San Jose naturalization interview details
Appointment at 9:50 AM, entered the USCIS office at 9:30 AM.
Around the USCIS office location: Plenty of food and coffee options within a half mile distance.[2 starbucks, 1 Panera bread, etc..]
Parking: Adequate free parking by the side and behind the USCIS building.
Airport like security check, shoes, belt, wallets thro' x-ray machine. No water allowed in. Cell phones allowed, but have to be switched off. A smart idea to dress like you have a flight to catch, empty pockets, no metal etc ...
There are rest room and water cooler facilities on the first floor.
Off to the second floor, room 219, dropped appointment letter in window and waited to be called. Time on the clock: 9:35 AM
Room was kind of lightly populated, with other folks their families and counsel in tow for some. I saw one applicant carrying her baby to the interview as well. [might be useful info for some]
Attire of the applicants : Formal, Semi formal, Business Casual, casual[Jeans & Hoodie, did not see any flip flops or sweat pants!]
Name announced by IO after about an hour, walked behind the IO to the IOs office. Time on the clock: 10:30 AM
Typical office, could seat IO and possibly 3 more. [think Michael Scott's office maybe just a tad smaller]
Friendly Asian IO, easy on the eyes as well. Courteous and down to business.
Raise right hand and swear to tell the truth.
Gave passport current and expired, and Green card.
Went over the N400 form, and ticked in Red (i think) each answer. Confirmed nothing had changed, address, telephone # etc..
A little bit of small talk about some good schools in a state I resided previously in, when going over the address history.
Next: Can you recall the last trip you made overseas and dates? Answered in MM/YY, IO verified by looking at passport entry stamp.
Confirmed with me that I was over 26 years old when I was granted the green card. [during the selective service question]
Next, Sign 2 places on the N400 and write full name in All Caps in another location.
Next, Reading, writing and US History/Civics test ...
Read: Who elects Congress?
Write: The people elect Congress
Civics ...
1. Who wrote the Declaration of Independence?
2. What is the political party of the President now?
3. Who is the Commander in Chief of the military?
4. What are the two major political parties in the United States?
5. Name one state that borders Mexico.
6. There were 13 original states. Name three.
Told me I passed and gave me form N-652, naturalization interview results.
Had me sign another paper that had my Name, Date of Birth and A#.
Said oath letter can take up to 2 months to be mailed out depending on the case load, but you might get it sooner.
Did not sign any photograph, asked IO if I needed to be signing the photograph. IO responded saying I need not as the pic and signature they captured during biometrics would be used. IO confirmed by looking at PC that my digital pic and signature were on file.
Walked me out to the door to waiting area.
Time on the clock: 10:50 AM. Total interview time in/out in about 20 minutes.
I had carried the following with me but was not asked for anything ...
1. Proof of residence, utility bill copy
2. Bank statements
3. Tax transcripts for federal
4. W2s, copies of tax returns for State
Thanks to all who posted their experiences in this thread previously which helped me going in today, and also to all those who take their time to respond to everyone's questions.
-Nanz.
