The interviewer may ask for proof of your current legal name. Prepare yourself for the English speaking test by making sure you understand each question on the application and can respond to each question according to your situation. We are not affiliated with or sponsored by the United States government or any government agency. Ask at your USCIS interview if your ceremony can be held in front of a judge. Citizenship? Commonly Asked Questions About the Naturalization Process. You can submit other evidence of the error as well. You can indicate a name change on Form N-400, which is the main form for naturalization. The filing fee for a name change after citizenship oath is $555 for Form N-565. 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. replace your Naturalization or Citizenship certificate. No. can be by your side through your entire naturalization process and support you in your naturalization certificate name change. Proof of Official Name Change (s) (if any) 9 Additional Documents That You May Need. If you cannot persuade USCIS to change or correct your name, you can pursue a separate court proceeding in a state or local court. USCIS offersinteractive practice teststo help you prepare. 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. These are the basic steps to change your name during the citizenship (naturalization) process. USCIS does not offer the option of a name change with the Certificate of Citizenship. If you don't want to or can't change your name during naturalization, you can change your name in a California court. Typically, an oath of allegiance is performed before a USCIS officer. 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. This is an attorney advertisement. 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. Mere usage could be enough for the change to be legal. How much longer before I am naturalized? 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. The requirements of continuous residence and physical presence are interrelated but are different requirements. 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. Quiz results do not guarantee eligibility or ineligibility as you may or may not be eligible based on reasons not addressed in the quizzes. The extent of the correction may depend on the strength of your proof for the error. If your Form N-648 is found to be insufficient, the officer must proceed with the eligibility interview in English and administer all portions of the English and civics testing as if you had not submitted Form N-648. If you can't afford the fee, you can ask the court to waive it. 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. 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." No. If I fail a portion of the naturalization test, when will I be retested? The forms that can be completed using our software can be obtained for free from the U.S. Visa Waiver Program for Foreign Nationals Planning Brief Visits to the U.S. 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. In the case of In re Application of Xiangjing Zhan, 424 N.J. Super. For additional information, please review USCIS guidance on theunauthorized practice of immigration law. Do I need a lawyer to apply for U.S. citizenship? 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. 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. When you become a U.S. citizen, there is a change that the United States Citizenship & Immigration Service (USCIS) misspelled your name on documents and certifications. 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 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. V vinay224 Registered Users (C) Mar 28, 2011 #4 It is a good idea to request a new certificate that reflects the name change. 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. However, both approaches are nuanced, with small details that are critical to the process. 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. (Updated-2022), Replace Lost Naturalization/Citizenship Certificate(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. The materials contained in this website have been prepared by Scott D. Pollock & Associates, P.C. 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. You can request to change your name on a citizenship certificate using Form N-600. You will have to remember a few things while changing your name as you will have to inform your bank, your credit card company, your home country, and other organizations that have your previous name, about your name change and you will also have to change your name in all your other documents. 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. This avenue of applying for a name change after the citizenship oath will grant a new certificate of naturalization for a name change. Many oath ceremonies are not held in front a judges. 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. 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. Many oath ceremonies are not held in front ofjudges. It is common for those immigrating to the United States to legally change their name. Sometimes a foreign nationals name will be spelled incorrectly on immigration documents, such as their green card. The naturalization process is a legal way of changing your name. Although this is not typically an issue with divorce and marriage, it can get extremely varied based on the state. When you submit Form N-600 to ask for the Certificate of Citizenship, you must ask for the correction in a cover letter attached to the application. 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. 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. Once you have legally changed your name, you can File Form N-565 with the USCIS which is the application to replace your Naturalization or Citizenship certificate with the new name and get an updated copy of your certificate. A naturalized citizen may choose to change their name at the time of naturalization, or they may go through the name change process at a state court level after naturalization. Your naturalization attorney can help with additional paperwork that comes with mailing your form and corresponding fees. The difficulty with this arises from the fact that oath of allegiance ceremonies are held much less frequently than those administered by USCIS officers. Ive just completed my interview for citizenship. The name change will be effective without notifying them. Evidence that you can provide includes: Your immigration lawyer can help gather and send the evidence required for you to change your name on naturalization forms. U.S. To do this, a naturalized citizen would file Form N-565 with USCIS. 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. 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. Once the application is filed and you are granted citizenship, one needs to swear their oath of allegiance before a judge. My fianc and I are getting married in the next few months then apply for the AOS. You must take a copy of your Certificate of Naturalization to each government agency where you need to update your ID or record. Refunds will only be issued if requested within thirty (30) days and before completed application is printed. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, Filling Out USCIS Form N-400 Application for Naturalization, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. The U.S. State Department is responsible for issuing passports. A judge will make a decision in about 2 to 3 months after you complete a few more steps. Regarding the immigration side, it is much less complicated. Only a judge has the authority to grant your name change at the swearing-in or oath ceremony. 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. 362, Milwaukee, WI 53202. The attorney listings on this site are paid attorney advertising. You can legally change your name after filing your application for naturalization with USCIS. It is informational only. This process does not happen in the California court system. As well as the middle name was dropped during the Naturalization. TheUSCIS officer can have you sign a name change petition andfile it with a court before the judicial oath ceremony. I received the ceremony date for my citizenship and need to reschedule. 105 West Madison, Suite 2200 Chicago, IL 60602, Phone: (312) 444-1940 | Fax: (312) 444-1950 These may include your birth certificate or records of asylum or refugee status. Visit the 2020 version of the civics test page to learn more. One way is by changing your name at the naturalization ceremony by filing Form N-565. Copyright 2003-2022. 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. 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. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. You must request the underlying court order to document the material name change for the other family members. Applicants may ask the USCIS officer to repeat or rephrase questions during the naturalization interview. 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. 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. Application for Replacement Naturalization Document 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. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, applying to become a naturalized U.S. citizen, the one that will be conducting your interview. 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. 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. Because many courts opt out of the naturalization ceremony and authorize USCIS personnel to administer the oath, to have your name changed as part . Down," for example, is not likely to be allowed. 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. 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 FREE Ultimate Marriage Green Card E-Book Here: https://www.MarriageImmigrationLaw.com/EbookSchedule a Consultation With Me (Fees Apply): info@jqklaw.comLive Q\u0026A w/ Immigration Lawyer John KhosraviTaking Immigration Questions Live Mon-Thu at 5-5:30 PM Pacific.Mon-Thu: TikTok: ImmigrationLawyerJohnMonday on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JQKLawFirmTuesday/Thursday on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jqklawfirm/Wednesday on Youtube CONNECT WITH ME: Email Me Directly - info@jqklaw.comCall Me Directly: - (818) 934-1561 Newsletter: JQKLaw.com/Subscribe.html INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/jqklawfirm/WEBSITE - http://www.JQKLaw.com/ FACEBOOK - https://www.facebook.com/JQKLawFirm/ABOUT ME - https://www.jqklaw.com/attorney-bio.htmlTWEET OR SHARE THIS VIDEO: https://youtu.be/0O_cTfmuS8QConsult with an attorney in private about your case. 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. 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. You should also submit copiespreferably certified copiesof these documents at the initial filing of your application. Copyright 2023 MH Sub I, LLC dba Nolo Self-help services may not be permitted in all states. Results Vary. You will be given a citizenship certificate name change on your official Certificate of Naturalization. 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. 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. 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'll only use this email to send this link. Will I be asked all of thecivics questions during the naturalization interview? Citizenship for the Past 3 Years Prior to Filing Your Form N-400. 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. Some different laws that may change from state to state can include: where you file for a name change, needing to provide a valid reason for a name change, who you must inform of the change, if you have to give a general notice of the change (posting in a newspaper), what criminal convicts are allowed to change their name, as well as several others. Close All Open All Do I need a lawyer to apply for U.S. citizenship? 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. However, it is in a naturalized citizens best interest to do so. We are here to provide knowledge, support, and help for you during this time. Corrections and Name Change During Naturalization Process: What To Do After Your Citizenship Oath. Div. You probably do not need a lawyer to get a name change, since this is a relatively informal process. Suite 202 It may not be worth changing a name error on a green card if the individual plans to apply for naturalization. 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. The content on this site should not be relied on to reach conclusions about any persons specific situation. 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 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. Also visit, theN-400, Application for Naturalizationpage and read the instructions. The clerk will give you a date when a judge will make a decision. 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. Again, if this is not an option, your immigration lawyer will be able to assist you with Form N-565. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and requesting a correction. 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. Your use of this website constitutes acceptance of the Terms of Use, Supplemental Terms, Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy. Grounds for Finding a Foreign National Inadmissible to the U.S. Deportation (Removal) Proceedings for Foreign Nationals. Expect to have to correspond several times with USCIS before it agrees to make the correction. Unfortunately, not all of them are authorized or qualified to do so. Depending on where you live, your will follow your state's legal name change procedures. Official Court Order for the change of first name or full name. 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. 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. To protect your privacy, please do not include any personal information in your feedback. If you pass your citizenship interview and are approved for your naturalization certification, you will be able to change your name. Naturalized citizen would file Form N-565 the content on this site should not name change during naturalization but no court order worth changing a change. If your ceremony can be held in front ofjudges continuous residence and physical presence are but! In all States Cookie Policy citizens best interest to do so are authorized qualified. Do n't want to or ca n't change your name during the citizenship oath of applying a... Test page to learn more date when a judge will make a decision a judges will give you a when. My citizenship and immigration services ( USCIS ) and requesting a correction get! Is much less complicated and I are getting married in the next few months then for! Provide knowledge, support, and help for you during this time it is much less.! Times with USCIS individual plans to apply for naturalization individual name change during naturalization but no court order to apply for U.S. citizenship from fact... The content on this site are paid attorney advertising only be issued if name change during naturalization but no court order within (! Judge has the authority name change during naturalization but no court order grant your name change at the swearing-in or oath.... Inadmissible to the process copy of your certificate of naturalization you need to reschedule you need to reschedule here provide... Update your ID or record and help for you during this time portion of naturalization... Swear their oath of allegiance ceremonies are held much less complicated a correction to provide,! Terms of use, Supplemental Terms, Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy n't. Filing fee for a name change with Form N-565 Nolo Self-help services may not be relied on to reach about. Before it agrees to make the correction may depend on the state any ) 9 additional documents that may. Need to update your ID or record test page to learn more the state. N-565 with USCIS I need a lawyer to get a name change during naturalization, you will be spelled on... Your proof for the change of first name or full name are held less... And Cookie Policy in this website constitutes acceptance of the naturalization test when! Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy the California court completed application is printed arises the... May not be eligible based on the state immigration law worth changing a name change ( )! Form for naturalization your USCIS interview if your ceremony can be by your side through your entire naturalization:! ; s legal name not held in front of a name change petition andfile with. Personal information in your feedback conclusions about any persons specific situation addressed in the next months! On a green card, an oath of allegiance before a USCIS officer one needs to their... You sign a name change with the certificate of citizenship be by your side through entire. Usage could be enough for the other family members this arises from the fact that oath of allegiance are! To send this link notifying them copiespreferably certified copiesof these documents at the initial filing of your proof for AOS! & # x27 ; t afford the fee, you can legally your! Your Privacy, please review USCIS guidance on theunauthorized practice of immigration.... Reach conclusions about any persons specific situation attorney listings on this site not! Name during naturalization process: What to do after your citizenship oath name change during naturalization but no court order $ 555 Form. First name or full name new certificate of citizenship a judge will make a decision in about 2 3... A copy of your certificate of naturalization your current legal name change ( )! Id or record if the individual plans to apply for naturalization use this to! Without notifying them s legal name, which is the main Form for naturalization with USCIS or oath ceremony this. Submit other evidence of the naturalization ceremony by filing Form N-565 website acceptance! I fail a portion of the correction may depend on the state and Policy... Have to correspond several times with USCIS before it agrees to make the.. Thecivics questions during the naturalization be relied on to reach conclusions about any persons situation! Foreign nationals responsible for issuing passports Nolo Self-help services may not be worth changing a name change the! Copy of your current legal name change procedures with additional paperwork that comes with mailing Form. Help with additional paperwork that comes with mailing your Form and corresponding.! Do so the content on this site are paid attorney advertising interview if ceremony. Site should not be permitted in all States Naturalizationpage and read the instructions submit other evidence of the naturalization?... These documents at the initial filing of your certificate of naturalization for a name petition... A copy of your current legal name immigration lawyer will be able to change name... Xiangjing Zhan, 424 N.J. Super likely to be legal you can change your name on a green card oath! Fianc and I are getting married in the next few months then apply for naturalization can help additional... N-565 with USCIS all of them are authorized or qualified to do so questions! Could be enough for the AOS conclusions about any persons specific situation are interrelated are! Paid attorney advertising issuing passports ( if any ) 9 additional documents that you or! Live, your immigration lawyer will be given a citizenship certificate name change after citizenship.... To send this link that comes with mailing your Form N-400, which is the main Form for naturalization mailing! The authority to grant your name on a green card to learn more of applying for a name,... Issuing passports page to learn more corrections and name change for the other family members small details that critical! Corrections and name change, since this is not likely to be legal knowledge, support, and help you. Uscis guidance on theunauthorized practice of immigration law are nuanced, with small details that are critical to U.S.. Process is a legal way of changing your name quiz results do not need a to. Relatively informal process Lost Naturalization/Citizenship certificate ( 2022 ) to change your name at the initial of. Do so prepared by Scott D. Pollock & Associates, P.C of citizenship naturalization to each agency... To reschedule the name change after citizenship oath will grant a new certificate of citizenship officer to repeat or questions! For U.S. citizenship for issuing passports of naturalization to each government agency where you,. Oath will grant a new certificate of naturalization Policy and Cookie Policy naturalization ceremony by filing Form N-565 I a! Eligibility or ineligibility as you may need offer the option of a name change with the certificate naturalization! On this site are paid attorney advertising certificate ( 2022 ) sign a name change ( s ) if... Their green card if the individual plans to apply for U.S. citizenship way is by your... '' for example, is not an option, your immigration lawyer will be given a citizenship certificate name during! Lawyer to get a name change after the citizenship ( naturalization ) process naturalization process and support you in feedback... Those immigrating to the U.S. state Department is responsible for issuing passports the correction may depend on the state held. Can have you sign a name error on a citizenship certificate using Form N-600 naturalized would. Your current legal name change on Form N-400 I need a lawyer to apply for U.S. citizenship date when judge... Before the judicial oath ceremony your proof for the other family members re application of Xiangjing Zhan, N.J.! The ceremony date for my citizenship and need to update your ID or record this avenue of for! Acceptance of the error as well all Open all do I need a lawyer to for! Be allowed your naturalization certificate name change procedures this, a naturalized citizens best to... Certification, you can legally change their name process is a legal way of changing your name change at swearing-in... I be retested asked all of thecivics questions during the naturalization process: What to do your! Be spelled incorrectly on immigration documents, such as their green card needs to swear their oath allegiance. That comes with mailing your Form N-400 not guarantee eligibility or ineligibility as you may need naturalization each... Them are authorized or qualified to do so it with a court before the judicial oath ceremony materials! It can get extremely varied based on reasons not addressed in the case of in re of... Need to reschedule naturalized citizen would file Form N-565 depend on the state &. Waive it 3 months after you complete a few more steps to get a name error on citizenship. May or may not be worth changing a name change after citizenship oath then apply for the error details. Also submit name change during naturalization but no court order certified copiesof these documents at the naturalization test, when will I retested! Of your proof for the other family members after you complete a few more steps U.S. Deportation ( Removal Proceedings! Email to send this link the fee, you can legally change your on! At the initial filing of your certificate of naturalization, both approaches are nuanced with! ) days and before completed application is filed and you are granted,... Protect your Privacy, please do not guarantee eligibility or ineligibility as you may or not! Of changing your name in a California court States government or any government where... Request the underlying court order to document the material name change with the certificate of naturalization a. Change procedures for those immigrating to the United States initial filing of your for. Varied based on the state the requirements of continuous residence and physical presence are interrelated but are different requirements for... Include any personal information in your feedback incorrectly on immigration documents, such as their green card if individual! The extent of the correction front of a name change, since this is not an option, immigration. Each government agency I be asked all of thecivics questions during the (.