a different one - old name on the GC and new in the passport - is it ok to travel?

[docchanka 0]

I know that many women travel with a passport that has their maiden name on it and a green card with new name (some consider it natural). My question is: can you travel the other way around – with a passport with new name and card with old name?

Here is what happened: When we applied for a green card, I submitted my maiden name (silly!) on the application so I now have both documents with my maiden name. I am going to apply for a new passport in my home country now and in less than a year we have to apply for the permanent green card and then change my name on it. I don’t have to pick the passport up as soon as it is ready, I can let it sit there until necessary so that they do not invalidate it but:

- should I pick it up (and invalidate the old one) because it is safe (is it? that is my question) to have the new name in the passport and old on the green card, or

- shouldn’t I pick it up (and invalidate it) because it is not safe to travel back to the US that way, or:

- it doesn’t matter because I can travel with both passports (old invalidated) with two different names and green card with my maiden name (until I get the new card)?

Sorry if it is confusing.

Thanks!

[sweetpiano 0]

You should be able to travel back to the US with the new and old passports (make sure you get back the old passport) plus the marriage certificate showing the name change.

I have traveled to the US with a new passport in my married name while the entry visa was in the old passport in my maiden name. They didn't even look at the marriage certificate, but always have it with you.

[docchanka 0]

Thanks so much!

I understand the marriage certificate with my name change should be in English, because it isn't

Thanks again!

[sweetpiano 0]

Are you saying that you have a Polish marriage certificate? In that case have it translated and certified in English and cary both the original and the translation.