Hey MohanP,
I have just received an email update from USCIS telling me that my case is in the " testing and Intrview" step. Did you received it too. I think an interview letter could be in my mail box soon?
Thanks,
Summary: the interview was a pleasant experience. The officer was very friendly and had a great sense of humor. If you meet the criteria and have all your paperwork in order and come prepared, it will be smooth sailing.
Now some details:
Getting through security was a bit slow as the security guys only let one person at a time through the door. I dropped off my letter on the second floor reception desk and was asked to wait. There are 4 sections and it wasn't busy at all.
My name got called 10 min early and the officer escorted me to his office. He went straight to business asking me to remain standing, raise my right hand, and promise to tell the truth.
He asked me for my DL, green card, and passport and went through each and every line in the N-400 application. As I had quite a few trips abroad, he did ask for my expired passports and verified about 70% of the trips checking entry/exit stamps.
I had brought originals and copies of my marriage cert, utility bills, tax transcritps, DMV car registration but was not asked for any of this. He did ask for two pictures, which I also had.
While I was still singing the N-400, he moved into asking me the civics/history questions. I was only asked 6 questions and nailed them all. The questions all came out of the 100 published questions you can find on the USCIS website. He asked me to read 'Who can vote', and write 'Citizens can vote'.
He then congratulated me and gave me the form saying I had passed the history and civics test and he would recommend me for approval.
We then just chatted a bit about traveling and my work for a big global company. I asked for the oath ceremony dates and was told that there is one on Nov 5 (which he doubt I could make) and one on Nov 19.
So I am almost there. Good luck to all of you guys still going through the motions.
DO: San Francisco
07/24/09: Mailed to Phoenix lockbox
07/27/09: Receipt date
08/05/09: FP notice
08/26/09: FP done as scheduled
09/10/09: Called FBI FP cust service. FP returned to USCIS same day
09/17/09: Online status change 'sent for standard interview'
09/18/09: Interview notification
10/26/09: Interview (recommended for approval)
xx/xx/xx: Oath notification
xx/xx/xx: Oath Ceremony
While I was still singing the N-400, he moved into asking me the civics/history questions.
Sounds like a happy ending to a long journey! All the best to you in your life as a USC.
I called today to FBI FP department using number provided by hanhan (Thanks hanhan)
They told me that they received fingerprints on 10/24/2009 and cleared and returned them to USCIS. So good news.
The interesting part is that they are working and clearing fingerprints on a Saturday... which I did not realize.
Does anyone here have experience with name check process if you have a Middle Eastern name? Also, does USCIS wait for "FBI Name Check" clearance before issuing the IL? or does it happen at the same time? Sorry to be annoying... now I am just worrying about delays with FBI Name Check because of my Middle Eastern name ... has anyone got this experience and have a timeline so I can compare?
Thank you all again... this discussion board is an amazing resource to find.
My wife's interview was on Oct 26 and she passed. IO told that she will get oath letter within 30 days.