Another option involves going to court to legally change your name. 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. For more information, seeexceptions and accommodations. 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. 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. Accordingly, an applicant may file the disability exception form during any part of the naturalization process, including after the application is filed but before the firstexamination, during the firstexamination, during the re-examination if the applicants firstexaminationwas rescheduled, and during the rehearing on a denied 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. 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. It is common for those immigrating to the United States to legally change their name. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and requesting a correction. 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. There are a few restrictions about what you can choose for your new name; read about the rules in Name Change FAQ. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS 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. This site provides general information on some commonly encountered immigration matters only and was created to allow you to more simply navigate your completion of immigration paperwork using online software. Also submit an affidavit from a parent, if possible, explaining the error and correction. If your Form N-648 is found to be sufficient, and the licensed medical professional who completed your Form N-648 indicated on the form that you were unable to comply with all of the educational requirements, the officer will conduct the eligibility interview in your language of choice with the use of an interpreter and will not test you on any of the educational requirements. Many oath ceremonies are not held in front ofjudges. 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. 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. If you have citizenship automatically through a U.S. citizen parent, you can ask for a Certificate of Citizenship to help you correct errors in how your name was spelled on certain official documents. See the Change or Correct a Passport page of the State Department's website for more information. One way is by changing your name at the naturalization ceremony by filing Form N-565. 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. Does USCIS publish the naturalization test questions? How do I reschedule? Does USCIS make frequent changes to the questions on the naturalization test? 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. Categories: Green CardsLive In The USMarriage In The USUS Citizenship. In addition to preparing for the reading, writing, and civics portion of the naturalization test, you will need to prepare for the speaking portion of the naturalization test and meet all other naturalization requirements. 4. The USCIS officer will ask the applicant only the civics questions on the lists for both versions of the test. During your naturalization interview, a USCIS officer will review the responses you provided on yourForm N-400, Application for Naturalizationwith you. 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. The documentation of name changes during US naturalization procedure has only been required since 1906. 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. During Naturalization they (US Naturalization) took the name from Birth Certificate and not according to the passport. To request a naturalization certificate name change, you will apply for a replacement naturalization/citizenship document using Form N-565. What is Naturalization? To do this, there are two approaches available. A lock ( A locked padlock ) or https:// means you've safely connected to the .gov website. This involves paying a fee. 8 FAM 403.1-4(C) Change of Name by Marriage (CT:CITZ-64; 11-08-2021) 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. Self-help software and customer support services are provided solely at a users direction. 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. In such a case, your request for a name change on Form N-400 cannot be acted upon. Yes, you can do a naturalization certificate name change. 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. A request for a Certificate of Citizenship can be filed by a person (most likely a minor) who has already derived U.S. citizenship automatically, through a U.S. citizen parent. We do not provide legal advice, opinions, or recommendations about any individuals specific legal rights, remedies, defenses, options, or strategies. If you were naturalized in Des Moines, please contact the Clerk's Office at 515-284-6248. Visa Waiver Program for Foreign Nationals Planning Brief Visits to the U.S. If you can't afford the fee, you can ask the court to waive it. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, applying to become a naturalized U.S. citizen, the one that will be conducting your 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. One may change their name after naturalization by going through the courts, or by some operation of law such marriage or divorce. This article describes these various options. 231 (App. Why Is My Immigration Case Taking So Long? In some states, the information on this website may be considered a lawyer referral service. 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. 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. 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. Please send a written request to the US District Court Clerk's Office, attn: Naturalization, 517 E. Wisconsin Ave, Rm. The U.S. State Department is responsible for issuing passports. Yes. Contact us at 312.444.1940 or fill out an online form today. 1. Again, if this is not an option, your immigration lawyer will be able to assist you with Form N-565. To do this, a naturalized citizen would file Form N-565 with USCIS. USCIS has developed responses to several frequently asked questions related to the naturalization process and interview and test. If you changed your name during your Oath ceremony, your next step is to update your legal identity documents. Look for a "Chat Now" button in the right bottom corner of your screen. Ask at your USCIS interview if your ceremony can be held in front of a judge. Applying for naturalization does not change this requirement. At the heart of our firm is a focus on client relationships, responsiveness, and our deep commitment to helping you or your corporation achieve the goal of living or working in the U.S. 4299 MacArthur Boulevard 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. 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. Exceptions and restrictions may apply; see Refund Policyfor details. Even if you do not ask for a name change at this point, you can ask to file a Petition for Name Change at your USCIS interview. Please send a written request to the US District Court Clerk's Office, attn: Naturalization, 517 E. Wisconsin Ave, Rm. 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. Typically, an oath of allegiance is performed before a USCIS officer. 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. This is an attorney advertisement. have several decades of combined experience. Sometimes a foreign nationals name will be spelled incorrectly on immigration documents, such as their green card. 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. People applying for U.S. citizenship can change their names as a part of the U.S. naturalization process. (Unfortunately, you cannot pick and choose which USCIS office to attend your interview at. The decision on your Form N-648 will be made at the time of your naturalization interview. This general education only. The form requires an individual to confirm or deny if they would like to change their name. This means you must be residing exclusively in the United States not in any other country. 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. (Updated-2022), Replace Lost Naturalization/Citizenship Certificate(2022). 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. 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 . If you decide to get legal assistance, you can start here: Many people offer to help with immigration services. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) as blank forms with written instructions. We will not change a name without evidence such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. No. If you have any questions about your immigration status or how to change your name during the immigration process, please contact our office. You must answer at least 12 of the 20 questions correctly to pass the 2020 version of the civics test. Unfortunately, not all of them are authorized or qualified to do so. 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. 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. 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. 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name change during naturalization but no court order