Name change on BRP, naturalisation certificate or passport

[BlackDahlia]

Hello,

I am quite confused over the application of the one name policy in the UK and it’s limitations in acknowledging variations in laws in other non-Western countries which is causing lots of problems to dual nationals.

I come from a country where name changes as a result of marriage isn’t permissible by law. I inquired at my consulate and consulted a lawyer in my country of origin who confirmed this. The lawyer issued a legal document confirming this, which I then legalised and got stamped at my consulate. Since my marriage 8 years ago and before coming to the UK, I have been using my married name for all purposes, employment, banks etc. I also write and publish under that name. In the UK, all my documents, including my driver’s license, bank, HMRC, NHS, etc. are in my married. There is practically no document that uses my maiden name except my passport and BRP issued by the Home Office, which they blindly align with my passport that doesn’t allow name changes.

Now, I would soon be applying for naturalisation and I finally want to get rid of the discrepancy of having a passport that doesn’t align with a name I have adopted for all purposes. I heard however of the horrors of getting the British passport to be issued in your married name (with a remark of the maiden name) due to the one name policy. What is the best way forward? Do I need to request that my name on my BRP is changed to my married name to facilitate the process moving forward? My marriage certificate clearly shows my name change and contains a name declaration that is equivalent to a deed poll in the UK. I also have the legalised document from the lawyer stating that name changes aren’t permissible in my country of origin. Will they accept changing it on the basis that names changes are not permissible in my country of origin? Is it better to wait until I apply for my first British passport and fight it out with HMPO? I heard of some people succeeding to get their naturalisation certificate in their married names, how can one go about doing that?

I am just confused on the best way forward as I am sick and tired of having to deal with two different names and would really like my British passport to align with the name I use now for all purposes and have been using for many years. Thanks for any advice.

[alterhase58]

I heard of some people succeeding to get their naturalisation certificate in their married names, how can one go about doing that?

Note that the naturalisation certificate will be issued in the name you apply with - this may be different from other documents which you then have to explain (marriage certificate?).

Passport application:
The issue with HMPO is that, as you already know, they don't like different names showing on foreign passport and the naturalisation certificate. Once naturalised in the name you wish to use you would have to advise HMPO that legally change of name is not possible in your country of origin. You already have that as I understand. The HMPO caseworker guidance will probably confirm what you already know: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.u ... uments.pdf

The other option would be to apply for naturalisation in the name stated in your passport. Once naturalised you apply for a passport in that name and subsequently officially change your name by deed poll (https://www.gov.uk/change-name-deed-poll) and then apply for a name changed passport. Though if you have official confirmation from your country that name change is not possible then it's probably best to go with the other route.

Don't worry about changing the BRP - that can add months to the process and not strictly necessary.

Note this is from my knowledge gained on the cititizenship board here.

[BlackDahlia]

@alterhase58, thanks so much for this very helpful reply and guidance. I think you are probably right - no need to just create a hassle with the BRP. I will wait until I apply for naturalisation and apply with my married name. I probably have to fight out with the HMPO anyway, so will get all the paperwork ready in advance and hope they don’t create too much hassle. In the end, I find this entire “one name policy” to make things particularly difficult for naturalised married women, unfortunately. Thank you again.

[vinny]

Hopefully, they will take a common-sense approach.

[BlackDahlia]

Hopefully, they will take a common-sense approach.

These are very useful threads, thank you! Indeed, the problem is that there is no common sense approach applied and they treat people as if they are liars until they can prove otherwise.

[alterhase58]

Wait til you are called for an interview .... http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/6370627.stm

[CR001]

Wait til you are called for an interview .... http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/6370627.stm

Interviews are rare these days.