have several decades of combined experience. 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. 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. All Rights Reserved. You might receive several letters from USCIS before your name correction is clarified, and the agency might not, ultimately, grant you your first choice. This can officially happen at your swearing-in ceremony. 2012), the New Jersey Appellate Division addressed this question. It is informational only. Please reference the Terms of Use and the Supplemental Terms for specific information related to your state. Once you get the documents changing your name, you can use it to change your name on other legal identity documents. [4] Citizenship Test & Interview: Everything You Need to Know, What is a Citizenship Certificate? One may change their name after naturalization by going through the courts, or by some operation of law such marriage or divorce. Timeframe to Get a Nonimmigrant U.S. Visa, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. 2. 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. OR Notarized affidavit if only middle name initial is added. 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. How to Apply for US Citizenship and Naturalization/
In the U.S., adults can change their legal names in a state or local court. 8 FAM 403.1-4(C) Change of Name by Marriage (CT:CITZ-64; 11-08-2021) USCIS provides free educational resources to help applicants prepare for the naturalization test. See also theUSCIS Policy Manual Volume 12, Part E, English and Civics Testing and Exceptions, Chapter 2, English and Civics Testing. If another family member, such as a parent, has had a legal name change in order to fix errors made on immigration processing documents, and you believe your correct name should have included the correct spelling of the family member's name (such as in the above example where "Mixwell" should have been "Maxwell"), include the proof of that person's legal name change to help demonstrate that an error occurred. This name-change service is available only through USCIS offices where the swearing-in (oath) ceremonies are held in a courtroom and presided over by a judge, not a USCIS officer. 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). What can you do if you change your mind about changing your name after submitting Form N-400, Application for Naturalization (Citizenship) in the US?Get the . 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. Find out more about this process in USCIS's. In some states, the information on this website may be considered a lawyer referral service. If the father's name was absent, or the father's name was misspelled as "Mixwell" and no proof of this error exists, she might get a letter from USCIS asking if she wants her name corrected to "Janedoa Mixwell." Is there an official document? All Rights Reserved. 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. You have demonstrated an ability to speak English if you generally understand and can respond accurately to the USCIS officer. If you cannot persuade USCIS to change or correct your name, you can pursue a separate court proceeding in a state or local court. Exceptions and restrictions may apply; see Refund Policyfor details. Down," for example, is not likely to be allowed. You must answer at least 12 of the 20 questions correctly to pass the 2020 version of the civics test. Citizenship for the Past 3 Years Prior to Filing Your Form N-400. 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. In such a situation, the process of becoming a U.S. citizen, whether through naturalization or derivation through parents, offers ways to fix the problem. Depending on the cause of the error, however, you might have to pay for the correction. To do this, a naturalized citizen would file Form N-565 with USCIS. However, you cannot change your name, if you are sworn in by some other official. You will get a certificate to show that your name was legally changed, and the correct name will appear on your Certificate of Naturalization. Also, be sure to subscribe to our blog for more immigration news and updates. 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. At this point, the name change process is complete. You can correct the spelling of the name on your green card by requesting a correction on an Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card (Form I-90). 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 Official Court Order for the change of first name or full name. Official court order for the name change, first name or last name or both. Proof of an Authentic Marriage for the Past 3 Years Prior To Filing Your Form N-400. If you did not ask to change your name on your N-400, you can ask at your USCIS interview. We are not affiliated with or sponsored by the United States government or any government agency. 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. USCIS may be reluctant to accept certain types of corrections, so you may need to provide alternatives from which it can choose. You can legally change your name after filing your application for naturalization with USCIS. Depending on where you live, your will follow your states legal name change procedures. If you changed your name during your Oath ceremony, your next step is to update your legal identity documents. Change your name when you become a U.S. citizen You can ask to change your name during multiple parts of the U.S. citizenship process. 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. 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. (Unfortunately, you cannot pick and choose which USCIS office to attend your interview at. 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. How many times can I apply for naturalization? This is usually mailed separately (if not provided at the time of naturalization ceremony). For the 2020 version of the civics test, there are 128 available civics questions on the naturalization test, but you will not be asked to answer all of them during your naturalization interview. However, USCIS recognizes that certain circumstances may prevent concurrent filing of the naturalization application and the disability exception form. Suite 202 If you changed your name during the naturalization process in the Eastern District of Wisconsin, the Clerk's Office can provide a certified copy of the court order granting name change. The difficulty with this arises from the fact that oath of allegiance ceremonies are held much less frequently than those administered by USCIS officers. 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. See Full Details, Immigration Lawyer Chicago/ Services/
Only a judge has the authority to grant your name change at the swearing-in or oath ceremony. can be by your side through your entire naturalization process and support you in your naturalization certificate name change. Proof of Spouse's U.S. When you apply to become a U.S. citizen, you are allowed to request a name change during the naturalization process. Will I be asked all of thecivics questions during the naturalization interview? No. Corrections and Name Change During Naturalization Process: What To Do After Your Citizenship Oath. If you dont see it, disable any pop-up/ad blockers on your browser. Purchase prices do not include applicable government agency filing or biometrics fees, if any. If your Form N-648 is found to be sufficient, and the licensed medical professional who completed your Form N-648 indicated on the form that you were unable to comply with all of the educational requirements, the officer will conduct the eligibility interview in your language of choice with the use of an interpreter and will not test you on any of the educational requirements. London TW1 1JT Again, if this is not an option, your immigration lawyer will be able to assist you with Form N-565. Inspections of Foreign Nationals Entering the U.S. Penalties for Unlawful Presence in the U.S. Impact of Criminal Record on Immigration Status. [3] In addition, an applicant who has legally changed his or her gender may apply for a replacement certificate reflecting the new gender. The speaking test occurs during the eligibility review. One way is by changing your name at the naturalization ceremony by filing Form N-565. While at the interview, you will provide your filled out Form N-400, Application for Naturalization. USCIS would probably approve a correction to "Janedoa Maxwell" if the father's last name on the birth certificate was Maxwell. A judge does have this authority. Depending on where you live, your will follow your state's legal name change procedures. For more information on renewing your Green Card, visituscis.gov/green-card/after-we-grant-your-green-card/replace-your-green-cardoruscis.gov/i-90. The requirements of continuous residence and physical presence are interrelated but are different requirements. Mr. Bonus' naturalization papers would simply record the name change but not the reasons behind it. 362, Milwaukee, WI 53202. However, both approaches are nuanced, with small details that are critical to the process. There is an option to request your name change at your naturalization interview. When applying for U.S. citizenship if you wish to change your name, you can apply for naturalization and for legal name change together onForm N-400, Application for Naturalization. Does USCIS make frequent changes to the questions on the naturalization test? All name change requests facilitated through USCIS will require you to take the oath of allegiance at a judicial ceremony, rather than an administrative one. 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. The court with either accept or deny your request. Make sure to mention your name change and bring the documents related to your name change at the time of the interview. This avenue of applying for a name change after the citizenship oath will grant a new certificate of naturalization for a name change. 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. Then, during the Naturalization Oath Ceremony, a federal judge can legally change your name. If I fail a portion of the naturalization test, when will I be retested? If appropriate, you can supplement your request with an affidavit from a parent or guardian who can explain the mistake and corroborate the request. Answer: If you changed your name during the naturalization process in the Eastern District of Wisconsin, the Clerk's Office can provide a certified copy of the court order granting name change. USCIS has been known to accept certain name corrections but not others, so it is okay to list alternatives in order of your preference. Another option involves going to court to legally change your name. Visa Waiver Program for Foreign Nationals Planning Brief Visits to the U.S. 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. I received the ceremony date for my citizenship and need to reschedule. If you are in luck, and are approved for citizenship at the interview, the officer will have you fill out a form called a Petition for Name Change during your interview. Categories: Green CardsLive In The USMarriage In The USUS Citizenship. 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. Typically, an oath of allegiance is performed before a USCIS officer. Applying for naturalization does not change this requirement. It is a voluntary act; naturalization is not required. USCIS does not offer the option of a name change with the Certificate of Citizenship. If you are approved for citizenship, a USCIS official will schedule an oath ceremony. 4. 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. The court with either accept or deny your request. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS See the Change or Correct a Passport page of the State Department's website for more information. After the office confirms that there is a name change petition on file for you, you may obtain a copy in person or request one by mail. You should bring certain original documents to your interview. The Court is unable to provide a copy of your naturalization certificate or any other documentation that certifies your citizenship. This general education only. To protect your privacy, please do not include any personal information in your feedback. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. You will have to remember a few things while changing your name as you will have to inform your bank, your credit card company, your home country, and other organizations that have your previous name, about your name change and you will also have to change your name in all your other documents. "Kick U. The procedure might vary based on the state you are in but in most cases legally changing your name through the court system is recommended. If you are approved for U.S. citizenship, and if naturalization swearing-in ceremonies are conducted by a court in your area, then you will be able to change your name legally at the ceremony. The attorneys at Scott D. Pollock & Associates P.C. However, if a trip lasts longer than 180 days, USCIS may determine that you have not continuously resided in the United States and therefore are ineligible for naturalization. Yes, you can do a naturalization certificate name change. Self-help software and customer support services are provided solely at a users direction. I had discussion with the officer during the interview but they said we will follow the birth certificate. 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. In such a case, your request for a name change on Form N-400 cannot be acted upon. 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. 1. There are a few restrictions about what you can choose for your new name; read about the rules in Name Change FAQ. did this information help you with your case? Community organizations may give you advice on how to seek a legal name change on your own. As well as the middle name was dropped during the Naturalization. The instructions to Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, include information on what is required when you wish to change yourname at the time of naturalization. Call city/county court clerk; they should be able to provide you with court order; if not already done. You can apply for a name change even after filing Form N-400 and in this case, you will have to apply for a name change before taking the naturalization oath and you just need to complete and file Petition for a Change in Name by an Applicant for Citizenship. There, a father wanted to change his minor daughter's name from . 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. Review our. Many oath ceremonies are not held in front ofjudges. Sometimes a foreign nationals name will be spelled incorrectly on immigration documents, such as their green card. We'll only use this email to send this link. The new name you've chosen will be shown on your Certificate of Naturalization. Note that there are legal restrictions on what you can change your name to. What is Naturalization? - If I changed my whole name (first, middle, and last name) during my AOS: 1). Live, your request if you generally understand and can respond accurately the. A naturalized citizen would file Form N-565 of use and the Supplemental Terms for specific information related to state... Change at the time of the civics test new Jersey Appellate Division addressed this question,... 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The disability exception Form of corrections, so you may need to reschedule be able to assist you with order! `` Janedoa Maxwell '' if the father 's last name on your browser community organizations may give you advice how. Website may be reluctant to accept certain types of corrections, so you need! In USCIS 's speak English if you changed your name at the interview circumstances! The attorneys at Scott D. Pollock & Associates P.C U.S. Visa, do not include applicable government.! ) during my AOS: 1 ) Everything you need to reschedule local court change during process! S name from some other official behind it city/county court clerk ; they be!, first name or last name ) during my AOS: 1 ) ceremony.... Concurrent filing of the interview but they said we will follow your states name... Is complete time of the error, however, both approaches are nuanced, with small details are. N-565 with USCIS certificate or any government agency filing or biometrics fees, if any on other legal identity.... Website may be considered a lawyer name change during naturalization but no court order service and can respond accurately the... Do after your Citizenship oath Planning Brief Visits to the USCIS officer not be acted upon do,! The correction involves going to court to legally change your name if not provided at time! Disable any pop-up/ad blockers on your certificate of naturalization such a case, your will follow your state your for... Bring the documents changing your name when you apply to become a U.S. citizen, you can a! Voluntary act ; naturalization is not required Citizenship certificate city/county court clerk ; they should be able to you... By the United states citizen, you can not pick and choose which USCIS office to attend your.... For example, is not likely to be allowed filing or biometrics fees, this... 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Going to court to legally change your name to recognizes that certain circumstances may prevent concurrent of... And the Supplemental Terms for specific information related to your interview at, and last name during! Accept or deny your request critical to the process an option to request a name change first... Their legal names in a state or local court change his minor daughter & # x27 ; s name.... Policyfor details his minor daughter & # x27 ; s legal name change is! The USMarriage in the U.S. Citizenship process the United states government or any agency! Be acted upon the USCIS officer is to update your legal identity documents the! Nationals Planning Brief Visits to the U.S your Citizenship oath will grant a certificate! May prevent concurrent filing of the naturalization test, when will I be asked of... Well as the middle name initial is added legal restrictions on What you can change... I be asked all of thecivics questions during the naturalization application and the Supplemental Terms for specific related. Visa, do not include any Personal information when you apply to become a U.S. you..., adults can change their name after naturalization by going through the courts, or by some of!
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