Information on Name Change During Naturalization

[Scandi 3,970]

1 hour ago, annab864 said:

Thank you for explaining this. But, let’s say, if i want the new last name to be printed on documents such as SSC, DL, US passport (eventually) and so on, then I request the name change from the proper authorities anyway? It’s just a confusing process for me. I assume that once I receive a naturalization certificate with the new last name, I can move on to Social Security and so on to change it on the rest of my documents 

If you just want to take your husband's last name then the marriage certificate is proof of your name change. That means you take your certificate to SSA to have the name chsnged on your SS card, then you go to DMV etc. 

[Seven 24]

So what about if my first name was split between a first and a middle (I have a two words first name) when it is actually all a first but thanks to USCIS it had to be separated everywhere? If I want to be back to my maiden name (last name) and correct my first name, do I need a legal name change?

[Scandi 3,970]

2 hours ago, Seven said:

So what about if my first name was split between a first and a middle (I have a two words first name) when it is actually all a first but thanks to USCIS it had to be separated everywhere? If I want to be back to my maiden name (last name) and correct my first name, do I need a legal name change?

Yes, you need a name change that goes beyond a marriage certificate (that's only for last names). You can have that legal name change done with your N-400 if you clearly explain to the officer at the interview how you want your name. If they for whatever reason refuse then you would have to change your name through court later on. 

[Seven 24]

19 minutes ago, Scandi said:

Yes, you need a name change that goes beyond a marriage certificate (that's only for last names). You can have that legal name change done with your N-400 if you clearly explain to the officer at the interview how you want your name. If they for whatever reason refuse then you would have to change your name through court later on. 

Thank you for your answer. It is funny to me how USCIS says they have no legal power to change the name but they easily changed my first name and when I complained about it then they told me that’s the American conventions. Ellis island much? 😂 

[phoenyxx 30]

On 11/9/2022 at 1:17 PM, Scandi said:

Not an issue, just let them know at the interview that you want to use your maiden name. 

Just an update: I requested to change my name back to my maiden name, its been almost two months since my interview. 

So. Be prepared for a delay if you do!

[Scandi 3,970]

10 hours ago, phoenyxx said:

Just an update: I requested to change my name back to my maiden name, its been almost two months since my interview. 

So. Be prepared for a delay if you do!

Yup, some field offices have a long wait since the name change needs to go through court and that can take a while depending on how fast the office and court is where you are. My field office was located right next to the court house and it's a busy office and court so they appear to process things quickly - the name changes were approved and signed by a judge the same day of the interview, the oath came very quick thereafter. 

 

Also - not all field offices perform oath ceremonies for those who changed their name, in those cases people will have their oath ceremony at the actual court house (judicial oath ceremony) - and that too can take a long while depending on when court will have time to perform one, a lot of courts are busy with more pressing matters. If a short wait is more important than having a name change, this is something that needs to be researched before one decides to have a name change with the N-400. It differs a lot between offices. 

 

And, sometimes USCIS needs a reminder, you can always send a message via your online account and make them aware you're still waiting. It doesn't cost anything to give it a try. 

[JCG1121 15]

On 5/17/2021 at 8:28 PM, DannyAdelante said:

I have my oath ceremony next week.  Is there any chance I could get it changed there?  If not, would it be wise to go and get it changed "back" to just my First Name, Last Name at court on the same day, before I apply for my US passport?  If so, how long would that process take?

Hi DannyAdelante,

May I ask if you were able to make your name change at the oath ceremony? I am in the same situation and I will have my oath ceremony in a couple days. Appreciate your kind response!

[Daria9 0]

Does anyone know, 

if I had my citizenship interview where I said I don’t want to change my last name but now I changed my mind.

I didn’t have my oath ceremony yet. Is it too late to ask them to change my last name? If I sign up for  infopass appointment and ask them to change it?