Hi everyone, my wife and I just had (and passed) our interview yesterday @ Newark..Here's the details
GC : EB-1A (08/01/2005)
N400 05/05/2010
FP 06/25/10
YL for me 07/19/10 and for wife 07/25/10
IL for both 08/12/10
ID:09/15/10
We reached @ 8:30 AM for a 9:40 appt. Do go too early as there might be a big crowd. Use the Walnut Street entrance (side entrance-the one blocked to traffic) as most of the people seem to use the front main Broad Street entrance.
After clearing security on the 1st floor we went to the 15th floor, and were asked to give our Appt Letter on Window 1. (Although both our appts were at the same time, my wife was called almost an hour later than mine (which itself was 1 hr later than appt). So I don't know if the files go randomly to the officers, or it may help to tell that both are together, so that the files may go to the same officer, and your spouse may be interviewed after you. The place is a big room with several windows like a Airline ticket counter. There are 3 doors and several officer's cabins are located in each of the 3 doors. Anyway, after we gave our letters, I was called in for the interview. My case was very straight forward. No trips outside US for more than a month. No tickets etc. One change in employer, but since my GC was thru EB1A, it did not make any difference. The officer (Lobo) asked me to come in, made me take the oath that I'll tell the truth. He too my PP, GC and DL, went over my application. I had made a trip to Canada during July 4th weekend, and typed out the dates etc. I told hime that there's a change in my application re: trips outside and he noted down. Then asked me to read "What do we have to pay to the govt". He then asked if I knew the answer, and I told him "We pay taxes" which he asked me to write. He asked me 6 questions
1. Freedom of Religion
2. Ocean on East coast
3. One promise when you become a citizen
4. # of senators
5. When was the constitution written
6. Sorry can't remember the last one.
He then said that I passed the test and congratulated me. Asked me to fill out some form, and wait for my turn for the oath. The officer was very sweet. I told him that watching jeopardy payed off in the end to which he had a hearty laugh. The whole interview lasted about 10 mins.
The same was the case for my wife, except that she went in for the actual interview one hour later to a different officer and passed her test of 6 questions and writing and reading.
I could have taken my oath at 11:30, but took it with my wife @ 2:30 because she was not done. The oath is in the adjoining room. Took pictures with Obama, and left the building at around 3:15PM, relieved, happy, but slightly sad that I had to give up my native country's citizenship. To sum it up...it was very smooth.
Tips/Pointers
1. Study the 100 questions well- My wife and I used to quiz each other every day, and knew the Questions and Answers like the back of our hands.
2. Dress professionally- impressions matter
3. Anyone who works/interacts with people in the US, know how to read and write..so that's the easiest part.
4. Be honest if you have anything to share.
All the best. Hope it helps
