Newark, NJ - N-400 Timeline

I have also received my Interview letter in todays mail and the letter was dispatched/mailed on Nov 17 and received today Nov 20 and letter is sent from Lee's Summit MO Zip 64063.

DO: Newark, NJ
09/12/2009: N-400 application sent((Lewisville TX))
09/22/2009: FP notice date
10/01/2009: FP notice received
10/13/2009: FP Done
11/16/2009 : Online update"Your case has been transferred to a local office and an interview will be scheduled."
11/20/2009: Interview Notice received
12/22/2009: Interview date
**/**/***: Oath complete

No Yallow letter recieved.
 
Awesome news Shikha, Newark, Saathia, Js88088. Now I am really getting my hopes up for my spouse's IL and hopefully mine - atleast the status update @5am tomorrow. :-(
I have a mental alarm set now to wake up a few times after 2am to check my email for the status update :)
I will keep you posted.
 
Awesome news Shikha, Newark, Saathia, Js88088. Now I am really getting my hopes up for my spouse's IL and hopefully mine - atleast the status update @5am tomorrow. :-(
I have a mental alarm set now to wake up a few times after 2am to check my email for the status update :)
I will keep you posted.

From the trend it seems your Interview letter is with post office and they may deliver tomorrow Saturday.
Good Luck!!
 
Thanks Ginnu.
No IL in today's mail either. No email update for me. Have been checking some receipt numbers close to mine online. There has been some movement. Hopefully, mine gets updated before thanksgiving holiday.
 
Received spouse's IL in today's mail. Interview on Dec 22,2009 @1.20pm.
Letter was dated 11/16/2009. Mailed on 11/19 from 64063 zipcode.
 
It means your spouse got Interview date notice. If you both sent N400 same day (same envelope) did FP same day I think its postal delay or mail sending delay. You may also get Interview notice 1-2 days.

Good Luck!!
 
Alas, we did not do the same envelope :-(. Do you know if you get adjacent appl #s (NBC*) in that case? Our appl. numbers were quite apart, with his being later :))
But I don't think its postal delay in my case. My status has not even changed to "sent to DO for interview". So I might end up on a different date.

Thanks for the wishes as always though :)
 
Alas, we did not do the same envelope :-(. Do you know if you get adjacent appl #s (NBC*) in that case?
------------------I have seen that if sent in same envelope then both get receipt from Lockbox on same day(address will be of NBC). One may have receipt NBC*12345678 other may have receipt NBC*12345679. If sent in different envelopes then Receipt number may be different because at lockbox where data is entered and data entry may be done by two persons and one may pick up your file other may pick up your spouse file. FYI the receipt number does not matter. If you see the trend for Newark DO those who did FP on October 13 got interview date.

Our appl. numbers were quite apart, with his being later :))
But I don't think its postal delay in my case.

My status has not even changed to "sent to DO for interview". So I might end up on a different date.
--------------May be they did not locate your A-file or may be backgound check not compleated, May be they dont have extra slot available at local DO on 22 because of holydays and delay .It is hard to guess the reason for delay.

[/B]Thanks for the wishes as always though :)
Good Luck!!
 
USCIS Elizabeth ASC open on Saturday

Is USCIS Application Support Center at Elizabeth, NJ open on Saturday for Finger printing?

If yes, what are the hours on saturday?

thank you
 
Hi, folks,
When asking to change name, does that delay the process while the interview/oath taking place at same day? Or to make thing straight forward, it is better not to ask the name change at all during the N-400 process?
Thanks a lot.
 
Thinking of going in on Friday(day after thanksgiving) for FP to Elizabeth for walk in. What time do you guys think is best to try. How long does it take?
 
I did my fingerprint last Nov 5 with my husband, DO is Newark. What is the average timeline between fingerprinting and getting interview letter for NJ folks ? Below is my time line.

N400 Sent -- Oct 19
Priority Date -- Oct 21
Cheque cashed -- Oct 26
NOA -- Oct 28
FP Notice -- Oct 28
FP Walk in -- Nov 5
LUD ???
IL ???
ID ???
Prio
 
Thinking of going in on Friday(day after thanksgiving) for FP to Elizabeth for walk in. What time do you guys think is best to try. How long does it take?

When I went to actual FP date 2hr earlier, guard did not let us in. Asked us to comeback after an hour. So we returned after an hour, new guard at that time did not bother to read the notice.

So, good luck.
 
Yellow Letter received

I received a yellow letter yesterday (23Nov) dated 15Nov bring driver's license to interview. Nothing changed online. Nothing for spouse.
 
I received a yellow letter yesterday (23Nov) dated 15Nov bring driver's license to interview. Nothing changed online. Nothing for spouse.
your info for N400 is:
sent:14OCT09
RD:15OCT09
PD:19OCT09
FP:12Nov 09.
yellow letter: 23 nov,2009
 
Guys / Gals,
I became American on Oct 21st. The interview was just a typical one. It took about 10 minutes. Mine is a 5 year based (after employment based GC). Based on my experience i can cofidently say that if you have no negative factors in your record (never been arrested) then interview is just a formality. They will just ask you those 6 easy questions which will be from the 100 questions in the book that they gave you during finger printing. Going to citizenship interview is like going to stamping for your GC wen your case is already approved. They will not ask you any documents other than GC, Drivers License and Passport. You don't need any thin else. I have seen a few people posting that they were asked about birth certificate. Other than that you don't need to carry any thing else for 5 year GC based applications. The 3 yr marriage based people may have to take more documents (combined accounts, proof of living togather etc).

Let me pt my interview experiences in bulletin points :
1) Traffic Tickets : Don't sweat over traffic tickets unless they are DUI related or Accident leading to police arrest. The IO will only ask you have you ever been arrested and you will say "No". There ends the matter. He doesn't have your minor traffic affenses records in front of him. So don't bother about telling him these minor trivia. If you tell about them then you will have to submit detailed court disposal documents for those cases.
2) Parking : There are paid parking lots all across that Broad Street. At almost every traffic light (near this Federal building) you will see big boards about paid parking lots. Try the one opposite the church (which is next to the Federal building). It's 11 dollars for 10 hrs. If that is full, then try the one at the next traffic light. That's 14 dollars per day.
3) Interview timings : As soon as you enter 15th floor, you have to go to window 1 and submit your interview letter. It looks like in most cases people are being called 1 hour after they submit their interview letter at window1. The interview takes about 10 minutes (half of that time, the IO will be seeing your information on the computer and entering some information). All you need to do is answer the 6 questions and you will pass the interview.
4) Oath timings: After the interview,it's taking about 1 hr again to get the Oath handbook. Once you get the Oath handbook then you are ready for Oath. The Oath ceremonies take place at 11.15am, 2pm and 4.15pm. The ceremony takes about 20 minutes. After that you can head for your car.
5) Name change : It's very simple. If yo have not already mentioned in the N400, just tell the IO that you want name change. He will give you what ever name you want. Also some people like "OneMoreStupid" have asked about having their first names and middle names appearing differently in different identification documents like GC, Passport, SSN etc. Even my case is also a similar one. But it is a non issue. The IO's are very nice people (even though some of them may not appear or talk in a friendly way). They use common sense and they will not create beaurocratic problems.
6) Documents you need for interview : It depends on the type of application. If it is based on 5yr emplyment GC, then all you need is just GC, drivers license and Passport. You may also want to carry your birth certificate (just in case). There is no need for other documents.
7) Other / Miscellaneous tips : It's better to go there 1 or 1.5 hrs before the interview so that you will be called at your scheduled time. If you are able to take the 11am Oath or 2pm Oath then go to 10th floor (SSN office) and fill out the SSN update application and submit it. You need to show them your naturalization certificate in order to do this. There is a canteen on 2nd floor. I guess that it closes at 3.30pm.

Over all, it's a very simple process and you just go there and complete the formalities and become a happy American :) . Please let me know if any of you have any questions. I will be pleased to answer. My immigration journey in this country is finally over and i am enjoying it. The Green Card process was tough. I have worked with Rajiv Khanna during the I485 stage to put pressure on INS to expedite the process. If not for Rajiv's lawsuit against INS for I485 delays, our green card process would have been delayed by a few years. I thank him for helping the immigrants.

Thanks for posting the Info.
 
I have been calling USCIS pretty much every day, talking to a second level IO every time. But there is no information except that "You are in queue to be scheduled for an interview".

:-(
 
May help who are going for Inteview at Newark. Questions that were asked in newark DO. It does not mean one should not read 100 questions.


1) What is the name of the National anthem?
2) What major event happened on September 11, 2001?
3) What is freedom of Religion?
4) What ocean is on the West Coast of the US?
5) Name one war fought by the United States in the 1800s.
6) What is the rule of law?
7) What is freedom of religion?
----------------

1)Who were the people sold as slaves (question paraphrased by me)? Africans
2) How many amendments to the constitution? 27
3) Who is the Vice President? Joe Biden
4) What is the capital of New Jersey? Trenton
5) How many years do we elect the Senators for? 6
6) How many members in the house? 435

-------------
What did the Declaration of Independence do
Name one branch or part of the government
We elect a U.S. Senator for how many years
If both the President and the Vice President can no longer serve, who becomes President?
What does the President's Cabinet do
When was the Declaration of Independence adopted
------------
Asked to read: "When is Columbus Day?"
Asked to write: "Columbus Day is in October."
Asked 6 civics questions:
- How many years are senators elected?
- Name one branch or part of government.
- If both President and VP cannot serve, who becomes president?
- What did Declaration of Independence do?
- How many justices on Supreme Court?
- What does President's Cabinet do?
---------------------
1. What did the Declaration of Independence do?
2. Name one branch or part of the government.
3. We elect a U.S. Senator for how many years?
4. If both the President and the Vice President can no longer serve, who becomes President?
5. What does the President’s Cabinet do?
6. How many justices are on the Supreme Court?
-------------------
a. What happened on September 11th
b. What ocean is on the west coast
c. Rule of law
d. What is our national anthem called
e. Asked me to read "How many senator are there in Congress"
and write the given Answer to it

------------------
1)Who were the people sold as slaves (question paraphrased by me)? Africans
2) How many amendments to the constitution? 27
3) Who is the Vice President? Joe Biden
4) What is the capital of New Jersey? Trenton
5) How many years do we elect the Senators for? 6
6) How many members in the house? 435

Written test
Who can vote?
Citizens can vote.
-------------------
What is the capital of your state?
What is the supreme law of the land?
What is an amendment?
What do we show loyalty to when we say the Pledge of Allegiance?
Who did the United States fight in World War II?

ask to read 'who can vote'
asked to write 'citizens can write'
---------------
Posted by Jay-T
I was asked the following Questions in Histiry & Civic:
1. What is one promise you make when you become a United States citizen?
2. Who was the first President?
3. Who is the Governor of your state now?
4. What movement tried to end racial discrimination?
5. Where is the Statue of Liberty?
6. Name two national U.S. holidays.
-------------
asked to write
Lincoln was the president during civil war
-----------
Questions asked:
1) Governer of NJ.
2) where is statue of liberty.
3) First President of USA.
4) National Holidays of USA.
5) What Moments ended racial discrimation.
6) Promise you make when you become Citizen.

Read & Write: The President lives in the white house.

-------------------
Posted by Edison_NJ
- I answered the first 6 questions correctly
- Name one war fought by USA in 1900's (World War I)
- House of Representatives have how many voting members (435)
- For how many years we elect a representative (2 years)
- Supreme court chief justice (John Roberts)
- which month we vote for president (November)
- Father of the nation (George Washington)
- She asked me read "Who was the first President of USA ?"
- She asked me write "George Washington was the first President of USA"
--------------
Posted by NJdesi
Civic test

1. What did the declaration of independence do?
2. Name one branch or part of the government?
3. We elect a U.S. Senator for how many years?
4. If both the President and the Vice President can no longer serve, who becomes President?
5. What does the President's cabinet do?
Forgot 6 question

Reading test with when is Columbus Day celebrated.
Writing test "Columbus day is in October"

-------------
Posted by shopfree4pc
Was asked to read 'Who was Abraham Lincoln?' and write 'Lincoln was president during civil war' (something similar to that :))
Then my 6 questions were:
One Longest River?
How many years we elect president for?
Speaker of the House?
Who lived before colonists?
First 10 amendments were called?
Declaration of Independence adopted on?
-----------------
Posted by toonarmy
He asked me to read the sentence "Who can vote?"
Asked me to write "Citizens can vote"
Questions for the Civics Test were if I remember rightly:

What group of people were taken to America to be sold as slaves?
Why did the Colonists fight the British?
Name of the VP?
How many Justices on the Supreme Court?
Who makes laws?
What Territory did the US purchase from the French?
--------------------
posted by Shakal
She then started asking questions,
1) What are the two political parties in US?
2) President belongs to which party?
3) Who wrote the Declaration of Independance
4) What state borders Mexico
5) Three original colonies (states)
6) I think......One right only to Citizens...
--------------------
posted by feb2009
don’t even remember all of my six questions as interview process went very fast , the one I remember is:
21. The House of Representatives has how many voting members?
22. We elect a U.S. Representative for how many years?
27. In what month do we vote for President?
40. Who is the Chief Justice of the United States?
78. Name one war fought by the United States in the 1900s.
Remaining question was simple too.
---------------
posted by thomas5
first asked me to read a sentence......and asked me to write now (Lincoln was the president during the civil war)
1. How long is the presidential term?
2. Name one of the 2 longest rivers
3. What are the first 10 amendments called
4. Who is the speaker of the house?
5. What stops one branch of govt becoming too powerful?
6. how many justices on the supreme court?
---------------
posted by helpmen400
) What is the president's party
2) Name three original colonies.
3) Name state borders with Mexico
4) Two major parties in US
5) Who wrote the constitution
6) who is in charge of the military

Then he asked me to write a simple sentence "the people elect the congress" and read a sentence.
---------------------
He proceeded with the Civic questions followed by one sentence to read and one sentence to write. (Columbus day is in October).

--------------------
posted by freenation
Then he asked me 6 simple questions all were correct:

1) What are 2 political parties?
2) Before European who were living in America?
3) Name of the current President?
4) Which Ocean at WEST the coast?
5) How many house of representatives?
6) Current Senator of NJ state?

Then he asked me to read and write simple secentence.
----------------
posted by ASWNewark
1) Who is the speaker of house?
2) What are the first 10 amendments called?
3) who was here before Europeans?
4) when was declaration of independence signed?
5) longest river in US? and
6) how many years is a pesident elected for?.

---------------------
posted by eire
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?
 
Thanks Ginnu, this is the list I was looking for my Interview preperation.

Again, thanks for putting this together, saves our lot of time :)
 
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