Changing name while on CR-1?

[Marrienne 113]

Hope this is the correct forum!

I was wondering, can you take on your husband's surname while you are on a CR-1 Visa?
I know you can change your name to a more American one when you become a citizen, but in my country taking on your husband's surname is not allowed, so when we got married I kept my maiden name.
However it is one of those looooong, difficult Greek ones and it will not make my life any easier in the USA. So I was wondering, can I change my last name to my husband's before I become a citizen or do I need to wait a couple years to file for removal of conditions and citizenship to do that?

Thank you!!

[aleful 1,905]

HI

you had a chance to change your last name when you filed the i130, the GC will come with the name you requested on the i130

if you didn't do so at that time, now you will have to wait until you can file for Citizenship in a few years

[Anh map 2,098]

You can change your name. It's done through the local courthouse. You would also have to get a replacement green card with the new name. It's just a matter of time and money.

[Marrienne 113]

My country does not allow name changes so I couldn't have changed it on I-130. I was asking if I can change it while in the US on a CR-1.

[sanil1986 26]

you can change name when removing restrictions once you get your CR1 visa

[Marrienne 113]

Thanks guys.

My husband said his ex wife (not USC, on a visa just not sure what kind of visa she was on) took on his name without being a LPR, when they got married in the USA.

How is this different from my case?

[Ryan H 3,828]

***Moved from IR-1/CR-1 Process & Procedures to General Immigration-Related Discussion.***

**Moderator hat off**

You can change your name whenever you want after you arrive in the USA. Just go to the county courthouse where you live to see the procedures for undergoing that process.

You don't have to wait for Removing Conditions process or the Citizenship process to change your name. However, you will have to pay the applicable fee for a replacement Green Card.

[Lemonslice 4,961]

If it is not allowed in your country of citizenship, you might not be allowed to change your passport to your married name. You might want to verify with the closest consulate.