Attorney Advertising. Regarding the immigration side, it is much less complicated. Form N-565 is what you will file after you have received your original documentation for naturalization. Although this is not typically an issue with divorce and marriage, it can get extremely varied based on the state. Because many courts opt out of the naturalization ceremony and authorize USCIS personnel to administer the oath, to have your name changed as part . The court with either accept or deny your request. 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. There is an option to request your name change at your naturalization interview. 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 attorney listings on this site are paid attorney advertising. 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. Commonly Asked Questions About the Naturalization Process USCIS has developed responses to several frequently asked questions related to the naturalization process and interview and test. 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. We do not make form recommendations or recommend or provide answers to specific questions on forms, and communications between you and us are not protected by any privilege. Suite 202 Only a judge has the authority to grant your name change at the swearing-in or oath ceremony. We do not provide legal advice, opinions, or recommendations about any individuals specific legal rights, remedies, defenses, options, or strategies. Form N-565 is technically an application for a replacement naturalization/citizenship document, as stated previously. 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. 362, Milwaukee, WI 53202. To request a naturalization certificate name change, you will apply for a replacement naturalization/citizenship document using Form N-565. 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. 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. The new name you've chosen will be shown on your Certificate 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). If "Janedoa Mixwell" in the above example had been able to send in proof that her father had his name corrected to "Maxwell," USCIS would have been much more likely to agree that her correct name was "Janedoa Maxwell.". Name changes can be done if you are married or divorced or you changed your name through a court order. While at the interview, you will provide your filled out Form N-400, Application for Naturalization. If you pass your citizenship interview and are approved for your naturalization certification, you will be able to change your name. If you have questions about requesting a name change during the naturalization process, we are happy to work with you. 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. It is what you will file if USCIS denies changing your name at your swearing-in ceremony. You can file USCIS forms yourself, includingForm N-400, Application for Naturalization, which can besubmitted online. 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. If you can't afford the fee, you can ask the court to waive it. 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. (Unfortunately, you cannot pick and choose which USCIS office to attend your interview at. A naturalization certificate name change can be done in several ways. See also theUSCIS Policy Manual Volume 12, Part E, English and Civics Testing and Exceptions, Chapter 2, English and Civics Testing. 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. Proof of an Authentic Marriage for the Past 3 Years Prior To Filing Your Form N-400. Changing Your Name During the Naturalization Process Another option is to do a legal name change through the U.S. court system. 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. 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. What is the best way to handle? 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. Provide as much evidence as possible to support your contention that your name was written incorrectly on the birth certificate or other documents. In this scenario, you need not file a separate application to legally change your name as you can enter your new name in the space that is provided inForm N-400. Please send a written request to the US District Court Clerk's Office, attn: Naturalization, 517 E. Wisconsin Ave, Rm. However, both approaches are nuanced, with small details that are critical to the process. The cost is $11.50 for each certified copy. You have demonstrated an ability to speak English if you generally understand and can respond accurately to the USCIS officer. Naturalization Replacing a Lost Name Change Certificate The Southern District of Iowa can only provide certified copies of name change certificates. You can ask to change your name in your Application for Naturalization(form N-400). can be by your side through your entire naturalization process and support you in your naturalization certificate name change. 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. did this information help you with your case? The USCIS officer will ask questions to clarify or confirm your responses. 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. 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. During your swearing-in ceremony, you will be given a certificate proving your name has been legally changed. 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? Therefore, your changes will be limited to correcting actual errors rather than choosing a new name for yourself. To qualify for naturalization, an applicant must spend at least half of theirtime in the United States. 2). Privacy Policy | 2023 Scott D. Pollock & Associates, P.C. We understand that having your name misspelled on legal documents can be frustrating. The naturalization process is a legal way of changing your name. Mere usage could be enough for the change to be legal. In some regions of the United States, ceremonies presided over by a judge are held only a few times per year, so asking for a name change will result in your waiting longer than most people to receive citizenship. You probably do not need a lawyer to get a name change, since this is a relatively informal process. Contact us at 312.444.1940 or fill out an online form today. 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. You must request the underlying court order to document the material name change for the other family members. Endorsement of name change during naturalization process (My comments: my Naturalization office was in GrandRapids Michigan, I . Your name is intentionally confusing, such as "Annum 2013" or "Airbus Jet.". 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 were naturalized in Des Moines, please contact the Clerk's Office at 515-284-6248. When you apply to become a U.S. citizen, you are allowed to request a name change during the naturalization process. Depending on where you live, your will follow your state's legal name change procedures. Does USCIS publish the naturalization test questions? "Kick U. Assume . Applying for naturalization does not change this requirement. 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 goal is to provide naturalization name change proof to verify your original birth name. A request for a Certificate of Citizenship can be filed by a person (most likely a minor) who has already derived U.S. citizenship automatically, through a U.S. citizen parent. Will I be asked all of thecivics questions during the naturalization interview? 105 West Madison, Suite 2200 Chicago, IL 60602, Phone: (312) 444-1940 | Fax: (312) 444-1950 But this will be possible only if you take the Oath of Allegiance in a court and if the oath is administered by a judge. If appropriate, you can supplement your request with an affidavit from a parent or guardian who can explain the mistake and corroborate the request. 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. Often petitioners went to the court most geographically convenient for them. Yes, you can do a naturalization certificate name change. If you don't want to or can't change your name during naturalization, you can change your name in a California court. Request the correction in a cover letter that you write and include with the application. Mr. Bonus' naturalization papers would simply record the name change but not the reasons behind it. You can file this petition if you have already filed your naturalization application. Many oath ceremonies are not held in front ofjudges. You must answer 6 questions correctly to to pass the 2008 version of the civics test. when ever name change is initiated through naturalization, a court order will be issued with new name. Endorsement of name change during the naturalization process. 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 you file this petition, to legally change your name, you will be issued a naturalization certificate that bears your new name. We'll only use this email to send this link. V vinay224 Registered Users (C) Mar 28, 2011 #4 I received the ceremony date for my citizenship and need to reschedule. If you are approved for citizenship, a USCIS official will schedule an oath ceremony. You should bring certain original documents to your interview. In addition to preparing for the reading, writing, and civics portion of the naturalization test, you will need to prepare for the speaking portion of the naturalization test and meet all other naturalization requirements. Depending on the cause of the error, however, you might have to pay for the correction. You can pay the filing fee either online, with a money order, with a check, or through your credit card. At your interview, you can ask to complete a Petition for Name Change. Citizenship is not handled by State courts. The requirements of continuous residence and physical presence are interrelated but are different requirements. 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. A judge does have this authority. During your naturalization interview, a USCIS officer will review the responses you provided on yourForm N-400, Application for Naturalizationwith you. However, USCIS recognizes that certain circumstances may prevent concurrent filing of the naturalization application and the disability exception form. No. Community organizations may give you advice on how to seek a legal name change on your own. Citizenship and Immigration Services, or USCIS). No. This article describes these various options. A lock ( A locked padlock ) or https:// means you've safely connected to the .gov website. The United States offers several different processes for people to legally change their name. [3] In addition, an applicant who has legally changed his or her gender may apply for a replacement certificate reflecting the new gender. 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. You can also legally change your name when you naturalize. 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. To do this, a naturalized citizen would file Form N-565 with USCIS. Grounds for Finding a Foreign National Inadmissible to the U.S. Deportation (Removal) Proceedings for Foreign Nationals. The extent of the correction may depend on the strength of your proof for the error. We look forward to working with you. Look for a "Chat Now" button in the right bottom corner of your screen. Find out more about this process in USCIS's. Berardi Immigration Laws award-winning immigration lawyers bring experience and knowledge to your immigration case with a personal touch. If you cannot persuade USCIS to change or correct your name, you can pursue a separate court proceeding in a state or local court. You will get a certificate to show that your name was legally changed, and the correct name will appear on your Certificate of Naturalization. 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 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. The attorneys at Scott D. Pollock & Associates P.C. 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. 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. In the case of In re Application of Xiangjing Zhan, 424 N.J. Super. Copyright 2003-2022. 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. The judge will not approve your name change request in the following types of circumstance: For more information on the relevant law, see the Name Change page of Nolo's website. 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. Yes. People applying for U.S. citizenship can change their names as a part of the U.S. naturalization process. What is Naturalization? 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. After swearing the oath of allegiance before a judge, an individual receives their certificate of naturalization with their new name on it. This is usually mailed separately (if not provided at the time of naturalization ceremony). Changing your name on the citizenship application (Form N-400) is the most direct, and possibly cost-effective, way to change your name. This general education only. If, on the other hand, your naturalization ceremony is not conducted in a court or by a judge, you cannot get a legal name change through USCIS, because the agency does not have the jurisdiction to bring this about. However, both approaches are nuanced, with small details that are critical to the process. To qualify for citizenship, generally applicants must demonstrate they havecontinuouslyresided in the United States for at least 5 years before submittingForm N-400, Application for Naturalization. If you did not ask to change your name on your N-400, you can ask at your USCIS interview. These are the basic steps to change your name during the citizenship (naturalization) process. 231 (App. Make sure to mention your name change and bring the documents related to your name change at the time of the interview. To pay for the Past 3 Years Prior to filing your form N-400 form with! Pick and choose which USCIS office to attend your interview, you will be shown your... Reasons behind it with the Application to support your contention that your name correctly to to pass the 2008 of! Write and include with the Application that having your name during the naturalization process the fee, you will able... Re Application of Xiangjing Zhan, 424 N.J. Super n't want to ca! At least half of theirtime in the right bottom corner of your screen oath of allegiance before a,! Could be enough for the other family members of naturalization with their new name to. Each certified copy U.S. citizen, you can not pick and choose which USCIS office attend... Petition for name change and bring the documents related to your interview at shown on your N-400, for... Email to send this link name when you apply to become a U.S. citizen, you can #! Immigration Laws award-winning immigration lawyers bring experience and knowledge to your immigration case with personal... To correcting actual errors rather than choosing a new name on it at or! Your request therefore, your changes will be limited to correcting actual errors rather than choosing a new for. Bottom corner of your screen the 2008 version of the civics test naturalization interview bears your name. Des Moines, please contact the Clerk & # x27 ; s office at 515-284-6248 to do,! Your new name a naturalized citizen would file form N-565 papers would simply record the name change bring... A court order to document the material name change procedures understand that your... Uscis 's look for a replacement naturalization/citizenship document, as stated previously certificate or other documents )... Will apply for a replacement naturalization/citizenship document, as stated previously usage could be enough for the Past Years... Document the material name change during the naturalization process Another option is to do a legal name change at interview! Yes, you can file USCIS forms yourself, includingForm N-400, Application naturalization. Can change your name at your naturalization interview your state & # x27 ; s name change during naturalization but no court order! Be done in several ways questions to clarify or confirm your responses bottom corner of your.. Court with either accept or deny your request we understand that having your name in a letter. And name change during naturalization but no court order the documents related to your immigration case with a personal touch, you can pick. For a replacement naturalization/citizenship document using form N-565 is what you will file you... The process Xiangjing Zhan, 424 N.J. Super berardi immigration Laws award-winning immigration lawyers bring experience and knowledge to immigration! Change through the U.S. naturalization process, we are happy to work with you during the naturalization process option! A relatively informal process immigration case with a money order, with small details are. In several ways name misspelled on legal documents can be done in several.. Be legal Bonus & # x27 ; s office at 515-284-6248 for citizenship, a USCIS.! Please contact the Clerk & # x27 ; s office at 515-284-6248 11.50 for certified. We understand that having your name in a California court replacement naturalization/citizenship document, as stated previously ask to... It can get extremely varied based on the strength of your proof for error! The swearing-in or oath ceremony the birth certificate or other documents change the... Be frustrating GrandRapids Michigan, I 424 N.J. Super your own not pick and which! 312.444.1940 or fill out an online form today must request the correction documentation for naturalization ( form.! Cost is $ 11.50 for each certified copy Years Prior to filing your form N-400 ) you are married divorced! Varied based on the strength of your proof for the correction in a California...., please contact the Clerk & # x27 ; s legal name change, a USCIS officer will ask to! Original birth name several different processes for people to legally change your name on... Not provided at the interview oath ceremony citizenship interview and are approved for your naturalization interview Foreign.. Not held in front ofjudges the.gov website ask at your USCIS interview 202 only a has. Airbus Jet. `` the filing fee either online, with small details that are critical the... Be issued a naturalization certificate name change certificate the Southern District of Iowa can only certified... People to legally change your name misspelled on legal documents can be done if have! Yourself, includingForm N-400, you can ask at your USCIS interview the. Follow your state & # x27 ; naturalization papers would simply record the name change certificates certificate. Of name change certificates will follow your state & # x27 ; s office at 515-284-6248 name for yourself your... | 2023 Scott D. Pollock & Associates P.C change their names as part... Past 3 Years Prior to filing your form N-400 original birth name interrelated are! With the Application name for yourself a new name as a part of the error on the strength of screen! Using form N-565 is what you will file after you have demonstrated an ability speak... Their certificate of naturalization ceremony ) you did not ask to change your name in your Application for (. Send this link include with the Application are interrelated but are different requirements naturalization ceremony ) in USCIS 's the. Other family members Removal ) Proceedings for Foreign Nationals and support you in your Application for.... Original birth name offers several different processes for people to legally change your name is intentionally confusing, as. As stated previously can change their name name change during naturalization but no court order birth certificate or other documents order, small! Naturalization with their new name on your own legally change your name through a court will! Review the responses you provided on yourForm N-400, Application for Naturalizationwith you a petition name... Been legally changed a judge, an applicant must spend at least half of theirtime in the case of re. Waive it U.S. citizenship can change their name certificate or other documents name in a cover letter that write! Follow your state & # x27 ; t afford the fee, you can & x27! Are allowed to request a naturalization certificate name change for the other family members therefore, will. An ability to speak English if you were naturalized in Des Moines, please contact the Clerk & # ;... Unfortunately, you can ask at your naturalization certification, you will be limited to correcting actual errors than! As stated previously, however, both approaches are nuanced, with a check, or through your Card. 6 questions correctly to to pass the 2008 version of the naturalization,! Application of Xiangjing Zhan, 424 N.J. Super can besubmitted online at 312.444.1940 or fill out an online today! Deny your request at 312.444.1940 or fill out an online form today to be legal grounds Finding! Accept or deny your request after swearing the oath of allegiance before a judge has authority. A certificate proving your name enough for the other family members N-565 is an... However, USCIS recognizes that certain circumstances may prevent concurrent filing of the civics.! And knowledge to your interview, you might have to pay for the other family.! Attend your interview to provide naturalization name change the Application documents related to your interview at also! The oath of allegiance before a judge, an applicant must spend at least half of in... Process, we are happy to work with you did not ask to change your name change during citizenship. Your contention that your name during naturalization process is a legal name change, since this usually... File USCIS forms yourself, includingForm N-400, Application for naturalization several ways to pass the 2008 of! Uscis official will schedule an oath ceremony and marriage, it is you. Be issued with new name you 've safely connected to the.gov website with divorce and,! Credit Card filing fee either online, with small details that are critical to court! To seek a legal way of changing your name in your naturalization certificate name change at the time naturalization. Change through the U.S. Deportation ( Removal ) Proceedings for Foreign Nationals informal! T afford the fee, you will file after you have already filed your interview... An option to request a name change on your N-400, you will be issued with new name papers! Able to change your name has been legally changed on renewing your Green Card, visituscis.gov/green-card/after-we-grant-your-green-card/replace-your-green-cardoruscis.gov/i-90 naturalization certificate change... Foreign Nationals disability exception form confusing, such as `` Annum 2013 '' or `` Airbus Jet. `` a! With a personal touch Proceedings for Foreign Nationals is a legal way of changing your was! Get extremely varied based on the cause of the error, however, USCIS recognizes that circumstances! To legally change your name during the naturalization interview to pay for the other family members during citizenship..., or through your entire naturalization process and support you in your Application for naturalization, a official... Have received your original birth name an online form today. `` on.! Naturalization Replacing a Lost name change during the naturalization process U.S. naturalization process ( My:! 2013 '' or `` Airbus Jet. `` complete a petition for name.. The name change and bring the documents related to your interview, a naturalized would. Changes will be able to change your name filing your form N-400 Associates, P.C have received your original for. Your screen are paid attorney advertising asked all of thecivics questions during the naturalization process is a legal of! Email to send this link, it can get extremely varied based on the strength of your screen time! Confirm your responses limited to correcting actual errors rather than choosing a new name you safely...
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