Citizenship

N400 application filed Nov 10, 2016
Biometrics Dec 6, 2016
In line for interview Jan 4th, 2017
Status changed to interview scheduled May 18th
Interview letter received May 28th
Interview date June 26 at 10:00 AM

On the day of my interview I arrived at 9:10 and waited in the parking lot for 10 minutes as to not arrive too early to over crowd the waiting room. I went through security (removed all jewelries and placed them in the tote along with my backpack). You get to keep your shoes on. After my bag and belongings cleared security I regained them and proceeded to the ramp on the left to the check-in area and presented my interview letter to a lady who reviewed it and wrote 2nd floor on it and instructed me to take the elevator to the 2nd floor. I had to check in again on the 2nd floor. I was given a number and instructed to sit in the front of the room (please sit in the front) the Immigration Officers come through a hallway at the front and call your number (they do not yell, so please sit up front).

My appointment was for 10 AM The IO called my number at 10:04. He introduced himself to me and tried to make small talk by asking me about the traffic (a common topic for people living in Atlanta). He showed me to his office and had me raise my right hand and swear to tell the truth. He then asked me for my Green card and my passport. After that he told me he had to take my picture and my fingerprints (left and right hand index fingers).

The IO then proceeded to ask me the civics questions 6 total
1. What is freedom of religion?
2. Name a state bordering Mexico
3. What age should a male register for selective service
4. When was, the constitution written?
5. Who can vote?
6. One of the longest rivers

The IO went over my application; I also had a copy of my application and realized I had made some errors the night before and he was very happy to make the corrections. I erred on the date of my employment but he said it was okay since it was the same job I had been on since 2001. I also had prepared a signed statement saying my husband I owed taxes for the tax year 2015 and we were making payments. I provided copies of the payment arrangement as well as receipts of the payments up to date. He added all my documents to my folder. He went through my applications making sure my answers were still the same and when I answered a question he would put a red mark through the question number.
At the end, he asked me if I was ready to take the oath. I responded “absolutely, I’m ready”. He also asked if I understood what the oath was . All my answers were “YES”. He then presented me with a sheet of paper to verify my information and sign he asked me if I wanted to change my name I stated Nope.
He asked for passport photos and I by chance had them (thanks to this site). He had me sign the pictures and said they must ask for them if the picture they take don’t come through properly.
It was over, after 25 minutes! The IO presented me with a sheet of paper with Congratulations checked stating I passed. He said I should receive my oath letter within 30 days and if I didn’t to contact them but he assured me all was well and I was going to receive something in the mail.

My online status changed in 3 days to “in line for oath ceremony” and in another day, it changed to “we mailed your oath letter”. I didn’t get any text or email notification like I did for the other change during this process. I received my oath letter July 5th. My oath will be July 14th at 8:00 AM.
Overall, this experience has been long therefore a lot of patience is needed. Remember there are others with applications for their citizenship as you. During the waiting process gather all the necessary documents and study for your civics test. You will get your chance so be ready. It’s better be over prepared than not to be prepared at all.
The IO Officer W. Pruitt was very professional, understanding and kind. He put the icing on the whole process. I admit I was very nervous but he made me feel at ease and his demeanor helped me through the interview.

This site has been helpful to me through my journey and I hope someone can benefit from my experience. Good Luck and God Bless America!!