Naturalisation... Name Query

[mhunjn]

While filling in the naturalisation application form, I had put down my full name where required. My present passport (Indian) mentions only my first and middle name, though all other documents I have (academic, professional, work permit) have my full name (first middle family) on them. The lady at NCS mentioned that it wouldn't be a problem as long as I explained why my family name didn't appear on my present passport.

Now, with the ack. letter, IND have mentioned that there is no 'official' document with my full name on it. So they wouldn't be able to issue the certificate with my full name if my application were to be successful; unless I provided them with some 'official' document.

Can you suggest/advise as to what sort of document may be required?...

This is a 1 yr student + 4yrs WP + 1 yr ILR case.

Hoping for an early reply.

Regards.

[John]

In the absence of names on a birth certificate or other official document, maybe you should do a "Change of Name Deed" here in the UK to confirm that your full name is (whatever it is).

I say that because my wife on behalf of my step-daughter changed her name to something a bit more "English sounding", and my surname, compared to the names as shown on her Thai birth certificate. When issued my step-daughter's Certificate of Registration as a British Citizen is in the name as shown on the Change of Name Deed, although it also mentions her previous name.

So I think that a Change of Name Deed, signed by you before a Solicitor, would probably be sufficient to IND.

But other suggestions, particularly from those of Indian origin, are very welcome here.

[vin123]

By 'Official document', I think they either mean a birth certificate or a passport with full middle name included.

For naturalization you have two options to go with now,

- Follow as per John's comments, if it is still not sufficient for IND, then you would probably have to make a trip to the Indian embassy office to get the middle name added to the passport and then apply for British passport (which is I think is a waste of time, because your Indian passport identity is invalid after you get your naturalization certificate)

- Or simply use your first name and last name alone, if you are not highly particular about middle name. That’s all you need in this country to survive!
You may also want to check with IND whether they will allow you to use middle initials rather than the full middle name without additional documents that they are after.

While filling in the naturalisation application form, I had put down my full name where required. My present passport (Indian) mentions only my first and middle name, though all other documents I have (academic, professional, work permit) have my full name (first middle family) on them. The lady at NCS mentioned that it wouldn't be a problem as long as I explained why my family name didn't appear on my present passport.

Now, with the ack. letter, IND have mentioned that there is no 'official' document with my full name on it. So they wouldn't be able to issue the certificate with my full name if my application were to be successful; unless I provided them with some 'official' document.

Can you suggest/advise as to what sort of document may be required?...

This is a 1 yr student + 4yrs WP + 1 yr ILR case.

Hoping for an early reply.

Regards.

[mhunjn]

Thanks for the comments to my query...

Just to clarify that the issue here is the family name/surname not being on my Indian passport.

John, if I do go with the change in name deed thing, how much should i expect to pay. Also, how long does it normally take?... Again, would this actually be relevant considering i am not actually changing my name?...

Would appreciate if you can do a brief rundown on the process. Is it something really simple like booking appt with the solicitor and coming out with a change in name deed/document?...

OR

can I ask IND to just use the name as on my Indian passport?... (first middle)

[vin123]

Just to clarify that the issue here is the family name/surname not being on my Indian passport.

IND normally refuses to add any names that is not shown on the passport/Birth certificate without proper documentations. So you will have to do your home work here to get things in place the way you want to be.

Have you got a UK driving license? . What is actually given in there?

When I went for the DVLA identity verification for my driving licence the guy at the counter found out that my surname and first name was given in the reverse order in the passport. That was the first time that I noticed that too.
Luckily, I had some other documents and my employer id card with photo to show on the spot that I'm the real me.
Then I remember that guy uttering "Indian passport authority is infamous for putting incorrect order or making surname/first name go missing from the entire document"

[mhunjn]

My license has my first and middle name on it, as they copy the name as given on the passport. So that won't be of any help unfortunately.

My previous WP have my full name on them. Can't I ask them to take that into consideration?
Also, my wife's passport has my full name on it (as husband). This was when she got her passport renewed from the Indian High Comm. in London. Can this be used?...

Seems like failing the above docs., I'll have to either contend with just my first and middle name on the certificate in the event of approval, or go through the change of name deed thing.

PS: The only reason i put my full name in there was because the NCS lady mentioned that this shouldn't be a problem at all!...

[John]

mhunjn, I have just spent a little while searching on the internet for the wording of a statutory declaration to change your name. However I have failed miserably, although there are lots of downloadable documents if one is prepared to pay.

In any case, given the rather strange circumstances in which you wish to clarify your name, it might be best if you contact a solicitor local to you and get a quote to prepare the needed statutory declaration and then getting that completed. I suspect that you are not talking a lot of money to provide that service for you. And they might be able to prepare the document while you wait, given that these days solicitors hold lots of document templates on computer, so merely a question of filling in the gaps.

Phone two or three solicitors who are conveniently situated to you and see what they have to say.

[mhunjn]

John,

Thanks for the comments. I have also found a few links, but most of these are what is the standard change of name deed thing. I am not sure that these are what i need... as this would mean changing my name; which i am not doing.

However, i'll call a couple of solicitors here and get some more advice, and get a document drawn up that reflects the fact that my full name and the name on the passport are for the same person, with the family name added.

Thanks again.

[John]

Yes it is a bit of an usual situation. I think the "change of name" document needs to confirm that irrespective of the fact that your Indian passport is in the name of A B, your whole name is A B C, and accordingly for all purposes you wish to be known by the name of A B C.

Having signed that Statutory Declaration, don't forget to get the name on your UK driving licence changed!

[mhunjn]

Name thing hopefully sorted with IND.

Eventually came to that they didn't have a problem with it, but had to confirm with applicant before processing.
Also, IND mentioned/warned that in the event of successful application, the UK passport office could act funny about name not being same on old passport and the certificate.

Let's see...