Short Story
Today, I had my successful interview at 26 Federal Plaza.
Long Story
My interview was at 9:55 AM @ 26 Federal Plaza. Since it says do not plan on being than more than 30 minutes early, I left home only around 9 AM. I wore a not the nicest but the luckiest suit and took the A train from Port Authority, close to where I live, got down at Chambers. Know the area fairly well, so headed straight to 26 Federal Plaza. Reached the Federal Plaza entrance, asked a security guard whether this was the entrance to USCIS, he politely pointed me to the Broadway entrance. On the Broadway entrance, there was a line and it was a 100 miles long. Got in the line at 9:30 AM. The line moved slowly but surely. Once at the security checkpoint, they asked me to remove my shoes, my blazer, my cell phone, my wallet, my nuts (just kidding
) and keys for an airport style security. Once past the checkpoint, I headed to 7th floor room 700. It was 10:30, I was 30 minutes late! Before entering the I was asked to turn off the cell phone before security which I promptly did and was asked to proceed to Window 52 with my appointment letter. Greeted the lady Good morning at Window 52, she wished back and asked me to take a seat in the hall and told me that my name would be called. They didn't seem to care much about the fact that I was late.
About 20 minutes would have passed before my name was called asking me to proceed to Door 1. Not bad, I was expecting a much longer wait. A man in the mid 30's, sharp looking, well dressed with an all American accent, greeted me and walked me to his room. Once in the room, he asked me to raise his hand and take an oath and asked me to be seated. He asked me to verify some vital stats about me which I did. He asked me to say Yes or No to some questions. He went over the application. Asked me for my marriage certificates, which I handed over a copy. He asked if I made a copy for him, I told him I have the original, and he can keep it was I had more copies. He took a copy and returned the original to me. Asked me I had any issues with the law. I told him I have had 2 traffic tickets. He asked what kind of tickets, I told him speeding. He didn't seem to care although I had mentioned not cited, not detailed, not arrested, etc on the application. Once past this point, I knew this was a done deal. He asked me if I was ready to take the oath and pledge allegiance to the US, I said Yes. He asked me if I was ready for the test, i said yes. Six questions below:
1) What the freedom of religion - Freedom to practice any religion or not practice a religion
2) When was the constitution written - 1787
3) Name any one state that broders Canada - New York
4) How many senators are there - 100
5) What ocean is in the East coast - Atlantic
6) Don't remember
He asked me to read a sentence - What do we pay the government?
He asked me to write "We pay taxes" in a piece of paper.
He told me that I had passed the test and that he is going to recommend me for approval and that if his supervisor agrees with him, they will be giving me a letter for an Oath cermony. Another lady also stopped at the same time at his office and offered her congratulations as well. He asked me if I had any questions for him. I told him, I said no. He shook hands with me and walked me to another room and asked me to wait for my Oath letter. I was done by 11 AM.
Then came the long 3 hour wait for the Oath letter. My Oath is next Friday 2/26 8:30 AM at the same building 3rd floor. Surprised, I was told this would be about a month away.
It was a very easy and pleasant experience (except for the 3 hour wait for the oath letter).
Good luck to all, please let me know if anyone has any questions.
