How To Update Your Immigration Documents

Immigration documents such as Employment Authorization Cards, Permanent Resident Cards, and Naturalization Certificates are essential for starting employment, enrolling in school, obtaining other identification documents, and more. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) allows individuals to update the name and/or gender marker on immigration documents through the procedures described below. NCTE always recommends you consult with an immigration attorney to receive advice specific to your immigration situation.

Generally speaking, to update the name and/or gender marker on any immigration document you will need the following: 

• If changing name, a court order for name change or other proof of legal name change. 
• If changing gender, a driver's license, birth certificate, passport, court order, or other official government-issued document reflecting the requested gender designation, OR a letter from a licensed healthcare professional certifying your gender marker as shown in the sample letter. 

What Should My Provider Certification Letter Include?

USCIS will accept gender designation letters from licensed health care professionals, including licensed counselors, nurse practitioners, physicians (Medical Doctors or Doctors of Osteopathy), physician assistants, psychologists, social workers, and therapists. All certifications should include the information in the below letter. Proof of gender affirming surgery is not required.

I, (provider's full name), (provider's license number), (issuing state, country, or jurisdiction of the provider's license), have treated or evaluated (name of patient), (date of birth of patient), in relation to their gender identity. In my professional assessment, (name of patient)'s gender identity is (specify gender) and their documentation should be updated accordingly.
 
I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the United States that the foregoing is true and correct. 
 
Provider's Signature 
Typed Name 
Address 
Phone Number 
Date

_______________________________________________________________________________

You can download a sample provider certification letter here.