You can file this petition if you have already filed your naturalization application. All Rights Reserved. Call city/county court clerk; they should be able to provide you with court order; if not already done. 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. Is there an official document? No. 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. You can legally change your name after filing your application for naturalization with USCIS. What Are the Eligibility Requirements for U.S. In addition, theFind Help in Your Communitypage allows individuals to search for low-cost or free citizenship classes throughout the United States. 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. The USCIS officer will ask questions to clarify or confirm your responses. You have demonstrated an ability to speak English if you generally understand and can respond accurately to the USCIS officer. Step by Step Instructions on Filling Out Form N-400, U.S. Although this is not typically an issue with divorce and marriage, it can get extremely varied based on the state. 2012), the New Jersey Appellate Division addressed this question. These documents should be submitted as evidence in support of your application, and will facilitate the USCIS officers review of your request. 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. If I fail a portion of the naturalization test, when will I be retested? can be by your side through your entire naturalization process and support you in your naturalization certificate name change. Copyright 2023 MH Sub I, LLC dba Nolo Self-help services may not be permitted in all states. You must take a copy of your Certificate of Naturalization to each government agency where you need to update your ID or record. Mr. Bonus' naturalization papers would simply record the name change but not the reasons behind it. 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. However, USCIS recognizes that certain circumstances may prevent concurrent filing of the naturalization application and the disability exception form. A lock ( A locked padlock ) or https:// means you've safely connected to the .gov website. In other regions, the swearing-in ceremonies are routinely held at a USCIS officesometimes right after the naturalization interview. If you file by mail, The USCIS will then mail you updates about your case. The filing fee for a name change after citizenship oath is $555 for Form N-565. It is a good idea to request a new certificate that reflects the name change. The Court is unable to provide a copy of your naturalization certificate or any other documentation that certifies your citizenship. Self-help software and customer support services are provided solely at a users direction. The attorneys at Scott D. Pollock & Associates P.C. 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. How to Apply for US Citizenship and Naturalization, Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, Corrections and Name Change During Naturalization Process: What To Do After Your Citizenship Oath, Citizenship Interview: Benefits of Having a Lawyer at Citizenship Interview, Citizen vs Permanent Resident: Green Cards, Benefits, and Social Security, Family Sponsorship Lawyer: Visa Requirements, FAWs, and Hiring an Immigration Lawyer, Copies of your original naturalization certificate. If you are approved for citizenship, a USCIS official will schedule an oath ceremony. Depending on the cause of the error, however, you might have to pay for the correction. How can I obtain a copy of my Name Change Form? 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. Make sure to mention your name change and bring the documents related to your name change at the time of the interview. I received the ceremony date for my citizenship and need to reschedule. 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. The N-400 name change is done directly on your naturalization application rather than after your swearing-in ceremony. However, some answers may change because of elections or appointments. 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. We do not provide legal advice, opinions, or recommendations about any individuals specific legal rights, remedies, defenses, options, or strategies. Proof of Official Name Change (s) (if any) 9 Additional Documents That You May Need. Changing your name on the citizenship application (Form N-400) is the most direct, and possibly cost-effective, way to change your name. Once you get the documents changing your name, you can use it to change your name on other legal identity documents. To do this, a naturalized citizen would file Form N-565 with USCIS. USCIS offersinteractive practice teststo help you prepare. In the U.S., adults can change their legal names in a state or local court. On the paperwork where you're filing for Citizenship,you said that you wanted to change your name. Fill the form out with your current name, even if the name is misspelled. Unfortunately, not all of them are authorized or qualified to do so. 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. 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. 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). Official websites use .gov 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. Part 2, Question 4 of Form N-400 is specifically meant for this purpose. Please reference the Terms of Use and the Supplemental Terms for specific information related to your state. Yes. There are a few ways to go about a name change during naturalization. Can I legally change my name while my naturalization application is pending? The Court is unable to provide a copy of your naturalization certificate or any other documentation that certifies your citizenship. A judge can legally change your name at your oath ceremony. 2023 Scott D. Pollock & Associates, P.C. Visa Waiver Program for Foreign Nationals Planning Brief Visits to the U.S. If you don't want to or can't change your name during naturalization, you can change your name in a California court. 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. 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. To request a naturalization certificate name change, you will apply for a replacement naturalization/citizenship document using Form N-565. Visit the 2020 version of the civics test page to learn more. The materials contained in this website have been prepared by Scott D. Pollock & Associates, P.C. UNITED KINGDOM. 1. You can ask to change your name in your Application for Naturalization(form N-400). You will need to pay the filing fee and the biometrics service fee. 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. 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. 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. We will not change a name without evidence such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) handles citizenship applications. [4] 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 has been known to accept certain name corrections but not others, so it is okay to list alternatives in order of your preference. You can indicate a name change on Form N-400, which is the main form for naturalization. Citizenship for the Past 3 Years Prior to Filing Your Form N-400. Do I need a lawyer to apply for U.S. citizenship? Ask at your USCIS interview if your ceremony can be held in front of a judge. Get more information on how to fill out the name change part inthe Instructions for form N-400. If you have been wanting to change your namewhether your first name, last name (surname) or bothapplying to become a naturalized U.S. citizen offers you a possible way to do so, and with few administrative hassles. "Kick U. You can request to change your name on a citizenship certificate using Form N-600. 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