Naturalization is the process by which United States citizenship is conferred upon a foreign citizen or foreign national after he or she fulfills the requirements established by Congress in the Immigration and Nationality Act.
The bureau of 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.
To Apply for Naturalization
The USCIS should be contacted directly for procedures on becoming naturalized. Visit the USCIS or call (800) 375-5283 for answers to common questions, application forms and general information about the USCIS.
After all requirements of the USCIS have been satisfied, the USCIS will send an applicant written notice of the location, date and time to report to a naturalization ceremony.
The Naturalization Ceremony
A list of all scheduled naturalization ceremonies in the Western District of Kentucky is located here.
Please note that all individuals entering Federal Court facilities and naturalization ceremonies are required to pass through a magnetometer and have all belongings and packages subject to physical and/or x-ray examination similar to security screening at airports. Firearms, knives, explosives, and other weapons are prohibited and subject to confiscation. When reporting for a naturalization ceremony, please plan your arrival time accordingly.
Applicants and guests are separated during the arrival process. Therefore, it is recommended that you designate a specific location to meet after the ceremony. At the conclusion of the ceremony, all guests are dismissed prior to the final processing step of the new citizens.
For applicants who experience difficulty with walking, it is strongly recommended that they bring a wheelchair. The in-processing and out-processing of applicants involves a great deal of walking, standing and waiting. It is also recommended that applicants needing any other assistance be accompanied by one escort. While it is necessary to separate applicants from guests, it is permissible for an escort to remain with an applicant with special needs throughout the ceremony.
Please remain quiet during the proceedings. If you must leave during the ceremony, please exit quietly.
Naturalization Record
Replacing a Certificate of Naturalization
The Court is unable to provide a copy of your naturalization certificate or any other documentation that certifies your citizenship. To obtain a replacement of your naturalization certificate, please follow the instructions at www.uscis.gov (link is external) or call (800) 375-5283 for assistance.
Obtaining a Copy of Name Change Form
To obtain a copy of your Name Change Form, please follow the instructions at www.uscis.gov (link is external) or call (800) 375-5283 for assistance.
Obtaining Naturalization Records
Naturalization records prior to October 1994 are maintained by the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). Contact NARA at atlanta.archives@nara.gov or (770) 968-2100 for additional information.
Naturalization records after 1992 are maintained by the USCIS. For additional information, visit USCIS at www.uscis.gov or call (800) 375-5283 for additional information.
The Court maintains some (limited) Naturalization records which may assist you in obtaining your records from USCIS or the National Archives. Contact the Clerk’s Office for assistance. (502) 625-3500.
Naturalization Frequently Asked Questions
How can I change my name on citizenship document or receive a document replacement?
Please follow the the instructions at www.uscis.gov.
How do I obtain proof of my citizenship? Is there an official document?
The Court is unable to provide a copy of your naturalization certificate or any other documentation that certifies your citizenship. To obtain a replacement of your naturalization certificate, please follow the instructions found here at www.uscis.gov or call (800) 375-5283 for additional information.
I’ve just completed my interview for citizenship. How much longer before I am naturalized?
To obtain a status of your application, please contact USCIS directly at www.uscis.gov or call (800) 375-5283.
I received the ceremony date for my citizenship and need to reschedule. What is the best way to handle?
Please contact USCIS directly at www.uscis.gov (link is external) or call (800) 375-5283 to discuss your options.
I missed my naturalization ceremony. How do I reschedule?
Please contact USCIS directly at www.uscis.gov (link is external) or call (800) 375-5283 to discuss your options.
How do I change my name after the Naturalization Ceremony was held?
Please visit or call your County’s Probate Clerk’s Office for assistance.