My Interview Experience - Garden City, NY

Some of our fellow companions on this forum have graduated of patience and virtue waiting for USCIS to show their true face of compassion. Of course, we have a duty when our time comes to stay put and guide through all those who somehow have endured this hard path toward becoming a citizen of the United States.

I have yet to say, that I have graduated like many others. So, then again we thank all of those who are more experienced and are still here with us, answering perhaps the same questions all over again.

This is perhaps not only VORPAL's Oath, since some of us in this forum were waiting with him to see what was going to happen here. Then again, human beings do come together, and this is only one example.

Let's all hang on and wait our turn which I am sure will come like many others before us.
 
Congrats Vorpal. I have my next Thursday and I hope I'll be approved. I had extensive travel, but less then 2,5 year and since filing it's almost a year, so it's 1,5 year outside for last 5 years. I hope for quick route and then over this long route. Then only passport&passcard and no more USCIS for me.
 
rick92 said:
Some of our fellow companions on this forum have graduated of patience and virtue waiting for USCIS to show their true face of compassion. Of course, we have a duty when our time comes to stay put and guide through all those who somehow have endured this hard path toward becoming a citizen of the United States.

I have yet to say, that I have graduated like many others. So, then again we thank all of those who are more experienced and are still here with us, answering perhaps the same questions all over again.

This is perhaps not only VORPAL's Oath, since some of us in this forum were waiting with him to see what was going to happen here. Then again, human beings do come together, and this is only one example.

Let's all hang on and wait our turn which I am sure will come like many others before us.
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True. Congrats Nimche.
 
Great Vorpal,

Count my 2 cents in. Congratulation buddy. You make my day. Man you did great job getting that expedited oath. Good luck with your wedding.

_______________________
NYC/VSC

11/19/2007 N-400 Applied
1/23/2008 Finger Printed
3/23/2008 Name Check cleared
9/24/2008 Interveiw date
 
arent you glad it didnt rain in the morning the way it did in the afternoon that would have sucked big time. takecare congrat again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 
Motion for Default Judgment

Hi Folks,
Any one with experience of Motion for Default Judgment, my 60 days have passed with no answer at all from the defendants? Do you think this motion can be successfull? any idea how it works, I called the court and the clerk has sent me samples of five documents to fill out, anyone with NY Eastern District Court expeirnece, your help is highly appreciate, I passed my Naturalizatin exam in may 2005, till now no oath date? Please help.
Thanks
 
Good news, Vorpal. I like happy ending, as I've said it more than once. Glad that everything worked out just fine for you....

As for some saying that my list of documents for interview scares people and that it's over-exhaustive and unnecessary, and that I'm scaremonger..etc...etc..., but these so-called people don't seem to understand that I've NOTHING to gain to scare anyone, nor I'm (and Mr. Rajiv Khanna as well) here to scare people; rather we are here to help immigrant community to the best of our ability. We have been pouring our time/energy/efforts/passion and compassion to people over here for many years just to help them out without any other motive despite of our busy schedule.

The said list has helped un-counted people over the years and it prepares people to the best for their interview than scaring them. And that list is not made for one or few applicants so to say that only few people will be asked for those documents listing in there; instead that list is made by keeping everyone in mind/consideration. Besides, carrying a few more documents won't kill anyone. Can anyone say for sure that they will not be asked this and that document at the interview?? No, right...And that's where that list comes in handy...

As you have mentioned of two applicants who were asked so many documents...And if I'm not on mistaken then I remember in one of these two people was asked to submit state tax returns. And in another case in NY thread, a guy reported that officer went line-by-line on his tax transcripts. And just yesterday a guy posted in NY thread that officer didn't approve his case and asked him to re-appear for the interview 4 months later along with tax transcripts, marriage certificate and something else. If he had those documents with him, he would have been celebrating by now. So it again boils down to-better be fully prepared than being sorry, which even adjudication officer confirmed it at your interview. Immigration officers always like when applicants come with fully prepared since it makes their job quite easy and shows to them that applicants do care about their cause/case than taking thing for granted.

Anyway, it's people's own choice as to what they want to adapt...after all, it's their case and their lives.....I've posted the copy of your first posting from this thread to NY thread so that future applicants from NY could be benefited with your experience especially when this posting of yours is relevant to NY area....

Again...good going....
 
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JohnnyCash said:
Good news, Vorpal. I like happy ending, as I've said it more than once. Glad that everything worked out just fine for you....

As for some saying that my list of documents for interview scares people and that it's over-exhaustive and unnecessary, and that I'm scaremonger..etc...etc..., but these so-called people don't seem to understand that I've NOTHING to gain to scare anyone, nor I'm (and Mr. Rajiv Khanna as well) here to scare people; rather we are here to help immigrant community to the best of our ability. We have been pouring our time/energy/efforts/passion and compassion to people over here for many years just to help them out without any other motive despite of our busy schedule.

The said list has helped un-counted people over the years and it prepares people to the best for their interview than scaring them. And that list is not made for one or few applicants so to say that only few people will be asked for those documents listing in there; instead that list is made by keeping everyone in mind/consideration. Besides, carrying a few more documents won't kill anyone. Can anyone say for sure that they will not be asked this and that document at the interview?? No, right...And that's where that list comes in handy...

As you have mentioned of two applicants who were asked so many documents...And if I'm not on mistaken then I remember in one of these two people was asked to submit state tax returns. And in another case in NY thread, a guy reported that officer went line-by-line on his tax transcripts. And just yesterday a guy posted in NY thread that officer didn't approve his case and asked him to re-appear for the interview 4 months later along with tax transcripts, marriage certificate and something else. If he had those documents with him, he would have been celebrating by now. So it again boils down to-better be fully prepared than being sorry, which even adjudication officer confirmed it at your interview. Immigration officers always like when applicants come with fully prepared since it makes their job quite easy and shows to them that applicants do care about their cause/case than taking thing for granted.

Anyway, it's people's own choice as to what they want to adapt...after all, it's their case and their lives.....I've posted the copy of your first posting from this thread to NY thread so that future applicants from NY could be benefited with your experience especially when this posting of yours is relevant to NY area....

Again...good going....
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I am ashamed to not thank you for that list. I am sorry and I forgot.
I really used it, even though I would have known most of them but having a list is amazing.

Thank you again.
 
JohnnyCash said:
The said list has helped un-counted people over the years and it prepares people to the best for their interview than scaring them. And that list is not made for one or few applicants so to say that only few people will be asked for those documents listing in there; instead that list is made by keeping everyone in mind/consideration. Besides, carrying a few more documents won't kill anyone. Can anyone say for sure that they will not be asked this and that document at the interview?? No, right...And that's where that list comes in handy...

As you have mentioned of two applicants who were asked so many documents...And if I'm not on mistaken then I remember in one of these two people was asked to submit state tax returns. And in another case in NY thread, a guy reported that officer went line-by-line on his tax transcripts. And just yesterday a guy posted in NY thread that officer didn't approve his case and asked him to re-appear for the interview 4 months later along with tax transcripts, marriage certificate and something else. If he had those documents with him, he would have been celebrating by now. So it again boils down to-better be fully prepared than being sorry, which even adjudication officer confirmed it at your interview. Immigration officers always like when applicants come with fully prepared since it makes their job quite easy and shows to them that applicants do care about their cause/case than taking thing for granted.

Anyway, it's people's own choice as to what they want to adapt...after all, it's their case and their lives.....I've posted the copy of your first posting from this thread to NY thread so that future applicants from NY could be benefited with your experience especially when this posting of yours is relevant to NY area....

Again...good going....
Click to expand...

I agree 100%. Going to the interview with just about every document on your list gave me more than enough confidence in the fact that I was prepared to face any curveball the IO may throw at me. In my account of the interview experience, I forgot to mention that I actually offered the IO my Selective Service status letter and tax returns. For a moment, he considered making copies of the SS letter and tax returns to add to my file and actually went to the copy machine. He came back a minute later and told me that he'll only add the SS status letter to my file and that tax returns are not necessary. I guess he felt intimidated by a thick stack of my tax transcripts for the past 5 years!

Thanks for copying my OP into the NYC thread. I was meaning to do that, but completely forgot amidst all the excitement.
 
Vorpal said:
I arrived at the Garden City DO at approximately 10:15 this morning. My interview was scheduled for 11:25, so I decided to try my luck and see if the security guards would allow me to get in early. They politely told me to come back at 11:00, so I dropped my fiancee off at Bloomingdale's at the Roosevelt Field Mall and drove back to the parking lot at 711 Stewart Avenue. I should mention that there is plenty of free parking available, so don't worry about where you can leave your vehicle. Also, there are several different offices at 711 Stewart Avenue, so make sure you go to 711 East.

Anyway, I killed the next 20 minutes or so reading a book in my car, then went into the building. After clearing security (not only are you allowed to bring cell phones into the building, you are also allowed to use them) and getting my IL stamped, I was directed to go to the 2nd floor. The seating area on the 2nd floor was SLAMMED. There must have been at least 100-120 people waiting. I found an available seat and sat down to wait. About 40 minutes later, my name was called. My IO was a gentleman in his 50s. He walked me to his office and did the whole "raise your right hand and swear to tell the truth and nothing but the truth, so help you God" thing. Obviously, this was a senior officer, since just about every inch of his office was covered with certificates of commendation from the INS and USCIS. He was very chatty and friendly, so I immediately felt at ease. He confirmed that I am changing my last name and had me sign 2 forms indicating that I am requesting a name change. He explained that one of the forms will be returned to me, along with my natz certificate, at the oath ceremony and will have a court seal. It will be my name change certificate.

After confirming my name change, the IO began going through my N-400 question by question. When we got to my address, he asked me if I was a Brooklyn Cyclones (a NY Mets "farm" team) fan. I told him that I'm not much of a sports fan, but I played at the Cyclones Stadium with my rock band. The IO pointed out a painting on a wall, featuring a band playing a concert. He told me that it's his classic rock band, in which he plays drums. Right then and there, I knew that things would definitely go in my favor. We got a bit sidetracked and had a little chat about music. When we got back to my N-400, he finished asking the questions and had me sign the application with my current name in section 13 and my new name in section 14. He also asked me to print my new name on the photographs. I was not asked to show any documents at all, besides my GC and travel document - not even my driver license. I should also mention that he asked "Have you ever been arrested?", and mentioned nothing about being detained or cited. With the application out of the way, it was now time for the test. I was asked 10 questions, approximately in the following order:

1. How many stripes are on the U.S. flag?
2. What comprises Congress?
3. Who is the current governor of NY?
4. Name 3 of the 13 original states.
5. What is the introduction to the Constitution called?
6. What is the purpose of Supreme Court?
7. For how many years is a Senator elected?
8. Who is the Commander-in-Chief of the U.S. Army?
9. How many states are in the Union?
10. What color are the stripes on the U.S. flag?

I got all 10 correct.

He then had me write 3 sentences:

1. Today is a beautiful day.
2. I drive a blue car.
3. I will be a good citizen.

The last part of the test was reading a 3-line paragraph (something about immigrants contributing to the development of the U.S.). I don't remember exactly what it was.

At this point, the IO stamped a big red "APPROVED" stamp on my N-400. He handed me the N-652, with "Congratulations! Your application has been recommended for approval." checked off. Here comes the good part...

The IO asked if I had any questions. I said yes, and explained to him the situation with my upcoming wedding. I asked if there is any possibility of me being able to get an oath prior to my wedding, as it would mean a lot to me to marry as an American citizen. He told me that it would most likely be impossible, since they are already scheduling oaths into the 2nd half of September. However, the IO said that he would go to the scheduling department and see what he could do. He asked me to wait in his office and left. He came back in about 15 minutes and told me that he got an approval for an expedited oath for me, but the person in charge of issuing oath letters is in a meeting. He gave me another N-652, with "MUST SEE ME" written on it and told me to come back in an hour and show the N-652 to the security guard downstairs. I went down the block and killed some time at a Starbucks. Exactly an hour later, I went back and showed the N-652 to the guard. He took the notice and asked me to take a seat. Not even 5 minutes later, my IO came out and gave me an OL for September 9 (8:30 A.M.). I nearly had a heart attack. I couldn't believe that the USCIS actually acted on an applicant's request. I guess bonding between musicians helps too!

In all honesty, God bless this man. It goes to show you that there are some decent human beings working for the USCIS. If only everyone there was like that!

With my journey's end only a couple of weeks away, I'd like to thank everyone (too many of you to name) on this forum for being a part of a great support system in what's been a somewhat difficult time for all of us. An honorable mention goes to Rajiv Khanna for hosting this forum, in effect providing us with plethora of information and an outlet for our frustrations. To all those who are still waiting, hang in there. Your time will come before you know it!
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Way to go Vorpal... way to go. Congrats to you....
 
Vorpal, Congratualtions.

I have not been on this board for a while. With all sincerity, I came to the site to find out your progress. I walked over to the Jacksonville DO this morning and was told that I am in the queue to be scheduled for the interview (a bit of a good news for me as well!). Right at that moment, I was thinking whether you got your interview yet. I am extremely happy for you. Good luck with the wedding.

BTW, I have mentioned this in the past as welll but the folks at Jacksonville DO are extremely nice.
 
Congrats Vorpal! Good to see everything worked out well for you and that you will be able to marry as a US citizen. Most importantly - you will be able to go on that honeymoon after all (with a spanking brand new passport)!!
 
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