Switch Main Name on Naturalisation Application (BOTH in other passport)

[abrli776]

Hi All,

I've read previous posts here about name changes in passport / naturalisation applications as well as the general home office guidance document.

My situation is perhaps a little unique. I have two names - my original Chinese name and a variation of that including my anglican name (let's say David). Day to day I use the name including David and it's used in almost all legal documents including my Chinese passport (recorded as 'also known as').

In the past, I've always used my main passport name for HO applications with David as other name on the application form. Therefore all my visas and BRPs were issued in original passport name. For naturalisation, I'd like to use the name with David as that's what I would like on my British passport.

Is this likely to cause issues? Or would it be advisable to apply under the original name and then immediately change UK passport name via deed poll (by then I would've lost my Chinese passport as dual citizenship is not allowed)?

Thanks for your time and advice!

[Zerubbabel]

Hello

Once you are a British national, name change is easy. You can change your name and get that down to your passport, driving license and other documents.

But at the moment, if you get a naturalisation certificate inconsistent with your Chinese passport, the HMPO will make it very hard for you to get a British passport. You might not even get it one day.

So for now, the priority is to be consistent for the sake of the British passport. Any change, can be made later.

[CR001]

Citizenship will be granted in the same name as in your passport.

If you want a different name, you have to formally change your foreign passport first and then apply for citizenship/naturalisation.

[Zerubbabel]

In many countries (most?) name change is not allowed or allowed only in exceptional circumstances and after a long legal proceeding.

In the UK, you can apply for an ‘enrolled’ deed poll for £36. It's exceptionally simple and cheap.

[abrli776]

Thanks for all your replies. Funny thing is I've already been using the other name on most legal documents (UK Driving Licence, HMRC, Council, Banks and etc).

Chinese don't allow English names on the main page of the passport, so the best they could do is recording it as "also known as" on the observation page.

But it sounds like at this point it's not worth taking the risk for something that can be easily rectified once I have the first British passport and renounced my Chinese one.