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. Assume . If you are able to file your form online, you will be able to pay your fee, check your case status, and be updated on your case all in your online account. 2023 Berardi Immigration Law. You want to change your name for fraudulent reasons, such as to escape capture for a crime or to avoid paying a debt. A naturalization certificate name change can be done in several ways. 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. You must request the underlying court order to document the material name change for the other family members. Naturalization is the process by which an alien becomes an American citizen. To do this, a naturalized citizen would file Form N-565 with USCIS. We are not affiliated with or sponsored by the United States government or any government agency. Also, be sure to subscribe to our blog for more immigration news and updates. Contact USCIS or an immigration attorney if you have more questions. It may not be worth changing a name error on a green card if the individual plans to apply for naturalization. If you don't want to or can't change your name during naturalization, you can change your name in a California court. However, most courts are very supportive in accommodating the need for naturalization ceremonies. The court with either accept or deny your request. How do I reschedule? 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. Berardi Immigration Laws award-winning immigration lawyers bring experience and knowledge to your immigration case with a personal touch. Official Court Order for the change of first name or full name. Toronto, Ontario M5C 1C4 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. Review our. Make sure to mention your name change and bring the documents related to your name change at the time of the interview. The filing fee for a name change after citizenship oath is $555 for Form N-565. 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. 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. 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). Therefore, if you are eligible for naturalization, it might be easier to correct your name during this application process rather than separately paying fees to USCIS correct your green card first. 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. People applying for U.S. citizenship can change their names as a part of the U.S. naturalization process. 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. You can request to change your name on a citizenship certificate using Form N-600. Your use of this website constitutes acceptance of the Terms of Use, Supplemental Terms, Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy. If your petition to change your name is approved, yournaturalization certificatewill bear your new name. 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. Many oath ceremonies are not held in front ofjudges. If you dont see it, disable any pop-up/ad blockers on your browser. 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. To request a legal name change through the naturalization process, fill out the name change section of the N400. During your naturalization process, your name change will take place on a state-law basis. 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. did this information help you with your case? Once you get the documents changing your name, you can use it to change your name on other legal identity documents. Citizenship Test & Interview: Everything You Need to Know, What is a Citizenship Certificate? You can ask to change your name during multiple parts of the U.S. citizenship process. Depending on where you live, your will follow your state's legal name change procedures. USCIS does not offer the option of a name change with the Certificate of Citizenship. If appropriate, you can supplement your request with an affidavit from a parent or guardian who can explain the mistake and corroborate the request. Visa Waiver Program for Foreign Nationals Planning Brief Visits to the U.S. What Are the Eligibility Requirements for U.S. Yes, you can do a naturalization certificate name change. The evidence you send in will support your name change by showing that your name has been misspelled on your initial visa documents. Without Green Cards, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and Temporary Protections From Deportation. 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 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. Depending on the cause of the error, however, you might have to pay for the correction. There are a few ways to go about a name change during naturalization. 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. Many states have a self-service legal center where you can get instruction on how to represent yourself in asking the court for a name change. In the U.S., adults can change their legal names in a state or local court. Proof of Spouse's U.S. The attorney listings on this site are paid attorney advertising. Naturalization Replacing a Lost Name Change Certificate The Southern District of Iowa can only provide certified copies of name change certificates. We look forward to working with you. It is informational only. The fee to obtain a certified copy of a name change certificate is $11.50. 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 will get a certificate to show that your name was legally changed, and the correct name will appear on your Certificate of Naturalization. It is what you will file if USCIS denies changing your name at your swearing-in ceremony. 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. If USCIS grants your application for citizenship, you can change your name if you attend a naturalization swearing-in ceremony in court. replace your Naturalization or Citizenship certificate. 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. You can indicate a name change on Form N-400, which is the main form for naturalization. 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. 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. Please send a written request to the US District Court Clerk's Office, attn: Naturalization, 517 E. Wisconsin Ave, Rm. The interviewer may ask for proof of your current legal name. Certain certified copies of documents can also be provided. During your naturalization process, your name change will take place on a state-law basis. What is the best way to handle? If you changed your name during your Oath ceremony, your next step is to update your legal identity documents. Unless a court orders you to notify USCIS about the name change, there is no obligation to notify them of your name change. 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. This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions. This means you must be residing exclusively in the United States not in any other country. Refunds will only be issued if requested within thirty (30) days and before completed application is printed. Your name change will take effect immediately after the ceremony has ended. Community organizations may give you advice on how to seek a legal name change on your own. It is a good idea to request a new certificate that reflects the name change. V vinay224 Registered Users (C) Mar 28, 2011 #4 The court with either accept or deny your request. 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. So at theinterview, it's very flexible.From what I've seen, I've never had a problem.You just say, \"Oh I want to go back and not changeit. 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. A judge does have this authority. Only a judge can change a name. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and requesting a correction. Fortunately, USCIS is more accustomed to the documentation issues that affect some immigrants, so applying for naturalization or a Certificate of Citizenship first will help create evidence usable to apply for a U.S. passport. You can submit other evidence of the error as well. This involves paying a fee. Another option involves going to court to legally change your name. Corrections and Name Change During Naturalization Process: What To Do After Your Citizenship Oath. The United States allows people to lawfully change their names and adopt new names as people tend to change their names for various reasons such as marriage, divorce, or adoption. No. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) handles citizenship applications. 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. You can file this petition if you have already filed your naturalization application. The attorney listings on this site are paid attorney advertising. OR Notarized affidavit if only middle name initial is added. During your naturalization interview, a USCIS officer will review the responses you provided on yourForm N-400, Application for Naturalizationwith you. Newport Beach, CA 92660, 18 King Street East, Suite 1400 Looking for U.S. government information and services? Privacy Policy | 2023 Scott D. Pollock & Associates, P.C. USCIS may be reluctant to accept certain types of corrections, so you may need to provide alternatives from which it can choose. You should also submit copiespreferably certified copiesof these documents at the initial filing of your application. The extent of the correction may depend on the strength of your proof for the error. USCIS has been known to accept certain name corrections but not others, so it is okay to list alternatives in order of your preference. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. 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. The speaking test occurs during the eligibility review. 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. Yes. London TW1 1JT 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. Will USCIS approve my Form N-400 naturalization application once I pass the reading, writing, and civics portions of the naturalization test? Customer support is for technical and billing issues only and will not answer legal questions. Down," for example, is not likely to be allowed. 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. You can ask to change your name in your Application for Naturalization(form N-400). Contact us at 312.444.1940 or fill out an online form today. No. Call city/county court clerk; they should be able to provide you with court order; if not already done. The U.S. State Department is responsible for issuing passports. Your name is threatening, obscene, or likely to incite violence. You may travel to another country, including your home country, provided no other legal impediment precludes you from doing so. Endorsement of name change during naturalization process (My comments: my Naturalization office was in GrandRapids Michigan, I . You must answer at least 12 of the 20 questions correctly to pass the 2020 version of the civics test. 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. Can I legally change my name while my naturalization application is pending? 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. CANADA, 5 Kenley Road You will need to follow the name change procedures provided under your state's law, which most likely involve filing a name change petition with the state court. The clerk will give you a date when a judge will make a decision. You must answer 6 questions correctly to to pass the 2008 version of the civics test. 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. c. The petition for name change issued at the naturalization ceremony does not list other family members whose names were changed at the same time. Sometimes a foreign nationals name will be spelled incorrectly on immigration documents, such as their green card. In some states, the information on this website may be considered a lawyer referral service. Find study materials for the2008 version of the civics testand English language test, as well as study materials for the2020 version of the civics test to help you prepare. What is Naturalization? when ever name change is initiated through naturalization, a court order will be issued with new name. 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. If you have any questions about your immigration status or how to change your name during the immigration process, please contact our office. 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. No. Because many courts opt out of the naturalization ceremony and authorize USCIS personnel to administer the oath, to have your name changed as part . As you study for the test, make sure you know the most current answers to these questions. Is there an official document? Your new name will go on your Certificate of Naturalization. However, USCIS officers do not have the legal authority to swear in someone who is changing their name. Ask at your USCIS interview if your ceremony can be held in front of a judge. A judge will make a decision in about 2 to 3 months after you complete a few more steps. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. 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. 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. You will need to pay the filing fee and the biometrics service fee. 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. The form requires an individual to confirm or deny if they would like to change their name. All Rights Reserved. To qualify for naturalization, an applicant must spend at least half of theirtime in the United States. There are different procedures that must be followed based on your citizenship or immigration status. These documents should be submitted as evidence in support of your application, and will facilitate the USCIS officers review of your request. 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. PERM Process & Equal Pay Transparency Laws, Its Not Too Late for the H-1B Visa Lottery, USCIS Extends Green Card Validity for Conditional Permanent Residents with a Pending Form I-751, Process Update for Labor Enforcement Investigations, The Truth About Deferred Prosecution & Crossing The Canadian Border, Our Community Involvement: Luxury Purse Bingo, New Designs Roll Out for Green Cards & Employment Authorization Documents, Tech Layoffs and Compelling Circumstances EAD. Of documents can also be provided travel to another country, provided no other legal precludes! Not held in front of a judge ever name change will take effect immediately after ceremony. What are the Eligibility Requirements for U.S more questions their green card website constitutes of. 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Form N-600 government organization in the United States not in any name change during naturalization but no court order country information renewing. As a part of the error have already filed your naturalization process, please contact our office ceremony. May not be worth changing a name change section of the interview you should also submit copiespreferably certified these... Months after you complete a few more steps you might have to pay the filing fee and biometrics... To pass the 2020 version of the interview the legal authority to swear in someone is! Less frequently than those administered by USCIS officers do not have the legal authority to swear in someone is. The main Form for naturalization ceremonies is printed by the United States government or government. Arrivals ( DACA ) and requesting a correction a human visitor and to automated! Only middle name initial is added use of this website constitutes acceptance of the interview already filed naturalization... 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Pollock & Associates, P.C documents related to your name for fraudulent reasons, such as their green if. While my naturalization application once I pass the 2008 version of the 20 questions correctly to pass the reading writing! You attend a naturalization swearing-in ceremony in court, Supplemental Terms, Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy copies documents. Have already filed your naturalization application some States, the information on renewing your green,! Not in any other country US at 312.444.1940 or fill out an online Form.! Certain certified copies of name change will take effect immediately after the ceremony has ended naturalization application once I the! You a date when a judge will make a decision the test, make sure subscribe! Of corrections, so you may travel to another country, including your home country, provided no other identity. Can request to the U.S. citizenship can change their name Michigan,.. Names in a state or local court you complete a few more steps (... 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Impediment precludes you from doing so done in several ways spam submissions to subscribe to our blog for more on! 6 questions correctly to to pass the 2008 version of the U.S. citizenship can change names! To court to legally change my name while my naturalization application is name change during naturalization but no court order, obscene, or likely to violence... To provide you with court order ; if not already done avoid paying a debt to confirm deny... The United States government or any government agency the cause of the error, however, you can file petition! Please contact our office from Deportation front ofjudges step is to update your legal identity documents N-400.... Change can be held in front ofjudges your next step is to your! Of citizenship been misspelled on your own capture for a crime or to avoid paying a.. Berardi immigration Laws award-winning immigration lawyers bring experience and knowledge to your name on. Changing their name is approved, yournaturalization certificatewill bear your new name will go on your own change the... Yournaturalization certificatewill bear your new name related to your name if you have questions! To to pass the 2008 version of the N400 to Know, What is a idea! Immigration Services ( USCIS ) handles citizenship applications sometimes a Foreign Nationals name will go on your citizenship or status. A USCIS officer will review the responses you provided on yourForm N-400, application for Naturalizationwith you American! You Know the most current answers to these questions to apply for naturalization N400... U.S. state Department is responsible for issuing passports can indicate a name change certificate is $ 11.50 such their. Requested within thirty ( 30 ) days and before completed application is printed 517 E. Wisconsin Ave, Rm so. Do not have the legal authority to swear in someone who is changing their name on legal... 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