Documents for N-400 Interview: Birth certificate vs. change of name document

[silvermoon 7]

Hi everyone,

 

I currently have an N-400 application pending, and I have a slightly confusing question about documents I'll need to produce at the interview.

 

I applied for the N-400 with a scan of my original birth certificate. However, I'm originally from Australia, and my Australian passport expires next year. My passport is in my previously married surname, and I would very much like to get it updated with my current married surname. Unfortunately, Australia doesn't recognize international marriage certificates, so in order to change my name for my passport, I will need to apply for an official Change of Name document in Australia--which would require me to relinquish my birth certificate.

 

The Change of Name document is just as "official" as a birth certificate, in Australia at least. However, I'm worried that I might run into difficulties with my N-400 either a) if I can't produce my original birth certificate, which I will have had to return to the Australian government, or b) if they don't recognize the Australian Change of Name document as a substitute for a birth certificate.

 

I know this is probably a long shot, but can anyone provide any guidance as to this issue? Do you think it would be an issue to turn up to the interview with only the Change of Name document? I'm thinking I could also get a notary to certify a copy of my birth certificate before I turn it in... which may be okay. I'm mostly just annoyed because I was hoping my citizenship would be approved before I had to worry about renewing my passport! My estimated processing time is currently 23 months ( :S eep! Thanks, Houston field office).

Thanks in advance for any advice!

[Liam2021 583]

First they will base on the name on your GC. At the end of the interview, they will ask you want to keep the name on GC or not. If yes, you will get a ceremony in a court with a judge. You will get naturalization cert with new name and another cert for name changed from the judge. I don't think they will recognize Australian Change of Name document .

[silvermoon 7]

21 minutes ago, H&T said:

the interview, they will ask you want to keep the name on GC or not. If yes, you will get a ceremony in a court with a judge. You will get naturalization cert with new name and another cert for name changed from the judge. I don't think they will recognize Australian Change of Name document .

Thanks. My GC is in my current married name, as is my SSN and all other relevant documents. Literally the only thing in my previous name is my Australian passport.

 

If they're judging it off the GC, there shouldn't be a problem, right?

[arken 4,197]

25 minutes ago, silvermoon said:

Thanks. My GC is in my current married name, as is my SSN and all other relevant documents. Literally the only thing in my previous name is my Australian passport.

 

If they're judging it off the GC, there shouldn't be a problem, right?

Correct

[silvermoon 7]

Just now, arken said:

Correct

Wonderful. Thank you!

[silvermoon 7]

8 minutes ago, Dee elle said:

I would suggest you apply for a couple more birth certificates... they are not that expensive and always worth have an extra one on hand.. especially when you cant just drop jnto the Births Deaths and Marraige registry office in person.  We brought 4 of all our official documents... birth certificates, Australian marraige certificate.. when we immigrated... just peace of mind... 😐

Ooh that's a good idea! Thank you!

[Brother Hesekiel 2,236]

Wait with the passport renewal until after the interview.
Problem solved.