In other regions, the swearing-in ceremonies are routinely held at a USCIS officesometimes right after the naturalization interview. Therefore, your changes will be limited to correcting actual errors rather than choosing a new name for yourself. The filing fee for a name change after citizenship oath is $555 for Form N-565. 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. Does USCIS make frequent changes to the questions on the naturalization test? Do I need to bring original documents such as birth and marriage certificates to the naturalization interview? USCIS does not offer the option of a name change with the Certificate of Citizenship. 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. Are a naturalized citizen seeking a special certificate of naturalization for the purpose of a foreign country recognizing you as a citizen of the United States. If USCIS grants your application for citizenship, you can change your name if you attend a naturalization swearing-in ceremony in court. 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. 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). 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. During Naturalization they (US Naturalization) took the name from Birth Certificate and not according to the passport. 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. Refunds will only be issued if requested within thirty (30) days and before completed application is printed. Depending on where you live, your will follow your states legal name change procedures. If you file this petition, to legally change your name, you will be issued a naturalization certificate that bears your new name. You may travel to another country, including your home country, provided no other legal impediment precludes you from doing so. If another family member, such as a parent, has had a legal name change in order to fix errors made on immigration processing documents, and you believe your correct name should have included the correct spelling of the family member's name (such as in the above example where "Mixwell" should have been "Maxwell"), include the proof of that person's legal name change to help demonstrate that an error occurred. In addition, many states have different rules governing name changes. Yes. After swearing the oath of allegiance before a judge, an individual receives their certificate of naturalization with their new name on it. Yes. This means that you will change your name after becoming a United States citizen rather than during your citizenship process. We are not affiliated with or sponsored by the United States government or any government agency. 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. USCIS publishes a complete list of the 2008 and 2020 version of the civics test. Citizenship and Immigration Services, or USCIS). 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. 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. 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. 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. Your new name will go on your Certificate of Naturalization. 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. How to Apply for US Citizenship and 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. Changing Your Name During the Naturalization Process The USCIS officer will ask the applicant only the civics questions on the lists for both versions of the test. 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. People applying for U.S. citizenship can change their names as a part of the U.S. naturalization process. It is informational only. Results Vary. 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. You must answer 6 questions correctly to to pass the 2008 version of the civics test. To request a naturalization certificate name change, you will apply for a replacement naturalization/citizenship document using Form N-565. 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. Proof of an Authentic Marriage for the Past 3 Years Prior To Filing Your Form N-400. The cost is $11.50 for each certified copy. However, USCIS officers do not have the legal authority to swear in someone who is changing their name. 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. The attorneys at Scott D. Pollock & Associates P.C. If your petition to change your name is approved, yournaturalization certificatewill bear your new name. For example, USCIS might be willing to add a space or remove a space in between two names, yet refuse to change the spelling. Name changes can be done if you are married or divorced or you changed your name through a court order. You can legally change your name after filing your application for naturalization with USCIS. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. 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. 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. Depending on the cause of the error, however, you might have to pay for the correction. It is what you will file if USCIS denies changing your name at your swearing-in ceremony. 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. Applicants may ask the USCIS officer to repeat or rephrase questions during the naturalization interview. Your name is threatening, obscene, or likely to incite violence. 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. If I fail a portion of the naturalization test, when will I be retested? 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. Consulting one can be well worth the expense. I received the ceremony date for my citizenship and need to reschedule. Your name is intentionally confusing, such as "Annum 2013" or "Airbus Jet.". 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. Central Violations Bureau - Federal Ticket, Naturalization Ceremony Locations and Schedule, Naturalization Frequently Asked Questions, Requests to Use District Court Facilities, Link Your CM/ECF Account to Your PACER Account, Electronic Filing and Case Access for Attorneys, Electronic Filing and Case Access for People Without Lawyers, Hardware and Software Requirements for Electronic Filing, Problem with PDF documents created on Mac Operating Systems, Hearing Access Request Form for Criminal Duty Proceedings, Guidelines for Zoom Courtroom Proceedings, Checking Status / Confirming Reporting Instructions, Direct Assignment of Civil Cases to Magistrate Judges, Pro Bono Limited-Scope Representation Pilot Program, Procedures for Recovering Out-of-Pocket Expenses, Policy for Reimbursement of Out-of-Pocket Expenses Incurred by Court-Appointed Pro Bono Counsel. What Are the Eligibility Requirements for U.S. Your name change will take effect immediately after the ceremony has ended. It is recommended to consult a lawyer before you apply for a name change if you have already filed your citizenship application. 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. 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. Looking for U.S. government information and services? There, a father wanted to change his minor daughter's name from . Will I be asked all of thecivics questions during the naturalization interview? Step by Step Instructions on Filling Out Form N-400, U.S. 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. Another option involves going to court to legally change your name. There is an option to request your name change at your naturalization interview. I missed my naturalization ceremony. 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. 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. 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. However, if the USCIS denies this request during your interview, then you will need to request your name change after you receive your naturalization documents. Sometimes a foreign nationals name will be spelled incorrectly on immigration documents, such as their green card. Is there an official document? 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. However, most courts are very supportive in accommodating the need for naturalization ceremonies. USCIS provides free educational resources to help applicants prepare for the naturalization test. 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. PERM Process & Equal Pay Transparency Laws, Its Not Too Late for the H-1B Visa Lottery, USCIS Extends Green Card Validity for Conditional Permanent Residents with a Pending Form I-751, Process Update for Labor Enforcement Investigations, The Truth About Deferred Prosecution & Crossing The Canadian Border, Our Community Involvement: Luxury Purse Bingo, New Designs Roll Out for Green Cards & Employment Authorization Documents, Tech Layoffs and Compelling Circumstances EAD. Speak with your immigration and naturalization lawyer about the best approach to correcting or changing your name during your naturalization process. 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. did this information help you with your case? You want to change your name for fraudulent reasons, such as to escape capture for a crime or to avoid paying a debt. 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 should use your current name on Form N-600, even if it is misspelled.) 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. To obtain a status of your application, please contact USCIS directly at www.uscis.gov or call (800) 375-5283. Make sure to mention your name change and bring the documents related to your name change at the time of the interview. Mr. Bonus' naturalization papers would simply record the name change but not the reasons behind it. Suite 202 You can either file your Form N-565 online or by filling out paperwork and sending your form in by mail. Will USCIS approve my Form N-400 naturalization application once I pass the reading, writing, and civics portions of the naturalization test? 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. We are here to provide knowledge, support, and help for you during this time. 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. Toronto, Ontario M5C 1C4 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. This means you must be residing exclusively in the United States not in any other country. Also, be sure to subscribe to our blog for more immigration news and updates. 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. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS In some states, the information on this website may be considered a lawyer referral service. 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. 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. 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. 2023 Scott D. Pollock & Associates, P.C. Because many courts opt out of the naturalization ceremony and authorize USCIS personnel to administer the oath, to have your name changed as part . An immigrant that lives in New Jersey but is not yet a United States citizen can apply for a legal name change in New Jersey. You will be asked up to 10 questions from the list of 100 questions. Unless a court orders you to notify USCIS about the name change, there is no obligation to notify them of your name change. This is known as the physical presence requirement. While ones lawful permanent resident status does not expire, barring naturalization or termination of status, a lawful permanent residentmust have valid, unexpired proof of lawful permanent residence in their possession at all times. Commonly Asked Questions About the Naturalization Process. 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 . 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. USCIS makes this decision for you.). Look for a "Chat Now" button in the right bottom corner of your screen. Basic steps to change a name To start the process, you file forms with the court You pay a $435-$450 filing fee. It is a good idea to request a new certificate that reflects the name change. Ask at your USCIS interview if your ceremony can be held in front of a judge. 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. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. 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 should bring certain original documents to your interview. Although this is not typically an issue with divorce and marriage, it can get extremely varied based on the state. We'll only use this email to send this link. 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. To change your name after filing your Form N-565 look for a replacement naturalization/citizenship document Form! Change their names as a part of the civics test grants your application for citizenship, might... 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This means you must be residing exclusively in the right bottom corner of your screen of allegiance a... Including your home country, provided no other legal impediment precludes you from doing so or avoid! Name for fraudulent reasons, such as their green card his minor daughter & x27. D. Pollock & Associates P.C here to provide knowledge, support, and help for you during this time new..., including your home country, including your home country, including your home country including... Cause of the 2008 and 2020 version of the U.S. naturalization process,. There, a father wanted to change his minor daughter & # x27 ; s name from birth certificate not! Changes can be held in front of a name change will take effect immediately after the interview... Many states have different rules governing name changes, it can get varied... Your immigration and naturalization lawyer about the best approach to correcting actual errors rather than a. 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