Please tell what this interview? What ask? Is it difficult interview
I can also answer a bit here. If you are called in for an interview, its actually a great opportunity. I had to go to another far off city [unnamed] and so had to book hotel, trains, etc. So hopefully others are luckier in that its just a car ride away. No idea why they picked the city they picked.
You get to speak with an officer directly and address any questions they may have. All interviews I suppose are different. It can be a combination of ability to speak clearly and succinctly in English or French, be able to answer any potential discrepancies they may have come across or want to clear. I was nervous that they may want to ask me Canadian Citizenship test questions, so I actually went back to my notes and memorized things like when did Nunavut become a territory of Canada...I thought it was 1776 or why doesn't Canada own Alaska...alas she does not.
I also sang the national anthem in my head and got irritated when I kept forgetting the 3rd line. Actually, I read on this forum, that sometimes they call in for an interview and leads straight to oath. By now you know that did not happen, much to my dismay. All that money on hotel, restaurants, [hotel did not provide me breakfast as they promised], train tickets et al. can you imagine.
Regardless, It is a fantastic way to show them who you are and that you are a genuine applicant who appreciates and loves Canada. When I went, I took my original IELTS record, Birth Certificate, IMM that I used to enter Canada with PR, all passports [I had 30 years worth of my passports...just imagine] so they can see all exit and entry seals, my federal IDs, such as driving license etc. I tried to be extra careful and ended up taking tax returns I filed as well just in case. Basically you should take originals of whatever you submitted and/or as per the letter you received to be on the safe side as not all citizenship applications are exactly the same.
They want you to become a citizen, and they just want to make sure you are who you say you are. I know it can make someone nervous.
I went extra early, carried all papers, I dressed nicely, showered extra well with the best hotel soap and shampoo, ironed all my clothes to be respectful and formal for the occasion [Also because I thought I was the special one who would be called in for the oath ceremony right after the interview because I am such a good boy] and did not use any cologne because the interview letter said not to.
The person who interviewed me was nice and friendly. I did not speak out of turn and only answered what was asked of me as they don't have time and we were both focused on what needed to be done on IRCC's part. I had a ton of questions as I am a curious cat, but refrained as it can seem intrusive and annoying. for e.g., why the new passport is such a dark blue and not the beautiful red and white concept I saw online or why the CANADA font isn't as pretty. [If you have not seen the amazingly beautiful red and white passport concept, I highly suggest googling it] I digress.
Most of the people who went in, took barely a few minutes. With me, they didn't ask for any papers, just had to hand in my latest passport.
They took my passport, intently looked through the pages for all entry and exit seals. Then proceeded to take the passport to the back office. I assume they photocopied some sections or called whatever agency they needed to to verify whatever they needed to verify. It took a while and got me nervous for no reason. Maybe there was a line in their back office photo copy machine? I mean we can cook up endless stories in our tiny minds. I guess they just wanted to see the person applying say a few words, etc. Nothing more to be nervous about.