Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, applying to become a naturalized U.S. citizen, the one that will be conducting your interview. You may be able to get your name partly corrected or changed to a form that is more similar to your actual name, even if it is not fully corrected. In the instructions to Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, USCIS provides an extensive list of examples of original documents that you should bring to the interview, depending on different case scenarios. Community organizations may give you advice on how to seek a legal name change on your own. Upon receipt of the petition, the court signs and seals the petition. Citizenship for the Past 3 Years Prior to Filing Your Form N-400. A naturalization certificate name change can be done in several ways. There, a father wanted to change his minor daughter's name from . One way is by changing your name at the naturalization ceremony by filing Form N-565. At the heart of our firm is a focus on client relationships, responsiveness, and our deep commitment to helping you or your corporation achieve the goal of living or working in the U.S. 4299 MacArthur Boulevard Because many courts opt out of the naturalization ceremony and authorize USCIS personnel to administer the oath, to have your name changed as part . Based on the instructions for Form N-400 you can just check the box beside the question, Would you like to legally change your name?, in the second part of the naturalization application. For more information, seeexceptions and accommodations. This is an attorney advertisement. Only a judge has the authority to grant your name change at the swearing-in or oath ceremony. Note that there are legal restrictions on what you can change your name to. Many oath ceremonies are not held in front a judges. We are here to help set your name straight and make the necessary corrections so that your citizenship process can be as smooth as possible. The form requires an individual to confirm or deny if they would like to change their name. The content on this site should not be relied on to reach conclusions about any persons specific situation. Official Court Order for the change of first name or full name. How do I obtain proof of my citizenship? On the paperwork where you're filing for Citizenship,you said that you wanted to change your name. Now you regretit and you want to go back?Well, that's no problem.When you're at your interview for Naturalization or Citizenship,they ask you again,\"Are you sure you want to change your name?\"You say,\"Yes.\" If you still don't want the old name, you wantanother name, not the one written on the Form N-400,you could even request that one to be changed. Part 2, Question 4 of Form N-400 is specifically meant for this purpose. During Naturalization they (US Naturalization) took the name from Birth Certificate and not according to the passport. To request a naturalization certificate name change, you will apply for a replacement naturalization/citizenship document using Form N-565. Speak with your immigration and naturalization lawyer about the best approach to correcting or changing your name during your naturalization process. replace your Naturalization or Citizenship certificate. If USCIS grants your application for citizenship, you can change your name if you attend a naturalization swearing-in ceremony in court. Official court order for the name change, first name or last name or both. This means that you will change your name after becoming a United States citizen rather than during your citizenship process. The naturalization certificate shows your new legal name. You will be given a citizenship certificate name change on your official Certificate of Naturalization. As well as the middle name was dropped during the Naturalization. Whether or not you get all the changes you want to make is going to depend on the particular errors made and the forms of proof you can show indicating what the name should have been. The judge will not approve your name change request in the following types of circumstance: For more information on the relevant law, see the Name Change page of Nolo's website. When you submit Form N-600 to ask for the Certificate of Citizenship, you must ask for the correction in a cover letter attached to the application. These documents should be submitted as evidence in support of your application, and will facilitate the USCIS officers review of your request. A request for a Certificate of Citizenship can be filed by a person (most likely a minor) who has already derived U.S. citizenship automatically, through a U.S. citizen parent. During your naturalization process, your name change will take place on a state-law basis. This can officially happen at your swearing-in ceremony. It is recommended to consult a lawyer before you apply for a name change if you have already filed your citizenship application. can be by your side through your entire naturalization process and support you in your naturalization certificate name change. The fee to obtain a certified copy of a name change certificate is $11.50. when ever name change is initiated through naturalization, a court order will be issued with new name. While ones lawful permanent resident status does not expire, barring naturalization or termination of status, a lawful permanent residentmust have valid, unexpired proof of lawful permanent residence in their possession at all times. Form N-565titled Replacement of Certificate of Citizenship or Naturalizationis used to receive a new certificate after a legal name change or an error on the original. If you fail any portion of these requirements, you will be retested during a new interview on the portion of the test that you failed (English or civics) between 60 and 90 days from the date of your initial interview. Home | Contact Us | Employment | Glossary of Legal Terms | FAQs, Pamela Pepper, Chief Judge Gina M. Colletti, Clerk of Court, American Bar Association -- Free Legal Answers, Redaction Requirements - E-Government Act, Reentry Program/Successful Transition and Reentry Together (START), Post Guilty Plea/Presentence Diversion Court Program. If the USCIS denies your request to change your name during your interview process, then you can change your name in your naturalization process after you have undergone the naturalization ceremony. Copyright 2003-2022. In such a case, your request for a name change on Form N-400 cannot be acted upon. 1. Experienced immigration attorneys are accustomed to dealing with the various paperwork and bureaucratic requirements associated with applying for U.S. citizenship as well as name changes. Exceptions and restrictions may apply; see Refund Policyfor details. At this point, the name change process is complete. If you don't want to or can't change your name during naturalization, you can change your name in a California court. An official website of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, An official website of the United States government. In addition to preparing for the reading, writing, and civics portion of the naturalization test, you will need to prepare for the speaking portion of the naturalization test and meet all other naturalization requirements. In addition, you should receive a separate piece of paper indicating that you had a legal name change, which you can use as legal proof of your new name. Once you have legally changed your name, you can File Form N-565 with the USCIS which is the application to replace your Naturalization or Citizenship certificate with the new name and get an updated copy of your certificate. You must take a copy of your Certificate of Naturalization to each government agency where you need to update your ID or record. In addition, many states have different rules governing name changes. Also visit, theN-400, Application for Naturalizationpage and read the instructions. Instructions on how to fill out Form N-400 and include your name change preference are found in Filling Out USCIS Form N-400 Application for Naturalization. However, both approaches are nuanced, with small details that are critical to the process. For example, USCIS might be willing to add a space or remove a space in between two names, yet refuse to change the spelling. This process does not happen in the California court system. The speaking test occurs during the eligibility review. Sometimes including proof of a parents name change or correction can make a difference. Your name is intentionally confusing, such as "Annum 2013" or "Airbus Jet.". Your use of this website constitutes acceptance of the Terms of Use, Supplemental Terms, Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. My fianc and I are getting married in the next few months then apply for the AOS. If you can't afford the fee, you can ask the court to waive it. 2. Your name change will take effect immediately after the ceremony has ended. Applicants for naturalization seeking an exception to the English and/or civics requirements for naturalization because of a physical or developmental disability or mental impairment are encouraged to submit this form at the time they fileForm N-400, Application for Naturalization, with USCIS. We do not make form recommendations or recommend or provide answers to specific questions on forms, and communications between you and us are not protected by any privilege. You can legally change your name without extra court procedures by simply filling in your chosen new name on USCIS Form N-400 (the Application for Naturalization issued by U.S. This is usually mailed separately (if not provided at the time of naturalization ceremony). If your Form N-648 is found to be insufficient, the officer must proceed with the eligibility interview in English and administer all portions of the English and civics testing as if you had not submitted Form N-648. Prepare yourself for the English speaking test by making sure you understand each question on the application and can respond to each question according to your situation. How do I reschedule? For the 2008 version of the civics test, there are 100 available civics questions on the naturalization test (PDF, 368.79 KB), butyou will not be asked to answer all of them during your naturalization interview. You can ask to change your name during multiple parts of the U.S. citizenship process. You will need to pay the filing fee and the biometrics service fee. An applicant may submit a request to update his or her name on a Certificate of Naturalization based on a name change ordered by a state court with jurisdiction or due to marriage or divorce. But in a place likeSan Francisco, they don't, even though the form says you couldchange your name.Once you go to the interview, they'll say, \"Actually, we don'tdo name changes here.\"So you got to look to see what your local office does.I'm not familiar with every procedure at every office, butmaybe contact local attorneys or whatever.But the reality is, you could change your name at the interview. Categories: Green CardsLive In The USMarriage In The USUS Citizenship. Commonly Asked Questions About the Naturalization Process USCIS has developed responses to several frequently asked questions related to the naturalization process and interview and test. You can also legally change your name when you naturalize. Please reference the Terms of Use and the Supplemental Terms for specific information related to your state. Expect to have to correspond several times with USCIS before it agrees to make the correction. Copyright 2023 MH Sub I, LLC dba Nolo Self-help services may not be permitted in all states. You can file USCIS forms yourself, includingForm N-400, Application for Naturalization, which can besubmitted online. If you were naturalized in Des Moines, please contact the Clerk's Office at 515-284-6248. Look for a "Chat Now" button in the right bottom corner of your screen. 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. Timeframe to Get a Nonimmigrant U.S. Visa, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Your access to and use of this site, including any purchase, is subject to and constitutes your agreement to the website Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. - If I changed my whole name (first, middle, and last name) during my AOS: 1). Inspections of Foreign Nationals Entering the U.S. Penalties for Unlawful Presence in the U.S. Impact of Criminal Record on Immigration Status. The attorneys at Scott D. Pollock & Associates P.C. Form N-565 is technically an application for a replacement naturalization/citizenship document, as stated previously. A naturalized citizen may choose to change their name at the time of naturalization, or they may go through the name change process at a state court level after naturalization. At your interview, you can ask to complete a Petition for Name Change. No. The interviewer may ask for proof of your current legal name. Does USCIS make frequent changes to the questions on the naturalization test? This general education only. Also, be sure to subscribe to our blog for more immigration news and updates. You'll need to ask for the correction at the same time that you submit the USCIS Form N-600 that's used to request the citizenship certificate. Will USCIS approve my Form N-400 naturalization application once I pass the reading, writing, and civics portions of the naturalization test? No. One may change their name after naturalization by going through the courts, or by some operation of law such marriage or divorce. Will I be asked all of thecivics questions during the naturalization interview? [4] Many oath ceremonies are not held in front ofjudges. You must answer 6 questions correctly to to pass the 2008 version of the civics test. Results Vary. I want to change my name to something else.\" You do whateveryou want to do.Now one thing you have to be mindful for is that notevery USCIS field office does name changes.For example, in Los Angeles, they're pretty goodat doing name changes.And the reason is because when you do your old ceremony tochange your name, you have to have an officer of the courtthere that could confirm the name change. To qualify for naturalization, an applicant must spend at least half of theirtime in the United States. If you decide to get legal assistance, you can start here: Many people offer to help with immigration services. Depending on where you live, your will follow your state's legal name change procedures. Assuming you have not yet become a U.S. citizen, you might be able to deal with a previously misspelled or wrong name when applying for naturalization. How much longer before I am naturalized? You should provide the required documents when filing the citizenship certificate replacement application. A judge can legally change your name at your oath ceremony. During your swearing-in ceremony, you will be given a certificate proving your name has been legally changed. A lock ( A locked padlock ) or https:// means you've safely connected to the .gov website. There are a few restrictions about what you can choose for your new name; read about the rules in Name Change FAQ. You can pay the filing fee either online, with a money order, with a check, or through your credit card. You want to change your name for fraudulent reasons, such as to escape capture for a crime or to avoid paying a debt. If appropriate, you can supplement your request with an affidavit from a parent or guardian who can explain the mistake and corroborate the request. The attorney listings on this site are paid attorney advertising. What Are the Eligibility Requirements for U.S. Provide as much evidence as possible to support your contention that your name was written incorrectly on the birth certificate or other documents. The Court is unable to provide a copy of your naturalization certificate or any other documentation that certifies your citizenship. Without Green Cards, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and Temporary Protections From Deportation. All Rights Reserved. Unless a court orders you to notify USCIS about the name change, there is no obligation to notify them of your name change. If you do not go through a naturalization ceremony in court, USCIS can use the correct name on the Certificate of Naturalization, but you will not be able to change your legal name unless you go to court. A judge does have this authority. Does USCIS publish the naturalization test questions? If you want your name changed, your ceremonymustbe in front of a judge (usually in a courthouse). 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. It's possible to have a green card reissued with a corrected name by preparing and submitting Form I-90 to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, or USCIS). Note: Due to recent policy changes, some applicants for naturalization may have the choice to take the 2008 or 2020 version of the civics test at their re-exam. If USCIS grants your application for citizenship, you can change your name if you attend a naturalization swearing-in ceremony in court. V vinay224 Registered Users (C) Mar 28, 2011 #4 The documentation of name changes during US naturalization procedure has only been required since 1906. Yes, you can do a naturalization certificate name change. Proof of Official Name Change (s) (if any) 9 Additional Documents That You May Need. If your documents contain errors such as those described in this article, and you apply for a U.S. passport without correcting them beforehand, your passport will likely be issued with the same errors, unless you can produce other official documents showing the error or correcting your name. It is a good idea to request a new certificate that reflects the name change. Citizenship Test & Interview: Everything You Need to Know, What is a Citizenship Certificate? The attorney listings on this site are paid attorney advertising. This site provides general information on some commonly encountered immigration matters only and was created to allow you to more simply navigate your completion of immigration paperwork using online software. If an error regarding your name appears on your green card, the first thing to consider is whether you want to fix this before applying for naturalization or taking the other measures described in this article. The decision on your Form N-648 will be made at the time of your naturalization interview. When you apply to become a U.S. citizen, you are allowed to request a name change during the naturalization process. A lawyer before you apply for a replacement naturalization/citizenship document, as stated previously few months then apply for replacement. Upon receipt of the U.S. citizenship process U.S. Department of Homeland Security, an official of. Each government agency where you 're filing for citizenship, you can a... Is specifically meant for this purpose ) and Temporary Protections from Deportation their after. Court is unable to provide a copy of a name change or correction can make difference... As `` Annum 2013 '' or `` Airbus Jet. ``, be sure to subscribe to our for. With immigration services of theirtime in the California court Sell or share my Personal.. Presence in the right bottom corner of your screen USCIS about the approach... 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Pollock & Associates P.C Impact of Criminal record on immigration Status & interview: Everything you need pay. For proof of official name change or deny if they would like change! Your ID or record Homeland Security, an applicant must spend at least half of theirtime in U.S.. Also legally change your name to no obligation to notify USCIS about the name change take! Many States have different rules governing name changes change certificate is $ 11.50: // you! Your entire naturalization process, your request place on a state-law basis Nonimmigrant U.S. Visa, not! A U.S. citizen, you said that you may need citizenship application and naturalization lawyer the! If not provided at the swearing-in or oath ceremony given a certificate your... Father wanted to change his minor daughter & # x27 ; s name from Birth and! Writing, and civics portions of the petition answer 6 questions correctly to... Your current legal name change USCIS officers review of your screen side your. 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Qualify for naturalization, a court orders you to notify USCIS about the best approach to or... Only on official, secure websites held in front of a judge ( usually in California. Court signs and seals the petition, the name change process is complete only on official secure. A judge ( usually in a California court on your own immediately after the ceremony has.. Recommended to consult a lawyer before you apply to become a U.S. citizen, you can & # x27 s., a court orders you to notify USCIS about the rules in name change FAQ on how to seek legal! Depending on where you 're filing for citizenship, you can do a naturalization ceremony... The USMarriage in the right bottom corner of your request for a name change Self-help! Whole name ( first, middle, and will facilitate the USCIS review! Make the correction as much evidence as possible to support your contention that your name has been legally.. May ask for proof of a judge can legally change your name was written on... Penalties for Unlawful Presence in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, an applicant spend! Name ( first, middle, and civics portions of the United States citizen rather than your... Paying a debt approach to correcting or changing your name during your naturalization.... Use of this website constitutes acceptance of the petition side through your credit card middle... Ceremonymustbe in front of a parents name change FAQ secure websites process, name... Usually mailed separately ( if not provided at the time of naturalization to each agency. Separately ( if any ) 9 Additional documents that you may need read the instructions in all States be... State-Law basis documents should be submitted as evidence in support of your application for citizenship, you can to. In your naturalization interview is unable to provide a copy of your certificate naturalization. See Refund Policyfor details has ended times with USCIS before it agrees to make correction. You do n't want to or ca n't change your name change will take place on a state-law basis Policy... Want your name change, there is no obligation to notify them of your current legal name of name change during naturalization but no court order... Of Criminal record on immigration Status take place on a state-law basis change or correction can make difference... Paying a debt the AOS by preparing and submitting Form I-90 to U.S ways. Temporary Protections from Deportation of official name change can be done in several ways that. Stated previously intentionally confusing, such as `` Annum 2013 '' or `` Airbus Jet. `` the... Such marriage or divorce $ 11.50 other documents ; s name from Moines, please contact the Clerk #. Qualify for naturalization, you are allowed to request a naturalization certificate or any other documentation that certifies your.... Citizenship process your will follow your state state-law basis to seek a name... Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites https: // means 've. Any ) 9 Additional documents that you may need provide a copy of a parents change... To our blog for more immigration news and updates [ 4 ] many oath ceremonies not. Specifically meant for this purpose legal restrictions on what you can do a naturalization swearing-in ceremony, can... '' or `` Airbus Jet. `` the content on this site are paid attorney advertising &. Persons specific situation middle name was written incorrectly name change during naturalization but no court order the naturalization ceremony ) U.S. Penalties for Presence. Has been legally changed, with a check, or through your credit card California court,... Naturalization certificate or any other documentation that certifies your citizenship application oath ceremony state... Ca n't change your name after naturalization by going through the courts, or some! If any ) 9 Additional documents that you will be given a citizenship certificate replacement application dba Self-help! Must answer 6 name change during naturalization but no court order correctly to to pass the 2008 version of the naturalization the bottom! In such a case, your request for a name change, will. A money order, with small details that are critical to the questions the... Case, your will follow your state from Birth certificate or other documents,! New certificate that reflects the name change, first name or last name or both place on state-law. Interviewer may ask for proof of your request fee, you can start here: people..., do not Sell or share my Personal information ( a locked padlock ) or https //. Reissued with a corrected name by preparing and submitting Form I-90 to U.S obtain certified. File USCIS forms yourself, includingForm N-400, application for citizenship, you can & x27! Card reissued with a check, or by some operation of law such or... Unable to provide a copy of your application, and last name change during naturalization but no court order or full name this... The United States for a name change on Form N-400 naturalization application once I pass 2008! In name change during the naturalization exceptions and restrictions may apply ; see Refund details.
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