You will get a certificate to show that your name was legally changed, and the correct name will appear on your Certificate of Naturalization. 2023 Scott D. Pollock & Associates, P.C. When you apply to become a U.S. citizen, you are allowed to request a name change during the naturalization process. 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. The attorneys at Scott D. Pollock & Associates P.C. No. Ask at your USCIS interview if your ceremony can be held in front of a judge. We are not affiliated with or sponsored by the United States government or any government agency. Sometimes a foreign nationals name will be spelled incorrectly on immigration documents, such as their green card. 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. To do this, there are two approaches available. The extent of the correction may depend on the strength of your proof for the error. Attorney Advertising. We are here to provide knowledge, support, and help for you during this time. Only a judge has the authority to grant your name change at the swearing-in or oath ceremony. 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. The materials contained in this website have been prepared by Scott D. Pollock & Associates, P.C. Proof of Official Name Change (s) (if any) 9 Additional Documents That You May Need. 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. How can I obtain a copy of my Name Change Form? USCIS would probably approve a correction to "Janedoa Maxwell" if the father's last name on the birth certificate was Maxwell. There are different procedures that must be followed based on your citizenship or immigration status. Applicants may ask the USCIS officer to repeat or rephrase questions during the naturalization interview. Part 2, Question 4 of Form N-400 is specifically meant for this purpose. It is recommended to consult a lawyer before you apply for a name change if you have already filed your citizenship application. The difficulty with this arises from the fact that oath of allegiance ceremonies are held much less frequently than those administered by USCIS officers. No. After swearing the oath of allegiance before a judge, an individual receives their certificate of naturalization with their new name on it. See also theUSCIS Policy Manual Volume 12, Part E, English and Civics Testing and Exceptions, Chapter 2, English and Civics Testing. USCIS offersinteractive practice teststo help you prepare. Even if you do not ask for a name change at this point, you can ask to file a Petition for Name Change at your USCIS interview. 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. If you have already submitted your Form N-400 to USCIS and did not indicate a name change preference, it's not too late. Commonly Asked Questions About the Naturalization Process. If you want your name changed, your ceremonymustbe in front of a judge (usually in a courthouse). Look for a "Chat Now" button in the right bottom corner of your screen. What is Naturalization? 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. You can ask to change your name in your Application for Naturalization(form N-400). If you pass your citizenship interview and are approved for your naturalization certification, you will be able to change your name. It has historically been unwilling to correct prior errors found in documents like birth certificates or refugee processing documents. Unfortunately, not all of them are authorized or qualified to do so. 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. 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Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, applying to become a naturalized U.S. citizen, the one that will be conducting your interview. 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. 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. Does USCIS publish the naturalization test questions? 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. 2023 Berardi Immigration Law. 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. 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. Yes. 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. If USCIS grants your application for citizenship, you can change your name if you attend a naturalization swearing-in ceremony in court. Many oath ceremonies are not held in front a judges. You may not need to pay a fee if you correct your name during the naturalization process. We will not change a name without evidence such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Once you get the documents changing your name, you can use it to change your name on other legal identity documents. The new name you've chosen will be shown on your Certificate of Naturalization. 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. USCIS makes this decision for you.). This is known as the physical presence requirement. For additional information, please review USCIS guidance on theunauthorized practice of immigration law. The forms that can be completed using our software can be obtained for free from the U.S. The Court is unable to provide a copy of your naturalization certificate or any other documentation that certifies your citizenship. You will need to pay the filing fee and the biometrics service fee. Privacy Policy | 2023 Scott D. Pollock & Associates, P.C. 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. 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. Yes. If you did not ask to change your name on your N-400, you can ask at your USCIS interview. Part 2, Question 4 of Form N-400 is specifically meant for this purpose. There, a father wanted to change his minor daughter's name from . This means that you will change your name after becoming a United States citizen rather than during your citizenship process. Citizenship for the Past 3 Years Prior to Filing Your Form N-400. 362, Milwaukee, WI 53202. The clerk will give you a date when a judge will make a decision. Because many courts opt out of the naturalization ceremony and authorize USCIS personnel to administer the oath, to have your name changed as part . Once the court has accepted either your letter and/or your request for a name change, then you may need to apply for your new naturalization certificate with your correct name. 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. To qualify for naturalization, an applicant must spend at least half of theirtime in the United States. It may not be worth changing a name error on a green card if the individual plans to apply for naturalization. Will USCIS approve my Form N-400 naturalization application once I pass the reading, writing, and civics portions of the naturalization test? 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. In the U.S., adults can change their legal names in a state or local court. Although this is not typically an issue with divorce and marriage, it can get extremely varied based on the state. did this information help you with your case? Yes. The decision on your Form N-648 will be made at the time of your naturalization interview. 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. Find out more about this process in USCIS's. Please reference the Terms of Use and the Supplemental Terms for specific information related to your state. Endorsement of name change during naturalization process (My comments: my Naturalization office was in GrandRapids Michigan, I . If you changed your name during your Oath ceremony, your next step is to update your legal identity documents. Your name change will take effect immediately after the ceremony has ended. However, most courts are very supportive in accommodating the need for naturalization ceremonies. Timeframe to Get a Nonimmigrant U.S. Visa, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. This process can be difficult to pin down because of differences between state laws. Official court order for the name change, first name or last name or both. A naturalization applicant must satisfy each requirement to be eligible for naturalization. Refunds will only be issued if requested within thirty (30) days and before completed application is printed. TheUSCIS officer can have you sign a name change petition andfile it with a court before the judicial oath ceremony. In order to be granted your name change after citizenship oath, you need to send in evidence with your Form N-565. 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. 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. You must answer at least 12 of the 20 questions correctly to pass the 2020 version of the civics test. Make sure to mention your name change and bring the documents related to your name change at the time of the interview. This general education only. It's possible to have a green card reissued with a corrected name by preparing and submitting Form I-90 to U.S. 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. A naturalization certificate name change can be done in several ways. How do I reschedule? If you have any questions about your immigration status or how to change your name during the immigration process, please contact our office. In such a case, your request for a name change on Form N-400 cannot be acted upon. Certain certified copies of documents can also be provided. 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. How will I know what the decision is on the Form N-648, Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions, I submitted? Can I legally change my name while my naturalization application is pending? Your use of this website constitutes acceptance of the Terms of Use, Supplemental Terms, Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy. Form N-565 is what you will file after you have received your original documentation for naturalization. 231 (App. What is the best way to handle? A judge can legally change your name at your oath ceremony. Citizenship and Immigration Services, or USCIS). Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) as blank forms with written instructions. Official websites use .gov What can you do if you change your mind about changing your name after submitting Form N-400, Application for Naturalization (Citizenship) in the US?Get the . 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. Self-help software and customer support services are provided solely at a users direction. The interviewer may ask for proof of your current legal name. What can you do if you change your mind about changing your name after submitting Form N-400, Application for Naturalization (Citizenship) in the US?Get the FREE Ultimate Marriage Green Card E-Book Here: https://www.MarriageImmigrationLaw.com/EbookSchedule a Consultation With Me (Fees Apply): info@jqklaw.comLive Q\u0026A w/ Immigration Lawyer John KhosraviTaking Immigration Questions Live Mon-Thu at 5-5:30 PM Pacific.Mon-Thu: TikTok: ImmigrationLawyerJohnMonday on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JQKLawFirmTuesday/Thursday on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jqklawfirm/Wednesday on Youtube CONNECT WITH ME: Email Me Directly - info@jqklaw.comCall Me Directly: - (818) 934-1561 Newsletter: JQKLaw.com/Subscribe.html INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/jqklawfirm/WEBSITE - http://www.JQKLaw.com/ FACEBOOK - https://www.facebook.com/JQKLawFirm/ABOUT ME - https://www.jqklaw.com/attorney-bio.htmlTWEET OR SHARE THIS VIDEO: https://youtu.be/0O_cTfmuS8QConsult with an attorney in private about your case. 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. Your new name will go on your Certificate of Naturalization. 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. 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. This is usually mailed separately (if not provided at the time of naturalization ceremony). Expect to have to correspond several times with USCIS before it agrees to make the correction. 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. Copyright 2023 MH Sub I, LLC dba Nolo Self-help services may not be permitted in all states. Whether or not you get all the changes you want to make is going to depend on the particular errors made and the forms of proof you can show indicating what the name should have been. Sometimes including proof of a parents name change or correction can make a difference. These may include your birth certificate or records of asylum or refugee status. Suite 202 To obtain a copy of your Name Change Form, please contact USCIS directly atwww.uscis.gov or call (800) 375-5283 for additional information. These are the basic steps to change your name during the citizenship (naturalization) process. 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. Visit theCivics Test Updatespage to find answers to these specific questions. USCIS does not offer the option of a name change with the Certificate of Citizenship. The new name you've chosen will be shown on your Certificate of Naturalization. USCIS provides free educational resources to help applicants prepare for the naturalization test. You will get a certificate to show that your name was legally changed, and the correct name will appear on your Certificate of Naturalization. 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. Corrections and Name Change During Naturalization Process: What To Do After Your Citizenship Oath. The court with either accept or deny your request. As far as possible delays, USCIS has little control over the judicial ceremony calendar. Visit the 2020 version of the civics test page to learn more. Without Green Cards, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and Temporary Protections From Deportation. 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. While ones lawful permanent resident status does not expire, barring naturalization or termination of status, a lawful permanent residentmust have valid, unexpired proof of lawful permanent residence in their possession at all times. If you file this petition, to legally change your name, you will be issued a naturalization certificate that bears your new name. Citizenship? 2012), the New Jersey Appellate Division addressed this question. You must take a copy of your Certificate of Naturalization to each government agency where you need to update your ID or record. While at the interview, you will provide your filled out Form N-400, Application for Naturalization. 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). 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. There is an option to request your name change at your naturalization interview. For example, some US states do not even require native US citizens to file with the government for a name change. 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. Changing Your Name During the Naturalization Process You can request to change your name on a citizenship certificate using Form N-600. Also visit, theN-400, Application for Naturalizationpage and read the instructions. Your original documentation for naturalization Policy | 2023 Scott D. Pollock & Associates, P.C Form! Name or both once you get the documents changing your name if you changed your name the. Resources to help applicants prepare for the naturalization process ( my comments: naturalization. Process can be difficult to pin down because of differences between state laws certificate was Maxwell U.S. citizen, are... Has the authority name change during naturalization but no court order grant your name in your application for naturalization.. 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name change during naturalization but no court order