(a) Petition. Proceedings for naturalization of aliens shall be by petition setting forth all pertinent facts concisely and briefly. Such petitions shall be filed at least 21 days before the commencement of the term of court at which they are to be heard.
Rule 80.2.Naturalization of aliens
Group XI: Special Rules for Certain Actions · Last amended January 1, 2018 · Last verified July 14, 2026
In one sentenceRule 80.2 sets the filing deadline and hearing schedule for naturalization petitions heard in Vermont superior court.
Full Text of Rule 80.2
(b) Hearing. Petitions for naturalization shall be heard in each superior court on the first day of each regular term at the hour immediately following the noon recess. However, when the circumstances require, hearings may be held at such other times as may be designated by the court.
Notes
Reporter’s Notes—2018 Amendment: Rule 80.2(a) is amended to extend its 20-day time period to 21 days consistent with the simultaneous “day is a day” amendments to V.R.C.P. 6. Reporter’s Notes This rule has no equivalent in the Federal Rules. It is intended to implement the grant of jurisdiction contained in 12 V.S.A. § 5111. Rule 80.2(b) is adapted from former County Court Rule 53.
Amendment History
Amended Sept. 20, 2017, eff. Jan. 1, 2018.
Plain-English Summary
Rule 80.2 is short by design. A petition for naturalization has to lay out the pertinent facts concisely, and it must be filed at least 21 days before the start of the court term at which it will be heard. Each superior court hears its naturalization petitions on the first day of every regular term, right after the noon recess, though the court can set a different time when circumstances call for it.
The rule has no counterpart in the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure; it exists to carry out Vermont's own statutory grant of naturalization jurisdiction to the superior court, and it traces back to a scheduling provision from the former county court rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
What must a naturalization petition filed in Vermont contain?
The petition must set forth all pertinent facts concisely and briefly.
How far in advance of the hearing must a naturalization petition be filed?
At least 21 days before the start of the court term at which the petition is to be heard.
When does a Vermont superior court hear naturalization petitions?
On the first day of each regular term, at the hour immediately following the noon recess.
Can the naturalization hearing be held at a different time?
Yes. When circumstances require it, the court may hold the hearing at another time it designates.
Is Rule 80.2 based on a Federal Rule of Civil Procedure?
No. According to the Reporter's Notes, this rule has no equivalent in the Federal Rules; it implements the naturalization jurisdiction granted to the superior court by 12 V.S.A. section 5111.
Source & verification. Rule text, official Reporter's Notes, and
amendment history are reproduced verbatim from the Vermont Rules of Civil Procedure,
adopted by the Vermont Supreme Court. Last verified July 14, 2026.
· Official source
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