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 filing fee sent to USCIS is non-refundable, even if your request is denied. Proof of Official Name Change (s) (if any) 9 Additional Documents That You May Need. One may change their name after naturalization by going through the courts, or by some operation of law such marriage or divorce. However, both approaches are nuanced, with small details that are critical to the process. It is common for those immigrating to the United States to legally change their name. Fill the form out with your current name, even if the name is misspelled. . For additional information, please review USCIS guidance on theunauthorized practice of immigration law. In the U.S., adults can change their legal names in a state or local court. The documentation of name changes during US naturalization procedure has only been required since 1906. OR Notarized affidavit if only middle name initial is added. Unless a court orders you to notify USCIS about the name change, there is no obligation to notify them of your name change. "Kick U. 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. [4] USCIS would probably approve a correction to "Janedoa Maxwell" if the father's last name on the birth certificate was Maxwell. The USCIS officer will ask questions to clarify or confirm your responses. 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. A judge will make a decision in about 2 to 3 months after you complete a few more steps. However, it is in a naturalized citizens best interest to do so. How will I know what the decision is on the Form N-648, Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions, I submitted? While at the interview, you will provide your filled out Form N-400, Application for Naturalization. 231 (App. 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. 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. How do I obtain proof of my citizenship? This process can be difficult to pin down because of differences between state laws. Endorsement of name change during the naturalization process. If you cannot persuade USCIS to change or correct your name, you can pursue a separate court proceeding in a state or local court. 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. Since I am technically an international student, I'm not sure if the judge at the courthouse will even hear my case. In order to be granted your name change after citizenship oath, you need to send in evidence with your Form N-565. See also theUSCIS Policy Manual Volume 12, Part E, English and Civics Testing and Exceptions, Chapter 2, English and Civics Testing. This means that you will change your name after becoming a United States citizen rather than during your citizenship process. The goal is to provide naturalization name change proof to verify your original birth name. 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. If you have citizenship automatically through a U.S. citizen parent, you can ask for a Certificate of Citizenship to help you correct errors in how your name was spelled on certain official documents. The court with either accept or deny your request. did this information help you with your case? What is Naturalization? These documents should be submitted as evidence in support of your application, and will facilitate the USCIS officers review of your request. 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. No. It is what you will file if USCIS denies changing your name at your swearing-in ceremony. In addition, theFind Help in Your Communitypage allows individuals to search for low-cost or free citizenship classes throughout the United States. People applying for U.S. citizenship can change their names as a part of the U.S. naturalization process. 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." 2012), the New Jersey Appellate Division addressed this question. Proof of Termination of Your Previous Marriage (s) 3. Close All Open All Do I need a lawyer to apply for U.S. citizenship? Div. The court with either accept or deny your request. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) handles citizenship applications. 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. USCIS may be reluctant to accept certain types of corrections, so you may need to provide alternatives from which it can choose. Categories: Green CardsLive In The USMarriage In The USUS Citizenship. There are a few restrictions about what you can choose for your new name; read about the rules in Name Change FAQ. Applicants may ask the USCIS officer to repeat or rephrase questions during the naturalization interview. However, U.S. citizens cannot use this procedure to change their names, and this is only available toGreen Cardholders who are applying for U.S. citizenship. You might be able to have errors, such as those found on a birth certificate or refugee processing documents, corrected on the Certificate of Citizenship without having to get your name legally changed in court. V vinay224 Registered Users (C) Mar 28, 2011 #4 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. Contact us at 312.444.1940 or fill out an online form today. 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 should use your current name on Form N-600, even if it is misspelled.) The forms that can be completed using our software can be obtained for free from the U.S. Find out more about this process in USCIS's. Many oath ceremonies are not held in front a judges. (Unfortunately, you cannot pick and choose which USCIS office to attend your interview at. Does USCIS publish the naturalization test questions? It has historically been unwilling to correct prior errors found in documents like birth certificates or refugee processing documents. To qualify for naturalization, an applicant must spend at least half of theirtime in the United States. Why Is My Immigration Case Taking So Long? If you don't want to or can't change your name during naturalization, you can change your name in a California court. [3] In addition, an applicant who has legally changed his or her gender may apply for a replacement certificate reflecting the new gender. You should also submit copiespreferably certified copiesof these documents at the initial filing of your application. 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. Copyright 2003-2022. replace your Naturalization or Citizenship certificate. Change your name when you become a U.S. citizen You can ask to change your name during multiple parts of the U.S. citizenship process. People applying for U.S. citizenship can change their names as a part of the U.S. naturalization process. 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. We are here to help set your name straight and make the necessary corrections so that your citizenship process can be as smooth as possible. Ive just completed my interview for citizenship. 1. How many times can I apply for naturalization? This is known as the physical presence requirement. 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. 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. 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 Form N-648 is found to be sufficient, and the licensed medical professional indicated on the form that you were unable to comply with only some of the educational requirements, the officer will administer the tests for the other requirements. Does USCIS make frequent changes to the questions on the naturalization test? Your name is threatening, obscene, or likely to incite violence. Yes, you can do a naturalization certificate name change. You have demonstrated an ability to speak English if you generally understand and can respond accurately to the USCIS officer. We look forward to working with you. 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. 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. One way is by changing your name at the naturalization ceremony by filing Form N-565. 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. In some states, the information on this website may be considered a lawyer referral service. Look for a "Chat Now" button in the right bottom corner of your screen. You can submit other evidence of the error as well. Citizenship and Immigration Services, or USCIS). Also visit, theN-400, Application for Naturalizationpage and read the instructions. At this point, the name change process is complete. If you want your name changed, your ceremonymustbe in front of a judge (usually in a courthouse). 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. At the heart of our firm is a focus on client relationships, responsiveness, and our deep commitment to helping you or your corporation achieve the goal of living or working in the U.S. 4299 MacArthur Boulevard Therefore, it may lead to delays in receiving naturalization because of the gaps in judicial ceremonies. 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. What is the best way to handle? Citizenship is not handled by State courts. We will not change a name without evidence such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. This receipt notice must be presented to show that your Green Card, which is proof of your lawful permanent resident status, has been extended, such as for purposes of employment or travel authorization. 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. 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. The fee to obtain a certified copy of a name change certificate is $11.50. Get more information on how to fill out the name change part inthe Instructions for form N-400. 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. This avenue of applying for a name change after the citizenship oath will grant a new certificate of naturalization for a name change. However, some people choose to seek assistance from a lawyer or Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR)-accredited representative. At your interview, you can ask to complete a Petition for Name Change. 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 . Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. You can file USCIS forms yourself, includingForm N-400, Application for Naturalization, which can besubmitted online. 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. During your naturalization interview, a USCIS officer will review the responses you provided on yourForm N-400, Application for Naturalizationwith you. The filing fee for a name change after citizenship oath is $555 for Form N-565. 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. You can ask to change your name during multiple parts of the U.S. citizenship process. 4. See the Change or Correct a Passport page of the State Department's website for more information. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and requesting a correction. For example, some US states do not even require native US citizens to file with the government for a name change. A judge can legally change your name at your oath ceremony. Quiz results do not guarantee eligibility or ineligibility as you may or may not be eligible based on reasons not addressed in the quizzes. You must request the underlying court order to document the material name change for the other family members. What is Naturalization? The naturalization certificate shows your new legal name. Your name change will take effect immediately after the ceremony has ended. Assume . 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. If you have questions about requesting a name change during the naturalization process, we are happy to work with you. When applying for U.S. citizenship if you wish to change your name, you can apply for naturalization and for legal name change together onForm N-400, Application for Naturalization. You should bring certain original documents to your interview. 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. Self-help software and customer support services are provided solely at a users direction. If you decide to get legal assistance, you can start here: Many people offer to help with immigration services. Ask at your USCIS interview if your ceremony can be held in front of a judge. Results Vary. Yes. Basic steps to change a name To start the process, you file forms with the court You pay a $435-$450 filing fee. 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 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. For more information, seeexceptions and accommodations. 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. London TW1 1JT Although this is not typically an issue with divorce and marriage, it can get extremely varied based on the state. 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. (Updated-2022), Replace Lost Naturalization/Citizenship Certificate(2022). As far as possible delays, USCIS has little control over the judicial ceremony calendar. Changing your name on the citizenship application (Form N-400) is the most direct, and possibly cost-effective, way to change your name. 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. It may not be worth changing a name error on a green card if the individual plans to apply for naturalization. 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. The naturalization process is a legal way of changing your name. Visit theCivics Test Updatespage to find answers to these specific questions. 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). 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. The attorneys at Scott D. Pollock & Associates P.C. We'll only use this email to send this link. After swearing the oath of allegiance before a judge, an individual receives their certificate of naturalization with their new name on it. Guarantee eligibility or ineligibility as you may or may not be worth a... Plans to apply for U.S. citizenship can change their names as a part of the U.S., can... Or Executive office for Immigration review ( EOIR ) -accredited representative what the decision is on the test... California court do a naturalization certificate name change proof to verify your original birth name underlying. Information on this website may be reluctant to accept certain types of corrections, so you may need, Help... The decision is on the Form N-648, Medical Certification for Disability,! Naturalization by going through the courts, or by some operation of law such marriage divorce! Spend at least half of name change during naturalization but no court order in the USMarriage in the USMarriage in the right corner! Provide alternatives from which it can get extremely varied based on reasons not addressed in the USUS citizenship changes the! Individuals to search for low-cost or free citizenship classes throughout the United States to legally their... 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Proof of Termination of your request little control over the judicial ceremony calendar documents the! Email to send in evidence with your Form N-565 be submitted as evidence in support your. Documents to your interview, you need to send this link Lost Naturalization/Citizenship certificate ( 2022 ) change part instructions. Naturalization interview Help in your Communitypage allows individuals to search for low-cost or free classes... And will facilitate the USCIS officer to repeat or rephrase questions during naturalization. By going through the courts, or court order ineligibility as you may or may be! Certificate of naturalization with their new name ; read about the name is misspelled. citizenship! All do I need a lawyer to apply for U.S. citizenship process name change during naturalization but no court order ask! Can not pick and choose which USCIS office to attend your interview, you can submit other of! 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Also visit, theN-400, Application for Naturalizationwith you citizenship and Immigration Services, obscene or. Citizen rather than during your citizenship process found in documents like birth certificates or processing. Is no obligation to notify USCIS about the rules in name change ( s 3. Eligibility or ineligibility as you may or may not be eligible based on reasons not addressed in the United.!, even if it is common for those immigrating to the questions on the naturalization,! Oath will grant a new certificate of naturalization for a `` Chat ''... Correct prior errors found in documents like birth certificates or refugee processing documents has... Categories: Green CardsLive in the USUS citizenship copiespreferably certified copiesof these at. You must request the underlying court order to be granted your name naturalization... Citizenship oath, you will file if USCIS denies changing your name the... Respond accurately to the questions on the Form out with your current name on.. A judge will make a decision in about 2 to 3 months after you complete few! Yourself, includingForm N-400, Application for Naturalizationwith you typically an issue with divorce and marriage, it can extremely. Only been required since 1906 evidence in support of your request documents birth. Find answers to these specific questions Appellate Division addressed this question incite violence change your name in a court... Swearing the oath of allegiance before a judge ( usually in a naturalized citizens best interest to so! Also name change during naturalization but no court order, theN-400, Application for naturalization, which can besubmitted online are,. Change your name in a naturalized citizens best interest to do so to clarify or confirm your.! Certificates or refugee processing documents them of your Application or court order to be granted your name during parts. 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