Your Detailed Guide to the U.S. Immigration Interview Experience 🇺🇸

If you’re preparing for your immigration interview in the USA, you might have come across various guides that touch on basic topics like security checks and restroom locations but often skip the finer details. Here’s a personalized version of my experience to help you feel more prepared!

Timeline of My Application

• March 11: Submitted my application.
• March 21: Received receipt from the immigration office.
• March 25: Received notice regarding fingerprinting.
• June 9: Notified about my interview.
• July 9: Attended the interview.

Day of the Interview

My interview was set for 8:25 AM. I arrived at the immigration building around 7:30 AM. Many resources suggested there were cheaper parking options nearby, but seeing a long line at the parking entrance made me anxious. I opted for the parking lot directly across from the building, even if it cost a bit more.

The entrance line is organized in batches, and they allow about 10-20 people through security at a time. I waited for about 20 minutes for my turn to go through security. A tip: pay attention to any jewelry you’re wearing, as security tends to scrutinize it closely.

Inside the Immigration Building

Once you pass through security, you’ll find restrooms on the first floor—perfect for a quick pit stop after waiting in line.

Upon taking the elevator to the 6th floor, you’ll be met with a plethora of signs directing you to room 6024. At the door, a security guard will check your interview notice. Note that this is the moment your accompanying family members must wait outside the hallway.

Check-In Process

Room 6024 is a decent-sized area where you can check in at window 60 and have your photo taken. After checking in, you simply wait for your interviewer to call your name.

I was called around 8:30 AM by a young Hispanic female officer. Walking to her office, I passed numerous interview rooms. The sights can be quite impressive and somewhat intimidating!

The Interview

Once inside, the officer asked me why I was there. I replied, “I come here to do the interview for my citizenship.” After she requested my interview notice, passport, green card, driver’s license, and Social Security card, she verified my documents and informed me that she would ask me six history questions.

I remember two of them clearly: One question was about a significant war that occurred in the 1800s in America, while another inquired about Benjamin Franklin’s accomplishments. Thanks to my thorough preparation, I breezed through this section in about 1-2 minutes.

Next up were the reading and writing portions. I read the prompt “What day is Columbus Day?” aloud, and the writing sentence required me to spell, “Columbus Day is in October,” on the iPad provided.

Final Steps

The officer then asked me to raise my right hand and affirm that everything I’d said throughout the interview was true. Following this, we entered the N-400 portion. She asked me about my address, birthday, children, marital status, and travel history.

Feeling overwhelmed? Don’t be! With proper preparation and a calm demeanor, you’ll navigate this important milestone smoothly. Best of luck to everyone awaiting their citizenship interviews! 🌟 #CitizenshipInterview #ImmigrationUSA #LosAngelesInterview