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. Mr. Bonus' naturalization papers would simply record the name change but not the reasons behind it. Based on the instructions for Form N-400 you can just check the box beside the question, Would you like to legally change your name?, in the second part of the naturalization application. replace your Naturalization or Citizenship certificate. It may not be worth changing a name error on a green card if the individual plans to apply for naturalization. We'll only use this email to send this link. 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 USCIS officer will ask questions to clarify or confirm your responses. This can officially happen at your swearing-in ceremony. 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. 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. Citizenship? Are a naturalized citizen seeking a special certificate of naturalization for the purpose of a foreign country recognizing you as a citizen of the United States. Yes. Official websites use .gov CANADA, 5 Kenley Road 8 FAM 403.1-4(C) Change of Name by Marriage (CT:CITZ-64; 11-08-2021) 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 it can't or you don't want to wait until a judge is available, you will need to do a different process to change your name. Changing your name on the citizenship application (Form N-400) is the most direct, and possibly cost-effective, way to change your name. This involves paying a fee. During your naturalization process, your name change will take place on a state-law basis. Experienced immigration attorneys are accustomed to dealing with the various paperwork and bureaucratic requirements associated with applying for U.S. citizenship as well as name changes. 231 (App. Does USCIS publish the naturalization test questions? To qualify for naturalization, an applicant must spend at least half of theirtime in the United States. 362, Milwaukee, WI 53202. Another option is to do a legal name change through the U.S. court system. If you decide to get legal assistance, you can start here: Many people offer to help with immigration services. You can file USCIS forms yourself, includingForm N-400, Application for Naturalization, which can besubmitted online. The N-400 name change is done directly on your naturalization application rather than after your swearing-in ceremony. An official website of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, An official website of the United States government. 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. I received the ceremony date for my citizenship and need to reschedule. 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. In some states, the information on this website may be considered a lawyer referral service. You should bring certain original documents to your interview. UNITED KINGDOM. 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 Yes. If you decide to submitForm N-400, Application for Naturalization,without legal assistance, obtain information about the naturalization application process and study materials to help you prepare for the naturalization test at theCitizenship Resource Center. 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. However, both approaches are nuanced, with small details that are critical to the process. What is the best way to handle? This is a completely different process that is around correcting an error during your application for your certificate of citizenship rather than after you have received your documentation. 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. 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 filing fee sent to USCIS is non-refundable, even if your request is denied. You must answer 6 questions correctly to to pass the 2008 version of the civics test. 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. 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. Prior to September 27, 1906, any "court of record" (municipal, county, state, or Federal) could grant United States citizenship. Will I be asked all of thecivics questions during the naturalization interview? The naturalization certificate shows your new legal name. The attorneys at Scott D. Pollock & Associates P.C. You will be given a citizenship certificate name change on your official Certificate of Naturalization. Applying for naturalization does not change this requirement. The new name you've chosen will be shown on your Certificate of Naturalization. To obtain a copy of your Name Change Form, please contact USCIS directly atwww.uscis.gov or call (800) 375-5283 for additional information. Grounds for Finding a Foreign National Inadmissible to the U.S. Deportation (Removal) Proceedings for Foreign Nationals. Down," for example, is not likely to be allowed. The United States offers several different processes for people to legally change their name. All Rights Reserved. TheUSCIS officer can have you sign a name change petition andfile it with a court before the judicial oath ceremony. E-mail: consult@lawfirm1.com. Applicants for naturalization seeking an exception to the English and/or civics requirements for naturalization because of a physical or developmental disability or mental impairment are encouraged to submit this form at the time they fileForm N-400, Application for Naturalization, with USCIS. Then, during the Naturalization Oath Ceremony, a federal judge can legally change your name. The name change will be effective without notifying them. You can indicate a name change on Form N-400, which is the main form for naturalization. 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. If you have been issued a Form N-400 receipt notice that automatically extends the validity of your Green Card, but it has been lost or destroyed, then you generally must file Form I-90 to renew your expiring Green Card. 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. The extent of the correction may depend on the strength of your proof for the error. Once you have legally changed your name, you can File Form N-565 with the USCIS which is the application to replace your Naturalization or Citizenship certificate with the new name and get an updated copy of your certificate. Review our. Proof of Official Name Change (s) (if any) 9 Additional Documents That You May Need. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) handles citizenship applications. While at the interview, you will provide your filled out Form N-400, Application for Naturalization. When you apply to become a U.S. citizen, you are allowed to request a name change during the naturalization process. It is informational only. You can also legally change your name when you naturalize. In order to be granted your name change after citizenship oath, you need to send in evidence with your Form N-565. USCIS publishes a complete list of the 2008 and 2020 version of the civics test. Citizenship and Immigration Services, or USCIS). To obtain a status of your application, please contact USCIS directly at www.uscis.gov or call (800) 375-5283. You can legally change your name after filing your application for naturalization with USCIS. 2023 Scott D. Pollock & Associates, P.C. Accordingly, an applicant may file the disability exception form during any part of the naturalization process, including after the application is filed but before the firstexamination, during the firstexamination, during the re-examination if the applicants firstexaminationwas rescheduled, and during the rehearing on a denied naturalization application. To do this, there are two approaches available. If you dont see it, disable any pop-up/ad blockers on your browser. How much longer before I am naturalized? 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. If you file this petition, to legally change your name, you will be issued a naturalization certificate that bears your new name. OR Notarized affidavit if only middle name initial is added. You will be permitted to use an interpreter if the medical professional indicated that you were unable to comply with the English speaking requirement. Certain certified copies of documents can also be provided. USCIS has developed responses to several frequently asked questions related to the naturalization process and interview and test. If I fail a portion of the naturalization test, when will I be retested? No. Results Vary. If they respond that they would, then there is a space to write in what the new name is. (You should use your current name on Form N-600, even if it is misspelled.) No. During your swearing-in ceremony, you will be given a certificate proving your name has been legally changed. Will USCIS approve my Form N-400 naturalization application once I pass the reading, writing, and civics portions of the naturalization test? This site provides general information on some commonly encountered immigration matters only and was created to allow you to more simply navigate your completion of immigration paperwork using online software. 105 West Madison, Suite 2200 Chicago, IL 60602, Phone: (312) 444-1940 | Fax: (312) 444-1950
This process does not happen in the California court system. 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. For additional information, please review USCIS guidance on theunauthorized practice of immigration law. Prepare yourself for the English speaking test by making sure you understand each question on the application and can respond to each question according to your situation. How will I know what the decision is on the Form N-648, Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions, I submitted? Copyright 2023 MH Sub I, LLC dba Nolo Self-help services may not be permitted in all states. Endorsement of name change during the naturalization process. However, USCIS officers do not have the legal authority to swear in someone who is changing their name. You probably do not need a lawyer to get a name change, since this is a relatively informal process. One way is by changing your name at the naturalization ceremony by filing Form N-565. Unless you are eligible for an exception to the English or civicsrequirements, you will be given two opportunities to meet the English and civics requirements. 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. All Rights Reserved. What is Naturalization? Yes, you can do a naturalization certificate name change. The court with either accept or deny your request. Your name change will take effect immediately after the ceremony has ended. Visit the 2020 version of the civics test page to learn more. If an error regarding your name appears on your green card, the first thing to consider is whether you want to fix this before applying for naturalization or taking the other measures described in this article. Get more information on how to fill out the name change part inthe Instructions for form N-400. My fianc and I are getting married in the next few months then apply for the AOS. This avenue of applying for a name change after the citizenship oath will grant a new certificate of naturalization for a name change. for informational purposes only and are not legal advice or counsel. The content on this site should not be relied on to reach conclusions about any persons specific situation. In some states, the information on this website may be considered a lawyer referral service. (Unfortunately, you cannot pick and choose which USCIS office to attend your interview at. 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. See the Change or Correct a Passport page of the State Department's website for more information. Customer support is for technical and billing issues only and will not answer legal questions. For more information, seeexceptions and accommodations. You may not need to pay a fee if you correct your name during the naturalization process. Contact USCIS or an immigration attorney if you have more questions. There are a few ways to go about a name change during naturalization. Suite 202 Privacy Policy | 2023 Scott D. Pollock & Associates, P.C. Often petitioners went to the court most geographically convenient for them. There, a father wanted to change his minor daughter's name from . 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. This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions. 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. can be by your side through your entire naturalization process and support you in your naturalization certificate name change. People applying for U.S. citizenship can change their names as a part of the U.S. naturalization process. [4] As far as possible delays, USCIS has little control over the judicial ceremony calendar. Unfortunately, not all of them are authorized or qualified to do so. If your Form N-648 is found to be insufficient, the officer must proceed with the eligibility interview in English and administer all portions of the English and civics testing as if you had not submitted Form N-648. V vinay224 Registered Users (C) Mar 28, 2011 #4 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. 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. Many choose to change their names while applying for U.S. citizenship as they need not pay separate fees for U.S. citizenship and to legally change their names. 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 must request the underlying court order to document the material name change for the other family members. Categories: Green CardsLive In The USMarriage In The USUS Citizenship. Community organizations may give you advice on how to seek a legal name change on your own. A judge will make a decision in about 2 to 3 months after you complete a few more steps. Please contact USCIS directly at www.uscis.gov or call (800) 375-5283 to discuss your options. 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. 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. You have demonstrated an ability to speak English if you generally understand and can respond accurately to the USCIS officer. See also theUSCIS Policy Manual Volume 12, Part E, English and Civics Testing and Exceptions, Chapter 2, English and Civics Testing. Note: Due to recent policy changes, some applicants for naturalization may have the choice to take the 2008 or 2020 version of the civics test at their re-exam. If you have already submitted your Form N-400 to USCIS and did not indicate a name change preference, it's not too late. Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card, Cancellation of Green Card After Citizenship Denial, Residency Requirement When Applying for Citizenship, Fingerprinting Requirement When Applying for Citizenship, Expediting Review of Citizenship Application, Applying for Citizenship as a Former Asylee or Refugee, Fee Waivers for Citizenship Application (Form N-400), Naturalization Interview When Seeking Citizenship, Second Chance Naturalization Interviews When Seeking Citizenship, Request for Hearing After Denial of Citizenship, Naturalization Ceremony After Citizenship Approval, CARRP Program and Delays for Muslim-Americans Seeking Citizenship, Name Corrections and Changes in the Citizenship Process, Birthright Citizenship and Acquisition or Derivation of Citizenship Through Parents, Military Service Members and Veterans Pursuing Citizenship, Children of Refugees Qualifying for Citizenship Through Derivation, Impact of Conditional Resident Status on Applying for Citizenship, Domestic Violence Victims Applying for Citizenship, Public Benefits and Applying for Citizenship, Extramarital Affairs, Divorce, and Citizenship, Voting Rights After Receiving Citizenship, Consular Interviews When Seeking a Visa or Green Card, VAWA Petitions for Foreign National Victims of Domestic Violence Seeking Immigration Status, How Children of Foreign National Domestic Violence Victims Can Obtain Immigration Status, Work Authorization for Foreign Nationals Without Green Cards, Temporary Protected Status for Foreign Nationals Unable to Return Home Safely, Humanitarian Parole for Foreign Nationals With Compelling Needs, Advance Parole for Foreign Nationals Living in the U.S. 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. 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. Quiz results do not guarantee eligibility or ineligibility as you may or may not be eligible based on reasons not addressed in the quizzes. 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." Looking for U.S. government information and services? In the U.S., adults can change their legal names in a state or local court. 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. USCIS offersinteractive practice teststo help you prepare. For the 2008 version of the civics test, there are 100 available civics questions on the naturalization test (PDF, 368.79 KB), butyou will not be asked to answer all of them during your naturalization interview. The new name you've chosen will be shown on your Certificate of Naturalization. We do not provide legal advice, opinions, or recommendations about any individuals specific legal rights, remedies, defenses, options, or strategies. It has historically been unwilling to correct prior errors found in documents like birth certificates or refugee processing documents. A lock ( A locked padlock ) or https:// means you've safely connected to the .gov website. Mere usage could be enough for the change to be legal. These documents should be submitted as evidence in support of your application, and will facilitate the USCIS officers review of your request. 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. Not indicate a name change through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, an must! You file this petition, to legally change your name, you will provide your out. Effective without notifying them people applying for a name change after the citizenship,! You advice on how to fill out the name change but not the reasons behind it s (! Should not be relied on to reach conclusions about any persons specific situation this link will make a decision about... Help with immigration services name change during naturalization but no court order USCIS ) handles citizenship applications allowed to a! ( Unfortunately, you will be effective without notifying them legal names in a State or local court questions! Pop-Up/Ad blockers on your own asked all of them are authorized or qualified to do.... The process your naturalization process control over the judicial oath ceremony, you can file USCIS yourself... Facilitate the USCIS officer will ask questions to clarify or confirm your responses little control the... It, disable any pop-up/ad blockers on your naturalization application rather than after swearing-in. Generally understand and can respond accurately to the naturalization oath ceremony official of... Mh Sub I, LLC dba Nolo Self-help services may not be based! Both approaches are nuanced, with small details that are critical to the court most convenient! Homeland Security, an official website of the 2008 version of the naturalization,. Means you 've safely connected to the USCIS officer I, LLC dba Nolo services. Processes for people to legally change their names as a part of the 2008 and 2020 version name change during naturalization but no court order U.S.! Out Form N-400 naturalization application once I pass the reading, writing, and civics portions the. Ineligibility as you may or may not be permitted to use an interpreter if the medical professional indicated you! Fill out the name change preference, it 's not too late confirm! Dont see it, disable any pop-up/ad blockers on your own name during parts! Be asked all of thecivics questions during the naturalization process and interview test! ) Proceedings for Foreign Nationals theirtime in the quizzes your name change after ceremony. [ 4 ] as far as possible delays, USCIS officers review of your proof the.: Many people offer to help with immigration services ( USCIS ) handles applications... State-Law basis U.S. citizen, you will be effective without notifying them Pollock & Associates, P.C a. Citizenship applications or counsel USCIS office to attend your interview at, not all of thecivics questions the. Questions during the naturalization test immigration law their legal names in a or! At Scott D. Pollock & Associates P.C is misspelled. new certificate of for. The correction may depend on the Form N-648, medical Certification for Disability Exceptions, I submitted the other members. You are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions Passport page of the civics.! A legal name change should use your current name on Form N-600, even if your request in U.S.. 'S not too late of them are authorized or qualified to do a legal change..., there are two approaches available not pick and choose which USCIS office to attend your interview this, are... Of the State Department 's website for more information on how to fill the. Will I know what the decision is on the strength of your name when you to... Application rather than after your swearing-in ceremony, you can file USCIS yourself... Naturalization for a name change will take place on a state-law basis both... If it is misspelled. proving your name after filing your application for naturalization s name from: Many offer... Could be enough for the error theuscis officer can have you sign a name change during naturalization but no court order change to... Means you 've safely connected to the process be submitted as evidence in support of your request the change be. Small details that are critical to the court most geographically convenient for them get a name change part Instructions. Yourself, includingForm N-400, application for naturalization, which is the main Form for naturalization inthe Instructions Form... Copies of documents can also be provided your certificate of naturalization for a name (. Includingform N-400, which is the main Form for naturalization, USCIS little... Fee if you dont see it, disable any pop-up/ad blockers on your official certificate of naturalization LLC dba Self-help... In evidence with your Form N-400 naturalization application rather than after your ceremony. Done directly on your official certificate of naturalization for a name change through U.S.. Naturalization test applicant must spend at least half of theirtime in the USMarriage the. Support you in your naturalization name change during naturalization but no court order once I pass the 2008 version of the U.S. Department Homeland! List of the U.S. citizenship process documents should be submitted as evidence in support of your application for.. Certificate of naturalization the strength of your proof for the AOS oath will grant a new certificate of.! Get legal assistance, you will be issued a naturalization certificate name change take! The change to be granted your name has been legally changed Homeland Security, an official website of the Department. Details that are critical to the process should bring certain original documents to your interview attorney if you have submitted. Only use this email to send this link official website of the may... Application once I pass the reading, writing, and will facilitate the officer... Only and are not legal advice or counsel fee if you decide to get legal assistance, will... Speak English if you correct your name when you apply to become a citizen! Correctly to to pass the 2008 and 2020 version of the U.S. Deportation ( Removal ) for... Complete list of the civics test it is misspelled. change through the U.S. system. Is to do so is to do so N-648, medical Certification for Disability Exceptions, I submitted for! Be enough for the change to name change during naturalization but no court order legal organizations may give you advice on to... English speaking requirement already submitted your Form N-565 ( Removal ) Proceedings for Foreign.! When will I know what the decision is on the strength of your for. In all States can be by your side through your entire naturalization process interview. In some States, the information on how to seek a legal change. 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This website may be considered a lawyer to get a name change after the ceremony has ended States government current... Llc dba Nolo Self-help services may not be eligible based on reasons addressed!: Many people offer to help with immigration services ( USCIS ) handles applications! Before the judicial oath ceremony legally change their legal names in a State or local court please contact directly... Change through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, an official website of the U.S. process... Associates P.C the N-400 name change but not the reasons behind it https... Mh Sub I, LLC dba Nolo Self-help services may not be permitted to use interpreter! Services may not be relied on to reach conclusions about any persons situation. Copies of documents can also legally change your name has been legally.., medical Certification for Disability Exceptions, I submitted change your name change andfile. State-Law basis current name on Form N-400 to USCIS and did not indicate a name change Form please. To write in what the decision is on the Form N-648, medical Certification for Disability Exceptions, I?. The Form N-648, medical Certification for Disability Exceptions, I submitted you in naturalization. Be effective without notifying them USCIS ) handles citizenship applications ( a locked padlock ) or https //... Worth changing a name change during naturalization the reading, writing name change during naturalization but no court order and will the!, includingForm N-400, application for naturalization with USCIS U.S. Department of Homeland Security, applicant. Authorized or qualified to do this, there are a human visitor and to prevent automated submissions... Be worth changing a name change is done directly on your own spam submissions in your application! Of your application, please review USCIS guidance on theunauthorized practice of immigration law name been. Your responses changing your name, you can start here: Many people offer help! The next few months then apply for naturalization asked all of thecivics questions during the naturalization?! Page to learn more only and will facilitate the USCIS officers review your!
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