Cleared the Interview
Cleared the interview this morning and it was very pleasant
and quick expereince.
Had the interview scehduled at 8.20AM, and as they suggested in
the appt. letter, we got there 30 minutes before, at 7.50 AM.
We had to go through the security check and they asked us to
wait till 8.00AM in the general lobby before they send us upstairs
to the third floor.
We got to the third floor at 8.00 AM and handed our appointment
letters at the reception, they already had our files and they took
the appt. letter and put it along with our files and asked us to sit.
I got called at 8.10AM, the officer was polite and professional,
asked me to raise my hand and swear to tell the truth. Asked for
Passport and GC, and started going over my N-400 app, and
asking the same questions in N-400 ( like my address, phone
number, If I was married, have any kids, had any arrests, do I
support the US Constitution after naturalizing, would I bear
arms ..etc).
In Phila they actually do all three tests (English read, write and
History) in one shot by giving you a history question sheet with
10 Q's. and asked me to write the answers, which I finished very
quickly.
After that he asked me to verify my name and GC number, and he
handed me a confirmation letter ( Which has lot of different check
boxes), with 2 check boxes marked.
One that I passed English and History Test, and
Two which says, Congratulations your case has been
recommeded/considered for Naturalization.
He shook my hand and I was out by 8.20 AM.
I did ask him when can I expect Oath, he said he cannot answer
that , and said may be in couple months or more. He said before
Oath, they do final check on you and if there are any questions, it
might take a little longer.
My wife had pretty much same exp. One interesting thing with
her was, one of the questions in the test was to name 3 bill of
rights. ( Irrespective of my hard training ) she put one of them
wrong ( Right to vote). So the officer told her ( in a light mood )
that she got 9 2/3 of marks and she missed that one. He
also told her that Right to Vote did not come until 15th
Ammendment. So the officers do have pretty good knowledge
about the history ( beyond 100 question bank ). He also told her
that, he wishes everyone he is going to interview are like her,
and hopes to have smooth day with interviews today.
It was very quick and was at work by 9.30 AM.
Let me save you some parking money now. Take some coins and
park your car next to the INS building right on Callohill St. You will
be out within 1 hour or 2 atmost. Not knowing how long it takes,
I used paid parking in the lot other side of INS building on 16th
street for $10.00.
(Oh, The Interviewing officer also said I can travel out of US if
need to on GC and passport untill the Oath.
I have no plans though.)
Hope that Helps and Good luck to you all.