There are many different reasons you might wish to change your name. Regardless of why you do so, the next step is to change your documents to refer to you by the correct name. This article will delve into how to change your name on a UK naturalization certificate.
A UK naturalization certificate is a document that provides evidence of citizenship. It’s provided to people who have been granted citizenship in the United Kingdom. These certificates can be used to apply for passports and used as a simple form of identification to indicate who you are.
Naturalization refers to changing your nationality. Foreign nationals living in the UK and some people living abroad have been able to gain citizenship in the UK through the naturalization process for hundreds of years. The process and requirements have changed over the years, but the result has not.
A successful applicant like yourself has the same status and rights as someone born in the UK. When approved for naturalization, you can attend a citizenship ceremony and be known as an official citizen of the United Kingdom.
In order to receive a certificate of naturalization for the UK, there are several requirements. Some are simple to meet, while others can be more complicated. The first is that you must be at least 18 years of age. However, there are special provisions for children.
The following requirement is that you be considered of good character. This is a complex area of the law and takes all sorts of things into account. It will go into the kind of person you are and what activities you have taken in the past.
A few of the things considered during your character assessment include your background, financial soundness, criminal background, notoriety, and any dishonesty and deception in your past. In most cases, this is the grounds cited for most citizenship refusals.
The third requirement has two parts to it. First, you need to pass the Life in the UK test. Second, you will then also need to meet the English language requirement.
The Life in the UK test can be quite challenging. The test covers all parts of British history condensed into 24 questions and has a 45-minute time limit. All questions are random, and a 75% is required to pass.
The English language requirement is the second part of this requirement. This can be proved by showing your knowledge of English through an English test qualification from approved testing centers.
Proof of English knowledge can also be shown through having a degree that was researched or taught in English. This needs to be an academic degree, not a vocational one.
The final requirement of a UK naturalization certificate is being of sound mind. In this case, that means you are capable of making decisions for yourself without assistance from other individuals.
Other than the customary requirements, many applicants also must meet the below criteria:
· Live in the United Kingdom for five years or longer with no absences of more than 450 days.
· Not travel beyond the United Kingdom for more than 90 days over the past year.
· Have UK permanent residence if an EEA national or have been provided indefinite leave to remain in the United Kingdom (this should have been granted at least a year in the past).
Once you pass the Life in UK test, show you understand English, and are considered to have good character, you will provide the names of two people who can prove your identity. You will also need to deliver biometric information, including a photograph and fingerprints.
The application is sent in along with any necessary fees. This starts a waiting process that can last six months or longer. If more information is required, you will be contacted by UK Visas and Immigration. This department will also contact you when a decision is made about your naturalization.
There are several pieces of information included on a certificate of naturalization. The certificate has a standard format and includes personal information about someone who has been granted UK nationality. The following information will typically be listed:
· Full name
· Residence or address of the applicant
· Birthplace
· Age and date of birth
· Parents’ names
· Name of spouse if married
· Occupation
· Children with their names and ages if still of dependent age
In addition, the document will have a certificate number and reference number. When you receive the certificate, it’s essential to be sure that it is entirely correct. If you need to change something down the line, the government levies a cost for amendments and the issuance of replacement certificates.
If you ever find out that your UK naturalization certificate has been stolen, it’s essential to contact the police as soon as possible.
Changing your name on a UK naturalization certificate isn’t as challenging as you might expect. It all comes down to filling out a form, which you can acquire here. The form is four pages long and will ask for various information, including:
· Reference numbers from past immigration applications
· Title and surname
· Other names
· Date of birth
· City and country of birth
· Current address
· Certificate number
· Date of issue
· Home office reference number
· Incorrect details on the certificate
· Proof of incorrect details
· Reason for the amendment request
· Whether details are the same as your citizenship application form
· Full name and declaration
Once you have filled out all the fields on the form, the next step is to send it to the mailing address below:
Department 201
UK Visas and Immigration
Silver Zone, 4th Floor
The Capital
New Hall Place
Liverpool
L3 9PP
If you are not comfortable with completing an online form, assistance is available. However, you will need to apply through the mail or in-person if you live in the Isle of Man, the Channel Islands, or a British overseas territory. The local governor’s office will provide more information about your options.
