AOS Application: Affected by keeping our last names after marriage?

[CrabKitty 0]

Hi guys!

A little while ago, some people on this forum advised me and my boyfriend to marry whilst I was here on my ESTA visa visit and then apply for adjustment of status. I'm from the UK; we've been dating over two years. I was already in the US and intending to apply for a K-1 when we discovered this process, so this has all been a pretty intense ride.

The question I have is a bit trivial, but important: my now fiance and I would like to ideally keep our last names when we marry. I'm worried, however, that this will impact how my AOS application is received. Is something like that a red flag for whoever processes these things? Could that be used against us as evidence that we are not in a legitimate relationship? I am willing to change my name to his if that's the case, but we would prefer to keep our names until we can save up for a proper ceremony in the future.

Thanks!

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

Your name makes no difference. Good luck.

[Rose&Jorge 8]

Hi guys!

A little while ago, some people on this forum advised me and my boyfriend to marry whilst I was here on my ESTA visa visit and then apply for adjustment of status. I'm from the UK; we've been dating over two years. I was already in the US and intending to apply for a K-1 when we discovered this process, so this has all been a pretty intense ride.

The question I have is a bit trivial, but important: my now fiance and I would like to ideally keep our last names when we marry. I'm worried, however, that this will impact how my AOS application is received. Is something like that a red flag for whoever processes these things? Could that be used against us as evidence that we are not in a legitimate relationship? I am willing to change my name to his if that's the case, but we would prefer to keep our names until we can save up for a proper ceremony in the future.

Thanks!

no there is issue in keeping your last name.

I actually put my maiden name on my aos application. I haven't officially changed my name yet either.

Once your birth cert and id shows the correct name it is fine.

You just send a certified marriage cert with your application to verify you are married

[JnRMo 16]

It shouldn't matter I would think, keeping your own last name isn't uncommon in the states. If it's something that keeps you up worrying at night just take his name and change it back after all the immigration nonsense is done.

[Ian H. 207]

Fortunately, we are in the 21st and women have rights and aren't considered property anymore. I remember a court clerk had the nerve of asking my mother one time why she didn't take my dad's last name, she exploded. LOL

You will not be affected whatsoever. There is now law or requirement that requires women to take the husband's surname. It would also have no effect on what they would think about your relationship.

Also just to let you know, some women opt to use their husband's last name socially (ie with friends and family), but not legally if that's something you would want you can do as well.

[KayDeeCee 4,893]

~ Moved from AOS from Family Based Visas to AOS from Work, Student & Tourist Visas ~

[Pitaya 2,577]

Of no consequence.

Good luck on your immigration journey.

[CrabKitty 0]

Of no consequence.

Good luck on your immigration journey.

Fortunately, we are in the 21st and women have rights and aren't considered property anymore. I remember a court clerk had the nerve of asking my mother one time why she didn't take my dad's last name, she exploded. LOL

You will not be affected whatsoever. There is now law or requirement that requires women to take the husband's surname. It would also have no effect on what they would think about your relationship.

Also just to let you know, some women opt to use their husband's last name socially (ie with friends and family), but not legally if that's something you would want you can do as well.

It shouldn't matter I would think, keeping your own last name isn't uncommon in the states. If it's something that keeps you up worrying at night just take his name and change it back after all the immigration nonsense is done.

no there is issue in keeping your last name.

I actually put my maiden name on my aos application. I haven't officially changed my name yet either.

Once your birth cert and id shows the correct name it is fine.

You just send a certified marriage cert with your application to verify you are married

Your name makes no difference. Good luck.

Thanks everyone!

We suspected as much, but since there's a lot riding on this for us, we wanted to be absolutely sure that something stupid like that wouldn't mess us up when the interview/processing comes; people can be highly subjective, after all. Now we have plenty more years to argue about whose name is better before we decide, haha!