Worried....Passed Citizenship Test, but Interview didn't feel like it went well.

[Anthony_nyc]

Hello again everyone,

I write now with depression in my heart at this moment. I'll explain this as best I can...

I was overjoyed to learn I passed the Citizenship test today, but then the Citizenship Officer interviewing me asked me about my ex-wife that sponsored me originally (and if we were separated before I came as a permanent resident) , the place I'm currently living at, and why I didn't leave Canada once to see my family in New York during my entire residency obligation process. I answered as best I could, but I wasn't feeling very good energy off the Officer. It's hard to explain everything in this message, but I feel the interview was a mess. All she told me at the end of the interview was, "if we need any further documents, and/or if there is oath appointment, you will know in 4-6 weeks." She said something along those lines. She never told me there WILL definitely be an oath, or ONLY an oath in 4-6 weeks. She including the "if we need further documents" part to her statement. I heard other interviewed people have better interviews, better than mine. Some of them were told something like "you're oath will be in 4-6 weeks, congratulations". I'm very depressed right now about all this. Sorry, and thank you for reading this. I wish I could get advice on this situation from anyone. Is it possible for an interview to feel like it went bad, but everything goes ok anyways?

 

[cedarjet]

Hello again everyone,

I write now with depression in my heart at this moment. I'll explain this as best I can...

I was overjoyed to learn I passed the Citizenship test today, but then the Citizenship Officer interviewing me asked me about my ex-wife that sponsored me originally (and if we were separated before I came as a permanent resident) , the place I'm currently living at, and why I didn't leave Canada once to see my family in New York during my entire residency obligation process. I answered as best I could, but I wasn't feeling very good energy off the Officer. It's hard to explain everything in this message, but I feel the interview was a mess. All she told me at the end of the interview was, "if we need any further documents, and/or if there is oath appointment, you will know in 4-6 weeks." She said something along those lines. She never told me there WILL definitely be an oath, or ONLY an oath in 4-6 weeks. She including the "if we need further documents" part to her statement. I heard other interviewed people have better interviews, better than mine. Some of them were told something like "you're oath will be in 4-6 weeks, congratulations". I'm very depressed right now about all this. Sorry, and thank you for reading this. I wish I could get advice on this situation from anyone. Is it possible for an interview to feel like it went bad, but everything goes ok anyways?

Don't feel bad...You will know very soon, there is nothing you can do at this point. I don't believe you have an issue. As for hearing congratulations for other applicants, don't worry also. My officer told me congratulations and ur oath will be 1-3 months..and i still haven't heard any news. So you never know, stay positive

 

[ERJOPA]

My interview didn't go well....my officer was obsessed about my passport having no stamps for the ONLY trip I took outside Canada (in 2011 no less) and told me that all these facts made my application "suspicious"

A week later, after she got the CBSA report (she rejected taking my same report from them because it was "out of date"), mt status went to "decision made" but I believe in my heart that she put my application wayyyyy back in line to prove some sort of point about being "diligent".

It seems that every step of the process, someone in my Canadian Family or at the CIC gets PO'ed at something. I thought getting Canadian citizenship was supposed to be a positive thing to go through...

 

[Anthony_nyc]

Don't feel bad...You will know very soon, there is nothing you can do at this point. I don't believe you have an issue. As for hearing congratulations for other applicants, don't worry also. My officer told me congratulations and ur oath will be 1-3 months..and i still haven't heard any news. So you never know, stay positive

I appreciate your confidence in my situation. I'm sorry I'm being so depressed and not positive about all this. It truly felt like a suspicious disaster. She was confused as to why I landed through Ontario and stayed there for 4 weeks, before coming to Montreal for where I was originally sponsored to. I told her I stayed with my friend and his family for emotional support, because my marriage was having difficulty, and that me and my ex-wife tried working our relationship out, before we finally decided to divorce. The other problem was I've always paid cash to rent a room wherever I lived, never having leased with my name or anything. When I explained to the officer I rent a room and pay cash to my landlord, she gave me a weird look. How is paying cash to rent a room from a landlord strange? I feel emotionally horrible right now. I know deep in my heart I'm a genuine case trying to live a happy life at this point, yet I feel like not all the officers understand things go wrong in all directions in life, and we are all human beings. The worst thing they can do to me is either throw an RQ at me and I'll have to wait many years, or they just simply deny me citizenship completely at this point.

 

[ahmadmani]

I had the same feeling during my interview. The officer was very suspicious when he saw my living address is different from the address on my driver address. I tried to explain why but he said we need further investigation. After a month they issued me CIT520 (mini RQ). I collected all documents that I had to support my residency and sent within two weeks after getting the letter. Finally after 6 months I got my oath invite. If you have enough evidence to support your residency, everything should be fine. Soon or late you will get you oath invite, trust me. I totally understand how you feel these days and am really sorry about that!

 

[Bigudi]

I appreciate your confidence in my situation. I'm sorry I'm being so depressed and not positive about all this. It truly felt like a suspicious disaster. She was confused as to why I landed through Ontario and stayed there for 4 weeks, before coming to Montreal for where I was originally sponsored to. I told her I stayed with my friend and his family for emotional support, because my marriage was having difficulty, and that me and my ex-wife tried working our relationship out, before we finally decided to divorce. The other problem was I've always paid cash to rent a room wherever I lived, never having leased with my name or anything. When I explained to the officer I rent a room and pay cash to my landlord, she gave me a weird look. How is paying cash to rent a room from a landlord strange? I feel emotionally horrible right now. I know deep in my heart I'm a genuine case trying to live a happy life at this point, yet I feel like not all the officers understand things go wrong in all directions in life, and we are all human beings. The worst thing they can do to me is either throw an RQ at me and I'll have to wait many years, or they just simply deny me citizenship completely at this point.

Hello friend,
I completely understand your feeling and I wouldn't feel any different in your position. But please consider a few things:
- There is a lot at stake here for you. That means you might be seeing everything through a very tough filter and your head is contaminated with fear. Which is perfectly normal. Maybe your perception of reality is not as accurate as it would be if you were relaxed and comfortable. Maybe the interview was not as bad as you think.
- People are not always easy to read. Maybe your interviewer is has naturally this suspicious tone and face. Maybe that doesn't mean anything different or special.
- Your situation might be a little bit out of the average that she is used to take care of, and that might raise some questions. But that doesn't mean that it is reason for RQ or denying the application necessarily. Maybe she only needed to understand the whole situation.
- Being RQ'd, if ever happens, must suck, but it is not the end of the world.

Now is time to try to relax. I know how difficult this sounds, but it will be for the best. You need to try to cope with these facts and relax. Yes, I know, easier said than done.

I am also worried about when my time comes. I also have a bit odd situation. I came to Canada (already as a PR) married with a woman from my old country. We got divorced and one year and a half later I married again... with a Canadian. I have no idea if this can raise some suspicions towards myself, but I am very afraid.
But in the end I know I didn't do anything sketchy or wrong, and even if I am RQ'd I can prove step by step all my honesty and my true intentions in becoming a citizen.

Lastly, I strongly believe there IS NO WAY your application will be denied based on that interview. NO WAY AT ALL. Worst case scenario you will be RQ'd, if that much.

One way or another, like people said, there is nothing you can do right now and overthinking this will affect directly your quality of life in a very negative way. Grab you coffee/tea, take some deep breaths, and try to occupy your mind with other subjects.

And please keep us posted.


"If you can't do anything about it then let it go. Don't be a prisoner to things you can't change." - Tony Gaskins

 

[Anthony_nyc]

Hello friend,
I completely understand your feeling and I wouldn't feel any different in your position. But please consider a few things:
- There is a lot at stake here for you. That means you might be seeing everything through a very tough filter and your head is contaminated with fear. Which is perfectly normal. Maybe your perception of reality is not as accurate as it would be if you were relaxed and comfortable. Maybe the interview was not as bad as you think.
- People are not always easy to read. Maybe your interviewer is has naturally this suspicious tone and face. Maybe that doesn't mean anything different or special.
- Your situation might be a little bit out of the average that she is used to take care of, and that might raise some questions. But that doesn't mean that it is reason for RQ or denying the application necessarily. Maybe she only needed to understand the whole situation.
- Being RQ'd, if ever happens, must suck, but it is not the end of the world.

Now is time to try to relax. I know how difficult this sounds, but it will be for the best. You need to try to cope with these facts and relax. Yes, I know, easier said than done.

I am also worried about when my time comes. I also have a bit odd situation. I came to Canada (already as a PR) married with a woman from my old country. We got divorced and one year and a half later I married again... with a Canadian. I have no idea if this can raise some suspicions towards myself, but I am very afraid.
But in the end I know I didn't do anything sketchy or wrong, and even if I am RQ'd I can prove step by step all my honesty and my true intentions in becoming a citizen.

Lastly, I strongly believe there IS NO WAY your application will be denied based on that interview. NO WAY AT ALL. Worst case scenario you will be RQ'd, if that much.

One way or another, like people said, there is nothing you can do right now and overthinking this will affect directly your quality of life in a very negative way. Grab you coffee/tea, take some deep breaths, and try to occupy your mind with other subjects.

And please keep us posted.


"If you can't do anything about it then let it go. Don't be a prisoner to things you can't change." - Tony Gaskins

Thank you deeply for your wise words, based on my depression and low spirits on the citizenship interview I felt I did poorly on. I have a question maybe you will know the answer to next perhaps?

Am I allowed to move to another province for employment opportunity while I wait for the 4-6 week update on whether or not they ask me for more documentations or if I actually do get the final oath invite?

Or should I just wait until the next update situation on my case overall? I don't want to miss this employment opportunity, as my friend in Ontario can help me get the job at this time.

I don't know what the wisest decision is, or if moving will dramatically effect the final steps of my citizenship processing.

 

[Bigudi]

Thank you deeply for your wise words, based on my depression and low spirits on the citizenship interview I felt I did poorly on. I have a question maybe you will know the answer to next perhaps?

Am I allowed to move to another province for employment opportunity while I wait for the 4-6 week update on whether or not they ask me for more documentations or if I actually do get the final oath invite?

Or should I just wait until the next update situation on my case overall? I don't want to miss this employment opportunity, as my friend in Ontario can help me get the job at this time.

I don't know what the wisest decision is, or if moving will dramatically effect the final steps of my citizenship processing.

I am not an expert and there are some people in this forum that can give you a better answer with more certitude.
But, based on the little I know, there is no problem moving to another province right now, as long as you communicate to CIC. But let's see what more experienced people have to say about it.

 

[ashs]

hi everyone,

I came here on spouse visa but got divorced in a year. I remarried and applied for citizenship after 4 years. i applied for my citizenship test, which i passed with good marks in 2015. later my consultant received letters from cic asking about my ex-marriage. i provided answers. then they asked about my job, taxes (which i yearly file). My consultant suggested to hold it by not replying and focus on spouse application. because they will keep on asking. My consultant didnt share the letter with me.
So my questions is that can i request cic to consider my old application and give me a chance to reply their questions and provide evidence, rather than applying all over again.

 

[frange]

hi everyone,

I came here on spouse visa but got divorced in a year. I remarried and applied for citizenship after 4 years. i applied for my citizenship test, which i passed with good marks in 2015. later my consultant received letters from cic asking about my ex-marriage. i provided answers. then they asked about my job, taxes (which i yearly file). My consultant suggested to hold it by not replying and focus on spouse application. because they will keep on asking. My consultant didnt share the letter with me.
So my questions is that can i request cic to consider my old application and give me a chance to reply their questions and provide evidence, rather than applying all over again.

Just Call the call centre, and ask about your file. Then you will know if it was closed or not. Depending on the situation, you'll know what to do. I'm pretty sure that it was closed, if so, you'll have to write a letter in order to ask them to reopen it. Generally, there is a deadline to make this request, just give it a try.

 

[rasmy]

I appreciate your confidence in my situation. I'm sorry I'm being so depressed and not positive about all this. It truly felt like a suspicious disaster. She was confused as to why I landed through Ontario and stayed there for 4 weeks, before coming to Montreal for where I was originally sponsored to. I told her I stayed with my friend and his family for emotional support, because my marriage was having difficulty, and that me and my ex-wife tried working our relationship out, before we finally decided to divorce. The other problem was I've always paid cash to rent a room wherever I lived, never having leased with my name or anything. When I explained to the officer I rent a room and pay cash to my landlord, she gave me a weird look. How is paying cash to rent a room from a landlord strange? I feel emotionally horrible right now. I know deep in my heart I'm a genuine case trying to live a happy life at this point, yet I feel like not all the officers understand things go wrong in all directions in life, and we are all human beings. The worst thing they can do to me is either throw an RQ at me and I'll have to wait many years, or they just simply deny me citizenship completely at this point.

I had a difficult interview too. The officer was hostile from the start. She questioned me about my family and my travels, A week later she sent me a CIT0520 asking for so many stuff including my lease agreements. It has been more than 5 months and nothing happened. I know it sucks but we have no option but to wait. Hopefully one day everything will come to a positive conclusion.

 

[ashs]

I had a difficult interview too. The officer was hostile from the start. She questioned me about my family and my travels, A week later she sent me a CIT0520 asking for so many stuff including my lease agreements. It has been more than 5 months and nothing happened. I know it sucks but we have no option but to wait. Hopefully one day everything will come to a positive conclusion.

thanks Rasmy, but what are the chance that they will look in to the request for reopening the file? and should i involve a lawyer or consultant or do it myself? i am confused

 

[frange]

thanks Rasmy, but what are the chance that they will look in to the request for reopening the file? and should i involve a lawyer or consultant or do it myself? i am confused

You have to wait a little bit just to see what the outcome will be... If there is no news, then you can go to whatever option which is better for you. Your file won't be closed. In the worst case, you can get a RQ.

 

[Micbm]

Hello again everyone,

I write now with depression in my heart at this moment. I'll explain this as best I can...

I was overjoyed to learn I passed the Citizenship test today, but then the Citizenship Officer interviewing me asked me about my ex-wife that sponsored me originally (and if we were separated before I came as a permanent resident) , the place I'm currently living at, and why I didn't leave Canada once to see my family in New York during my entire residency obligation process. I answered as best I could, but I wasn't feeling very good energy off the Officer. It's hard to explain everything in this message, but I feel the interview was a mess. All she told me at the end of the interview was, "if we need any further documents, and/or if there is oath appointment, you will know in 4-6 weeks." She said something along those lines. She never told me there WILL definitely be an oath, or ONLY an oath in 4-6 weeks. She including the "if we need further documents" part to her statement. I heard other interviewed people have better interviews, better than mine. Some of them were told something like "you're oath will be in 4-6 weeks, congratulations". I'm very depressed right now about all this. Sorry, and thank you for reading this. I wish I could get advice on this situation from anyone. Is it possible for an interview to feel like it went bad, but everything goes ok anyways?

OK so analyzing this very objectively -
Best case scenario - nothing will happen, your application will go through without a problem.

Somewhere in between - they might ask you for additional information... which in your case is hard to say, that would delay your process in a few months but again, not a major problem.

Really worst case scenario you have your application denied but really what does it change? You have a valid PR, can work, travel, have health insurance, all that. You don't have a canadian passport and the right to vote, but really your day to day will not change a bit.

So, don't feel depressed... carry on with your life, focus on the good things this country brought you until now, keep being a good person and contributing positively to its society and it will come eventually. Good luck!

 

[keesio]

OK so analyzing this very objectively -
Best case scenario - nothing will happen, your application will go through without a problem.

Somewhere in between - they might ask you for additional information... which in your case is hard to say, that would delay your process in a few months but again, not a major problem.

Really worst case scenario you have your application denied but really what does it change? You have a valid PR, can work, travel, have health insurance, all that. You don't have a canadian passport and the right to vote, but really your day to day will not change a bit.

So, don't feel depressed... carry on with your life, focus on the good things this country brought you until now, keep being a good person and contributing positively to its society and it will come eventually. Good luck!

This thread was an old one that got revived. The OP started this 3 years ago. By checking his post history, looks like he got the dreaded RQ which delayed him ~6 months but in the end he became a citizen:
https://www.canadavisa.com/canada-immigration-discussion-board/threads/officially-canadian.411510/