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Naturalization

The Naturalization Process

Naturalization is the process by which U.S. Citizenship is conferred upon a foreign citizen or national after he or she fulfills the requirements established by Congress in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).  U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) processes all naturalization applications and provides the Court with a list of the candidates selected to be naturalized in the Federal Court.

USCIS should be contacted directly for procedures on becoming a naturalized citizen.  Please contact USCIS, www.uscis.gov, for answers to any questions regarding application and status of application, forms, and records. 

The Naturalization Ceremony

After all requirements of the USCIS have been satisfied, the USCIS will notify an applicant of the location, date, and time to report for the naturalization ceremony.  Naturalization ceremonies are typically held in each of the three seats of court – Columbus, Dayton, or Cincinnati.  Special ceremonies may be held at locations other than the courthouse.

Naturalization Ceremony Frequently Asked Questions  |  Print Ceremony FAQs

What should I bring to the ceremony?

  1. The Notice of Naturalization Oath Ceremony Form N-445.
  2. Your green card (current or expired) and/or any work authorization permits.
  3. A Photo ID is required to enter the Courthouse for all Petitioners & Guests.

All individuals entering the building for the ceremony will be screened by Court Security Officers.

What time should I arrive and how long will the ceremony last?
Please report to the location at the time listed on your notice.  Petitioners are called in advance of the ceremony start time for mandatory processing which may last more than one hour.  Please prepare to be at the ceremony location for several hours. 

May a guest attend the ceremony with me?
Yes. Ceremony venues vary and guest seating may be limited to an alternate/overflow area.  An adult, other than the petitioner, must accompany minor children at all times.  Childcare is not provided.

May I bring an interpreter?
Yes. Petitioners are permitted to bring an Interpreter.

Are cell phones permitted?
Yes. Cell phones are permitted but must be silenced during the ceremony and in Courtrooms.  Filming is not permitted during Columbus naturalization ceremonies.

Is parking available?
Free parking is NOT available at the Courthouse.  There are several parking garages within the surrounding area that charge varying fees.  

Can I take pictures?
Taking pictures after the ceremony is permitted.  You will be advised on the day of the ceremony regarding picture taking. Filming is not permitted during Columbus naturalization ceremonies.

Obtaining Naturalization Records
The Court is unable to provide a copy of your naturalization certificate or any other documentation that certifies your citizenship.  Please contact the Citizenship & Immigration Service office that issued the certificate or visit their website for form N-565.

Obtaining a Copy of Name Change Form
Naturalization records prior to 1992 are maintained by the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). Please contact NARA via email at chicago.archive@nara.gov or via telephone at (733-948-9001) for additional information.  All naturalization records after 1992 are maintained by the USCIS. For additional information, visit USCIS at www.uscis.gov or call (800) 375-5283.

Naturalization Ceremony Handouts: