Name Change - N400

[Mukhiya]

Hi,

I am about apply for Naturalization/N400 and see that it gives an option to change name.
My name in my Indian passport was misspelled (just a space was added in between of characters of my first name). The misspelled name continued on to my Visa, SSN, Green Card and all other official documents, bank accounts, etc.

I wanted to know if I should use this opportunity to correct my name while filing the N-400 or should I just mention my legal name without a space and then add the one with a space to the other names?

What are pros and cons of requesting a name change when filing N-400?

I really appreciate your feedback and help.

Thanks
- M

[rkk09]

Hi,
Here is my response.
I wanted to know if I should use this opportunity to correct my name while filing the N-400 or should I just mention my legal name without a space and then add the one with a space to the other names?
Answer: If there is big change you will require, I think this is best time to correct it. As you mentioned, you will have option to correct or change the name while you are filing N-400.
What are pros and cons of requesting a name change when filing N-400?
Answer: Kindly do review below USCIS guidance about name change.

Your Current Legal Name. Your current legal name is the name on your birth certificate unless it changed after birth by a legal action such as a marriage or court order. Do not provide a nickname.
Your Name Exactly As It Appears on Your Permanent Resident Card (if applicable). Type or print your name exactly as it appears on your Permanent Resident Card even if it is misspelled or has changed through marriage, divorce, or other court order since you received your card. Type or print “N/A” if you do not have a Permanent Resident Card.
Other Names You Have Used Since Birth (include nicknames, aliases, and maiden name, if applicable). If you have used any other names or aliases, provide them in this section. If you need extra space to complete this section, use a separate sheet of paper.
Name Change: A court can allow you to change your name when you are naturalized. Any name change you request on this application will not be final until you are naturalized by the court. If you want the court to change your name at your naturalization oath ceremony, select “Yes” and complete this section. You do not need to request a name change if your name has changed through marriage, divorce, or other court order.
As per this, I dont think, you will have much complications to rectify the mistakes.
All the best.
Thanks

[Tezza]

As above said, it's pretty easy for you to do this and it is the best time to do it, since it goes hand in hand with naturalization.

When you go to your ceremony the USCIS officer asks the presiding judge to perform the oath of allegiance and to authorize any name changes submitted with your N400.

The judge will approve the motion for name changes and then administer the oath. Upon completion, you will legally have your requested name.

[Mukhiya]

Thank you rkk09 and Tezza
As mine is just a spelling correction (removal of a unnecessary space between the letters), can I mention the correct name in the "Current Legal Name" and the misspelled one as it appears on the GC in the "What is your name exactly as it appears on your Permanent Resident Card?" without opting for "Would you like to legally change your name?"

Will this work?

I heard taking the oath in front of the Judge may take a long time as getting Judge's appointment takes a long time.

Appreciate your response.

Thanks
- M