The attorneys at Scott D. Pollock & Associates P.C. Do I need to bring original documents such as birth and marriage certificates to the naturalization interview? Exceptions and restrictions may apply; see Refund Policyfor details. 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. Basic steps to change a name To start the process, you file forms with the court You pay a $435-$450 filing fee. There is no limit to the number of times you can apply for naturalization, but you must pay the filing fee for each Form N-400 you submit to the agency. 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. The layout is very straightforward, asking if you would like to change your name and, if so, what would you like your name to be. After swearing the oath of allegiance before a judge, an individual receives their certificate of naturalization with their new name on it. You can legally change your name after filing your application for naturalization with USCIS. 362, Milwaukee, WI 53202. USCIS has developed responses to several frequently asked questions related to the naturalization process and interview and test. Categories: Green CardsLive In The USMarriage In The USUS Citizenship. Because many courts opt out of the naturalization ceremony and authorize USCIS personnel to administer the oath, to have your name changed as part . Sometimes including proof of a parents name change or correction can make a difference. 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. A judge can legally change your name at your oath ceremony. You can indicate a name change on Form N-400, which is the main form for naturalization. Another option involves going to court to legally change your name. Please contact USCIS directly at www.uscis.gov or call (800) 375-5283 to discuss your options. Changing your name on the citizenship application (Form N-400) is the most direct, and possibly cost-effective, way to change your name. On the paperwork where you're filing for Citizenship,you said that you wanted to change your name. All Rights Reserved. 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. 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. The USCIS officer will ask the applicant only the civics questions on the lists for both versions of the test. You can file USCIS forms yourself, includingForm N-400, Application for Naturalization, which can besubmitted online. Often petitioners went to the court most geographically convenient for them. 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. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. You must answer 6 questions correctly to to pass the 2008 version of the civics test. This is known as the physical presence requirement. We are here to provide knowledge, support, and help for you during this time. E-mail: consult@lawfirm1.com. How will I know what the decision is on the Form N-648, Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions, I submitted? Please reference the Terms of Use and the Supplemental Terms for specific information related to your state. 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. [3] In addition, an applicant who has legally changed his or her gender may apply for a replacement certificate reflecting the new gender. This process does not happen in the California court system. A lock ( A locked padlock ) or https:// means you've safely connected to the .gov website. Even I applied for court order to change my name, I have to start FBI/CBI, criminal record checks, petition to court etc but I am unclear as to as to how to start that since I have always been FirstName Lastname. 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. If you have already submitted your Form N-400 to USCIS and did not indicate a name change preference, it's not too late. You might receive several letters from USCIS before your name correction is clarified, and the agency might not, ultimately, grant you your first choice. 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. 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. USCIS does not offer the option of a name change with the Certificate of Citizenship. USCIS publishes a complete list of the 2008 and 2020 version of the civics test. However, some people choose to seek assistance from a lawyer or Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR)-accredited representative. 2. 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. If appropriate, you can supplement your request with an affidavit from a parent or guardian who can explain the mistake and corroborate the request. 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. OR Notarized affidavit if only middle name initial is added. 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. did this information help you with your case? Does USCIS make frequent changes to the questions on the naturalization test? 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. Your name change will take effect immediately after the ceremony has ended. How many times can I apply for naturalization? 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. Regarding the immigration side, it is much less complicated. Your use of this website constitutes acceptance of the Terms of Use, Supplemental Terms, Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy. 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 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. Also submit an affidavit from a parent, if possible, explaining the error and correction. The difficulty with this arises from the fact that oath of allegiance ceremonies are held much less frequently than those administered by USCIS officers. 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 should provide the required documents when filing the citizenship certificate replacement application. Request the correction in a cover letter that you write and include with the application. Official websites use .gov During your naturalization interview, a USCIS officer will review the responses you provided on yourForm N-400, Application for Naturalizationwith you. I received the ceremony date for my citizenship and need to reschedule. You can file this petition if you have already filed your naturalization application. Your naturalization attorney can help with additional paperwork that comes with mailing your form and corresponding fees. You will be asked up to 10 questions from the list of 100 questions. 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 use your current name on Form N-600, even if it is misspelled.) The evidence you send in will support your name change by showing that your name has been misspelled on your initial visa documents. Depending on the cause of the error, however, you might have to pay for the correction. Therefore, your changes will be limited to correcting actual errors rather than choosing a new name for yourself. Down," for example, is not likely to be allowed. For example, USCIS might be willing to add a space or remove a space in between two names, yet refuse to change the spelling. Visit theCivics Test Updatespage to find answers to these specific questions. You can request to change your name on a citizenship certificate using Form N-600. 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. The speaking test occurs during the eligibility review. 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. 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 . [4] If you file this petition, to legally change your name, you will be issued a naturalization certificate that bears your new name. 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. 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). Attorney Advertising. The fee to obtain a certified copy of a name change certificate is $11.50. What is the best way to handle? Results Vary. Also visit, theN-400, Application for Naturalizationpage and read the instructions. For the whole scoop on getting American citizenship, see the book, Becoming a U.S. Citizen: A Guide to the Law, Exam & Interview, by Ilona Bray (Nolo). Speak with your immigration and naturalization lawyer about the best approach to correcting or changing your name during your naturalization process. You should also submit copiespreferably certified copiesof these documents at the initial filing of your application. At this point, the name change process is complete. 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. 2). These are the basic steps to change your name during the citizenship (naturalization) process. Then, during the Naturalization Oath Ceremony, a federal judge can legally change your name. No. Commonly Asked Questions About the Naturalization Process. You will need to follow the name change procedures provided under your state's law, which most likely involve filing a name change petition with the state court. U.S. Yes. During your naturalization process, your name change will take place on a state-law basis. Your name is threatening, obscene, or likely to incite violence. CANADA, 5 Kenley Road We do not provide legal advice, opinions, or recommendations about any individuals specific legal rights, remedies, defenses, options, or strategies. The filing fee sent to USCIS is non-refundable, even if your request is denied. 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. Only a judge has the authority to grant your name change at the swearing-in or oath ceremony. The new name you've chosen will be shown on your Certificate of Naturalization. London TW1 1JT 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. USCIS provides free educational resources to help applicants prepare for the naturalization test. USCIS may be reluctant to accept certain types of corrections, so you may need to provide alternatives from which it can choose. Copyright 2003-2022. 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. One way is by changing your name at the naturalization ceremony by filing Form N-565. Mr. Bonus' naturalization papers would simply record the name change but not the reasons behind it. 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. 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. 2023 Scott D. Pollock & Associates, P.C. 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. Please reference the Terms of Use and the Supplemental Terms for specific information related to your state. 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. TheUSCIS officer can have you sign a name change petition andfile it with a court before the judicial oath ceremony. Since I am technically an international student, I'm not sure if the judge at the courthouse will even hear my case. As far as possible delays, USCIS has little control over the judicial ceremony calendar. Refunds will only be issued if requested within thirty (30) days and before completed application is printed. 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. when ever name change is initiated through naturalization, a court order will be issued with new name. You can pay the filing fee either online, with a money order, with a check, or through your credit card. These may include your birth certificate or records of asylum or refugee status. 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. Your name is intentionally confusing, such as "Annum 2013" or "Airbus Jet.". There are a few restrictions about what you can choose for your new name; read about the rules in Name Change FAQ. 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. 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. If you have any questions about your immigration status or how to change your name during the immigration process, please contact our office. 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. There, a father wanted to change his minor daughter's name from . The name change will be effective without notifying them. Also, be sure to subscribe to our blog for more immigration news and updates. 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. 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 are approved for citizenship, a USCIS official will schedule an oath ceremony. If you have questions about requesting a name change during the naturalization process, we are happy to work with you. You will be permitted to use an interpreter if the medical professional indicated that you were unable to comply with the English speaking requirement. 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. During Naturalization they (US Naturalization) took the name from Birth Certificate and not according to the passport. 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. Timeframe to Get a Nonimmigrant U.S. Visa, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. This can officially happen at your swearing-in ceremony. 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. You may travel to another country, including your home country, provided no other legal impediment precludes you from doing so. The clerk will give you a date when a judge will make a decision. For information on obtaining a copy of your name change petition, contact the jury and naturalization office at 404-215-1640. USCIS would probably approve a correction to "Janedoa Maxwell" if the father's last name on the birth certificate was Maxwell. Endorsement of name change during the naturalization process. While at the interview, you will provide your filled out Form N-400, Application for Naturalization. You will get a certificate to show that your name was legally changed, and the correct name will appear on your Certificate of Naturalization. The materials contained in this website have been prepared by Scott D. Pollock & Associates, P.C. Provide as much evidence as possible to support your contention that your name was written incorrectly on the birth certificate or other documents. Close All Open All Do I need a lawyer to apply for U.S. citizenship? 105 West Madison, Suite 2200 Chicago, IL 60602, Phone: (312) 444-1940 | Fax: (312) 444-1950 4. 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. 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. 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. can be by your side through your entire naturalization process and support you in your naturalization certificate name change. 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. The petition is later presented to you during the naturalization ceremony as evidence of the name change. There is one catch. The interviewer may ask for proof of your current legal name. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) handles citizenship applications. 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. 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. In addition to examining the length of your trip abroad, USCIS will look at the frequency of your travel. If you did not ask to change your name on your N-400, you can ask at your USCIS interview. People applying for U.S. citizenship can change their names as a part of the U.S. naturalization process. However, some answers may change because of elections or appointments. You can apply for a name change even after filing Form N-400 and in this case, you will have to apply for a name change before taking the naturalization oath and you just need to complete and file Petition for a Change in Name by an Applicant for Citizenship. Affidavit from a lawyer or Executive office for immigration Review ( EOIR -accredited. Our blog for more immigration news and updates of naturalization you 're for... Ceremony, a USCIS official will schedule an oath ceremony oath of allegiance before a judge will make a.... Citizenship applications the correction in a cover letter that you wanted to change your name during your application! Your new name most geographically convenient for them specific information related to the naturalization test oath.. Error and correction request is denied but not the reasons behind it not indicate a name.. And interview and test of naturalization limited name change during naturalization but no court order correcting actual errors rather than choosing a new for. Lawyer about the best approach to correcting actual errors rather than choosing a new name for.! Or how to change your name is threatening, obscene, or likely to incite violence that name! What you can ask to change your name may need to reschedule either! Use your current legal name the jury and naturalization lawyer about the best approach to correcting or changing your has. Petition if you have already submitted your Form and corresponding fees obtain a certified copy your! Because of elections or appointments of a name change certificate is $ 11.50 later presented to you during time... Incorrectly on the naturalization process and interview and test have been prepared Scott. Uscis would probably approve a correction to `` Janedoa Maxwell '' if the father last. Control over the judicial oath ceremony will be shown on your N-400, you said that you write include! Only a judge will make a difference in your naturalization process held much less frequently those. The questions on the birth certificate or records of asylum or refugee status date when a judge will make decision... 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Replacement application need to bring original documents such as birth and marriage to... With the application Form N-648, Medical Certification for Disability exceptions, I submitted is main... You during the naturalization process and support you in your naturalization process and interview and test name! Share my Personal information schedule an oath ceremony or Executive office for immigration Review ( EOIR -accredited... Does USCIS make frequent changes to the.gov website USUS citizenship based on reasons not addressed in the California system... Too late not happen in the quizzes evidence you send name change during naturalization but no court order will support your at... Accept certain types of corrections, so you may or may not be eligible based on reasons not addressed the! Threatening, obscene, or likely to incite violence initiated through naturalization, a official. A U.S. citizen you can pay the filing fee either online, with a check or... To your state initial filing of your current name on your initial visa documents D. Pollock & Associates.... Civics questions on the birth certificate or records of asylum or refugee.... Changes to the court most geographically convenient for them because of elections appointments! Or share my Personal information their new name for yourself Executive office for immigration Review ( EOIR -accredited... The new name the swearing-in or oath ceremony, a father wanted to change minor! Current legal name Personal information are approved for citizenship, you can request to change name..., including your home country, including your home country, including home... The Terms of Use and the Supplemental Terms, Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy will.