I am happy to say, I am a U.S. Citizen. Here is my experience.
Dear All,
I want to thank all of you as this forum was so helpful and resourceful in many ways. If anything, it helps you understand there are other people in the same situation and you don't think you are crazy for the endless worrying
I also want to thank all helpful people who shared/sharing/shares their experiences patiently.
Below you may find my experience. I hope it may help you. All I can say is that; get ready to clean your tears during the ceremony because it is a great feeling.
1- My interview was at 2 pm. I was there around 1:05 pm
2- I parked my card across the street. I paid $10.
3- By 1:20 pm I went through the security. They make you smile at that point. The security guy was smiling, making jokes and it really relaxed me. Because I was really excited.
4- They don't allow coffee in the waiting room. So only take soft drinks. I drank mine in the hall and throw it before I could go and sit at the waiting room.
5- You go to WINDOW 1 and you drop your letter in the box.
6- You go & start sitting.
7- In my case I waited until 4:10 PM. I was so worried...kept waiting, waiting, and waiting.
8- Finally , Mr. Someone called my name. I went inside. He was smiling, very talkative and trust me it was relaxing.
9- I applied with a lawyer but than chose to go alone as I didnt have any complications to my case. ( My lawyer advised.)
10- The officer wanted me to sign the waiver for the lawyer before we started.
11- I travel a lot for business. So he asked me why when he saw my in and out of the country. But of course I was never away more than 180 days and my longest trip was 60 days.
12- I explained him briefly. And he asked me what I do. And that was it.
13- He asked for my tax returns for the last 3 years. I had the copies, I gave it to him.
14- He wanted the photocopy of my green card. I didnt have it with me. He said it is OK. He took the photocopy himself. So it wasnt a problem. But maybe you want to take a photocopy.
15- He asked the history questions. All from the sample questions. He wanted me to write a sentence which I did.
16- He then filled out some paperwork. Told me to sign some places. And gave me 2 pieces of paper. One for you to keep ; shows that you passed the exam. And congratulateS you. And the other to fill out and to give with your green card while getting ready for the oath ceremony.
18- With your green card you give the second document. And they give you book. You continue waiting.
19- And then they call everyone who has books and there you go to the oath ceremony.
20- Take pictures and enjoy the moment of becoming a proud U.S. Citizen. I did and I am so happy.
I have to say; everyone at the office was smiling, happy and cooperative. Everyone congratulated us. I felt like I was so lucky to become one of them a U.S. Citizen. They had a warm welcoming on their face and they were so sincere .
My journey ends here as today I am a U.S. Citizen. I wish everyone to have a nice experience. Please dont worry. Have no fear. And just enjoy your day. You will never forget this day, I promise you.
PD: 06/8/2007
FP: 07/13/2007
IL: 12/10/2007
ID & OATH: 02/11/2008