YOU'RE NOT REALLY MARRIED UNLESS YOU BOTH PAY THE GAS BILL

Citizenship Step 3: THE INTERVIEW

So, last week I experienced The Interview. This was the only part of the process for which I had no idea at all what to expect. I've been reading other blogs about other people's citizenship experiences, and of course each case depends on personal history and situation. Questions can focus on documentation, travel history, family, work, social activity - you name it, it's all fair game. I knew that when I started this process, and was prepared to be an open book about anything and everything.

Still, it threw me a little when the officer interviewing me focused very pointedly on seeing utility bills that had both my name and Rick's name on them. Prior to the interview I was notified that I should bring some additional documents related to my marriage. I didn't actually mean to apply based on marriage, as I became a permanent resident long before my wedding, but I am married to a US citizen, and I guess if you indicate that anywhere on the application then it trumps anything else. (Maybe not in all cases, but it did in mine). So, I read the list of documents carefully and came to the interview loaded with evidence that I married because I love my fella, and not for a green card.

But - for anyone who may be getting ready to do this - utility bills are apparently a bigger deal than your marriage license. We pay all bills online, and like most married people we know, some bills are in Rick's name and some are in mine. We have no paper documentation of co-dependent billing. But the list from USCIS noted that I could bring a utility bill OR tax records. So I brought tax records. Still, the officer really wanted utility bills. Read: "OR" MEANS "AND." Bring everything.

After the officer pointed out that "everyone else's file has a lot more in it than yours" (read: LOTSA PAPER MEANS YOU ARE SERIOUS ABOUT BEING AMERICAN), he conceded that 19+ years and the fact that our marriage produced two additional Americans was probably evidence enough that I didn't marry Rick for a green card. He told me I'd soon receive a letter about "the decision" and - if the decision was positive - a date for my oath ceremony.

The decision letter arrived yesterday, and...

...drum roll....

...I'm in!

Well, almost. I'm not official until I take The Oath. My ceremony is in a couple of weeks, giving me just enough time to figure out an appropriate "brand new American" outfit. The notice I received states the following: "The naturalization ceremony is a solemn and meaningful event. Please dress in proper attire to respect the dignity of this event (please, no jeans, shorts or flip flops)."

I can't believe I don't own anything star-spangled.

What do you think of this... too much?

(Kidding. I will be solemn. My closet is full of black and grey, solemn is my dress code.)

You guys. I'm stupidly excited about this. I'll have my wish - that Eben and I will go to the polls together in 2016 to cast our first vote in a presidential election. Exercising rights, kids. Can't wait.