N-400 Change of Name Question San Francisco Field Office

[Stlladue 0]

Hello everyone,

I requested a name change on my N-400 (filed based on 3 year marriage to USC) and I am scheduled for an interview in July. I would like to change my last name to my husband's last name.

However, I just read online that San Francisco Office does not offer any "judicial oath ceremonies," instead only offer administrative oath ceremonies where name change cannot be done unless you have a "court order."

Would a marriage certificate be sufficient if I am adopting my USC husband's last name? I appreciate any information or tips.

[jkelly07 120]

on your n-400 you checked your name change. when you have your interview you will be asked do you want your name changed the officer will make a note that a federal judge will be present at that time for your oath ceremony appointment depends where the ceremony is held. some are federal buildings some are immigration centers.

[jkelly07 120]

on your n-400 you checked your name change. when you have your interview you will be asked do you want your name changed the officer will make a note that a federal judge will be present at that time for your oath ceremony appointment depends where the ceremony is held. some are federal buildings some are immigration centers.

[JimmyHou 611]

Hello everyone,

I requested a name change on my N-400 (filed based on 3 year marriage to USC) and I am scheduled for an interview in July. I would like to change my last name to my husband's last name.

However, I just read online that San Francisco Office does not offer any "judicial oath ceremonies," instead only offer administrative oath ceremonies where name change cannot be done unless you have a "court order."

Would a marriage certificate be sufficient if I am adopting my USC husband's last name? I appreciate any information or tips.

It sounds like you've come across some of the descriptions of recent name change experiences in California. I've read quite a few and they're all the same.

You are right that San Francisco, and in fact several northern California offices, have stopped allowing name changes through the N400 application. It doesn't matter whether or not you request a name change on the application, they will tell you at the interview that they won't do it and they'll cross out your name change request.

You're also right, that if the only change is to take your husband's last name, your marriage certificate should suffice. USCIS apparently considers this an effective legal name change document and will, if you want, issue your naturalization certificate in your husband's last name. However, if you want to do something complicated, like have two last names (your maiden name followed by your husband's last name), they may not allow that, but you can ask at the interview..

[JimmyHou 611]

on your n-400 you checked your name change. when you have your interview you will be asked do you want your name changed the officer will make a note that a federal judge will be present at that time for your oath ceremony appointment depends where the ceremony is held. some are federal buildings some are immigration centers.

You're right that that is the procedure at most offices, but not in San Francisco.

San Francisco, unlike most other offices, does not offer judicial oaths at all. There are no judges present at any of their naturalization ceremonies, so they cannot accommodate name change requests.