Your use of this website constitutes acceptance of the Terms of Use, Supplemental Terms, Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy. The Court is unable to provide a copy of your naturalization certificate or any other documentation that certifies your citizenship. 362, Milwaukee, WI 53202. These are the basic steps to change your name during the citizenship (naturalization) process. For additional information on how USCIS officers assess English language abilities, please see theScoring Guidelines for the U.S. Naturalization Test (PDF, 121.39 KB). In such a situation, the process of becoming a U.S. citizen, whether through naturalization or derivation through parents, offers ways to fix the problem. 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. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. You can also legally change your name when you naturalize. However, some people choose to seek assistance from a lawyer or Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR)-accredited representative. As far as possible delays, USCIS has little control over the judicial ceremony calendar. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) handles citizenship applications. The clerk will give you a date when a judge will make a decision. However, both approaches are nuanced, with small details that are critical to the process. No. Without Green Cards, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and Temporary Protections From Deportation. Newport Beach, CA 92660, 18 King Street East, Suite 1400 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. While at the interview, you will provide your filled out Form N-400, Application for Naturalization. If appropriate, you can supplement your request with an affidavit from a parent or guardian who can explain the mistake and corroborate the request. We do not provide legal advice, opinions, or recommendations about any individuals specific legal rights, remedies, defenses, options, or strategies. Please contact USCIS directly at www.uscis.gov or call (800) 375-5283 to discuss your options. Look for a "Chat Now" button in the right bottom corner of your screen. 2. You can file USCIS forms yourself, includingForm N-400, Application for Naturalization, which can besubmitted online. When should I submit Form N-648, Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions? If he had not naturalized, his Bonus family descendants generations from now would be at quite a loss to explain the origin of their name. Official websites use .gov Consulting one can be well worth the expense. 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. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Copyright 2023 MH Sub I, LLC dba Nolo Self-help services may not be permitted in all states. The forms that can be completed using our software can be obtained for free from the U.S. CANADA, 5 Kenley Road However, if a trip lasts longer than 180 days, USCIS may determine that you have not continuously resided in the United States and therefore are ineligible for naturalization. Close All Open All Do I need a lawyer to apply for U.S. citizenship? "Kick U. Categories: Green CardsLive In The USMarriage In The USUS Citizenship. You can file this petition if you have already filed your naturalization application. You can ask to change your name in your Application for Naturalization(form N-400). What is Naturalization? UNITED KINGDOM. It is informational only. Naturalization Replacing a Lost Name Change Certificate The Southern District of Iowa can only provide certified copies of name change certificates. If you become a U.S. citizen and you need to change your name you can do so by approaching the court. Get more information on how to fill out the name change part inthe Instructions for form N-400. The materials contained in this website have been prepared by Scott D. Pollock & Associates, P.C. Ive just completed my interview for citizenship. Timeframe to Get a Nonimmigrant U.S. Visa, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. You can indicate a name change on Form N-400, which is the main form for naturalization. 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. 8 FAM 403.1-4(C) Change of Name by Marriage (CT:CITZ-64; 11-08-2021) In addition, many states have different rules governing name changes. Yes. Naturalization is the process by which an alien becomes an American citizen. The extent of the correction may depend on the strength of your proof for the error. 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. 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. However, most courts are very supportive in accommodating the need for naturalization ceremonies. 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. USCIS publishes a complete list of the 2008 and 2020 version of the civics test. 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. 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. 105 West Madison, Suite 2200 Chicago, IL 60602, Phone: (312) 444-1940 | Fax: (312) 444-1950 If USCIS grants your application for citizenship, you can change your name if you attend a naturalization swearing-in ceremony in court. Application for Replacement Naturalization Document All Rights Reserved. Your name is intentionally confusing, such as "Annum 2013" or "Airbus Jet.". You probably do not need a lawyer to get a name change, since this is a relatively informal process. Certain certified copies of documents can also be provided. 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If USCIS grants your application for citizenship, you can change your name if you attend a naturalization swearing-in ceremony in court. 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. Again, if this is not an option, your immigration lawyer will be able to assist you with Form N-565. No. Suite 202 You will get a certificate to show that your name was legally changed, and the correct name will appear on your Certificate of Naturalization. You can ask to change your name during multiple parts of the U.S. citizenship process. 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. You will need to pay the filing fee and the biometrics service fee. The USCIS officer will ask the applicant only the civics questions on the lists for both versions of the test. You should also submit copiespreferably certified copiesof these documents at the initial filing of your application. 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 speaking test occurs during the eligibility review. Citizenship is not handled by State courts. . Youcould fix that up, but not every field office will accept namechanges in general.They might just say you have to go to court later to do it onyour own. A judge will make a decision in about 2 to 3 months after you complete a few more steps. Please reference the Terms of Use and the Supplemental Terms for specific information related to your state. At your interview, you can ask to complete a Petition for Name Change. 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. You can pay the filing fee either online, with a money order, with a check, or through your credit card. In addition, theFind Help in Your Communitypage allows individuals to search for low-cost or free citizenship classes throughout the United States. 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. 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. If you were naturalized in Des Moines, please contact the Clerk's Office at 515-284-6248. You can legally change your name after filing your application for naturalization with USCIS. I missed my naturalization ceremony. Call city/county court clerk; they should be able to provide you with court order; if not already done. The petition is later presented to you during the naturalization ceremony as evidence of the name change. Many states have a self-service legal center where you can get instruction on how to represent yourself in asking the court for a name change. In 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. 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. Your naturalization attorney can help with additional paperwork that comes with mailing your form and corresponding fees. In other regions, the swearing-in ceremonies are routinely held at a USCIS officesometimes right after the naturalization interview. USCIS has been known to accept certain name corrections but not others, so it is okay to list alternatives in order of your preference. The N-400 name change is done directly on your naturalization application rather than after your swearing-in ceremony. Looking for U.S. government information and services? Your access to and use of this site, including any purchase, is subject to and constitutes your agreement to the website Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. If they respond that they would, then there is a space to write in what the new name is. 1. 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. 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. My fianc and I are getting married in the next few months then apply for the AOS. Sometimes including proof of a parents name change or correction can make a difference. Assume . Yes. Ask at your USCIS interview if your ceremony can be held in front of a judge. 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. 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 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. OR Notarized affidavit if only middle name initial is added. Div. Proof of Spouse's U.S. 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. USCIS does not offer the option of a name change with the Certificate of Citizenship. No. Your name change will take effect immediately after the ceremony has ended. We are not affiliated with or sponsored by the United States government or any government agency. In such a case, your request for a name change on Form N-400 cannot be acted upon. V vinay224 Registered Users (C) Mar 28, 2011 #4 Step by Step Instructions on Filling Out Form N-400, U.S. The goal is to provide naturalization name change proof to verify your original birth name. USCIS provides free educational resources to help applicants prepare for the naturalization test. 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. The USCIS officer will ask questions to clarify or confirm your responses. If you file this petition, to legally change your name, you will be issued a naturalization certificate that bears your new name. However, it is in a naturalized citizens best interest to do so. 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. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) as blank forms with written instructions. If you decide to get legal assistance, you can start here: Many people offer to help with immigration services. 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. This process can be difficult to pin down because of differences between state laws. 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. Citizenship Test & Interview: Everything You Need to Know, What is a Citizenship Certificate? You want to change your name for fraudulent reasons, such as to escape capture for a crime or to avoid paying a debt. 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. Yes, you can do a naturalization certificate name change. Your new name will go on your Certificate of Naturalization. Official court order for the name change, first name or last name or both. 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 filing fee sent to USCIS is non-refundable, even if your request is denied. 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. 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. 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 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 can request to change your name on a citizenship certificate using Form N-600. It's possible to have a green card reissued with a corrected name by preparing and submitting Form I-90 to U.S. The requirements of continuous residence and physical presence are interrelated but are different requirements. You may have some limits on what you can choose for your new name, but these should not pose a challenge if you are simply trying to correct the spelling of your name. However, both approaches are nuanced, with small details that are critical to the process. You may travel to another country, including your home country, provided no other legal impediment precludes you from doing so. You can legally change your name after filing your application for naturalization with USCIS. Assuming you have not yet become a U.S. citizen, you might be able to deal with a previously misspelled or wrong name when applying for naturalization. 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. Also, be sure to subscribe to our blog for more immigration news and updates. 2023 Berardi Immigration Law. When you apply to become a U.S. citizen, you are allowed to request a name change during the naturalization process. 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. Then, during the Naturalization Oath Ceremony, a federal judge can legally change your name. If you are approved for citizenship, a USCIS official will schedule an oath ceremony. 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? 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.". Official Court Order for the change of first name or full name. Typically, an oath of allegiance is performed before a USCIS officer. Results Vary. Form N-565 is technically an application for a replacement naturalization/citizenship document, as stated previously. 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. 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. During your naturalization interview, a USCIS officer will review the responses you provided on yourForm N-400, Application for Naturalizationwith you. The decision on your Form N-648 will be made at the time of your naturalization interview. This is known as the physical presence requirement. The naturalization process is a legal way of changing your name. To obtain a copy of your Name Change Form, please contact USCIS directly atwww.uscis.gov or call (800) 375-5283 for additional information. 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. 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. In addition to examining the length of your trip abroad, USCIS will look at the frequency of your travel. COVID-19 Update: COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement for All Green Card Applicants Read More, All Green Card applicants, who receive their medical examination from either a Panel Physician or a Civil Surgeon on or after October 1, 2021, will need to show evidence of vaccination for COVID-19, or provide a valid reason why they should not be held to the new requirement. USCIS could issue you a Certificate of Naturalization with your chosen name, but you will not have a court order showing proof that you have a legal name change. Applying for naturalization does not change this requirement. Upon receipt of the petition, the court signs and seals the petition. Name changes can be done if you are married or divorced or you changed your name through a court order. To protect your privacy, please do not include any personal information in your feedback. 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. 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. Unfortunately, not all of them are authorized or qualified to do so. Visit the 2020 version of the civics test page to learn more. The evidence you send in will support your name change by showing that your name has been misspelled on your initial visa documents. Get information about different ways to change your name in California, Get information about how to change your identity documents, This process does not happen in the California court system. (Unfortunately, you cannot pick and choose which USCIS office to attend your interview at. This means you must be residing exclusively in the United States not in any other country. Learn how to contact each agency where you might need to update your records. The fee to obtain a certified copy of a name change certificate is $11.50. Prior to September 27, 1906, any "court of record" (municipal, county, state, or Federal) could grant United States citizenship. If you have any questions about your immigration status or how to change your name during the immigration process, please contact our office. For example, some US states do not even require native US citizens to file with the government for a name change. Contact USCIS or an immigration attorney if you have more questions. Is there an official document? During your naturalization process, your name change will take place on a state-law basis. To qualify for naturalization, an applicant must spend at least half of theirtime in the United States. Then, during the Naturalization Oath Ceremony, a federal judgecan legally change your name. Inspections of Foreign Nationals Entering the U.S. Penalties for Unlawful Presence in the U.S. Impact of Criminal Record on Immigration Status. During your swearing-in ceremony, you will be given a certificate proving your name has been legally changed. 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." You should bring certain original documents to your interview. 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. Many oath ceremonies are not held in front ofjudges. 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. [4] 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. This involves paying a fee. USCIS may be reluctant to accept certain types of corrections, so you may need to provide alternatives from which it can choose. The U.S. State Department is responsible for issuing passports. - If I changed my whole name (first, middle, and last name) during my AOS: 1). 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.