There is one catch. When you become a U.S. citizen, there is a change that the United States Citizenship & Immigration Service (USCIS) misspelled your name on documents and certifications. It is what you will file if USCIS denies changing your name at your swearing-in ceremony. Proof of an Authentic Marriage for the Past 3 Years Prior To Filing Your Form N-400. It's not uncommon for someone's name to appear incorrectly on past immigration paperwork, such as refugee processing documents, an I-94, or a birth certificate produced by an unreliable source, such as in a refugee camp. We will not change a name without evidence such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you file this petition, to legally change your name, you will be issued a naturalization certificate that bears your new name. Naturalization Replacing a Lost Name Change Certificate The Southern District of Iowa can only provide certified copies of name change certificates. - If I changed my whole name (first, middle, and last name) during my AOS: 1). It is a good idea to request a new certificate that reflects the name change. USCIS has developed responses to several frequently asked questions related to the naturalization process and interview and test. Unless a court orders you to notify USCIS about the name change, there is no obligation to notify them of your name change. You can also legally change your name when you naturalize. This involves paying a fee. In other regions, the swearing-in ceremonies are routinely held at a USCIS officesometimes right after the naturalization interview. 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. TheUSCIS officer can have you sign a name change petition andfile it with a court before the judicial oath ceremony. Typically, an oath of allegiance is performed before a USCIS officer. 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. You will be given a citizenship certificate name change on your official Certificate of Naturalization. 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. USCIS provides free educational resources to help applicants prepare for the naturalization test. The information provided on this site is not legal advice, does not constitute a lawyer referral service, and no attorney-client or confidential relationship is or will be formed by use of the site. In addition, theFind Help in Your Communitypage allows individuals to search for low-cost or free citizenship classes throughout the United States. This is known as the physical presence requirement. When you apply to become a U.S. citizen, you are allowed to request a name change during the naturalization process. Down," for example, is not likely to be allowed. Toronto, Ontario M5C 1C4 You will get a certificate to show that your name was legally changed, and the correct name will appear on your Certificate of Naturalization. If you pass your citizenship interview and are approved for your naturalization certification, you will be able to change your name. Proof of Spouse's U.S. There are a few ways to go about a name change during naturalization. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. However, some answers may change because of elections or appointments. An official website of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, An official website of the United States government. For additional information on how USCIS officers assess English language abilities, please see theScoring Guidelines for the U.S. Naturalization Test (PDF, 121.39 KB). You must answer 6 questions correctly to to pass the 2008 version of the civics test. Depending on where you live, your will follow your states legal name change procedures. The N-400 name change is done directly on your naturalization application rather than after your swearing-in ceremony. People applying for U.S. citizenship can change their names as a part of the U.S. naturalization process. 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. To illustrate, let's say the full name on a girl's birth certificate was "Jane Doa," but she considered her true name to be "Janedoe Maxwell." One way is by changing your name at the naturalization ceremony by filing Form N-565. The filing fee sent to USCIS is non-refundable, even if your request is denied. COVID-19 Update: COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement for All Green Card Applicants Read More, All Green Card applicants, who receive their medical examination from either a Panel Physician or a Civil Surgeon on or after October 1, 2021, will need to show evidence of vaccination for COVID-19, or provide a valid reason why they should not be held to the new requirement. A judge will make a decision in about 2 to 3 months after you complete a few more steps. You may have some limits on what you can choose for your new name, but these should not pose a challenge if you are simply trying to correct the spelling of your name. London TW1 1JT All Rights Reserved. Looking for U.S. government information and services? Why Is My Immigration Case Taking So Long? When should I submit Form N-648, Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions? It may not be worth changing a name error on a green card if the individual plans to apply for naturalization. To find out your options, contact your local USCIS field officethe one that will be conducting your interviewand ask whether a judge performs the ceremony. You will need to pay the filing fee and the biometrics service fee. The attorneys at Scott D. Pollock & Associates P.C. As you study for the test, make sure you know the most current answers to these questions. 2). The attorney listings on this site are paid attorney advertising. No. If you file by mail, The USCIS will then mail you updates about your case. Many oath ceremonies are not held in front a judges. 8 FAM 403.1-4(C) Change of Name by Marriage (CT:CITZ-64; 11-08-2021) To do this, there are two approaches available. 362, Milwaukee, WI 53202. As far as possible delays, USCIS has little control over the judicial ceremony calendar. Visit the 2020 version of the civics test page to learn more. Do I need to bring original documents such as birth and marriage certificates to the naturalization interview? The documentation of name changes during US naturalization procedure has only been required since 1906. Purchase prices do not include applicable government agency filing or biometrics fees, if any. (Updated-2022), Replace Lost Naturalization/Citizenship Certificate(2022). Official websites use .gov 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. when ever name change is initiated through naturalization, a court order will be issued with new name. While at the interview, you will provide your filled out Form N-400, Application for Naturalization. CANADA, 5 Kenley Road One may change their name after naturalization by going through the courts, or by some operation of law such marriage or divorce. Categories: Green CardsLive In The USMarriage In The USUS Citizenship. USCIS could issue you a Certificate of Naturalization with your chosen name, but you will not have a court order showing proof that you have a legal name change. Does USCIS publish the naturalization test questions? For information on obtaining a copy of your name change petition, contact the jury and naturalization office at 404-215-1640. The U.S. State Department is responsible for issuing passports. How do I obtain proof of my citizenship? Will USCIS approve my Form N-400 naturalization application once I pass the reading, writing, and civics portions of the naturalization test? The USCIS officer will ask the applicant only the civics questions on the lists for both versions of the test. Name changes can be done if you are married or divorced or you changed your name through a court order. We are here to provide knowledge, support, and help for you during this time. UNITED KINGDOM. Official court order for the name change, first name or last name or both. 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. See the Change or Correct a Passport page of the State Department's website for more information. 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. However, some people choose to seek assistance from a lawyer or Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR)-accredited representative. If you're still in the planning stages, here's free, accurate, and up-to-date legal information on every step of the process of obtaining U.S. citizenship. The clerk will give you a date when a judge will make a decision. How many times can I apply for naturalization? If you have citizenship automatically through a U.S. citizen parent, you can ask for a Certificate of Citizenship to help you correct errors in how your name was spelled on certain official documents. If you changed your name during your Oath ceremony, your next step is to update your legal identity documents. The court with either accept or deny your request. 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. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, Filling Out USCIS Form N-400 Application for Naturalization, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. However, effective Dec. 12, 2022, a naturalization applicant who properly submits Form N-400 will receive a Form N-400 receipt notice that, when presented with their Green Card, automatically extends the validity of the Green Card for 24 months from the Card Expires date. The United States offers several different processes for people to legally change their name. If, on the other hand, your naturalization ceremony is not conducted in a court or by a judge, you cannot get a legal name change through USCIS, because the agency does not have the jurisdiction to bring this about. Therefore, it may lead to delays in receiving naturalization because of the gaps in judicial ceremonies. You probably do not need a lawyer to get a name change, since this is a relatively informal process. When applying for U.S. citizenship if you wish to change your name, you can apply for naturalization and for legal name change together on Form N-400, Application for Naturalization. If you have questions about requesting a name change during the naturalization process, we are happy to work with you. This general education only. How to Apply for US Citizenship and Naturalization, Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, Corrections and Name Change During Naturalization Process: What To Do After Your Citizenship Oath, Citizenship Interview: Benefits of Having a Lawyer at Citizenship Interview, Citizen vs Permanent Resident: Green Cards, Benefits, and Social Security, Family Sponsorship Lawyer: Visa Requirements, FAWs, and Hiring an Immigration Lawyer, Copies of your original naturalization certificate. Automated eligibility quizzes were created using instructions, rules and regulations published by the USCIS and only indicate whether you meet minimum eligibility requirements to apply for the given immigration benefit. Changing Your Name During the Naturalization Process If they respond that they would, then there is a space to write in what the new name is. In this scenario, you need not file a separate application to legally change your name as you can enter your new name in the space that is provided inForm N-400. In such a case, your request for a name change on Form N-400 cannot be acted upon. Information subject to change.#NameChange #N400 #Naturalization#Immigration #Immigrationlaw #Immigrationlawyer[Question] I have filled the N-400.I changed my name on the N-400.So now, I changed my mind and changed my family name.\"So okay. Prior to September 27, 1906, any "court of record" (municipal, county, state, or Federal) could grant United States citizenship. Your new name interferes with someone else's right to a name, particularly that of a famous person, such as Barack Obama, Brad Pitt, or Kim Kardashian, or of a company, such as Charles Schwab or Berkshire Hathaway. At the time of the interview, the USCIS officer will record the name change request and ask you to sign a name change petition, which USCIS files with a court before the judicial oath ceremony. In some regions of the United States, ceremonies presided over by a judge are held only a few times per year, so asking for a name change will result in your waiting longer than most people to receive citizenship. All Rights Reserved. What is the best way to handle? Berardi Immigration Laws award-winning immigration lawyers bring experience and knowledge to your immigration case with a personal touch. The extent of the correction may depend on the strength of your proof for the error. Examples of these documents include: original birth, marriage, divorce, final adoption and naturalization certificates; court orders/decrees; evidence of child support payments; court-certified arrest reports; and probation/parole records. Once you get the documents changing your name, you can use it to change your name on other legal identity documents. We are not affiliated with or sponsored by the United States government or any government agency. You will need to include the following information with your request: If you did not change your name during the naturalization process, please contact your local county clerk's office for name change information. You can legally change your name after filing your application for naturalization with USCIS. The new name you've chosen will be shown on your Certificate of Naturalization. Grounds for Finding a Foreign National Inadmissible to the U.S. Deportation (Removal) Proceedings for Foreign Nationals. Copyright 2023 MH Sub I, LLC dba Nolo Self-help services may not be permitted in all states. 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. Youcould fix that up, but not every field office will accept namechanges in general.They might just say you have to go to court later to do it onyour own. The difficulty with this arises from the fact that oath of allegiance ceremonies are held much less frequently than those administered by USCIS officers. You cannot choose a new name when you get a Certificate of Citizenship, but you can use it to correct an error in the spelling of the name. You want to change your name for fraudulent reasons, such as to escape capture for a crime or to avoid paying a debt. An immigrant that lives in New Jersey but is not yet a United States citizen can apply for a legal name change in New Jersey. OR Endorsement of name change during the naturalization process Note: The name as on the Indian Passport will appear on the Renunciation Certificate since it is a surrender of an Indian passport. To qualify for naturalization, an applicant must spend at least half of theirtime in the United States. 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. Many oath ceremonies are not held in front ofjudges. Citizenship for the Past 3 Years Prior to Filing Your Form N-400. However, both approaches are nuanced, with small details that are critical to the process. However, USCIS officers do not have the legal authority to swear in someone who is changing their 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. 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To qualify for citizenship, generally applicants must demonstrate they havecontinuouslyresided in the United States for at least 5 years before submittingForm N-400, Application for Naturalization. If you are approved for citizenship, a USCIS official will schedule an oath ceremony. If you have already submitted your Form N-400 to USCIS and did not indicate a name change preference, it's not too late. Please reference the Terms of Use and the Supplemental Terms for specific information related to your state. 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 received the ceremony date for my citizenship and need to reschedule. can be by your side through your entire naturalization process and support you in your naturalization certificate name change. Evidence supporting the change may include proof of the same correction granted by USCIS to another family member, such as correcting the spelling of a shared last name. This receipt notice must be presented to show that your Green Card, which is proof of your lawful permanent resident status, has been extended, such as for purposes of employment or travel authorization. However, both approaches are nuanced, with small details that are critical to the process. If your name has changed after you filed a naturalization application, you must promptly provide USCIS with the document (s) that legally changed your name (s), such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or other official record. 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. If you cannot persuade USCIS to change or correct your name, you can pursue a separate court proceeding in a state or local court. The materials contained in this website have been prepared by Scott D. Pollock & Associates, P.C. Again, if this is not an option, your immigration lawyer will be able to assist you with Form N-565. For the whole scoop on getting American citizenship, see the book, Becoming a U.S. Citizen: A Guide to the Law, Exam & Interview, by Ilona Bray (Nolo). The attorneys at Scott D. Pollock & Associates P.C. After the court grants your name change, and assuming you have already become a U.S. citizen, you will need to apply to USCIS for a new certificate of naturalization, using USCIS Form N-565. Privacy Policy | 2023 Scott D. Pollock & Associates, P.C. Visit theCivics Test Updatespage to find answers to these specific questions. During your naturalization interview, a USCIS officer will review the responses you provided on yourForm N-400, Application for Naturalizationwith you. For more information, seeexceptions and accommodations. 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. The layout is very straightforward, asking if you would like to change your name and, if so, what would you like your name to be. To protect your privacy, please do not include any personal information in your feedback. Proof of Official Name Change (s) (if any) 9 Additional Documents That You May Need. The evidence you send in will support your name change by showing that your name has been misspelled on your initial visa documents. 105 West Madison, Suite 2200 Chicago, IL 60602, Phone: (312) 444-1940 | Fax: (312) 444-1950 I had discussion with the officer during the interview but they said we will follow the birth certificate. The name change will be effective without notifying them. What should I do if I have already applied for naturalization and my Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) is expiring? Another option is to do a legal name change through the U.S. court system. USCIS has been known to accept certain name corrections but not others, so it is okay to list alternatives in order of your preference. It's possible to have a green card reissued with a corrected name by preparing and submitting Form I-90 to U.S. These documents should be submitted as evidence in support of your application, and will facilitate the USCIS officers review of your request. Your name is threatening, obscene, or likely to incite violence. 1. You might be able to have errors, such as those found on a birth certificate or refugee processing documents, corrected on the Certificate of Citizenship without having to get your name legally changed in court. In some states, the information on this website may be considered a lawyer referral service. Please send a written request to the US District Court Clerk's Office, attn: Naturalization, 517 E. Wisconsin Ave, Rm. The forms that can be completed using our software can be obtained for free from the U.S. USCIS may be reluctant to accept certain types of corrections, so you may need to provide alternatives from which it can choose. Changing your name on the citizenship application (Form N-400) is the most direct, and possibly cost-effective, way to change your name. You can file this petition if you have already filed your naturalization application. But remember that you can change your name at the time of applying for U.S. citizenship, only if the oath ceremony takes place in a court and if a judge administers the oath as the U.S. district courts are authorized to change the names of the applicants who are applying for U.S. citizenship, while they take the oath. Once the court has accepted either your letter and/or your request for a name change, then you may need to apply for your new naturalization certificate with your correct name. Part 2, Question 4 of Form N-400 is specifically meant for this purpose. This page was not helpful because the content: Interagency Strategy for Promoting Naturalization, I am a Lawful Permanent Resident of 5 Years, Naturalization Test Redesign Development 2022, Educational Products for Educators and Program Administrators, Citizenship Teacher Training Registration, Fiscal Year 2022 Citizenship and Integration Grant Program Awards Announcement, Learn About the Citizenship and Integration Grant Program, Fiscal Year 2022 Citizenship and Integration Grant Program, Citizenship Public Education and Awareness Campaign, Learn About the Civics and Citizenship Toolkit, Register for a Civics and Citizenship Toolkit, Naturalization-Related Data and Statistics, Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, 100 available civics questions on the naturalization test, 128 available civics questions on the naturalization test, Scoring Guidelines for the U.S. Naturalization Test, In the instructions to Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, uscis.gov/green-card/after-we-grant-your-green-card/replace-your-green-card, USCIS Policy Manual Volume 12, Part E, English and Civics Testing and Exceptions, Chapter 2, English and Civics Testing.
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