My journey is almost over! I am writing to share my experience in applying my N400. My interview was last 8/27/07 at the Chicago District Office. Appointment time was 1025am, but I was called in at 1005am. Upon advise from many people here I should not come too early for the interview, and they were right. I came at around 955am and waited only for ten minutes. Half hour to 45 mins. before your interview time should be sufficient...
Officer called my name and we both went into his booth. He made me raise my right hand to tell the truth, then asked for my GC and my passport, including expired ones. Since my GC was based on marriage, he asked then for my wife's original Naturalization Certificate. Then immediately asked for my latest tax return. After that, he made me write my full name, sign it, and wrote the sentence "The President lives in the White House". Proceeded to civic questions, I got six out of six, asked me --- 1) How many stripes are in the flag; 2) What do the stripes on the flag represent; 3) What is the highest court in the country; 4) Who said "give me liberty or give me death?"; 5) How many stars are there in the flag; 5) What are the colors of the stars in the flag. He even showed me his printed questionnaire and pointed out that he was about to ask me "what are the first 13 states", but he jokingly told me I already knew that so he didn't!
After answering all of these correctly, we proceeded with the N400 application. Went through one by one somewhat quickly, and when we came to part 10; good moral character, I answered "yes" to "have you ever been cited...." due to a traffic citation. He asked me if I have the original citation ticket, I handed out to him; but he quickly said "that's okay, I don't need it". After this, he filled up the N-652 marked "Congratulations, you have passed the interview...". Then I felt a big relief after getting this letter. He then shook my hand and told me to wait for my oath ceremony schedule in the mail.
Overall the interview lasted 12 mins. In by 1005am, out by 1017am. I felt I was there more than that, as I looked at my watch as soon as I opened the door and left the room. The experience was far more smooth than what I expected it to be. But, I was confident and prepared for anything, with all the paperwork I had, I really advise to everyone that it is better overprepared rather than coming unprepared.
Today, 9/4/07, I got a phone call from USCIS Chicago that my oath taking is scheduled for 9/7/07, which is exacly 10 days after my interview. I called back and confirmed this as I was expecting a notice from the postal mail. The person on the phone explained to me that if they had scheduled people on such short notice, they call them instead of sending out postal notices. So I will not be getting any oath notice anymore. So this Friday, off I go to the oath ceremony, then apply for the expedited Passport....
Chicago DO timeline:
Sent to Nebraska SC on 1/16/07
Received ND on 1/26/07
PD : 1/22/07
FP ND : 5/29/07, delayed due to FP scheduling problem in Chicago, FP done on 6/19/07
Int ND : 7/12/07, Interview date on 8/27/07
Oath date : 9/7/07, notified by Phone
Officer called my name and we both went into his booth. He made me raise my right hand to tell the truth, then asked for my GC and my passport, including expired ones. Since my GC was based on marriage, he asked then for my wife's original Naturalization Certificate. Then immediately asked for my latest tax return. After that, he made me write my full name, sign it, and wrote the sentence "The President lives in the White House". Proceeded to civic questions, I got six out of six, asked me --- 1) How many stripes are in the flag; 2) What do the stripes on the flag represent; 3) What is the highest court in the country; 4) Who said "give me liberty or give me death?"; 5) How many stars are there in the flag; 5) What are the colors of the stars in the flag. He even showed me his printed questionnaire and pointed out that he was about to ask me "what are the first 13 states", but he jokingly told me I already knew that so he didn't!
After answering all of these correctly, we proceeded with the N400 application. Went through one by one somewhat quickly, and when we came to part 10; good moral character, I answered "yes" to "have you ever been cited...." due to a traffic citation. He asked me if I have the original citation ticket, I handed out to him; but he quickly said "that's okay, I don't need it". After this, he filled up the N-652 marked "Congratulations, you have passed the interview...". Then I felt a big relief after getting this letter. He then shook my hand and told me to wait for my oath ceremony schedule in the mail.
Overall the interview lasted 12 mins. In by 1005am, out by 1017am. I felt I was there more than that, as I looked at my watch as soon as I opened the door and left the room. The experience was far more smooth than what I expected it to be. But, I was confident and prepared for anything, with all the paperwork I had, I really advise to everyone that it is better overprepared rather than coming unprepared.
Today, 9/4/07, I got a phone call from USCIS Chicago that my oath taking is scheduled for 9/7/07, which is exacly 10 days after my interview. I called back and confirmed this as I was expecting a notice from the postal mail. The person on the phone explained to me that if they had scheduled people on such short notice, they call them instead of sending out postal notices. So I will not be getting any oath notice anymore. So this Friday, off I go to the oath ceremony, then apply for the expedited Passport....
Chicago DO timeline:
Sent to Nebraska SC on 1/16/07
Received ND on 1/26/07
PD : 1/22/07
FP ND : 5/29/07, delayed due to FP scheduling problem in Chicago, FP done on 6/19/07
Int ND : 7/12/07, Interview date on 8/27/07
Oath date : 9/7/07, notified by Phone