All,
Here's my interview experience at the Philadelphia DO. It matches what most other have reported. Nothing unusual, no surprises.
Reported at USCIS building about 30 min before the scheduled time. They make you go through airport-like security. Carry-on items get scanned, you need to remove your coat and so on. No need to remove shoes, though.
I got sent to the 6th floor. Presented my interview letter to the woman at the window who kept it, and told me to take a seat in the waiting area. After about 15 minutes, a youngish guy - maybe in his mid 30s - called my name and asked me to follow him. Once at his desk he made me swear that I would tell the truth. He asked me if I wanted to change my name. I said 'No'. He quickly went through items on the form and asked me my address, whether I was married or not and how many times, and where I worked. Then came the Yes/No part which was fast. Asked me the civics/history questions. Made me sign the N-400 form and photographs. I was told to write my full name in cursive on the photos.
He then congratulated me, and handed me form N-652 that had two boxes checked signifying that I had passed the civics/history test and 'appeared to meet' all requirements for naturalization. He told me to expect the oath letter in about 3 - 4 weeks. I asked him if he could schedule me for an oath, but he said I should wait for a letter in the mail. Based on what others have reported, I can only surmise that he had to send my case to a senior officer for a final decision and hence could not schedule an oath for me right there. That's fine by me. I'll wait. Like I have any other choice
I had 9 trips outside the US in the last 5 years, and the total of all those days was about 180. The single longest trip was of about 3 weeks.
My case seems to have take about 1- 2 months longer than my Philly contemporaries, and I assume it could have been due to a name check. Just a guess.
Documents asked for: GC and passport. I just can't seem to remember if he asked me for my driver's license. My IL was taken at the registration desk.
I had taken tax transcripts, marriage and birth certs, letter from employer etc. But I did not even have to take them out of the folder.
Observations: The IO was very professional, very thorough and very fast. I was done in 10 min. There was absolutely *no* time and *no* opportunity for any small talk that many other applicants seem to engage in. In fact, from what I saw and from what I could gather from chatting with a few others present there is that all the IOs seemed to be working hard to process as many people as possible in the shortest possible time. There was an air of urgency and speed in that office. Excellent sign.
USCIS has definitely sped up a lot, and they should be given credit for this. I do realize that there may still be room for improvement, but they are certainly working very hard.
If your case is straightforward, then you should not be concerned. Just be yourself.
THANKS a million to all the posters who shared their experiences on here. This forum ROCKS.
THANKS to Mr. Rajiv Khanna who has been kind enough to allow us the benefit of using this board. It is a terrific source of knowledge and I hope it stays that way.
All the best to those who are waiting!
Timeline:
PD: mid-April 2008
FP: mid-May 2008
IL: mid-Sept 2008
ID: 11/3/2008
Oath: Waiting