizen can't) or "I want to sponsor all my welfare ridden family dependents.":D

How about:

I would have loved to vote in 2008, but will have to wait until 2012, because of your heck-of-a-job "service"! :)
 
Or "I want to become a citizen so that in case I commit any crimes in the future I don't have to worry about my immigration status being revoked or the possibility of deportation" :D
 
If I were asked, I'd say 'I want to become a good citizen of the US where

opportunities are open to all hard-working people.

This is NOT a good answer. Why? Because opportunities are open to EVERYONE in this country, and not only to US citizen. And ANYONE could be hard-working...not just US citizens...The said answer doesn't specifically state WHY someone want to be a US citizen; rather it just states how great US and its people are when talking about opportunities and hard working people here.

Also, one shouldn't say that s/he wants to immune from deportation, or wants to seek political position. I think the best answer is- I want to be a US citizen so that I could participate more in this society and democracy thru my vote.
 
JohnnyCash

I thank you for all your comments including this comment on my remark.

Also, I referred to many of your comments and replies on this site, and

they tremendously helped me going through naturalization process.

After reading your strong comment, I realize that my answer is not as

good as your answer in your shoes. FYI, my answer carries an important,

personal belief based on my 20 years living experience in the US :)

1) This is NOT a good answer. Why? Because opportunities are open to EVERYONE in this country, and not only to US citizen.
-> I am on your side, JohnnyCash. I myself came to the US because
opportunities are open to EVERYONE. I am not trying to play a lawyer, but
it seems that more opportunities are more open to all hard-working people.
And I mention 'hard-working' cliche because United States was built on
hard-working immigrants who sought opportunities in this land of freedom
and actually got the opportunities. This principle is deeply rooted in
American values. And I woudn't worry at all because IOs would understand
what it means when she or he says that 'Opportunities are open
to all hard-working people.'
2)I think the best answer is- I want to be a US citizen so that I could participate more in this society and democracy thru my vote.
-> I couldn't agree more with you. It can't get better than your answer. :)

This is NOT a good answer. Why? Because opportunities are open to EVERYONE in this country, and not only to US citizen. And ANYONE could be hard-working...not just US citizens...The said answer doesn't specifically state WHY someone want to be a US citizen; rather it just states how great US and its people are when talking about opportunities and hard working people here.

Also, one shouldn't say that s/he wants to immune from deportation, or wants to seek political position. I think the best answer is- I want to be a US citizen so that I could participate more in this society and democracy thru my vote.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Do understand your rational...

Did you apply for naturalization in 2007 or 2008? If you applied it just two months ago...as per your timeline then it's so superfast in your case.
 
JohnnyCash

I applied for naturalization on June 30th, 2008. I dunno why it has gotten
so speedy in Columbus DO.. I heard that the chief at Columbus DO tries
very hard not to delay applications, and I got this info from a credible source.
I hope I could get the oath ceremony before Oct.6th so that I could vote.

Again, I sincerely thank you for your help and advice on this site. I think
there are more people than you can imagine, who want to thank you like myself. :)

Fingers crossed.

Do understand your rational...

Did you apply for naturalization in 2007 or 2008? If you applied it just two months ago...as per your timeline then it's so superfast in your case.
 
docrhee,

I don't know why you have deleted this thread. Don't you want readers to know about the good tips you have provided here and your experience??? I don't think it's fair when people delete their posts/threads after they are done. Let others learn something from your experience as well...the way you learned from others' experiences...So I've brought back this thread again and have restored it.
 
JohnnyCash

I thought my tips are not worthwhile for everybody.
There are many experts including you on this site, who could provide
both general and specific tips. I ask your permission to delete my thread. :)



docrhee,

I don't know why you have deleted this thread. Don't you want readers to know about the good tips you have provided here and your experience??? I don't think it's fair when people delete their posts/threads after they are done. Let others learn something from your experience as well...the way you learned from others' experiences...So I've brought back this thread again and have restored it.
 
Why do you think your tips are not useful?? Besides, when you posted your interview experience and tips many hours ago then you must have something in mind which made you to post your experience and tips on this public board...then why do you think differently only now?? Just leave it the way it's and let the viewers to decide whether your experience and tips could be useful or not....Try to understand....
 
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