I had my citizenship interview on 27th Jan 09. Went off quite well
I reached by Bart at SanFrancisco DO at about 8AM and people were already there in line. I had to keep my cell phone at a nearby photo shop. After getting in line , the security personnel verified my interview letter and ID. Then I went thru the usual security stuff and was directed to 2nd floor. At the reception, the lady after taking my appointment letter, gave me a passport form and signalled me to sit in D area ( in some designated areas like, A,B,C,D,E,F). I sat there for almost 40 minutes (8.30 to 9.10 AM) when the IO came out and called my name
After seating in his cabin, he started checking my passport (old and new), greencard and two re-entry permits. Then the officer started asking me about the information on my N400. At the travel section where u give all your travel particulars, he asked me why I was out for so long in 2003. I said I was on 2nd re-entry permit at that time and gave my reasons (basically property/ finance related in India) to him and he was ok with that. Then he asked about my stay in Houston/ NewOrleans. I explained him that I was with my brother in NewOrleans when Katrina hurricane had happened. So we all moved to Houston at that time and later I moved to California to live with my daughter which is where I am living till now. Then the officer went thru the rest of form’s regular questionnaire.
After this he asked me if I want to take old test or new test, asking if I have seen the new test on internet.( Because I had not gone for FP at this time. I guess he knew that I will not have the booklet of the new test). Anyway I said, since it’s a new Govt.,I will take a new test He asked me about if I know who the president was in world war I. I said Woodrow Wilson. So he started questioning me on new test. Following were my questions:
1. What is the supreme law of the land?
2. What is an amendment?
3. Who signs bills to become law?
4. Who vetoes bills?
5. What is the Capital of California?
6. What do we show loyalty to when we say the Pledge of Allegiance?
7. Who did the United States fight in World War II?
Then he told me to write a sentence and read a sentence in English ( I do not remember that) although there were three sentences written on that paper.
He said good. And then made me sign all the relevant papers etc and gave me form N 652 which basically mentions that I have passed the History, Civics and English test. He checked box A) Congratulations , you have been recommended for approval. I asked him if this means I am approved, he said well you should expect a letter in mail for oath ceremony. I think the final approval is done before sending the oath- maybe they will go over the file to verify what all I said, I do not know. My daughter and son in-law were interviewed in Oakland in 2007 and they were handed oath ceremony letter right away, even though the oath happened two weeks later. Maybe it is different in each district office. I told the IO that I need to travel international for some urgent occasion in the family before the oath, he said you can travel. Then I said if I receive the oath letter in mail when I am not there, then I cannot return it back to USCIS, to which he said he will make a note on my application that the person will be traveling abroad, so if they look at it, they can schedule it in March. I hope I get it in March as I have to travel now.
All in all it was a good experience and hope will smooth thru the oath finally. BTW, my IO was a Chinese guy I think, so I had to really focus on what he was asking. Also for everybody’s information, they do have restrooms and drinking water faucet, which if you are traveling by Bart, and walking long distance can be a problem in absence of one.
