Q: Green card name mismatch – apply for citizenship?
I am currently on a conditional green card, obtained through marriage, and have applied for the I-751 removal of conditions, with the application pending since November 2023. As I prepared to apply for citizenship using the N-400 form, I noticed that my name is incorrectly listed on my green card, with my first and last names swapped. I have not yet contacted USCIS regarding this error, and my passport has the correct name. Should I proceed with the citizenship application despite the typo on my green card, or should I address this issue with USCIS first?
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
- (916) 704-3009
- View Profile
- Answered
A:
It's important to address the name discrepancy before submitting your N-400 application. USCIS may see the mismatch as a potential issue, which could cause delays in your naturalization process. Since your I-751 is still pending, you have an opportunity to request a correction before moving forward with your citizenship application.
You can contact USCIS by submitting a service request or calling their customer service line to explain the mistake. Providing documentation, such as your passport and marriage certificate, can help support your case. If necessary, you may also need to file Form I-90 to replace your green card, but this depends on USCIS’s guidance.
Once the name correction is in progress or resolved, you can proceed with your N-400 application with confidence. Having all your documents consistent will help prevent unnecessary complications. Taking this extra step now can save you time and stress in the long run.
Justia Ask A Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get free answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask A Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.
The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between Justia and you, or between any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions and you, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask A Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.
Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.
