Interview for the Citizenship application
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Interview for the Citizenship application
Hi,
I have recently passed the YKI test with 3 in kirjoittaminen, teksti ymmärtäminen and puheen ymmärtäminen.
According to Migri this is enough for applying for the citizenship.
I have also fulfilled all other requirements, so I am considering to submit the application.
I have been reading in this forum that there could be an interview during the application process.
What kind of interview will it be, and how long normally does it take?
Since I am still not that confident with my Finnish, especially the speaking part, what if there are parts I don't understand?
What is your experience? Thanks!
I have recently passed the YKI test with 3 in kirjoittaminen, teksti ymmärtäminen and puheen ymmärtäminen.
According to Migri this is enough for applying for the citizenship.
I have also fulfilled all other requirements, so I am considering to submit the application.
I have been reading in this forum that there could be an interview during the application process.
What kind of interview will it be, and how long normally does it take?
Since I am still not that confident with my Finnish, especially the speaking part, what if there are parts I don't understand?
What is your experience? Thanks!
Re: Interview for the Citizenship application
After you submit your application, you will at a minimum have to go prove your identity at a migri service point. If you have submitted proof of Finnish language then the interview will be in Finnish and you should be able to understand and answer the questions in Finnish at least to a decent level-if you have passed YKI with a 3 then you really should be able to do that. If you are unable to understand anything then they might ask you to provide additional proof that you know Finnish to a decent level. Some people might get called for an additional interview as well.
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Re: Interview for the Citizenship application
I'm not at that level yet, so no actual experience. But my advice would be to stay in Finnish - if at all possible try to avoid asking them to explain anything in English.
Get comfortable with saying you didn't understand, asking them to repeat a sentence, or asking them to explain a word.
Anteeksi, voisitko toistaa?
Anteeksi, voisitko sanoa sen uudelleen?
En ymmärsit "poronkusema" - mitä se tarkoitta?
Get comfortable with saying you didn't understand, asking them to repeat a sentence, or asking them to explain a word.
Anteeksi, voisitko toistaa?
Anteeksi, voisitko sanoa sen uudelleen?
En ymmärsit "poronkusema" - mitä se tarkoitta?
Re: Interview for the Citizenship application
I did the Swedish exam and I was also worried about the day I was visiting migri. It went pretty smoothly. They just asked basic questions about my application. So it wasn't like that the agent was interviewing me or evaluating my language skills, it was such that when I was there, there was some questions about my job history etc and the questions were asked in Swedish and I answered them in Swedish too. So be prepared for questions that may be about your application and your background mit is a relaxed discussion.
Re: Interview for the Citizenship application
vilpi wrote: ↑Thu Jun 30, 2022 3:06 pmI did the Swedish exam and I was also worried about the day I was visiting migri. It went pretty smoothly. They just asked basic questions about my application. So it wasn't like that the agent was interviewing me or evaluating my language skills, it was such that when I was there, there was some questions about my job history etc and the questions were asked in Swedish and I answered them in Swedish too. So be prepared for questions that may be about your application and your background mit is a relaxed discussion.
May I ask, how long did it take you to reach B1.1 in Swedish language?
Re: Interview for the Citizenship application
Maaria wrote: ↑Thu Jun 30, 2022 4:20 pmvilpi wrote: ↑Thu Jun 30, 2022 3:06 pmI did the Swedish exam and I was also worried about the day I was visiting migri. It went pretty smoothly. They just asked basic questions about my application. So it wasn't like that the agent was interviewing me or evaluating my language skills, it was such that when I was there, there was some questions about my job history etc and the questions were asked in Swedish and I answered them in Swedish too. So be prepared for questions that may be about your application and your background mit is a relaxed discussion.
May I ask, how long did it take you to reach B1.1 in Swedish language?
8 months self-study. Around 1 to 2 hours per day. When I did the test, I didn't expect to pass but surprisingly I passed the combination of listening and writing (imo is the easiest combination)
Re: Interview for the Citizenship application
I got EXACTLY the same scores as you in the last exam : "passed the YKI test with 3 in kirjoittaminen, teksti ymmärtäminen and puheen ymmärtäminen"
Once I got the certificate in the post (about 3 weeks ago), I immediately filled in the citizenship application - all other criteria are easy in my case.
I got a cancellation slot for the "interview" 2 days after registering the application in Malmi.
It's not an interview - don't believe anyone who tells you it is.
The migri "interviewer" asked me only one question (did I have my own company in the last 5 years), to which I replied no in Finnish.
After copying all my docs, he spoke for a couple of minutes - the main thing I picked up was it was going to take at least 9 months to get a result (in line with the website guidance).
The LAW says that citizenship can be obtained with a pass in the YKI combination you have. It is THE LAW.
The migri application says if you can't discuss in Finnish with their employees, it "may" affect your application. This is very vague, and I take it to mean they might somehow double check that it was you that actually took the exam.
My advice - stop worrying. Put the application in, go see them, manage the "interview" (it's not!), and then forget the whole thing, for 9-25 months.
Enjoy!
Once I got the certificate in the post (about 3 weeks ago), I immediately filled in the citizenship application - all other criteria are easy in my case.
I got a cancellation slot for the "interview" 2 days after registering the application in Malmi.
It's not an interview - don't believe anyone who tells you it is.
The migri "interviewer" asked me only one question (did I have my own company in the last 5 years), to which I replied no in Finnish.
After copying all my docs, he spoke for a couple of minutes - the main thing I picked up was it was going to take at least 9 months to get a result (in line with the website guidance).
The LAW says that citizenship can be obtained with a pass in the YKI combination you have. It is THE LAW.
The migri application says if you can't discuss in Finnish with their employees, it "may" affect your application. This is very vague, and I take it to mean they might somehow double check that it was you that actually took the exam.
My advice - stop worrying. Put the application in, go see them, manage the "interview" (it's not!), and then forget the whole thing, for 9-25 months.
Enjoy!
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Re: Interview for the Citizenship application
It is simply more convenient for them to speak with you in our language, instead of having to use foreign languages (many immigrants to Finland do not even speak English). There is simply no point in switching to English when speaking with someone who shows a certificate of possessing intermediate knowledge of the Finnish language.nicnet wrote: ↑Thu Jun 30, 2022 7:34 pmThe migri "interviewer" asked me only one question (did I have my own company in the last 5 years), to which I replied no in Finnish.
After copying all my docs, he spoke for a couple of minutes - the main thing I picked up was it was going to take at least 9 months to get a result (in line with the website guidance).
The LAW says that citizenship can be obtained with a pass in the YKI combination you have. It is THE LAW.
The migri application says if you can't discuss in Finnish with their employees, it "may" affect your application. This is very vague, and I take it to mean they might somehow double check that it was you that actually took the exam.
It is not a language test, but if something in a citizenship application looks like a fraud this will of course affect your application.
Not being able to have any conversation in Finnish despite YKI 3 would be suspicious, perfect mastering of the language is not expected with YKI 3.
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- Joined: Sat Apr 08, 2017 12:54 pm
Re: Interview for the Citizenship application
Wow. That’s pretty much the most racist thing I have seen in a while. Witch doctors? Really? I think it more likely that this is a cultural difference in child rearing that you witnessed. The children were simply being children and acting just as young human beings should instead of in many western cultures where children are believed to be “good” when they are seen and not heard.Y77 wrote: ↑Sat Jul 02, 2022 1:14 pmthe worst part of my citizenship interview was the period I waited in the very small waiting room at the police station, in the sweet company of a family/group of africans which counted about 7 members, 4 of which very small screaming children running everywhere and their parents or wich doctors or whoever the adults were just ignored them ...they made so much noise that when they called my number to get in I didn't hear it and a member of staff had to come out and see why nobody went in when called which could have been interpreted as me not understanding numbers in finnish(not a good start)...if I were Migri I would have just told them to come back again in 5 years time for their citizenship interview and in the meantime try to learn ho to behave like human beings
Re: Interview for the Citizenship application
I passed interview around 7 month ago. Got same results on YKI as you. The lady in the migri asked quite basic questions, like "give me your passport", "take your documents back" etc., probably she asked me to remove glasses "lassi pois" cause I have not glasses on passport photo, though i do not remember exactly...NeverSayNever wrote: ↑Wed Jun 29, 2022 8:25 pmHi,
I have recently passed the YKI test with 3 in kirjoittaminen, teksti ymmärtäminen and puheen ymmärtäminen.
According to Migri this is enough for applying for the citizenship.
I have also fulfilled all other requirements, so I am considering to submit the application.
I have been reading in this forum that there could be an interview during the application process.
What kind of interview will it be, and how long normally does it take?
Since I am still not that confident with my Finnish, especially the speaking part, what if there are parts I don't understand?
What is your experience? Thanks!
She even tried to speak english but I was trying to keep Finnish LOL-). Do not worry it is not an exam. Try to repeat some easy stuff like "Mä työskentelen ... " etc. and "olen naimisissa/ei ole naimisissa" etc.
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- Posts: 7
- Joined: Mon Aug 23, 2021 1:06 pm
Re: Interview for the Citizenship application
I got EXACTLY the same scores as you in the last exam : "passed the YKI test with 3 in kirjoittaminen, teksti ymmärtäminen and puheen ymmärtäminen"
Once I got the certificate in the post (about 3 weeks ago), I immediately filled in the citizenship application - all other criteria are easy in my case.
I got a cancellation slot for the "interview" 2 days after registering the application in Malmi.
It's not an interview - don't believe anyone who tells you it is.
The migri "interviewer" asked me only one question (did I have my own company in the last 5 years), to which I replied no in Finnish.
After copying all my docs, he spoke for a couple of minutes - the main thing I picked up was it was going to take at least 9 months to get a result (in line with the website guidance).
The LAW says that citizenship can be obtained with a pass in the YKI combination you have. It is THE LAW.
The migri application says if you can't discuss in Finnish with their employees, it "may" affect your application. This is very vague, and I take it to mean they might somehow double check that it was you that actually took the exam.
My advice - stop worrying. Put the application in, go see them, manage the "interview" (it's not!), and then forget the whole thing, for 9-25 months.
Enjoy!
I left my application yesterday and I was lucky to find an available time slot today. Just came back from Migri's Service Point, and it all went exactly as you said in this post I managed the whole conversation in Finnish, and the official lady understood well what I said, and I also noticed that she tried to use simple Finnish when communicating to meI passed interview around 7 month ago. Got same results on YKI as you. The lady in the migri asked quite basic questions, like "give me your passport", "take your documents back" etc., probably she asked me to remove glasses "lassi pois" cause I have not glasses on passport photo, though i do not remember exactly...
She even tried to speak english but I was trying to keep Finnish LOL-). Do not worry it is not an exam. Try to repeat some easy stuff like "Mä työskentelen ... " etc. and "olen naimisissa/ei ole naimisissa" etc.
Now it is my turn to wait
Thanks Nicnet, Sealgat and others! Have a nice summer
Last edited by NeverSayNever on Tue Jul 05, 2022 4:25 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Re: Interview for the Citizenship application
Good luck!NeverSayNever wrote: ↑Tue Jul 05, 2022 11:34 amI got EXACTLY the same scores as you in the last exam : "passed the YKI test with 3 in kirjoittaminen, teksti ymmärtäminen and puheen ymmärtäminen"
Once I got the certificate in the post (about 3 weeks ago), I immediately filled in the citizenship application - all other criteria are easy in my case.
I got a cancellation slot for the "interview" 2 days after registering the application in Malmi.
It's not an interview - don't believe anyone who tells you it is.
The migri "interviewer" asked me only one question (did I have my own company in the last 5 years), to which I replied no in Finnish.
After copying all my docs, he spoke for a couple of minutes - the main thing I picked up was it was going to take at least 9 months to get a result (in line with the website guidance).
The LAW says that citizenship can be obtained with a pass in the YKI combination you have. It is THE LAW.
The migri application says if you can't discuss in Finnish with their employees, it "may" affect your application. This is very vague, and I take it to mean they might somehow double check that it was you that actually took the exam.
My advice - stop worrying. Put the application in, go see them, manage the "interview" (it's not!), and then forget the whole thing, for 9-25 months.
Enjoy!I left my application yesterday and I was lucky to find an available time slot today. Just came back from Migri's Service Point, and it all went exactly as you said in this post I managed the whole conversation in Finnish, and the official lady understood well what I said, and I also noticed that she tried to use simple Finnish when communicating to meI passed interview around 7 month ago. Got same results on YKI as you. The lady in the migri asked quite basic questions, like "give me your passport", "take your documents back" etc., probably she asked me to remove glasses "lassi pois" cause I have not glasses on passport photo, though i do not remember exactly...
She even tried to speak english but I was trying to keep Finnish LOL-). Do not worry it is not an exam. Try to repeat some easy stuff like "Mä työskentelen ... " etc. and "olen naimisissa/ei ole naimisissa" etc.
Now it is my turn to wait
Thanks Nicnet, Sealgat and others! Have a nice summer
Today my application jumped to the "processing" stage...now it is my turn to worry
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- Posts: 7
- Joined: Mon Aug 23, 2021 1:06 pm
Re: Interview for the Citizenship application
Hi Sealgat,
Good luck, and all the best for your application!
Have a nice summer!
Good luck, and all the best for your application!
Have a nice summer!
Re: Interview for the Citizenship application
I am just wondering: is it possible to have an "interview" (proof of identity) in Swedish with FINNISH YKI test results?
I have passed finnish YKI (all parts) with 3 and 4, but since then I started learning Swedish, and it is so much easier, I am speaking freely after 6 months.
I am not sure, if that will be okay to have communication in Swedish, having finnish test done
I have passed finnish YKI (all parts) with 3 and 4, but since then I started learning Swedish, and it is so much easier, I am speaking freely after 6 months.
I am not sure, if that will be okay to have communication in Swedish, having finnish test done
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- Joined: Sat Nov 09, 2019 10:43 am
Re: Interview for the Citizenship application
Your Finnish might be better than the Swedish of the person you will be talking to.broccoli wrote: ↑Mon Aug 15, 2022 2:31 pmI am just wondering: is it possible to have an "interview" (proof of identity) in Swedish with FINNISH YKI test results?
I have passed finnish YKI (all parts) with 3 and 4, but since then I started learning Swedish, and it is so much easier, I am speaking freely after 6 months.
I am not sure, if that will be okay to have communication in Swedish, having finnish test done