Citizenship

Case received: 1/21/17
Biometrics: 3/14/17
Interview: 9/21/2017

Heres a little background: I was born in India and came to this country when I was six months old. I did all my schooling including bachelors, masters and doctorate all on the East Coast I applied for citizenship finally because my green card and indian passport where expiring at the same time and I did not want to deal with the indian consulate in NYC

Anyway, my interview was schedule at 7:45 but I was not called in until 9:00am. I introduced myself, smiled, and shook hands with my IO. we made small talk until we got to his office. I took my oath, sat down, and he asked for my green card, passport with valid stamps, and ID. He remarked that I should pass this easily since I have been in the US for 26 years..my whole life. He immediately asked me to read and write a sentence, and six civics questions. I got them all right. Then we went through my application. He verified how many times and for how long I was out of the US (3 trips totaling 35 days). He asked about my family, what my brother and mother do, about when my father passed away etc. We went through the addresses I had listed (I was in college so I had 5 addresses in 5 years). Then we verified the questions in the end. I came prepared with my tax returns, Selective service etc. He filed my selective service paper and a copy of my fathers death certificate.

The whole interview was about 30 minutes. At the end of the interview, he said "you passed the exam with flying colors, your application was perfect, and you were pleasant to talk to, however I can't approve your application because you because you became a citizen in 2001" I was like "what?!?!" Then he pulled a paper out of my file and it was a copy of my dads certificate of citizenship. I had no idea he was one and he passed away in 2011. The IO said the law changed in 2001 and if you had 1 parent as a US citizen before you turned 18 and after 2001, you derived citizenship
It was bittersweet because it meant I spent 750 dollars on an application I didn't need. He told me I can apply for a certificate which is 1100.00 dollars or a passport which is 190. I just applied for my passport today.

TIPS:

Be friendly. From the moment he called me In, we made small talk. I asked about his family, about the job, whether he liked it, if he ever gets to sneak out etc. Remember, your application is black and white. You need to add some color during the interview. Be respectful, friendly, and down to earth

Do not focus on prefix NBC, IOE or whatever. I brought up this forum to the IO and he laughed. He said sometimes they go on there are laugh at what people ask. The IO told me PREFIX MEANS NOTHING

They are very backed up. Hartford is behind 4 months, and LI NY is behind 6 months. The IO said it will be worse because of the fear our leader is sparking. He said dont be surprised if it takes >1 year

Traffic violations: I was pulled over for speeding on 7/29/17. Because I did not have my wallet, I had a civil summons. I appeared at the court house on 8/29 but it was rescheduled for 9/29. I did not disclose it because the court told me if i come in on 9/29 with a copy of my license, it will be dismissed and not on my record. Furthermore, my mom had to violations; not displaying handicap sticker and parking in fire zone. she paid one and one was dismissed. we did not disclose it. Sometimes less is more: if you have an offense over 500, dui, dwi, and suspension....report it and have proof

They know everything already. His file had copies of my leases, green card application, original passport application, where i went to school, college etc. even had info from when i was searched at the airport one time for having meatballs in my carry on. Do not lie and be ready to explain yourself

Do not rely on the website. it doesnt work. I had my interview in september and my status still says biometrics...

Bring a US state issued ID with a signature. Two peopl infront of me had european IDs and were turned away

good luck

Dallas field office

 November 15th 2017 (in 5 days) will be exactly 1 year since my application was received by USCIS.

How much longer does it take? It is just insane to me this long wait.

Anyone from Dallas?

Seattle filers who got their interview notice, can you please share your timelines?
thanks...

I filled my application at the same time with my wife. My wife status changed to "Inline for interview" and I'm not. Even with my friends they already submitted the application in the same period they got the status update.

Is anyone has similar experience which is he filled to himself and his family then some cases updated online and some is not?

If yes, what's happened next? Is everyone from the family members got different interview dates or close to each other? How far between each family member interview and others?

Thanks

I wanted to share my latest update:

Case received: 11/01/2016
Biometrics: 12/16/2016
In line for an interview: 12/21/2016
Interview: 11/07/2017 —> recommended for approval

Today I received an status updade: Oath Ceremony will be scheduled. You should received your notice within 30 days.

Hopefully I can get into next month ceremony!

Hello, any Orlando field experience? Also a had 8 trips outside of US in past five years, would be this a problem?
All of them not longer then 30 days.
Thank you .

So I was checking the processing times for NYC field office... last month it said that as of Aug 2017 it was processing cases up to Jab 27 2017... I know someone whose PD was Jan 13 and their interview was scheduled... someone with a Feb 15 2017 PD got their interview schedule. GOT ALL EXCITED BECAUSE MY PD IS Mar 9 2017. Today the processing times for NY C was as of Sept 30 processing cases pup to Jan 13 2017... WTH... so disappounted...

x My time line : PD 1/09/17
                Interview 10/13/17(A decision cannot yet be made ),Same day my online status charged to "Case Under Supervisor Review)
           
 Today My Case Under Supervisor Review Completed
On November 8, 2017, the supervisor review of your case, Form N-400, Application for Naturalization , Receipt Number NBC*00xxxxxxxx, was completed. We will mail you a notice once a final decision has been made. If you move, go to www.uscis.gov/addresschange to give us your new mailing address.

Anyone have the same experience, and how long will be wait for the decision?
Santa Ana CA files office.

Wish is good news!!!

Hi guys

TAMPA Ofiice

PD: 10/11/2017
FP: 11/03/2017
Case Is In Line For An Interview : 11/07/2017

I am going for vocation in February to first week of March (2018) and I am little nervous if I get interview schedule on that time of period. Anyone have any experience that how much time TAMPA office take to schedule interview.

Hi everyone, today I had my interview and pass the tests but at the end the officer said he needed to review my documents again. That I will get a decision in the mail. That maybe they were going to need other documents. He also asked me to review some information that will appear on my citizenship certificate. I am confused, has anybody gotten an answer like that?