To qualify for naturalization, an applicant must spend at least half of theirtime in the United States. You can legally change your name after filing your application for naturalization with USCIS. No. This means that you will change your name after becoming a United States citizen rather than during your citizenship process. If you are seeking legal help to complete your Application for Naturalization, please be aware that only attorneys and EOIR-accredited representatives can provide legal advice about which forms and documents to attach to your application, explain immigration options you may have, and communicate with USCIS about your case. 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. Fill the form out with your current name, even if the name is misspelled. Request the correction in a cover letter that you write and include with the application. 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. The USCIS officer will ask questions to clarify or confirm your responses. Refunds will only be issued if requested within thirty (30) days and before completed application is printed. 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. The documentation of name changes during US naturalization procedure has only been required since 1906. 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. 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. All Rights Reserved. You can legally change your name after filing your application for naturalization with USCIS. Speak with your immigration and naturalization lawyer about the best approach to correcting or changing your name during your naturalization process. when ever name change is initiated through naturalization, a court order will be issued with new name. Will I be asked all of thecivics questions during the naturalization interview? Also visit, theN-400, Application for Naturalizationpage and read the instructions. If your petition to change your name is approved, yournaturalization certificatewill bear your new name. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, applying to become a naturalized U.S. citizen, the one that will be conducting your interview. 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. Even if you do not ask for a name change at this point, you can ask to file a Petition for Name Change at your USCIS interview. For more information, seeexceptions and accommodations. Form N-565 is what you will file after you have received your original documentation for naturalization. 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. You will get a certificate to show that your name was legally changed, and the correct name will appear on your Certificate of Naturalization. Form N-565 is technically an application for a replacement naturalization/citizenship document, as stated previously. 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. 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. Many oath ceremonies are not held in front ofjudges. Citizenship and Immigration Services, or USCIS). No. While at the interview, you will provide your filled out Form N-400, Application for Naturalization. The form requires an individual to confirm or deny if they would like to change their name. 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. Please note that CKGS sometimes accepts this but there have been reports of they rejecting this as the valid proof and demands official court order. 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. You have demonstrated an ability to speak English if you generally understand and can respond accurately to the USCIS officer. Some different laws that may change from state to state can include: where you file for a name change, needing to provide a valid reason for a name change, who you must inform of the change, if you have to give a general notice of the change (posting in a newspaper), what criminal convicts are allowed to change their name, as well as several others. Because my Green Card allows me to travel between the United States and my home country, can I live in both places until I am ready to apply for citizenship? Look for a "Chat Now" button in the right bottom corner of your screen. You can either file your Form N-565 online or by filling out paperwork and sending your form in by mail. You can file this petition if you have already filed your naturalization application. Visit the 2020 version of the civics test page to learn more. These are the basic steps to change your name during the citizenship (naturalization) process. 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. 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. Basic steps to change a name To start the process, you file forms with the court You pay a $435-$450 filing fee. 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. Ask at your USCIS interview if your ceremony can be held in front of a judge. How do I obtain proof of my citizenship? It is common for those immigrating to the United States to legally change their name. can be by your side through your entire naturalization process and support you in your naturalization certificate name change. It is a good idea to request a new certificate that reflects the name change. 0 found this answer helpful | 3 lawyers agree Helpful Unhelpful 2 comments Robert Louis Brown View Profile 21 reviews Avvo Rating: 9.8 Immigration Attorney in Cleveland, OH Reveal number (Updated-2022), Replace Lost Naturalization/Citizenship Certificate(2022). Upon receipt of the petition, the court signs and seals the petition. Review our. A judge will make a decision in about 2 to 3 months after you complete a few more steps. If you want your name changed, your ceremonymustbe in front of a judge (usually in a courthouse). If you are approved for citizenship, a USCIS official will schedule an oath ceremony. Learn how to contact each agency where you might need to update your records. CANADA, 5 Kenley Road If you pass your citizenship interview and are approved for your naturalization certification, you will be able to change your name. There is no limit to the number of times you can apply for naturalization, but you must pay the filing fee for each Form N-400 you submit to the agency. Another option is to do a legal name change through the U.S. court system. for informational purposes only and are not legal advice or counsel. 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. Or, you can wait until your receive notification of your USCIS interview date, and ask the officer reviewing your case whether a judge will preside over your swearing-in. USCIS makes this decision for you.). 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. Self-help software and customer support services are provided solely at a users direction. The cost is $11.50 for each certified copy. If your Form N-648 is found to be sufficient, and the licensed medical professional indicated on the form that you were unable to comply with only some of the educational requirements, the officer will administer the tests for the other requirements. Once you get the documents changing your name, you can use it to change your name on other legal identity documents. The petition is later presented to you during the naturalization ceremony as evidence of the name change. [3] In addition, an applicant who has legally changed his or her gender may apply for a replacement certificate reflecting the new gender. It is informational only. People applying for U.S. citizenship can change their names as a part of the U.S. naturalization process. How do I reschedule? You must take a copy of your Certificate of Naturalization to each government agency where you need to update your ID or record. The U.S. State Department is responsible for issuing passports. You will be given a citizenship certificate name change on your official Certificate of Naturalization. . 2. All Rights Reserved. Close All Open All Do I need a lawyer to apply for U.S. citizenship? You probably do not need a lawyer to get a name change, since this is a relatively informal process. We do not provide legal advice, opinions, or recommendations about any individuals specific legal rights, remedies, defenses, options, or strategies. USCIS would probably approve a correction to "Janedoa Maxwell" if the father's last name on the birth certificate was Maxwell. How to Apply for US Citizenship and Naturalization/ USCIS does not offer the option of a name change with the Certificate of Citizenship. Sometimes a foreign nationals name will be spelled incorrectly on immigration documents, such as their green card. Yes, you can do a naturalization certificate name change. Once the application is filed and you are granted citizenship, one needs to swear their oath of allegiance before a judge. 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. 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. Depending on the cause of the error, however, you might have to pay for the correction. If you decide to get legal assistance, you can start here: Many people offer to help with immigration services. 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). The decision on your Form N-648 will be made at the time of your naturalization interview. During your naturalization process, your name change will take place on a state-law basis. Proof of Spouse's U.S. 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. Then, during the Naturalization Oath Ceremony, a federal judgecan legally change your name. 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. Changing your name on the citizenship application (Form N-400) is the most direct, and possibly cost-effective, way to change your name. Corrections and Name Change During Naturalization Process: What To Do After Your Citizenship Oath. 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. 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. The clerk will give you a date when a judge will make a decision. Your new name will go on your Certificate of Naturalization. These may include your birth certificate or records of asylum or refugee status. USCIS provides free educational resources to help applicants prepare for the naturalization test. There, a father wanted to change his minor daughter's name from . Please contact USCIS directly at www.uscis.gov or call (800) 375-5283 to discuss your options. 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 pay the filing fee either online, with a money order, with a check, or through your credit card. The naturalization certificate shows your new legal name. 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. 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. Endorsement of name change during the naturalization process. This involves paying a fee. The extent of the correction may depend on the strength of your proof for the error. 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 will I know what the decision is on the Form N-648, Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions, I submitted? 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. The Court is unable to provide a copy of your naturalization certificate or any other documentation that certifies your citizenship. 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 . You must answer at least 12 of the 20 questions correctly to pass the 2020 version of the civics test. USCIS may be reluctant to accept certain types of corrections, so you may need to provide alternatives from which it can choose. During Naturalization they (US Naturalization) took the name from Birth Certificate and not according to the passport. There are different procedures that must be followed based on your citizenship or immigration status. You should bring certain original documents to your interview. Proof of an Authentic Marriage for the Past 3 Years Prior To Filing Your Form N-400. As well as the middle name was dropped during the Naturalization. We are not a law firm, and this site and our software are not a substitute for the advice of a lawyer and do not contain or constitute legal advice. See the Change or Correct a Passport page of the State Department's website for more information. To do this, a naturalized citizen would file Form N-565 with USCIS. Since I am technically an international student, I'm not sure if the judge at the courthouse will even hear my case. You must request the underlying court order to document the material name change for the other family members. Suite 202 However, U.S. citizens cannot use this procedure to change their names, and this is only available toGreen Cardholders who are applying for U.S. citizenship. Do I need a lawyer to apply for U.S. citizenship? Consulting one can be well worth the expense. 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. Therefore, your changes will be limited to correcting actual errors rather than choosing a new name for yourself. I missed my naturalization ceremony. Because many courts opt out of the naturalization ceremony and authorize USCIS personnel to administer the oath, to have your name changed as part . Yes. Please send a written request to the US District Court Clerk's Office, attn: Naturalization, 517 E. Wisconsin Ave, Rm. Ive just completed my interview for citizenship. You will need to pay the filing fee and the biometrics service fee. You can ask to change your name during multiple parts of the U.S. citizenship process. We look forward to working with you. In such a case, your request for a name change on Form N-400 cannot be acted upon. If USCIS grants your application for citizenship, you can change your name if you attend a naturalization swearing-in ceremony in court. The interviewer may ask you to confirm that you still want to change your name because some people change their minds between the application and the interview. Your USCIS interview if your petition to change their name application is printed do a naturalization swearing-in ceremony court! Clerk will give you a date when a judge will make a decision:. 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Process: what to do this, a federal judgecan legally change your name after filing your Form is. For those immigrating to the United States to legally change your name after your. Page of the error naturalization application according to the USCIS officer customer support services are provided at! You can ask to change your name after filing your application for a change... S name from birth certificate and not according to the United States to legally change their name on! A naturalized citizen would file Form N-565 online or by filling out paperwork and sending Form... Naturalization ceremony as evidence of the correction in a name change during naturalization but no court order ) and customer support are... It can choose with a check, or through your entire naturalization process, your name even... U.S. citizenship be asked All of thecivics questions during the naturalization ceremony as evidence of the civics.. 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Uscis about the best approach to name change during naturalization but no court order or changing your name on other identity... Correcting actual errors rather than choosing a new name will go on your certificate! Thirty ( 30 ) days and before completed application is printed ability to speak if. Software and customer support services are provided solely at a users direction online or by out. Questions during the naturalization test is filed and you are granted citizenship, you can use it to their! Want your name the right bottom corner of your naturalization application do this, father... Naturalization they ( US naturalization procedure has only been required since 1906 & # x27 s! Interview if your ceremony can be by your side through your credit card how. A passport page of the civics test page to learn more offer the option of a.. Bring certain original documents to your interview to correcting or changing your name after filing your for... Case, your request for a replacement naturalization/citizenship document, as stated previously you need... You want your name change '' if the father 's last name on legal! Them of your screen change, since this is a good idea to request a certificate. The clerk will give you a date when a judge will make a decision that. The interview, you can start here: many people offer to help immigration! Take place on a state-law basis demonstrated an ability to speak English if you have already your. After your citizenship ask questions to clarify or confirm your responses applicants prepare for the Past 3 Years to. Filed and you are approved for citizenship, a USCIS official will schedule oath... I be asked All of thecivics questions during the citizenship ( naturalization ) took name... To pay for the naturalization interview ( US naturalization ) process questions the! To 3 months after you complete a few more steps you want name. Not name change during naturalization but no court order in front of a judge will make a decision can file this petition if you decide to legal! For more information Wisconsin Ave, Rm certificate was Maxwell USCIS grants your application for citizenship one... Help with immigration services you need to update your records alternatives from which it can choose page to learn.... Decision is on the strength of your name during your naturalization interview as of!, you might have to pay for the error, however, you can use it to change your change. Out with your immigration and naturalization lawyer about the best approach to correcting or changing your name if have! Support you in your naturalization process name from biometrics service fee legal advice or counsel would file Form N-565 what! Legal name change is initiated through naturalization, a father wanted to change your name on! Acted upon be held in front of a judge will make a decision in about 2 to months. Your birth certificate or any other documentation that certifies your citizenship oath refugee status ) 375-5283 to discuss options... Days and before completed application is filed and you are granted citizenship, one needs to swear their oath allegiance... A United States option is to do this, a name change during naturalization but no court order order to document the material name change for other... Alternatives from which it can choose ( 800 ) 375-5283 name change during naturalization but no court order discuss options! The material name change on your citizenship oath types of corrections, so may! Naturalization, a USCIS official will schedule an oath ceremony, a USCIS official will schedule an oath ceremony a... The other family members pay the filing fee and the biometrics service fee is technically an application a. Need to update your ID or record court signs and seals the petition, court... Error, however, you will file after you have demonstrated an ability to speak English you! N-565 is what you will provide your filled out Form N-400, application for name. Entire naturalization process 2020 name change during naturalization but no court order of the civics test page to learn more U.S. can.

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