New American Citizen
I passed my interview and took the oath last Thursday, April 23rd. Here’s my experience.
My interview appointment was for 8:20 AM, so I got to Newark around 7:45, parked in the lot across the street (Court Street). They take credit cards and it cost $12 for the day. They didn’t start letting people into the building until right before 8 AM. The security guards were as stressed out and rude as usual (I’d hate to see what they’re like at the end of the day!).
I would say I was the 15th person in the door, which I thought was good news. Unfortunately I made the mistake of trying to send out a few emails before I had to shut my phone off going into the waiting room, and I think that resulted in me getting bumped. I wasn’t called until 9:30ish.
My interview was generally easy. Unfriendly but polite. I was basically asked most of the questions in the application. I had to fill in two additional overseas trips that I had made since I applied. I had brought along my entire file, including a copy of my application and originals of birth/marriage certificates etc., but I think the only thing they looked at was my passport. I was asked to read aloud and write a simple sentence, and I was asked 6 quiz questions (I was not given the choice of old or new test but these may be from both): 1. What do the 13 stripes on the flag represent? What Ocean is on the west coast of the USA? What happened on September 11th 2001? What is the rule of law? What is the name of the National Anthem? How many US Senators are there? I was given a piece of paper to say I passed and another to notify me of the Oath Ceremony, which I was told was at 11 AM.
Back to the waiting room, I sat, and sat, and sat, as name after name was called out. Those being called were congratulated and sent to another room for the Oath Ceremony. As 11 AM approached names were being called more frequently, but I was not called until 11:05 so I missed the early ceremony. Lesson – get there as early as you are allowed and go straight to the window with your interview notice. I was told to come back at 1:30 PM for a 2 PM ceremony, so I went for a walk to the Gateway Center to get some lunch.
The Oath Ceremony was held in a special room, and was a very dignified event, a very different feel to all my trips to the INS over the years. They played a video from the Ellis Island Museum, then we all took the oath. Then, they tried to get everyone to celebrate by singing along to God Bless the USA. Some did, but I think most of us were just too tired.
Overall the experience was positive and I am proud to be an American. I applied for my passport on Saturday at my local Post Office (They give you an application with your Certificate of Naturalization). I probably won’t be checking into this forum again, but I have to say it is very well organized and has been very useful over the years. Thank you all for your information, advice, and support.
Good Luck to Everyone!
Eire
I passed my interview and took the oath last Thursday, April 23rd. Here’s my experience.
My interview appointment was for 8:20 AM, so I got to Newark around 7:45, parked in the lot across the street (Court Street). They take credit cards and it cost $12 for the day. They didn’t start letting people into the building until right before 8 AM. The security guards were as stressed out and rude as usual (I’d hate to see what they’re like at the end of the day!).
I would say I was the 15th person in the door, which I thought was good news. Unfortunately I made the mistake of trying to send out a few emails before I had to shut my phone off going into the waiting room, and I think that resulted in me getting bumped. I wasn’t called until 9:30ish.
My interview was generally easy. Unfriendly but polite. I was basically asked most of the questions in the application. I had to fill in two additional overseas trips that I had made since I applied. I had brought along my entire file, including a copy of my application and originals of birth/marriage certificates etc., but I think the only thing they looked at was my passport. I was asked to read aloud and write a simple sentence, and I was asked 6 quiz questions (I was not given the choice of old or new test but these may be from both): 1. What do the 13 stripes on the flag represent? What Ocean is on the west coast of the USA? What happened on September 11th 2001? What is the rule of law? What is the name of the National Anthem? How many US Senators are there? I was given a piece of paper to say I passed and another to notify me of the Oath Ceremony, which I was told was at 11 AM.
Back to the waiting room, I sat, and sat, and sat, as name after name was called out. Those being called were congratulated and sent to another room for the Oath Ceremony. As 11 AM approached names were being called more frequently, but I was not called until 11:05 so I missed the early ceremony. Lesson – get there as early as you are allowed and go straight to the window with your interview notice. I was told to come back at 1:30 PM for a 2 PM ceremony, so I went for a walk to the Gateway Center to get some lunch.
The Oath Ceremony was held in a special room, and was a very dignified event, a very different feel to all my trips to the INS over the years. They played a video from the Ellis Island Museum, then we all took the oath. Then, they tried to get everyone to celebrate by singing along to God Bless the USA. Some did, but I think most of us were just too tired.
Overall the experience was positive and I am proud to be an American. I applied for my passport on Saturday at my local Post Office (They give you an application with your Certificate of Naturalization). I probably won’t be checking into this forum again, but I have to say it is very well organized and has been very useful over the years. Thank you all for your information, advice, and support.
Good Luck to Everyone!
Eire
