Citizenship

I have my interview coming up in a couple of weeks and wondering if there were any other SF fliers out there with recent experience in the SF office. I applied October 31, 2018

Hi. I'd like to share my timeline for those who are interested. I was once in your shoes and I understand you are nervous for the next steps. I was nervous too.

I applied online through the USCIS Website.

N-400 Naturalization Process Timeline

December 23, 2018 (Day 00): N-400 Submitted Online
December 23, 2018 (Day 00): Notice of Action Letter Received Online
December 28, 2019 (Day 06): Bio-metric Appointment Notice
January 17, 2019 (Day 26): Bio-metric Appointment Date
August 8, 2019 (Day 229): Interview Scheduled Notice Online (no date)
August 9, 2019 (Day 230): Interview Scheduled PDF Posted Online (with date)
August 12, 2019 (Day 233): Interview Scheduled Received in Mailbox (with date)
September 12, 2019 (Day 264): Naturalization Interview Date
September 17, 2019 (Day 269): Notice of Approval for Citizenship
September 17, 2019 (Day 269): Notice to Attend Oath Ceremony PDF Posted Online
September 23, 2019 (Day 274): Notice to Attend Oath Ceremony Received in Mailbox
September 27, 2019 (Day 278): Oath Ceremony Date. HOORAY!!!

Interview Date Experience:
I went with my husband but the office asked for me to go into the interview by myself. My report time was 7:45AM. We got there at 7:15AM. We waited and got called into the interview around 8:35AM. The questions was straightforward. The interviewer asked me 5 questions at most from the Naturalization book, asked for me to READ one line from the tablet and WRITE the answer to the line I just read from the tablet. The interviewer will tell you exactly what to write. Then they go over everything on your application. I'd say make sure you study your application. The interviewer asked me to state the phone number I put down on my app, what was the last country I visited, what type of organizations I've been involved with. If you have other things to add/fix on your application, the interviewer will adjust it right then and there. Also, remember all the Y or N questions at the end of the application. The interviewer asked me to answer ALL of them, line by line. The interviewer also asked me what some of the words on the application means. Words like "defendant", etc. He asked to make sure YOU understand the questions and the answer you gave. Prep yourself well. Look up the terms to make sure you know the meaning. The interview was over in 30 mins. They no longer do SAME day naturalization in Baltimore. I received a letter indicated that I passed the test but they still need to check if all my paperwork is good to go. I went home right after.

...oh the wait...nothing is more nerve wracking then waiting to hear back from the officer between your interview and results. It was the longest week. I'm pretty sure I check my online account like every hour. It soon updated that my application got approved. The best day.

Naturalization Ceremony
We got there early. It was a happy day. We supposed to report 30 mins before indicated time, which was 8:30AM. The office will seat you in one section of the waiting room. Your guest can go ahead and find their seats in the ceremony room. The check-in time took awhile. There were 70 people to be naturalized in this session. The room was packed with happy faces. It took them from 8:30AM to 9:30AM to check us in. There's nothing to complain here. We waited this long to be sitting in this seat, one hour is fine. The ceremony only took 30 mins. We sang the Star Spangled banner, stated the Oath, listen to the President congrats, stated the Pledge of Allegiance, and then received our Certification in a graduation manner. They call our name one by one and we just walk to the front of the room to get our certificate. I'm impressed by the level of detail and organization at this facility. After that, HOORAY!! I'm now a naturalized citizen. I went home and signed the form right away. I also scanned them in high res and made 30 copies of it. I'm applying for my Passport this weekend. I'm sad that I have to part ways from the Original for a few weeks. They'll soon will return it to you though.

does any one know the oath ceremony schedule for Houston in nov ....

Application Submitted Date: 12/20/2018
Biometric Schedule Notification: 12/21/2018
Biometric Reviewed: 1/11/2019
Interview Scheduled: 10/1/2019
Naturalization Ceremony Notice: 10/2/2019
Ceremony Date: To be Scheduled
Current Estimated case completion time: December 2019 (2 months)

I attended my N400 interview in chicago today and i was recommended for approval by the officer but was approved 2 hrs later when i i checked the online status. Interview was easy and straightforward. i got all first civic questions correctly and the officer basically asked questions on my application form and we were done in 25mins.
below is my timeline for chicago filers to have an idea of how how long it takes.

Service Center.............Chicago
Application Filed...........02 Apr 2019
Priority Date:................02 Apr 2019
Check Cashed:.............02 Apr 2019
Fingerprint Notice Received:........05 Apr 2019
Fingerprints Done:........................25 Apr 2019
Interview Scheduled.......................27 Aug 2019
interview Date.................................02 oct 2019

Hi all,
This site has been quite insightful and now that the end of my journey is near I am adding my timeline and experience to help others who are still in the process.

I received my conditional green on March 23rd, 2016 through marriage.

On December 24th, 2017 application to remove conditions is mailed with lots of evidence. (3 months ahead of expiration)

On January 16th, 2018 receipt received (my conditional residence is valid for an additional year)

Biometrics Appt. Notification, January 22nd, 2018

Biometrics Appt. January 30th, 2018

On April 12, 2018, I received a letter for USCIS informing me that due to delays my conditional status is extended to 18 months.

On December 24th, 2018 I apply for Naturalization/N400 online and uploaded the following with my application: joint tax returns of the last 3 years, joint bank statements of the last 3 years, itineraries of 4 vacations my wife and I have taken throughout our marriage, joint life insurance policies, joint lease, all household utilities in both our names etc)

On December 29th, 2018, Biometrics Scheduled

On December 31st, 2018, Application for N400 and Biometrics Received.

On January 14th, 2019 Biometrics done.

On July 30th, 2019 N400 Scheduled for interview.

On August 2ND, 2019 my I751 to remove conditions is transferred from Vermont to my local field office, Federal Plaza, NY.

On August 7th, 2019 N400 appointment receipt arrives in the mail, interview date September 10th, 2019.

On September 10th, 2019, my wife and I arrived 30 minutes prior to my appointment with a mountain of well organized evidence. The interview was scheduled for 10:00AM and the officer called me at 10:05AM without my wife. The officer informed me that ahead of interviewing me for my N400 she would first have to review my I751 application, make any necessary updates and adjudicate my case. After a quick review of the I751, I was sworn in by the officer and she proceeded to my N400 Application. The officer asked me about my job, verified my address again, my last vacation and then proceeded to ask me 5 questions from the Naturalization study book. Why does the flag 13 stripes? Why does the flag have 50 stars? When is the last date one can file a tax return? Who is the governor on New York? When are presidential elections held? She then had me read a sentence and had me write it on a tablet. The officer then asked me a list of questions, all listed on the application, all of which the answers are NO except for the ones where she asked if I was willing to give up loyalty other all other countries and vow to follow the laws of the USA to which I said YES. There are many questions, as you should, say NO to all things BAD.
I requested a name change in my application, so the officer informed me I would have to present two passport photos, which I had with me. She made me sign my new name on both photos then had me sign on a tablet. She took my finger prints and a photo. The officer then handed me a paper that showed I had passed my N400 interview, she then had me sign another document and informed me that my 1751 had been adjudicated and that I would receive an appointment for my oath ceremony within 2-3 weeks. That brought my interview to an end - the interview was 35 minutes long.

NOTE*** Because my I751 case was outside the normal processing time, I went from a conditional resident straight to citizenship.***

On September 27th I received my oath ceremony appointment letter, scheduled for October 23RD, 2019.

Thankful to God then process is coming to an end. My entire N400 journey took 10 months. God willing I will be an American Citizen is a few weeks, Thank God! I am beyond blessed and excited.

To everyone going through the process I wish everyone well and congratulations to all who have been successful. I know the wait can sometimes can be a lot on the nerves but your appointment is going to come. In the meantime be sure you have all the evidence/necessary documents while you wait - that will make this process lot easier.

Hi all,
This site has been quite insightful and now that the end of my journey is near I am adding my timeline and experience to help other who are still in the process.

I received my conditional green on March 23rd, 2016 through marriage.

 On December 24th, 2017 application to remove conditions is mailed. (3 months ahead of expiration)
On January 16th, 2018 receipt received (my conditional residence is valid for an additional year)

Biometrics Appt. Notification, January 22nd, 2018

Biometrics Appt. January 30th, 2018

On April 12, 2018, I received a letter for USCIS informing me that due to delays my conditional status is extended to 18 months.

On December 24th, 2018 I apply for Naturalization/N400 online and uploaded the following with my application: joint tax returns of the last 3 years, joint bank statements of the last 3 years, itineraries of 4 vacations my wife and I have taken throughout our marriage, joint life insurance policies, joint lease, all household utilities in both our names etc)

On December 29th, 2018, Biometrics Scheduled

On December 31st, 2018, Application for N400 and Biometrics Received.

On January 14th, 2019 Biometrics done.

On July 30th, 2019 N400 Scheduled for interview.

On August 2ND, 2019 my I751 to remove conditions is transferred from Vermont to my local field office, Federal Plaza, NY.

On August 7th, 2019 N400 appointment receipt arrives in the mail, appointment date September 10th, 2019.

On September 10th, 2019, my wife and I arrived 30 minutes prior to my appointment with a mountain of well organized evidence. The interview was scheduled for 10:00AM and the officer called me at 10:05AM without my wife. The officer informed me that ahead off interviewing me for my N400 she would first have to review my I751 application, make any necessary updates and adjudicate my case. After a quick review of the I751, I was sworn in by the officer and she proceeded to my N400 Application. The officer asked me about my job, verified my address again, my last vacation and then proceeded to ask me 5 questions from the Naturalization study book. Why does the flag 13 stripes? Why does the flag have 50 stars? When is the last date one can file a tax return? Who is the governor on New York? When are presidential elections held? She then had me read a sentence and had me write it on a tablet. The officer then asked me a list of questions, all listed on the application, all of which are NO except for the ones where she asked if I was willing to give up loyalty other all other countries and vow to follow the laws of the USA to which I said YES. There are many questions, as you should, say NO to all things BAD.
I requested a name change in my application, so the officer informed me I would have to present to passport photos, which I had with me. She made me sign my new name on both photos then had me sign on a tablet. She took my finger prints and a photo. The officer then handed me a paper that showed I had passed my N400, she had me sign another document and informed me that my 1751 had been adjudicated and that I would receive an appointment for my oath ceremony within 2-3 weeks. That brought my interview to an end - the interview was 35 minutes long.

On September 27th I received my oath ceremony appointment letter, scheduled for October 23RD, 2019.

Thankful to God then process is coming to an end. My entire N400 journey took 10 months.

Time to take a deep breath and be thankful to see this long process finally done.
Oackland Park Fl.
Applied on January 2nd 2019, i751 was still pending, approved 10 days after the biometrics, on January 26.
Aug 21st we schedule your interview for October 1 at 8:40.
i was called at 8:50, IO was professional and not talkative, didn’t try to be nice even though he saw I was so nervous 😥
asked me if I have any corrections to what I submitted and I said yes; I made 2 mistakes in my 19 trips out of the US( total of 280 days), then he asked me why I’m averaging 3 trips a year to my country and I answered him to visit my elderly parents and take care of them.
.After that he asked me if I’m available to go to the oath ceremony at 7 this Friday (10/4), the same happened to my friend last Wednesday and had her interview on Friday at 1:30pm.
best of luck to everyone and I hope you all get these chills soon

My Timeline:

06/16/2016: Received Conditional Green Card
04/13/2018: Filed I-751
05/23/2018: I-751 Case was received, 12month extension
08/18/2018: 18month extension
02/23/2019: Biometric waiver letter
03/18/2019: Filed N-400
03/18/2019: N-400, we received your application
03/23/2019: We scheduled your biometrics appointment for N-400
04/12/2019: We reviewed your biometrics for N-400
08/15/2019: We scheduled your interview for N-400
08/16/2019: I-751 Case transferred & new office has jurisdiction (NBC)
08/16/2019: I-751 Case was received at my local office
09/17/2019: Combo interview conducted, no decision can be made

Interview Experience:
Our interview was scheduled at 11:45a CT at Chicago Field Office. We (me, spouse & kid) arrived an hour early, completed checked in procedures by 11:15a CT and were waiting to be called. There is no order in which applicants are called in for the interview, it's random.

Finally at 12:15p CT, I was called in (not spouse & kid). Took oath to speak the truth. Officer was very professional & explained the entire process that requires him to adjudicate I-751 first in order to adjudicate N-400. There I saw my 5" thick I-751 petition on his desk. 

He first went over I-751 petition line by line to verify/update. At the end, he asked me questions & noted down a timeline of how/when/where me & my spouse met, my status at the time, engagement, wedding, etc. I signed his response on the petition.

Then we moved on to N-400. Started with Civics test, 6 questions asked, I got all of them correct. (1) Civil Rights Movement led by MLK (2) 100 Senators in Congress (3) POUTS leads Executive Branch (4) George Washington is FF (5) 2 Cabinet Positions (6) Allegiance to US. He asked me to read a sentence & write one. Passed reading & writing test.

We then went over N-400 application line by line to verify/update. Asked yes/no questions. Although he did go out of context to ask me if I understood what a "genocide" is? (WEIRD, but I answered).

Finally, I gave him continued evidence - tax returns, insurance, bank statements, mortgage statements, health insurance, etc. I was then handed N-682 stating that I passed civis & english test, however a decision could not be made. He was courteous to inform me that he had to request CSC to grant him permission to approve I-751 first (WHY WASN"T THIS DONE AS PART OF CASE TRANSFER, UGHH) and then he would approve N-400 which should take about a week or so.

We'll see, one step closer.

*** UPDATE ***

09/25/2019: I-751 New card in production
09/25/2019: I-751 case approved
09/26/2019: N-400 We have placed you in line for oath ceremony
09/27/2019: N-400 We have scheduled your oath ceremony
10/01/2019: Received I-797 NOA approval notices. (1) I-751 case has been approved & 10 year green card is being produced/mailed (2) Since you have an approved N-400, no 10 year green card will be produced/mailed. Please appear at the oath ceremony

10/16/2019: Oath Ceremony @ Chicago, IL

I'm really excited to become a USC and end my journey with USCIS!!!

Hi,

I am not sure if it is okay to ask this question here, but anyone who has an online application check their "estimated completion time?" did anyone experience an increase of this number and how accurate is this number with the actual completion of the citizenship process?