Hi everybody, thanks for those who helped me here, I passed my interview at Norfolk DO today. For benefit of others who are waiting, this is what happened:
First, as soon as you get the interview letter, prepare all the documents. I waited until last minute and then realized I did not have enough time to get tax transcripts etc. So I had to get them faxed to me. Fortunately I was proactive to get my driving records, so that worked fine.
I got all documents together day before yesterday itself. Made copies and so on. Today I started at 8:15 from Richmond for 10:40 interview. I gave more time in case I get a flat or something. While driving I basically listened to the questions CD 3 times. Whatever I knew I would skip immediately, whatever I couldnt, I would try to remember. On 3rd try I got almost all answers correct.
My GPS left me 2 buildings away from the actual building. Interview building is different from FP building too. In any case I found the building in a couple of minutes. I reached DO at 10 am. Security guard asked for letter and my ID. I made a joke about my picture to the guard. Then he made a joke back when he asked me if I had any weapons, I said no, he said are you sure? Also he did not let me take my cell phone inside (contrary to somebody else's experience here), so I went back and left it in the car.
Note: You are supposed to put your interview letter in N400 bin. I did not know that and took me 15 mins to realize something is wrong.
Wait was kind of painful as everybody who came before me and after me was being attended to. Also my cell phone is my watch and without it I had no idea of time. One guy was rejected as he failed in reading/writing English test. I was happy that officer did not call me next.
I was called in at 11. We walked through office maze to her office. Her office had all her family pictures and office junk. So I decided to try to be friendly. I asked her how was she doing, she said ok and naturally asked how are you. I said nervous. She was surprised "nervous?" I said yes. This kind of lowered her guard. (Note: Try at your own risk, you need to judge the situation)
She asked me to keep standing and first took the oath. Asked for my ID, GC and passports. She asked me to read "how many senators do we have?" and then asked me to write "we have 100 senators". She asked me 6 questions for civic test, thanks to the CD, I answered all correctly. I remember following questions:
What is the name of US national anthem
what is rule of the law
what ocean is on west cost of US
how old do you have to be to vote
...
...
She went through the whole application, no surprises here. I am fairly law abiding person. She asked "a speeding ticket?" I said yes, she said "was it wreckless driving", I said "no just speeding ticket". She checked stamps in my passport to make sure my recording of leaving the country matches with what I filled in application. She asked me almost everything I wrote in application but did not ask me even single extra paper. I corrected one "job" to "contract". She asked me if I belong to any groups, I said yes "singles group", she wasn't sure if she would write on application, when I said it doesn't matter, she didn't write. I think I may be first case of telling officer what to do
I laughed out loud when she asked me "have you ever been a prostitute?", I said Noooooooooooo. Also I made a face when she asked me if I was a terrorist. She smirked at my face. I asked her later on if people do reply yes, she said she never had anybody say that. I also did not know she was going to ask me "are you willing to use arms if needed to protect US" or something like that, I wasn't sure if "yes" was required or was a voluntary "opt in" program. I decided not to take risk and said yes. I still do not know if "no" would have made her reject application immediately.
Finally she said she is going to recommend my case for approval. I can take oath on the next ceremony date on 16th Dec in Richmond. I was like darn it. I asked "is there no oath ceremony today" she said no.
That was it, I collected all papers, she walked me out. Wished each other good day and I drove back.
I do not have citizenship yet but I see the light at the end of the tunnel.
Good luck to you! Soon you will have your own story to tell.
