You can file this petition if you have already filed your naturalization application. 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. After swearing the oath of allegiance before a judge, an individual receives their certificate of naturalization with their new name on it. Regarding the immigration side, it is much less complicated. Do I need to bring original documents such as birth and marriage certificates to the naturalization interview? Refunds will only be issued if requested within thirty (30) days and before completed application is printed. for informational purposes only and are not legal advice or counsel. (Updated-2022), Replace Lost Naturalization/Citizenship Certificate(2022). You will get a certificate to show that your name was legally changed, and the correct name will appear on your Certificate of Naturalization. No. How can I obtain a copy of my Name Change Form? 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. Your name is threatening, obscene, or likely to incite violence. OR Notarized affidavit if only middle name initial is added. Can I legally change my name while my naturalization application is pending? Citizenship is not handled by State courts. If you don't want to or can't change your name during naturalization, you can change your name in a California court. 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. 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. If USCIS grants your application for citizenship, you can change your name if you attend a naturalization swearing-in ceremony in court. Your naturalization attorney can help with additional paperwork that comes with mailing your form and corresponding fees. For example, USCIS might be willing to add a space or remove a space in between two names, yet refuse to change the spelling. These documents should be submitted as evidence in support of your application, and will facilitate the USCIS officers review of your request. It's possible to have a green card reissued with a corrected name by preparing and submitting Form I-90 to U.S. You will be permitted to use an interpreter if the medical professional indicated that you were unable to comply with the English speaking requirement. 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. During your naturalization process, your name change will take place on a state-law basis. How to Apply for US Citizenship and Naturalization/ All Rights Reserved. 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. 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). 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. Certain certified copies of documents can also be provided. Citizenship? In the case of In re Application of Xiangjing Zhan, 424 N.J. Super. Copyright 2023 MH Sub I, LLC dba Nolo Self-help services may not be permitted in all states. How many times can I apply for naturalization? Applying for naturalization does not change this requirement. There are a few ways to go about a name change during naturalization. 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. 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. Visit theCivics Test Updatespage to find answers to these specific questions. 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. 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. Commonly Asked Questions About the Naturalization Process USCIS has developed responses to several frequently asked questions related to the naturalization process and interview and test. It may not be worth changing a name error on a green card if the individual plans to apply for naturalization. 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. Copyright 2023 MH Sub I, LLC dba Nolo Self-help services may not be permitted in all states. USCIS publishes a complete list of the 2008 and 2020 version of the civics test. It is a good idea to request a new certificate that reflects the name change. 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. Fill the form out with your current name, even if the name is misspelled. 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. Also submit an affidavit from a parent, if possible, explaining the error and correction. Why Is My Immigration Case Taking So Long? 8 FAM 403.1-4(C) Change of Name by Marriage (CT:CITZ-64; 11-08-2021) 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. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS 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. 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 forms that can be completed using our software can be obtained for free from the U.S. Answer: 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. Visit the 2020 version of the civics test page to learn more. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, applying to become a naturalized U.S. citizen, the one that will be conducting your interview. 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. Grounds for Finding a Foreign National Inadmissible to the U.S. Deportation (Removal) Proceedings for Foreign Nationals. A lock ( A locked padlock ) or https:// means you've safely connected to the .gov website. While at the interview, you will provide your filled out Form N-400, Application for Naturalization. No. Then, during the Naturalization Oath Ceremony, a federal judgecan legally change your name. Although this is not typically an issue with divorce and marriage, it can get extremely varied based on the state. In addition, many states have different rules governing 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. You will be asked up to 10 questions from the list of 100 questions. What is Naturalization? The filing fee sent to USCIS is non-refundable, even if your request is denied. 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. Many oath ceremonies are not held in front ofjudges. Depending on the cause of the error, however, you might have to pay for the correction. This process does not happen in the California court system. You can file USCIS forms yourself, includingForm N-400, Application for Naturalization, which can besubmitted online. An official website of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, An official website of the United States government. Ask at your USCIS interview if your ceremony can be held in front of a judge. For information on obtaining a copy of your name change petition, contact the jury and naturalization office at 404-215-1640. 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. Naturalization is the process by which an alien becomes an American citizen. For more information on renewing your Green Card, visituscis.gov/green-card/after-we-grant-your-green-card/replace-your-green-cardoruscis.gov/i-90. If you file by mail, The USCIS will then mail you updates about your case. Assume . A judge does have this authority. 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 . This means you must be residing exclusively in the United States not in any other country. The speaking test occurs during the eligibility review. We are not affiliated with or sponsored by the United States government or any government agency. 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. If you pass your citizenship interview and are approved for your naturalization certification, you will be able to change your name. 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 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. It is a voluntary act; naturalization is not required. If you want your name changed, your ceremonymustbe in front of a judge (usually in a courthouse). 105 West Madison, Suite 2200 Chicago, IL 60602, Phone: (312) 444-1940 | Fax: (312) 444-1950 U.S. 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. 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. Your new name interferes with someone else's right to a name, particularly that of a famous person, such as Barack Obama, Brad Pitt, or Kim Kardashian, or of a company, such as Charles Schwab or Berkshire Hathaway. Citizenship and Immigration Services, or USCIS). The USCIS officer will ask the applicant only the civics questions on the lists for both versions of the test. This article describes these various options. If you were naturalized in Des Moines, please contact the Clerk's Office at 515-284-6248. Application for Replacement Naturalization Document USCIS offersinteractive practice teststo help you prepare. 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. Naturalization Replacing a Lost Name Change Certificate The Southern District of Iowa can only provide certified copies of name change certificates. If appropriate, you can supplement your request with an affidavit from a parent or guardian who can explain the mistake and corroborate the request. To obtain a status of your application, please contact USCIS directly at www.uscis.gov or call (800) 375-5283. How will I know what the decision is on the Form N-648, Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions, I submitted? Learn how to contact each agency where you might need to update your records. Please reference the Terms of Use and the Supplemental Terms for specific information related to your state. Purchase prices do not include applicable government agency filing or biometrics fees, if any. There are different procedures that must be followed based on your citizenship or immigration status. Please contact USCIS directly at www.uscis.gov or call (800) 375-5283 to discuss your options. Only a judge has the authority to grant your name change at the swearing-in or oath ceremony. Prior to September 27, 1906, any "court of record" (municipal, county, state, or Federal) could grant United States citizenship. Another option is to do a legal name change through the U.S. court system. 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. The decision on your Form N-648 will be made at the time of your naturalization interview. Speak with your immigration and naturalization lawyer about the best approach to correcting or changing your name during your naturalization process. 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. Make sure to mention your name change and bring the documents related to your name change at the time of the interview. 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. To do this, a naturalized citizen would file Form N-565 with USCIS. We'll only use this email to send this link. 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.". You can submit other evidence of the error as well. 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. The interviewer may ask for proof of your current legal name. [3] In addition, an applicant who has legally changed his or her gender may apply for a replacement certificate reflecting the new gender. Proof of Termination of Your Previous Marriage (s) 3. If you cannot persuade USCIS to change or correct your name, you can pursue a separate court proceeding in a state or local court. In addition to examining the length of your trip abroad, USCIS will look at the frequency of your travel. This is usually mailed separately (if not provided at the time of naturalization ceremony). 231 (App. Your new name will go on your Certificate of Naturalization. The attorney listings on this site are paid attorney advertising. Do I need a lawyer to apply for U.S. citizenship? 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. To protect your privacy, please do not include any personal information in your feedback. You can either file your Form N-565 online or by filling out paperwork and sending your form in by mail. It is common for those immigrating to the United States to legally change their name. A naturalization applicant must satisfy each requirement to be eligible for naturalization. Commonly Asked Questions About the Naturalization Process. 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. You can indicate a name change on Form N-400, which is the main form for naturalization. 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. Results Vary. 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. This is known as the physical presence requirement. Exceptions and restrictions may apply; see Refund Policyfor details. Often petitioners went to the court most geographically convenient for them. 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 should bring certain original documents to your interview. 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. Suite 202 Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) as blank forms with written instructions. The naturalization certificate shows your new legal name. People applying for U.S. citizenship can change their names as a part of the U.S. naturalization process. Newport Beach, CA 92660, 18 King Street East, Suite 1400 However, some people choose to seek assistance from a lawyer or Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR)-accredited representative. When you apply to become a U.S. citizen, you are allowed to request a name change during the naturalization process. 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. The procedure might vary based on the state you are in but in most cases legally changing your name through the court system is recommended. In the U.S., adults can change their legal names in a state or local court. 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. I had discussion with the officer during the interview but they said we will follow the birth certificate. Looking for U.S. government information and services? People applying for U.S. citizenship can change their names as a part of the U.S. naturalization process. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and requesting a correction. The name change will be effective without notifying them. 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. Will USCIS approve my Form N-400 naturalization application once I pass the reading, writing, and civics portions of the naturalization test? No. Div. Self-help software and customer support services are provided solely at a users direction. For additional information, please review USCIS guidance on theunauthorized practice of immigration law. You can also legally change your name when you naturalize. During your naturalization interview, a USCIS officer will review the responses you provided on yourForm N-400, Application for Naturalizationwith you. The materials contained in this website have been prepared by Scott D. Pollock & Associates, P.C. If you file this petition, to legally change your name, you will be issued a naturalization certificate that bears your new name. Visa Waiver Program for Foreign Nationals Planning Brief Visits to the U.S. 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. Your use of this website constitutes acceptance of the Terms of Use, Supplemental Terms, Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. 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. 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. Many oath ceremonies are not held in front a judges. If you have already submitted your Form N-400 to USCIS and did not indicate a name change preference, it's not too late. What Are the Eligibility Requirements for U.S. TheUSCIS officer can have you sign a name change petition andfile it with a court before the judicial oath ceremony. 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. 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. 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. During your naturalization process, your name change will take place on a state-law basis. Find out more about this process in USCIS's. In such a case, your request for a name change on Form N-400 cannot be acted upon. Changing your name on the citizenship application (Form N-400) is the most direct, and possibly cost-effective, way to change your name.