So yesterday, I had all but given up. Not on becoming citizen, I knew that was inevitable. It was the when. Election day is quickly approaching us. I felt this was adding a level of stress that was unnecessary. It wasn’t the reason why I applied for citizenship. The timing was ironic. I became eligible in June of 2008 to apply (5-year GC resident). I applied in July of 2008. Even five years ago I realized the sensitive time frame I had. I never expected to make it in time.
My interview was October 7, 2008. I became very aware that maybe I could make it in time. How exciting! I got my hopes up. I dutifully checked the mail everyday. Nothing. Frustration. So yesterday, I took a step back. I didn’t want to finally get my letter and be disappointed if it was after November 4. Can you imagine? Being disappointed? Either way, becoming a citizen is a life-changing and exciting occasion. I worked hard for this. I decided to accept whatever time frame they could manage.
I almost forgot to check my mail yesterday. My boyfriend had just gotten back from a business trip and I was excited to see him. It was windy and miserable out. I live in a condo so my mail is down the sidewalk, around the corner, down the stairs, and through the parking lot.
I went anyway. Imagine my surprise to see a letter waiting for me! It was different then the previous letters, it was plain white and very unofficial. The worse sprang to mind. I opened it and as far as I know, it’s my oath ceremony date!
It presents me with a lot of questions though. It was very plain. There was no letterhead, directions, suggestions, or verbiage on it of any kind.
On the top of the page were my name, A-registration number, and my case document number. At the bottom was a barcode. On the center of the page was:
October 30, 2008
310 East Knapp Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202-4504
Second Floor.,.
10:00 a.m.
X
X
X
X
Honestly, that was it. On the backside was a survey I had to fill out (for anything that’s happened since my interview). I had an additional page telling me some documents to bring. There was no mention of how early to show up or how many guests I could bring.
Anyone have more insight from your oath letter? Or anyone have experience with the Milwaukee oath ceremony? I wish I could find a number to call our local office. I know the status of my case but would love to find out a few specifics on the slightly unusual oath ceremony.
Milwaukee normally has it at the courthouse on Wisconsin Avenue (which I get the impression that it sounds cooler than it really is). Mine is in the Milwaukee application support center where I originally had my interview. The second floor is a dim and gloomy room with maybe 250 chairs. I assume other people will be there, but not many. I also wonder about cameras. None are normally allowed in the building. So I have my fingers crossed that cameras and guests will be allowed for the ceremony. I wonder how it will differ from those performed at the courthouse?
I am slightly disappointed that I don’t get to see the courthouse, but am thrilled they managed to get me scheduled so quickly! It sounds like they have been doing a ton here, and everywhere (http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=809355).
I will let you know how it goes! My mom (who had her interview the same day as mine) is still waiting for her oath notice. I hope she gets in with me. They told us to make sure we get scheduled together, but they failed to mention whom to call if we weren’t. I am going to play it by ear.
I love this forum and hearing everyone’s experiences with their application. I hope for the best for every still waiting. The waiting part is honestly the most difficult. Good luck and I look forward to hearing more success stories in the weeks and years to come.
My interview was October 7, 2008. I became very aware that maybe I could make it in time. How exciting! I got my hopes up. I dutifully checked the mail everyday. Nothing. Frustration. So yesterday, I took a step back. I didn’t want to finally get my letter and be disappointed if it was after November 4. Can you imagine? Being disappointed? Either way, becoming a citizen is a life-changing and exciting occasion. I worked hard for this. I decided to accept whatever time frame they could manage.
I almost forgot to check my mail yesterday. My boyfriend had just gotten back from a business trip and I was excited to see him. It was windy and miserable out. I live in a condo so my mail is down the sidewalk, around the corner, down the stairs, and through the parking lot.
I went anyway. Imagine my surprise to see a letter waiting for me! It was different then the previous letters, it was plain white and very unofficial. The worse sprang to mind. I opened it and as far as I know, it’s my oath ceremony date!
It presents me with a lot of questions though. It was very plain. There was no letterhead, directions, suggestions, or verbiage on it of any kind.
On the top of the page were my name, A-registration number, and my case document number. At the bottom was a barcode. On the center of the page was:
October 30, 2008
310 East Knapp Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202-4504
Second Floor.,.
10:00 a.m.
X
X
X
X
Honestly, that was it. On the backside was a survey I had to fill out (for anything that’s happened since my interview). I had an additional page telling me some documents to bring. There was no mention of how early to show up or how many guests I could bring.
Anyone have more insight from your oath letter? Or anyone have experience with the Milwaukee oath ceremony? I wish I could find a number to call our local office. I know the status of my case but would love to find out a few specifics on the slightly unusual oath ceremony.
Milwaukee normally has it at the courthouse on Wisconsin Avenue (which I get the impression that it sounds cooler than it really is). Mine is in the Milwaukee application support center where I originally had my interview. The second floor is a dim and gloomy room with maybe 250 chairs. I assume other people will be there, but not many. I also wonder about cameras. None are normally allowed in the building. So I have my fingers crossed that cameras and guests will be allowed for the ceremony. I wonder how it will differ from those performed at the courthouse?
I am slightly disappointed that I don’t get to see the courthouse, but am thrilled they managed to get me scheduled so quickly! It sounds like they have been doing a ton here, and everywhere (http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=809355).
I will let you know how it goes! My mom (who had her interview the same day as mine) is still waiting for her oath notice. I hope she gets in with me. They told us to make sure we get scheduled together, but they failed to mention whom to call if we weren’t. I am going to play it by ear.
I love this forum and hearing everyone’s experiences with their application. I hope for the best for every still waiting. The waiting part is honestly the most difficult. Good luck and I look forward to hearing more success stories in the weeks and years to come.
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