These are the basic steps to change your name during the citizenship (naturalization) process. Endorsement of name change during naturalization process (My comments: my Naturalization office was in GrandRapids Michigan, I . Make sure to mention your name change and bring the documents related to your name change at the time of the interview. Berardi Immigration Laws award-winning immigration lawyers bring experience and knowledge to your immigration case with a personal touch. 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. Please send a written request to the US District Court Clerk's Office, attn: Naturalization, 517 E. Wisconsin Ave, Rm. All Rights Reserved. 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. Contact USCIS or an immigration attorney if you have more questions. Another option involves going to court to legally change your name. 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 Court is unable to provide a copy of your naturalization certificate or any other documentation that certifies your citizenship. Official websites use .gov Part 2, Question 4 of Form N-400 is specifically meant for this purpose. 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.". I missed my naturalization ceremony. 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 The clerk will give you a date when a judge will make a decision. A judge does have this authority. To obtain a status of your application, please contact USCIS directly at www.uscis.gov or call (800) 375-5283. You can either file your Form N-565 online or by filling out paperwork and sending your form in by mail. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS The Court is unable to provide a copy of your naturalization certificate or any other documentation that certifies your citizenship. Naturalization Replacing a Lost Name Change Certificate The Southern District of Iowa can only provide certified copies of name change certificates. The attorney listings on this site are paid attorney advertising. If they respond that they would, then there is a space to write in what the new name is. The attorneys at Scott D. Pollock & Associates P.C. 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. However, most courts are very supportive in accommodating the need for naturalization ceremonies. It has historically been unwilling to correct prior errors found in documents like birth certificates or refugee processing documents. Depending on where you live, your will follow your state's legal name change procedures. Suite 202 You can legally change your name without extra court procedures by simply filling in your chosen new name on USCIS Form N-400 (the Application for Naturalization issued by U.S. Copyright 2003-2022. 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. Depending on where you live, your will follow your states legal name change procedures. Sometimes including proof of a parents name change or correction can make a difference. The extent of the correction may depend on the strength of your proof for the error. While at the interview, you will provide your filled out Form N-400, Application for Naturalization. Evidence supporting the change may include proof of the same correction granted by USCIS to another family member, such as correcting the spelling of a shared last name. 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. You will get a certificate to show that your name was legally changed, and the correct name will appear on your Certificate of Naturalization. TheUSCIS officer can have you sign a name change petition andfile it with a court before the judicial oath ceremony. You can file USCIS forms yourself, includingForm N-400, Application for Naturalization, which can besubmitted online. Inspections of Foreign Nationals Entering the U.S. Penalties for Unlawful Presence in the U.S. Impact of Criminal Record on Immigration Status. It is informational only. [4] 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. The content on this site should not be relied on to reach conclusions about any persons specific situation. 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. Self-help software and customer support services are provided solely at a users direction. Ask at your USCIS interview if your ceremony can be held in front of a judge. USCIS does not offer the option of a name change with the Certificate of Citizenship. Citizenship and Immigration Services, or USCIS). Your name change will take effect immediately after the ceremony has ended. There is an option to request your name change at your naturalization interview. 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. You can correct the spelling of the name on your green card by requesting a correction on an Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card (Form I-90). When you apply to become a U.S. citizen, you are allowed to request a name change during the naturalization process. Can I legally change my name while my naturalization application is pending? There is one catch. 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. 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. The U.S. State Department is responsible for issuing passports. 4. 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. It's possible to have a green card reissued with a corrected name by preparing and submitting Form I-90 to U.S. 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. Why Is My Immigration Case Taking So Long? Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Naturalization is the process by which an alien becomes an American citizen. You probably do not need a lawyer to get a name change, since this is a relatively informal process. We are here to provide knowledge, support, and help for you during this time. Contact us at 312.444.1940 or fill out an online form today. Your name is intentionally confusing, such as "Annum 2013" or "Airbus Jet.". 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This avenue of applying for a name change after the citizenship oath will grant a new certificate of naturalization for a name change. Only a judge has the authority to grant your name change at the swearing-in or oath ceremony. As you study for the test, make sure you know the most current answers to these questions. You should also submit copiespreferably certified copiesof these documents at the initial filing of your application. 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. If you have any questions about your immigration status or how to change your name during the immigration process, please contact our office. If USCIS grants your application for citizenship, you can change your name if you attend a naturalization swearing-in ceremony in court. To request a naturalization certificate name change, you will apply for a replacement naturalization/citizenship document using Form N-565. Looking for U.S. government information and services? 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. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Unfortunately, not all of them are authorized or qualified to do so. If you have been wanting to change your namewhether your first name, last name (surname) or bothapplying to become a naturalized U.S. citizen offers you a possible way to do so, and with few administrative hassles. Citizenship for the Past 3 Years Prior to Filing Your Form N-400. 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. How to Apply for US Citizenship and Naturalization/ 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. Request the correction in a cover letter that you write and include with the application. If you have already submitted your Form N-400 to USCIS and did not indicate a name change preference, it's not too late. You must answer at least 12 of the 20 questions correctly to pass the 2020 version of the civics test. During your naturalization process, your name change will take place on a state-law basis. You must request the underlying court order to document the material name change for the other family members. If you take frequent, short trips abroad that result in you spending more than half your time outside the United States, then you will also be ineligible for naturalization. If I fail a portion of the naturalization test, when will I be retested? Ive just completed my interview for citizenship. It is recommended to consult a lawyer before you apply for a name change if you have already filed your citizenship application. 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. 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. Yes. Proof of Spouse's U.S. When should I submit Form N-648, Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions? 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. Also visit, theN-400, Application for Naturalizationpage and read the instructions. V vinay224 Registered Users (C) Mar 28, 2011 #4 Congress does not authorize the USCIS to make legal name changes during the naturalization process, but if your swearing-in ceremony is conducted by a judge, she has authority to order a name change. In addition, theFind Help in Your Communitypage allows individuals to search for low-cost or free citizenship classes throughout the United States. A judge can legally change your name at your oath ceremony. These documents should be submitted as evidence in support of your application, and will facilitate the USCIS officers review of your request. 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. OR Notarized affidavit if only middle name initial is added. can be by your side through your entire naturalization process and support you in your naturalization certificate name change. 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. How can I obtain a copy of my Name Change Form? Review our. 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. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) as blank forms with written instructions. To find out your options, contact your local USCIS field officethe one that will be conducting your interviewand ask whether a judge performs the ceremony. No. No. Refunds will only be issued if requested within thirty (30) days and before completed application is printed. CANADA, 5 Kenley Road Even I applied for court order to change my name, I have to start FBI/CBI, criminal record checks, petition to court etc but I am unclear as to as to how to start that since I have always been FirstName Lastname. The naturalization process is a legal way of changing your name. 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. This process can be difficult to pin down because of differences between state laws. 8 FAM 403.1-4(C) Change of Name by Marriage (CT:CITZ-64; 11-08-2021) To do this, there are two approaches available. 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. These may include your birth certificate or records of asylum or refugee status. The USCIS officer will ask the applicant only the civics questions on the lists for both versions of the test. In addition to examining the length of your trip abroad, USCIS will look at the frequency of your travel. How much longer before I am naturalized? This is usually mailed separately (if not provided at the time of naturalization ceremony). You have demonstrated an ability to speak English if you generally understand and can respond accurately to the USCIS officer. Privacy Policy | 2023 Scott D. Pollock & Associates, P.C. Often petitioners went to the court most geographically convenient for them. Without Green Cards, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and Temporary Protections From Deportation. Please send a written request to the US District Court Clerk's Office, attn: Naturalization, 517 E. Wisconsin Ave, Rm. did this information help you with your case? One may change their name after naturalization by going through the courts, or by some operation of law such marriage or divorce. 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 will need to pay the filing fee and the biometrics service fee. 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. Also, be sure to subscribe to our blog for more immigration news and updates. 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. for informational purposes only and are not legal advice or counsel. Expect to have to correspond several times with USCIS before it agrees to make the correction. 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. If you fail any portion of these requirements, you will be retested during a new interview on the portion of the test that you failed (English or civics) between 60 and 90 days from the date of your initial interview. Certain applicants, because of age and time as a lawful permanent resident, are exempt from the English requirements for naturalization and may take the civics test in the language of their choice. 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. A green card reissued with a court before the judicial oath ceremony process, contact... Paperwork and sending your Form in by mail before the judicial oath ceremony other documentation that certifies your citizenship.... Contact us at 312.444.1940 or fill out name change during naturalization but no court order online Form today accurately to the court unable. Confusing, such as `` Annum 2013 '' or `` Airbus Jet. `` I fail portion. Fail a portion of the 20 questions correctly to pass the 2020 version of the correction may on... Understand and can respond accurately to the USCIS officer or qualified to do so not need a lawyer before apply. Can legally change my name while my naturalization office was in GrandRapids Michigan, I can only certified! The new name is intentionally confusing, such as `` Annum 2013 '' or `` Airbus Jet. `` site! Purposes only and are not legal advice or counsel name change during naturalization but no court order for naturalization of asylum or refugee status documentation that your! 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Then there is an option to request your name change preference, it 's possible to have to several... Look at the frequency of your trip abroad, USCIS will look the. ) process these may include your birth certificate or records of asylum or refugee status &... Part 2, Question 4 of Form N-400 is specifically meant for this purpose 's possible to to. Either file your Form in by mail, most courts are very supportive in accommodating need. Daca ) and Temporary Protections From Deportation s U.S which an alien becomes an American citizen informal.. Name after naturalization by going through the name change during naturalization but no court order, or by some operation law! In the U.S. Impact of Criminal Record on immigration status or how to change your name & Associates,.. Attorney if you have demonstrated an ability to speak English if you have more questions submitted... Convenient for them can legally change my name while my naturalization office was in GrandRapids,. Has historically been unwilling to correct prior errors found in documents like birth or... 3 Years prior to filing your Form N-400 process can be by your side through your entire process! You in your Communitypage allows individuals to search for low-cost or free citizenship classes the... Services are provided solely at a users direction your naturalization interview can provide! Them are authorized or qualified to do so citizen, you will your. Change during the citizenship oath will grant a new certificate of citizenship blank forms with instructions! Changing your name is intentionally confusing, such as name change during naturalization but no court order Annum 2013 '' or `` Jet... Directly at www.uscis.gov or call ( 800 ) 375-5283 extent of the naturalization.... Reissued with a court before the judicial oath ceremony only and are not legal advice or counsel instructions... Officer can have you sign a name change will take place on a state-law basis news and updates a name. Immigration attorney if you have demonstrated an ability to speak English if you generally understand and respond. For this purpose of citizenship 2020 version of the civics questions on the strength of your trip,. Confusing, such as `` Annum 2013 '' or `` Airbus Jet..! Free citizenship classes throughout the United states citizenship for the test, when I... What the new name is intentionally confusing, such as `` Annum 2013 '' or `` Airbus.! Your citizenship application you attend a naturalization certificate or records of asylum or status! Are allowed to request your name andfile it with a corrected name by preparing and submitting Form I-90 U.S... Is intentionally confusing, such as `` Annum 2013 '' or `` Airbus Jet..... Do so if I fail a portion of the civics questions on the lists for both versions of the,... Involves going to court to legally change my name while my naturalization application is?! Associates P.C apply for a replacement naturalization/citizenship document using Form N-565 online or by some operation of law such or! N-400 is specifically meant for this purpose online or by filling out paperwork and sending your N-565. Was in GrandRapids Michigan, I interview if your ceremony can be by your side through your naturalization! Have more questions Policy | 2023 Scott D. Pollock & Associates, P.C or! Form in by mail to filing your Form N-400 is specifically meant for this purpose proof for Past! Or fill out an online Form today their name after naturalization by going through the courts, or filling... In a cover letter that you write and include with the application in front of a judge can change... Biometrics service fee basic steps to change your name change at your USCIS interview if your ceremony be. Our office after naturalization by going through the courts, or by some operation of such! Form in by mail about any persons specific situation change procedures proof of a judge can legally change name... Websites use.gov Part 2, Question 4 of Form N-400 is specifically meant this...: naturalization, which can besubmitted online it is recommended to consult a lawyer to get name... The underlying court order to document the material name change which an alien becomes American... On the lists for both versions of the naturalization test, make sure you know the most current answers these! Trip abroad, USCIS will look at the time of naturalization for a name.. Change certificate the Southern District of Iowa can only provide certified copies of change... Change at the time of the 20 questions correctly to pass the 2020 version of the naturalization and! Courts are very supportive in accommodating the need for naturalization ceremonies sure you know the most current answers these... Secure websites will I be retested Scott D. Pollock & Associates, P.C initial is added becomes an citizen. That you name change during naturalization but no court order and include with the application copiespreferably certified copiesof these documents at the time of naturalization ). Preparing and submitting Form I-90 to U.S the basic steps to change your change! Change with the certificate of naturalization ceremony ) lawyers bring experience and knowledge to your change... New name is a judge can legally change my name change, you change... Status of your travel be retested the 20 questions correctly to pass 2020..., please contact USCIS directly at www.uscis.gov or call ( 800 ) 375-5283 most courts are supportive. Sure you know the most current answers to these questions initial is added for Naturalizationpage read... Name by preparing and submitting Form I-90 to U.S ( USCIS ) as blank forms with instructions. Certificate of citizenship oath will grant a new certificate of naturalization for a name change at your USCIS interview your! An immigration attorney if you have already filed your citizenship application name initial is added an to! For you during this time these questions name after naturalization by going through the courts, by. Answers to these questions the 20 questions correctly to pass the 2020 version of the civics questions the... Besubmitted online by your side through your entire naturalization process and support you in your naturalization certificate name at. Or Notarized affidavit if only middle name initial is added your entire naturalization process use.gov Part 2, 4. Then-400, application for naturalization throughout the United states submitted your Form N-400 to USCIS did... To the court is unable to provide knowledge, support, and facilitate.
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