What I Learned (and What I’d Tell My One-Year-Younger Self) About Applying for U.S. Citizenship
#5 The Portal Update Will Feel Like a Firework
If you’re reading this, you’re probably somewhere between submitting your N-400 and wondering what happens next, or maybe you’re still deciding if it’s time.
A year ago, that was me. And today, I saw this message pop up on my USCIS portal:
“Oath Ceremony Notice Was Mailed.”
It feels like a checkbox is finally getting its big, fat checkmark!
Here’s what I would tell my one-year-younger self, I hope it’ll help you too.
Why I Applied
I’ve been in the U.S. for 11 years. For a long time, I was perfectly content being a green card holder.
But as my son (now 12) grows up, I’ve realized this is his home, where he’s spent 11 of his 12 years. And if I’m being 100% honest, most of my decisions since I became a wife and mom have been about what’s best for them.
I love the Philippines - it will always be the place that raised me. Applying for citizenship has reminded me home can expand. I can honor where I came from while embracing the life we’re growing here.
1. The Waiting Is the Real Test
I submitted my N-400 on June 8, 2025, and received confirmation immediately.
At first, I checked the portal almost weekly, looking for updates.
What I didn’t realize was this waiting period is part of the process.
It tests your patience and your trust that things move even when they look still.
So, dear younger me -
Don’t refresh the page every Wednesday.
The next email will come when it’s meant to.
2. Be Overprepared, But Stay Calm
After 4 months, the interview notice arrived.
From that day on, I treated it like an exam I couldn’t afford to fail.
I made flashcards, watched YouTube videos (the short 20-minute ones like this, were super effective), and reviewed the 2008 set of 100 civics questions directly from the USCIS site.
If you apply after October 20, 2025, you’ll get the updated 2025 version. Still, don’t overcomplicate, no overthinking, trust me. It’s a long process, but you don’t have to put your life on hold for it.
Keep creating.
On the morning of November 5, 2025, my husband and I took an Uber to the USCIS office in Newark for our interview. We didn’t want to worry about parking.
During the 40-minute ride, we reviewed details of our printed N-400, such as our travels, our work, and our life in the U.S., then eventually fell quiet, just watching the clear blue skies and the smooth road ahead.
I was reflecting on how we’ve lived, contributed, and stayed true to the values that brought us here.
3. Pack Patience (and Snacks!)
“Wish us luck.”
“You guys don’t need it. You’ve studied hard.”
That was breakfast before our son walked to school.
We arrived 30 minutes early, went through security (belts, shoes, and any metal items - off!), checked in, and waited. Although my appointment was scheduled for 10 a.m., I wasn’t called until later.
It turns out, USCIS time runs on its own rhythm, so don’t stress if you’re not called right away. Bring water, a granola bar, and a notebook to doodle while you wait.
When my name was called, I handed over my ID, green card, and passport. Then I waited before being called into the interview room. I kept telling myself every wait, every counter, meant I was one step closer.
4. The Officer is Human, Too
The first question they asked:
“Do you have a lawyer representing you today?”
I said no, looking straight into the officer’s eyes.
Then came a warm smile.
“Hi, I’m Officer Steven. How are you today?”
“I’m doing well,” I replied, matching his pace as we walked down the hallway.
“Great. Follow me, please.”
Inside the interview room, he said,
“Now, please raise your right hand. Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth?”
“Yes, I do.”
“Great! Take a seat. Let’s begin.”
Our interaction was friendly, straightforward, and surprisingly kind. The officer guided me through questions, forms, and confirmations with ease.
It didn’t feel like an interrogation, more like a genuine conversation. One human confirming another’s chapter in their American story.
5. The Portal Update Will Feel Like a Firework
Later that afternoon, I checked my USCIS account out of habit.
There it was, “Oath Ceremony Notice Was Mailed”
4 out of 5 steps, completed!
Case received
Biometrics
Interview
Case decision
Only one left - attend the oath ceremony
It’s a jump-with-joy moment, even your Facebook friends could feel the instant you shared it.
6. Gratitude Is the Best Ending
”You’ve already put in the work.” I’d tell my younger self.
From gathering documents to reliving every address and timeline, to trusting the process, you’ve earned this. So when your time comes, walk into that building with pride and gratitude.
Next Steps (if you’re applying)
Here are the steps that helped me stay sane.
Save copies of every letter and notice
Bookmark my.uscis.gov and check your case status (but not obsessively!)
Watch short YouTube civics review videos and cross-check with the official USCIS list
Read the interview civics questions once a day for 15 minutes
Remember, it’s a process
Closing Reflection
This milestone reminds me that progress rarely happens overnight.
As I wait for my oath ceremony this December, I think of my son - how his laughter used to fill our small apartment during our first year in the U.S., how my husband and I were overjoyed when we finally moved into our home, and how our Filipino roots and American life now blend beautifully in our son.
If I could talk to my one-year-younger self, I’d tell her to trust that everything is taking root right where it’s meant to be.
How about you? What’s something you waited for that turned out to be worth it?
My wife and I did this at the same time. Over twenty years ago. Our respective questions, confirming our ability to speak English were: I have a blue car (me); I keep a tidy house (her). I keep two passports, British and U.S. She has one: she had to surrender her Malaysia passport. Welcome to the family!