Citizenship and divorce (name change question)

[mivingon 0]

So my ex and I got divorced, I have had my 10 year green card over 5 years now so if I understand correctly I am now able to apply for the citizenship.

I am wanting to go on vacation in July and would like to start the process as soon as possible,

How fast would I get an appointment for the Biometrics? What if that letter comes while I have my vacation planned?

Can I move it to another date?

Also- My divorce will be final right around next week.

I would like to restore my old name, what kind of changes do I have to do with the USCIS?

Does that mean if I restore my old (maiden name) that I need to get a new greencard, or is there a simple name change I can do online?

Thank you everyone in advance, I used to be active in this forum during my K1, many moons ago but I forgot my login/ name.

[Inky 1,110]

No more green card when applying for citizenship. No need to change the name on it. There are sections on the forms and they ask you at the interview if you want a different name on your citizenship cert.

You would get the biometrics about a month after applying usually.

Yes you can reschedule it, you would take the biometrics letter and send it back requesting an appointment change via the form on it.

Edited May 28, 2013 by Inky

[Autumnal 25]

How fast would I get an appointment for the Biometrics? What if that letter comes while I have my vacation planned?

Can I move it to another date?

Biometrics usually comes within 4-6 weeks of application filing, although check the filers in your month or in recent months for your service centre. As with everything USCIS, your mileage may vary. I didn't wait more than two weeks for mine at any stage.

Depending on how long your vacation will be, can you arrange for a family member or friend to pick up your mail, hold your letter, and notify you of dates? As long as you have the letter, you can stop in at a biometrics centre and request fingerprinting ahead of time. You can also call the USCIS Customer Service line to reschedule based on being out of the country, in the hospital, etc.

I would like to restore my old name, what kind of changes do I have to do with the USCIS?

Does that mean if I restore my old (maiden name) that I need to get a new greencard, or is there a simple name change I can do online?

I applied as a divorcee using my maiden name on the N-400. My green card is in my former married name. I resumed use of my maiden name as part of my divorce decree, a copy of which was included with the other requested paperwork. I kept my maiden name on the form, mentioned my previous surname in the box provided, and did not include anything in the "name change" line. No need to get a new green card or additional filing required if your decree permitted you to resume the name change.

If it didn't, then go ahead and stick the new name you want in the appropriate field, then wait to update all your documentation after your oath ceremony.

[eapa34 0]

when your going on a vacation, don't go out the country! they do look at how many times and how long you've gone out the US for 5 years. It will run more smoothly if you stay within the US.