Oath Ceremony Questions re: Date and Location

[vincent4 0]

I just received my notice of Naturalization Oath Ceremony, and have two questions about it. I would appreciate any input.

1) I received my letter today - Jun, 16 (it was sent out on June 13, 2016). I am asked to appear at the ceremony on June 20. Is such short notice normal for USCIS?

2) Most importantly, I indicated in my application that I would like to change my name. I have heard that oath ceremonies that involve name changes must be held at a court. Mine is scheduled at a USCIS location. Was there a mistake? (Not to mention the USCIS location is a two-hour drive, while the courthouse is in my town).

Thanks again.

[canadian_wife 1,829]

1) my Oath ceremony was sent to me with little notice as well. Not quite as short as yours but you can request another date...but I would not do that as you may (like me) end up waiting a year.

2) I thought so too. I thought it has to be done in a federal court. Mine was done at the federal court in Atlanta. Perhaps someone can shed some more light on this

Good luck

[EM_Vandaveer 2,417]

I don't think a court is necessary. Just that there is a judge there.

[vincent4 0]

Thanks for your help, guys!

1) my Oath ceremony was sent to me with little notice as well. Not quite as short as yours but you can request another date...but I would not do that as you may (like me) end up waiting a year.

2) I thought so too. I thought it has to be done in a federal court. Mine was done at the federal court in Atlanta. Perhaps someone can shed some more light on this

Good luck

I am not going to ask for a different date then. I'd rather take a day off at the last moment than wait another year. :-)

I don't think a court is necessary. Just that there is a judge there.

Could anyone confirm this, please? I don't want to drive two hours for them to turn me away. Should I call their customer service number? It's Philadelphia USCIS if that makes a difference.

Edited June 17, 2016 by vincent4

[Illiria 980]

Thanks for your help, guys!

I am not going to ask for a different date then. I'd rather take a day off at the last moment than wait another year. :-)

Could anyone confirm this, please? I don't want to drive two hours for them to turn me away. Should I call their customer service number? It's Philadelphia USCIS if that makes a difference.

Hey you can look up on their website to see if the location you have been assigned does judicial oath ceremonies

Example https://www.uscis.gov/ about-us/ find-uscis-office/field-offices/pennsylvania-philadelphia-field-office

If you scroll down it lists what kind of naturalization ceremonies and for example the Pennsylvania office above it says they do them a couple of times a month but not at every oath ceremony.

Edited June 17, 2016 by Illiria

[vincent4 0]

Hey you can look up on their website to see if the location you have been assigned does judicial oath ceremonies

Example https://www.uscis.gov/ about-us/ find-uscis-office/field-offices/pennsylvania-philadelphia-field-office

If you scroll down it lists what kind of naturalization ceremonies and for example the Pennsylvania office above it says they do them a couple of times a month but not at every oath ceremony.

That's great. Given that the judicial ones are relatively frequent and that they are aware of my intention to change my name, I am going to assume that mine is going to be one of them. Thank you, Illiria.

I will update you on Monday. Might help someone in the future.

Edited June 17, 2016 by vincent4