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Naturalization

2024 Naturalization Schedule

District of Montana YouTube Stream

 

What is Naturalization?

 

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).  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 in the Federal Court.

To Apply for Naturalization

USCIS should be contacted directly for procedures on becoming naturalized.  Visit USCIS or call (800) 375-5283 for answers to common questions, application forms and general information about USCIS.

After all requirements of USCIS have been satisfied, USCIS will send an applicant written notice of the location, date, and time to report to a naturalization ceremony.

Please do not contact the court regarding your naturalization ceremony.  Questions should be directed to USCIS at (800) 375-5283.

The Naturalization Ceremony

Click on the link at the top of this page for the schedule of naturalization ceremonies in the District of Montana.  Note: dates and times are subject to change

When reporting for a naturalization ceremony, please plan your arrival time accordingly.  All individuals entering the courthouse 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.  No weapons of any type, drugs, or other illegal items mace, pepper spray, tobacco products, lighters, and e-cigarettes are allowed in federal courthouses.  You will then be required to present a government-issued photo identification to get passed security.

Although there is no prescribed dress code, visitors and witnesses are expected to dress appropriately. 

Courtroom Etiquette:  Please rise when the judge enters the courtroom and stay standing until he says you may be seated.  Please remain quiet during the proceedings. If you must leave during the ceremony, please exit quietly.  Food and drink are prohibited in courtrooms. 

If friends or family are unable to attend in person, all Naturalizations will be streamed on the District of Montana YouTube Stream.  This is a live stream only and there is no playback.  It is only available during the actual ceremonies.

Naturalization Records

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 USCIS or call (800) 375-5283 for assistance.

Obtaining a Copy of Name Change Form

To obtain a copy of your Name Change Form, please contact the Clerk’s Office at 406-542-7260.  To expedite the process, please have the date and locations of your naturalization ceremony available. 

U.S. District Court, District of Montana 1891-1929 Naturalization Records

The National Archive and Records Administration has 3 rolls of microfilm containing naturalization records from 1891-1929.  To order a copy, please click on this link and see Publication No. M1538, Record Group No. 21.

Frequently Asked Questions

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 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 or call (800) 375-5283 to discuss your options.

I missed my naturalization ceremony.  How do I reschedule?

Please contact USCIS directly or call (800) 375-5283 to discuss your options.