Oath day procedures..

[desi2go]

Hi,
My oath ceremony is coming up in a couple of weeks. The letter says the appointment is at 11 AM. What is the experience of people who have attended the oath so far? Is it advisable to go to the oath center earlier than the appointment time or is it ok to go around the appointment time. Any information on the process during the oath day and experiences of folks will be of great help.

Thanks

 

[Flydog]

(Based on my wife's experience (administrative ceremony in the Dallas convention center) and mine (judicial ceremony in the Plano convention center), ...)

Don't show up early (of course, don't show up late either). If you show up on time, you'll stand in line just like the folks who show up early.

When you show up you will get directed to a line (and your guests will be directed to the guest section). You will stand in line for 15 to 45 minutes. They'll look at your oath letter, check that you are on the list, and that everything is OK. I'm not sure what happens if you check "yes" to any of the questions on the back of the oath letter.

Then you'll get shown to a seat. At my wife's ceremony, they were seating folks by section (which made handing out the natz certs at the end easier/faster). At mine, they were just seating people in the order they showed up in the room (making sure no empty seats were left).

Once everyone is seated, they then said "well, everyone's here, let's take a break". In my wife's case, it was nearly an hour after the "start time" and we had a 1/2 hour break. I think my break was longer.

Then they start the ceremony. A speech, a "patriotic" video including a "welcome to the USA" message recorded by the president. Then one of the pledge of alligiance or the Star Spangled Banner (the other was after the oath).

Finally, you raise your right hand and read off the oath in chorus with everyone else.

Then the other of the pledge or the anthem and "Congratulations".

At my wife's ceremony, they handed the certs out by section. At mine I had to stand in a 20-30 minute line. You give them your green card, they give you the certificate.

Count on probably spending 2 hours there, even though the ceremony probably lasts about 20 minutes. It's the last chance the USCIS has to waste your time.

Good luck.

 

[warlord]

I showed up 45 mins early. There were 4 tables. I stood right at one of the tables. Eventually they started opening up the lines and people were all standing behind a sign that just said New USC this way. A number of us just remained around one of the tables (the table it told us to be at in the letter). Finally they opened up the tables and I was first in line, got my stuff and was first to enter the auditorium and I sat down and then waited for everyone else (about 40 mins maybe). I at least got to sit rather then stand, so really doesn't make much of a difference. You'll either wait in line, or wait sitting down...

 

[boatbod]

As with many things USCIS-related, the answer somewhat depends on which DO and how many people. That said, you really don't need to be early, but then again there isn't any benefit in being late either.

With small (40-60 people) ceremonies like Baltimore, MD, you may find yourself waiting around to be taken up to the oath room, and then waiting for your row to be called up for registration. Allow about 45 minutes for that, then maybe 20 minutes for the actual ceremony. Afterwards you collect your certificate and everything is all over.