- If I changed my whole name (first, middle, and last name) during my AOS: 1). Please reference the Terms of Use and the Supplemental Terms for specific information related to your state. Form N-565 is technically an application for a replacement naturalization/citizenship document, as stated previously. 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. All Rights Reserved. USCIS has been known to accept certain name corrections but not others, so it is okay to list alternatives in order of your preference. There is an option to request your name change at your naturalization interview. Your naturalization attorney can help with additional paperwork that comes with mailing your form and corresponding fees. can be by your side through your entire naturalization process and support you in your naturalization certificate name change. The attorneys at Scott D. Pollock & Associates P.C. 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. Categories: Green CardsLive In The USMarriage In The USUS Citizenship. Mr. Bonus' naturalization papers would simply record the name change but not the reasons behind it. 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. If the father's name was absent, or the father's name was misspelled as "Mixwell" and no proof of this error exists, she might get a letter from USCIS asking if she wants her name corrected to "Janedoa Mixwell." An official website of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, An official website of the United States government. However, both approaches are nuanced, with small details that are critical to the process. It is recommended to consult a lawyer before you apply for a name change if you have already filed your citizenship application. 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. If you want your name changed, your ceremonymustbe in front of a judge (usually in a courthouse). 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. If the errors on your paperwork can't be fixed through the citizenship or naturalization process, a legal, court-ordered name change could be the only remaining option. Community organizations may give you advice on how to seek a legal name change on your own. 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 must answer 6 questions correctly to to pass the 2008 version of the civics test. 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. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) handles citizenship applications. It is a voluntary act; naturalization is not required. Mere usage could be enough for the change to be legal. You should provide the required documents when filing the citizenship certificate replacement application. 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 is a good idea to request a new certificate that reflects the name change. In the U.S., adults can change their legal names in a state or local court. If you are able to file your form online, you will be able to pay your fee, check your case status, and be updated on your case all in your online account. To do this, there are two approaches available. However, most courts are very supportive in accommodating the need for naturalization ceremonies. Your name change will take effect immediately after the ceremony has ended. The extent of the correction may depend on the strength of your proof for the error. For the 2020 version of the civics test, there are 128 available civics questions on the naturalization test, but you will not be asked to answer all of them during your naturalization interview. No. TheUSCIS officer can have you sign a name change petition andfile it with a court before the judicial oath ceremony. 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. You can indicate a name change on Form N-400, which is the main form for naturalization. Berardi Immigration Laws award-winning immigration lawyers bring experience and knowledge to your immigration case with a personal touch. 2023 Scott D. Pollock & Associates, P.C. For information on obtaining a copy of your name change petition, contact the jury and naturalization office at 404-215-1640. What is Naturalization? This is known as the physical presence requirement. 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. Purchase prices do not include applicable government agency filing or biometrics fees, if any. During your naturalization process, your name change will take place on a state-law basis. A judge will make a decision in about 2 to 3 months after you complete a few more steps. 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. 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. The new name you've chosen will be shown on your Certificate of Naturalization. Also visit, theN-400, Application for Naturalizationpage and read the instructions. How do I obtain proof of my citizenship? There are a few ways to go about a name change during naturalization. The name change will be effective without notifying them. You'll need to ask for the correction at the same time that you submit the USCIS Form N-600 that's used to request the citizenship certificate. As far as possible delays, USCIS has little control over the judicial ceremony calendar. The clerk will give you a date when a judge will make a decision. If you're still in the planning stages, here's free, accurate, and up-to-date legal information on every step of the process of obtaining U.S. citizenship. Another option involves going to court to legally change your name. 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. During Naturalization they (US Naturalization) took the name from Birth Certificate and not according to the passport. 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. We do not provide legal advice, opinions, or recommendations about any individuals specific legal rights, remedies, defenses, options, or strategies. You have demonstrated an ability to speak English if you generally understand and can respond accurately to the USCIS officer. The evidence you send in will support your name change by showing that your name has been misspelled on your initial visa documents. 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. You can ask to change your name during multiple parts of the U.S. citizenship process. You can legally change your name after filing your application for naturalization with USCIS. have several decades of combined experience. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. I had discussion with the officer during the interview but they said we will follow the birth certificate. 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. Regarding the immigration side, it is much less complicated. Because many courts opt out of the naturalization ceremony and authorize USCIS personnel to administer the oath, to have your name changed as part . Grounds for Finding a Foreign National Inadmissible to the U.S. Deportation (Removal) Proceedings for Foreign Nationals. How much longer before I am naturalized? How will I know what the decision is on the Form N-648, Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions, I submitted? Yes. People applying for U.S. citizenship can change their names as a part of the U.S. naturalization process. You can file this petition if you have already filed your naturalization application. Changing your name on the citizenship application (Form N-400) is the most direct, and possibly cost-effective, way to change your name. The Court is unable to provide a copy of your naturalization certificate or any other documentation that certifies your citizenship. 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. The information provided on this site is not legal advice, does not constitute a lawyer referral service, and no attorney-client or confidential relationship is or will be formed by use of the site. The N-400 name change is done directly on your naturalization application rather than after your swearing-in ceremony. Make sure to mention your name change and bring the documents related to your name change at the time of the interview. 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. Privacy Policy | 2023 Scott D. Pollock & Associates, P.C. 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. Unfortunately, not all of them are authorized or qualified to do so. USCIS does not offer the option of a name change with the Certificate of Citizenship. 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. You can pay the filing fee either online, with a money order, with a check, or through your credit card. 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. Visit the 2020 version of the civics test page to learn more. You can submit other evidence of the error as well. 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. Proof of an Authentic Marriage for the Past 3 Years Prior To Filing Your Form N-400. The information provided on this site is not legal advice, does not constitute a lawyer referral service, and no attorney-client or confidential relationship is or will be formed by use of the site. 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. Contact us at 312.444.1940 or fill out an online form today. The U.S. State Department is responsible for issuing passports. 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. Customer support is for technical and billing issues only and will not answer legal questions. All Rights Reserved. If you changed your name during your Oath ceremony, your next step is to update your legal identity documents. 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. You will be asked up to 10 questions from the list of 100 questions. If you can't afford the fee, you can ask the court to waive it. Proof of Spouse's U.S. How do I reschedule? Fortunately, USCIS is more accustomed to the documentation issues that affect some immigrants, so applying for naturalization or a Certificate of Citizenship first will help create evidence usable to apply for a U.S. passport. Upon receipt of the petition, the court signs and seals the petition. 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. If you pass your citizenship interview and are approved for your naturalization certification, you will be able to change your name. 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