Name Change/N-400 Interview
 

Well folks my N-400 Interview appointment letter was recieved. I am
scheduled to appear in October. (Based on 3Yr marriage to USC).
I have two questions:
1) I saw on the N-400 when applying initially for it there was a
section which you could fill in case you wanted to change your name. At
that time I decided to leave it blank because I was not contemplating a
name change. However, now I have decided that I do wish to change my
name, anyone know how that works? Could I just mention this to my
Interviewing Officer during the interview accompanied by a written
letter? or is it more complicated than that. Also are there any
complications anyone has ever encountered due to such a name change, or
is it simple? I mean delays or extra scrutiny?
2) I do not know anything about the N400 interview..what does it
constitute..the letter states it will take 1.5hours for the actual
interview..what should I expect?
All guidance/comments are much appreciated! Thanks

Re: Name Change/N-400 Interview
 

Hi:

On the name change -- just tell the examiner. Even if you had checked "no" you will be asked if you want to change your name. BTW, I've noted that most people do NOT want to change their name and quite often, people who've changed their name often later petition the state court to change it back! The one exception I've seen is when people change their legal name to what they have been using in live already. [I have a client named Jesse who changed his legal name from "Jesus" to Jesse, but he kept his appellido materno even though he never used it in the United States.]

The interview is pretty straightforward. They simply go over the form itself. If you have ever had any problems with the law, make sure to bring the original certified copies of the court records. Study the US institutions questions. [They do want you to pass that and will work with you to avoid a new exam -- I've seen failure ONLY when the person knows nothing].

Good luck.

Re: Name Change/N-400 Interview
 

Hi,

I just went through N-400 Interview with a name change. They let you amend/change answers to any of the questions on the applications, so you can definetely tell the officer that you'd like to change your name. It will not cause extra scrunity, but it might cause delays.

I had my interview in Wash, DC. office, and before the interview they gave everyone a notice saying among other things, that if you request name change, you won't be scheduled for the oath the same day. I chose to change my name anyway (I'm in the bunch that Mr. F. mentioned, people who want to change their legal name to the name they have been using every day... long story why...). I was also aware that I could do it through county court by myself -- I just did not want to bother with extra paperwork. If getting an oath as quickly as possible is important to you, and they don't give you a notice up front, you might want to ask the officer whether name change will cause delay in oath date.

There have been a number of experiences posted here regarding N-400 interviews -- search the threads. In terms of 1.5 hours on the interview notice -- it's an estimate of "processing time", including wait time before the inteview.

Good luck!

Julia