Citizenship and name change

[Genysys]

Hi everyone,

So I had my citizenship interview on Wednesday and I was approved by the immigration officer but I still have to wait for the letter in the mail. I opted to change my name in form N-400 but the IO said he couldn't do anything from their end because I have to go to the local court for name change. I was under the impression that the name change would happen as long as I chose the option on N-400 but it turns out I'm wrong. Anyone ever had an experience with name changes? Please let me know what I can do. Thank you.

[inadmissible]

I don't know who is right. The N-400 instructions clearly state so on page 4.

[Jot18]

The name change at interview was changed few years ago. You must change name prior to mailing your application. You have to go through court to change it now.

[turismo568]

It depends on where your oath will be taking place. If it is at a courthouse or there is a judge present then your name will be changed at the interview but if neither of those are true then you will have to change it after your oath.

SRC: http://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/f...e/chapter3.pdf Question 18

[MaryH]

Yes, the rules have changed.... you need to apply through the courts. There's a Form to be filled out, the reason for changing, is one of the questions. You have to be approved. It's a few steps of procedures, to be done, leading up to the Court's decision.

Once, you have this document of change in hand, you then mark the x in the Naturalized citizens Form and a copy submitted with filed documents. With that, USCIS will acknowledge your request for name change. Other than that, they will and can do nothing and your name will remain the same on your citizenship certificate.