Name Change

[GemandDan 0]

I am totally confused about how to change my name and if or when it should be done.

I have just got married and would like to change my last name to my husband's and have it changed on my passport. Should and can I do this? Do I need to keep my old passport with my maiden name and K1 Visa in it so I can apply for my adjustment of status, or is it alright to have a new passport with my married name and no K1 Visa in it?

Or should I change my name after I have my visa and then have my visa and passport reissued in my married name?

Or should I even bother at all?

HELP!!!

Edited May 31, 2009 by GemandDan

[Otto 83]

You should use your 'new' name on all your AOS/EAD/AP forms. (As these things get approved you can/should do the same for your driver's license - if so desired - and Social Security Card.) You can also do the same for your passport - you do not need the K1 visa any more so that is not a concern - besides, usually when you update/renew your passport you get the old one back anyway).

[densusan 0]

Hi there,

We have been married for over 3 years now and I am yet to change my name in Australia. I come from Adelaide and I was told that even though Australia recognise the marriage they do not reg. the new surname. That being said all you have to do is fill out the required forms (should be able to find them online under births/deaths/marriages) with the required fee. You will not be able to change your passport until this is complete but if you make contact with the Australian consulate in your state (USA that is) they will be able to send you info on how to go about gettign a passport in your married name. This is only my personal opinion but I would wait until you are done with AOS. Hope this helps

Susan

[kaffy 2]

Hi Susan, I don't know what the rules in SA are like but in QLD they refuse to accept an overseas (outside of Australia) marriage certificate as a valid evidence for (free) name change and instead I'd have to lodge an official name change application and pay the fee. My situation was complicated further by the fact that I was not born in Australia and so I had to resume residency there for 12 months before submitting my application (soo stupid that they would not consider my past 11+ years of residency). Anyway I moved to the US exactly one day before my 12 months was up so I was kind of screwed. Luckily I found out from the Aussie Embassy in Washington D.C. a few months ago that I could use my overseas marriage certificate to change my name on my citizenship certificate first, then use that to update the name on my passport using the PC8 form. The name change for the citizenship certificate is $AU55 which actually works out cheaper than the BDM fee of $AU130. I'm going do to it in a couple of months once my husband's Aussie spousal visa second-stage-processing (similar to CR1->IR1 removal of conditions) is complete and can post my reviews later if you like.

[densusan 0]

Hi Susan, I don't know what the rules in SA are like but in QLD they refuse to accept an overseas (outside of Australia) marriage certificate as a valid evidence for (free) name change and instead I'd have to lodge an official name change application and pay the fee. My situation was complicated further by the fact that I was not born in Australia and so I had to resume residency there for 12 months before submitting my application (soo stupid that they would not consider my past 11+ years of residency). Anyway I moved to the US exactly one day before my 12 months was up so I was kind of screwed. Luckily I found out from the Aussie Embassy in Washington D.C. a few months ago that I could use my overseas marriage certificate to change my name on my citizenship certificate first, then use that to update the name on my passport using the PC8 form. The name change for the citizenship certificate is $AU55 which actually works out cheaper than the BDM fee of $AU130. I'm going do to it in a couple of months once my husband's Aussie spousal visa second-stage-processing (similar to CR1->IR1 removal of conditions) is complete and can post my reviews later if you like.

Yes you are correct Kaffy.......I didn't explain myself very well. You are required to do an official change of name through births/deaths & marriages in your home state. I still haven't done the change of name but will probably do it before my current passport expires and I need to renew it.