Interview experience (Passed - Recommended for Approval)
I and my spouse passed the interview today and the N-400 application has been recommended for approval.
We reached the San Jose DO early morning more than 30 minutes before my spouse's interview time. The security guard allowed us to enter only 20 minutes before my spouse's interview time. My interview time was 25 minutes later. We both placed the Interview Letters in a box placed at the window and waited for our names to be called. The IO called my spouse's name and took her to the office for the interview.
Here is my spouse's interview experience:
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IO asked my spouse to raise the right hand and promise to speak the truth. Then IO asked her to show GC, DL and passport and started going through the N-400 application. Since my wife requested for name change (change the last name based on marriage), IO asked her to submit the marriage certificate. Since my wife accompanied me on my international assignment for < 1 year (2 trips with each trip < 6 months), IO asked her to submit tax returns for a couple of years even though we had an approved N-470. After completing the N-400 application review, IO asked her the the following civics questions:
--- There are 4 amendments related to voting. Name one of them
--- If the president can no longer serve, who becomes the President?
--- Name one right from the first amendment
--- What was the main concern during the cold war?
--- Who is in charge of the executive branch ?
-- ????????
She answered all the 6 questions correctly and also passed the reading/writing test. Then IO asked her to sign the photos, N-400 application and verify the name, DOB etc. that would be written on the Naturalization certificate. Finally IO handed her the form checking the box "Congratulations! Recommended for approval". The entire interview took around 20-25 minutes.
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Here is my interview experience:
IO asked me to raise the right hand and promise to speak the truth. Then IO asked me to show GC, DL and passport and started going through the N-400 application. IO did not ask me for any documents as the IO was going through my application. IO asked me if I was arrested or jailed but did not ask me about the citation. Once the application was completely reviewed by IO, I voluntarily mentioned about the citation received almost a month back. IO asked if it was DUI related and I said "NO". Then she asked the reason for the citation and I mentioned that it was a "speeding ticket". Then she asked if I have paid the fine and I said "Yes". She did not ask me for any documentation related to the citation and was satisfied with my answers.
After completing the N-400 application, IO asked me the the following civics questions:
-- Whar are the first 10 amendments to the constitution called?
-- Who is the US president now?
-- Name one of the longest river?
-- When was the declaration of independence adopted?
-- For how many years do we elect a president?
-- Who is the speaker of the house now?
I answered all the 6 questions correctly and also passed the reading/writing test. Then IO asked me to sign the photos, N-400 application and verify the
name, DOB etc. that would be written on the Naturalization certificate. Finally IO handed me the form checking the box "Congratulations! Recommended for approval". The entire interview took around 10-15 minutes.
Thanks to a lot of people who have shared their experiences on this forum. I would like to especially thank Bobsmyth, JonnyCash and others who have promptly responded to my queries and concerns and guided us through the citizenship application process.
I and my spouse will now be patiently waiting for the Oath letter. Hopefully there is no delay in the final approval and getting the oath letter. Looking at some of the threads (
http://forums.immigration.com/showthread.php?t=285462) it looks like that a very few unlucky people who had been "recommended for approval" had to wait for more than 90 days to get the oath letter. Not sure as to why this would happen if IO did not raise any concerns or issues during the interview and had recommended for approval.