Passport Updated Needed?

[fbadshah 0]

Hello all.

I've heard that the spouses surname (last name) must be changed before entering into the US. Is this true?

I filed my I-130 in January - so I was thinking that if this is the case, when would be a good time to do this? I just want to make sure that when she is ready to come here, that there won't be any issue with her passport. I am just not sure if she can use her current passport or have a new passport with an updated last name. FYI- My wife is from India...so I don't know the process or how long it takes to get a new passport.

I was also thinking that she may able to use her updated passport ...when she goes for the interview. She can show her passport with her having the same surname as me.

Thanks for the help!

[mdzcpa 58]

We have been told this is a good thing to do. Although we filed our I-130 in November and have a long wait ahead of us yet, my wife is moving ahead to update her passport. We believe it is just one more positive piece of evidence and certainly cannot hurt when eventually entering at the border.

[NikLR 13,227]

The beneficiary doesn't need to undertake the USC's surname at any point in time. That is not a requirement in the USA so not a requirement for immigration.

However, it is good to note that the visa will come in passport name and the green card will be in visa name. It costs $450 to change anything on the green card that is not the fault of the USCIS. So if the beneficiary wishes for the green card to be in their "married" name, it is advisable to get the passport to the married name as that is normally the cheaper option.