New Married Last Name on Form?

[americanjetset 0]

Hello all!

I just got married yesterday and my partner and I were hoping to start the visa process within the next week. (marriage took place in England and am an American over on a student visa).

However, my father raised a few concerns so I would like a second opinion.

I was planning on filling out the forms taking my husband's name. then under the 'other names known as' section, I was planning to put my maiden name.

However, while I am receiving mail in my married name and have changed my individual bank account in addition to opening a joint account under new married name,

my passport still only has my maiden name and I am unable to update my American bank and credit accounts (they told me this must be done in person and I was planning on moving to the US with my partner once he is issued a visa). Also, my social security is still under my maiden name. Can I still fill in the forms with my new married name or should I continue to use my maiden name and wait to change when I am in the US? Any advice or input would be much appreciated!

Thank you in advance!

Edited April 25, 2013 by americanjetset

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

Hello all!

I just got married yesterday and my partner and I were hoping to start the visa process within the next week. (marriage took place in England and am an American over on a student visa).

However, my father raised a few concerns so I would like a second opinion.

I was planning on filling out the forms taking my husband's name. then under the 'other names known as' section, I was planning to put my maiden name.

However, while I am receiving mail in my married name and have changed my individual bank account in addition to opening a joint account under new married name,

my passport still only has my maiden name and I am unable to update my American bank and credit accounts (they told me this must be done in person and I was planning on moving to the US with my partner once he is issued a visa). Also, my social security is still under my maiden name. Can I still fill in the forms with my new married name or should I continue to use my maiden name and wait to change when I am in the US? Any advice or input would be much appreciated!

Thank you in advance!

Do your original plan. Your greencard will come in the name on the application. If you get it in your maiden name, it will cost you $450 to change the greencard name. The USCIS knows you just got married and name changes don't happen across the board instantly. The name on your social security card isn't highly critical to the immigration process. Your marriage certificate serves as legal documentation of the new name.

Also have you researched filing DCF through the USCIS office in London rather than at the Chicago Lockbox? It's faster. This is the page http://london.usembassy.gov/dhs/uscis/i130filing.html

That page used to clearly say persons on student visas weren't eligible. However, it's not clear anymore so maybe a change?? I have not followed DCF people so maybe something to research. I recall a thread where it was discussed, but don't know if the person who was a student got a ruling.

[mpwhitebird 0]

I just sent our I-130 Package and before I did I had the documents reviewed by a lawyer. Originally we had her maiden name across all the applications but our lawyer asked us to change that with her married name. She does not have any documents with her married name but he said it will be fine and that it will save us money, paper work, and time in the long run. He told us to make sure we include the maiden name anytime any of the applications specifically asks for it.

[velrich 50]

hope your embassy is not like mine. I used married name on all the documents but the visa was printed with the maiden name which is the name on the passport.

[americanjetset 0]

Thank you all so much for your help! I have heard it costs extra money to change if you have the visa originally issued in your maiden name, so I'm going to keep my fingers crossed and go with your advice, Nich-Nick and mpwhitebird Thanks again!

Edited April 30, 2013 by americanjetset

[speedwell 224]

Thank you all so much for your help! I have heard it costs extra money to change if you have the visa originally issued in your maiden name, so I'm going to keep my fingers crossed and go with your advice, Nich-Nick and mpwhitebird Thanks again!

I'm confused. If you're the American, why do you need to worry about a visa issued in YOUR name, married or maiden? Is your husband changing his name?

[americanjetset 0]

I apologise, I didn't know if the visa would include the petitioner's name somewhere on the visa? I just wanted to ensure I was filling out the I-130 correctly.

[speedwell 224]

I apologise, I didn't know if the visa would include the petitioner's name somewhere on the visa? I just wanted to ensure I was filling out the I-130 correctly.

No need to apologize; I just thought the thread had gone off the rails a bit. You can use whichever name you like; the documents you submit will show your married status and will serve to explain you using your married name where you choose to do so. There is no need to change your name with your local civil records office, and you should have your name changed on your Social Security as soon as practical (especially if you will have income in your married name), but the marriage certificate itself is sufficient proof of name change when asked. You will be submitting a copy with your I-130. You may want to mention on your cover letter that you are in the process of changing your name to your married name. God knows they see it every day.

As far as the US visa is concerned, that belongs to the beneficiary, not to you. The only reason you petition with an I-130 is to establish a qualifying relationship for the beneficiary to apply for the visa. If you are later going to submit a DS-3032 to establish yourself as the agent for the beneficiary, that is not you acting on your own behalf, but on the beneficiary's. So no, your use of a maiden or married name will not affect visa processing.

Personally I'm not changing my name on my paperwork for two reasons, only one of which is of any importance. The unimportant reason is that I just don't want to deal with it until my husband arrives on his new permanent resident visa. The slightly important reason is that a name change will invalidate my current UK Tier 2 work visa and I will have to pay the hefty fees to get it replaced. Find out whether the same is true of your student visa.

Edited April 30, 2013 by speedwell

[pushbrk 12,824]

I apologise, I didn't know if the visa would include the petitioner's name somewhere on the visa? I just wanted to ensure I was filling out the I-130 correctly.

Yes, the visa will indicate the petitioner's name. Use the name you intend to use going forward. Change your name in the passport when ready.