Name change process during Naturalization

[B & H 6]

Thought of sharing how name change process works during naturalization process. This is my experience and what I know about this process. Feel free to comment if you think the process is not correct.

 

We can opt for name change at the time of applying for N-400. We can either change complete name or just last name. 

 

During the Naturalization interview, immigration officer goes through your N-400 form and asks again whether you want to change your name. If you answer yes again, immigration officer will give the USCIS form N-662 (Petition for name change) to sign the document during the interview. Ensure your new name is printed on how you wanted it and sign it and immigration officer will take the form. Immigration officer will then send the form to District court to file and get the approval as the district court is the one who decides whether to approve or not.

 

At the time of oath ceremony, your new name will be printed on Naturalization certificate and they will also give the original name change document.

 

Ensure to ask the immigration officer to get name change document (if they forget to give one) at the Oath ceremony as it is mandatory to update your name at multiple agencies like Banks, Visas for other countries etc.

 

Hope this helps and all the Best.

 

 

 

[millefleur 5,047]

Thank you, this is helpful. Do you know if it varies it at from field office to field office?

[Fr8dog 312]

Regardless of Covid restrictions:

As far as I know, requesting a name change will force you to do a judicial ceremony and not an administrative ceremony, though some offices only do judicial to begin with. This means you have to wait until they have a federal judge available to do the ceremony.

with the current Covid restrictions:

In several states non essential procedures are suspended. Judicial ceremony is considered a non-essential ceremony. This means you could face some serious additional delays.