Name change issues- advise?

[nightingalejules 678]

Ok, so here's the situation.

I got married in BC to my USC spouse. All information from BC govt said that I could keep using my maiden name or take my husband's name, no problem. But if I wanted to combine them in any way, I would have to legally change my name, which is expensive, and would change the name on my birth certificate, which I thought was ridiculous.

So given that what I actually wanted to do was take my maiden name as a middle name, and I wasn't allowed to, without aforementioned legal name change, I sent in the I-130 with my name as [first] [middle] [married]. I also put pretty much every combination of names I could think of under "other names used".

Turns out that BC has either changed their rules, or the motor vehicle licensing people have found a loophole, because when I went to change the name on my drivers license, they told me I could use both names, as long as I didn't hyphenate them. So that's what I did, and now my id is all [first] [middle] [maiden] [married]. 2 last names, not hyphenated.

Now, that was listed on my I-130 as "other names used", but now it's my legal name.

How can I adjust this in my application, and at what point... We have been transferred but not approved on the i130.

And is this likely to cause bureaucratic conniptions?

Any suggestions?

[malenliam 18]

We are in the same situation, in my I 130 application i used my maiden name, then after the application i changed my marital status and changed my name on my passport, which i used my married name. My husband asked USCIS about that, they told him you will change your name during NVC processing. When they ask you all the original documents thats the time we will submit a paper ( for me a copy of my new passport) that we used now our married name. Hope this will help

[Dave&Roza 748]

OMG. Yet another reason that I am happy my wife has kept her last name. I know my mother went by middle maiden married all her married life but her "legal: name as on her SSC was first maiden married. Her will had the aka section to list middle maiden married, first maiden married, and first middle maiden as all possible know as, She had a passport and DL with middle maiden married until she retired and changed it back to first middle married.

I find it strange that BC would change your name on a birth certificate. That is the name you had when born. Why should that be changed if you suddenly decide you do not like it and change your name legally or get married. You had that legal name up until you changed it. All records would be in that name. It sounds to me like you got someone who was making it up as they go along IMHO. You should be able to have your name as first maiden married and just use the marriage certificate to accomplish this. You might want to wait for removal of conditions (ROC) and complete the paper work in the name you want to use. FYI: all the names you listed under "other names used" are your legal name and that is why that section is there; to list all legal names you have ever used and could have records under.

Good luck,

Dave

Edited March 16, 2014 by Dave&Roza

[NikLR 13,232]

BC you have always been able to use both last names, hyphenated or not. You cannot drop your middle given name like you wanted to. I asked my mother, who is a minister, about the options.

Do not worry about I-130. Simply make aure you fill out the DS260 correctly. Remember visa comes in passport name and green card comes in visa name.

[nightingalejules 678]

Thanks! I know, the legal name change thing is ridiculous, but it's what I was told by vital statistics. Anyway, glad I don't have to worry now!

[kc247 22]

It's annoying with the immigration thing to change your name. My SSN is in my maiden name, but I applied for my AOS in my married name, & plan on changing my SSN to my married name after I get my EAD. It's annoying though because things have to match your SSN ... so when I applied for health coverage I apply in my maiden name.. when people ask me my last name though, I say it's my married name.. sure doesn't make things easy!