to change my name before or after?

[VanessaTony 3,567]

I am just curious. Is that the general consensus among people here? or is there a USCIS guideline on this? Or is it your opinion?

It's fact. There's no "guideline" (that I'm aware of) because there doesn't need to be one. USCIS cannot dictate a personal choice like what name I need to go by. Not changing my name wouldn't be a negative against me.

There are many examples where it's not a big deal (many people on here don't change their name) but here is the sheet they use to determine fraud: http://www.latinamericanstudies.org/immigration/USCIS_Fraud_Referral_Sheet.pdf and you will see there is no "didn't change their name" option there.

Again, personal choice, not USCIS requirement.

p.s. Even if you changed your name you can change it back when you divorce, or you can file a name change. You can legally have your name as Mrs. Smith but not tell anyone and go by Ms. Jones. It doesn't prove you love anyone more or less, or that you're more or less serious about the relationship. I was brought up to change my name on marriage and I wouldn't personally do it any other way (except keeping my professional name for many reasons). But that doesn't mean my way is right or wrong.

Edited January 17, 2013 by Vanessa&Tony

[Krikit 1,163]

So just to clarify, having I693 filled out in my maiden name, but all other forms completed in my married name won't make a difference? I've been living in the US for the past 5 years, and from my understanding, to have my name changed on my Canadian passport, I'll need to at least have my drivers license here changed before they will accept that. Anyone else have any prior experience? Thanks so much for your help Vanessa and Tony!

You can no longer change your name on your Canadian passport. You will have apply for a whole new passport. In the meantime, it is absolutely no problem whatsoever to have your passport in your former name and your GC in your married name. Just book international flights in your passport name. Domestic flights can be booked in your married name using any government-issued picture ID. e.g. driver's license.

Moving from Family-Based AOS Process to AOS From Other Visa.

Welcome to VJ.

Edited January 17, 2013 by Krikit

[capick 0]

I am just curious. Is that the general consensus among people here? or is there a USCIS guideline on this? Or is it your opinion?

Just to add info to the conversation, Tony is right. I spoke with a friend who just got accept for the GC for his Moldovan wife yesterday. She was here on a K1 (so slightly different from my story) but they filed all paperwork under her married name and had no issue.

thank you all for the help. This site is truly a life saver!