US USCIS Processing

[Brassballs 47]

FWIW...

All our CR-1 documentation was filed using my wife's maiden name. Big mistake for any other CR-1's just starting their journey.

It's a real challenge to begin starting to establish a US identity using the husband's surname when all official docs show her maiden name, including but not limited to SSAN's, military ID's, state ID or driver's license, etc. Some others are more forgiving: bank account, insurance but there is relatively little reciprocity between the latter and former so the first step was to apply for a replacement GC with my surname.

One !-90 and a check for $450 allowed the USCIS the privilege of taking 4 1/2 months to process the application and send the replacement.

So a word from the unwise... Time permitting get a replacement / new passport with the husbands surname, file the I-130 and all subsequent aps using the husbands surname and you'll be thankful you did in the long run.

[Joshua@Tinz 52]

That is one thing we got right, good to know we did actually accomplish something that will make things easier for us....

Just to add to what you said also, During the name change process the Filipina spouse will have already gone through CFO as is required by the name change process, so that is just one less step later.

[Thesmiths2016 117]

We filed our i-130 under my maiden name, but we had to because my name change documents have to be done in my country of birth, which I don't currently live in :-(

We plan on doing the changes in June when i go back, but my passport will remain in my maiden name most likely until I get a replacement in 8 years. I'm thinking I might do the official name change documents, then contact NVC to see whether to hold off on changing names on everything! Or at what point I'm best to do so. Thanks for the heads up As of right now we have no official govt docs with my new married name so fingers crossed we are ok.

[Brassballs 47]

Filing with your maiden name is not a problem, as we did.

After arriving in the US and receiving your GC (about 2 months) my recommendation would be to file an I90 for GC replacement, pay the $450(?), send your MC as proof of the name change and wait another 4-5 months.

Filing the I130 with the husbands surname if possible at the outset eliminates the additional wait and expense.

We plan to drive to Chicago this summer to update her and our daughter's PP at the consulate.

[Brassballs 47]

That is one thing we got right, good to know we did actually accomplish something that will make things easier for us....

Just to add to what you said also, During the name change process the Filipina spouse will have already gone through CFO as is required by the name change process, so that is just one less step later.

Didn't know that CFO seminar was part of the passport name change update.

Certainly a good piece of info for others to be aware of.

[Thesmiths2016 117]

Filing with your maiden name is not a problem, as we did.

After arriving in the US and receiving your GC (about 2 months) my recommendation would be to file an I90 for GC replacement, pay the $450(?), send your MC as proof of the name change and wait another 4-5 months.

Filing the I130 with the husbands surname if possible at the outset eliminates the additional wait and expense.

We plan to drive to Chicago this summer to update her and our daughter's PP at the consulate.

Thanks heaps! Definitely good to know ? We couldn't have filed with my new last name simply as we had no official ID with it on ... But it's good to know our options ?

[jg121783 3,909]

FWIW...

All our CR-1 documentation was filed using my wife's maiden name. Big mistake for any other CR-1's just starting their journey.

It's a real challenge to begin starting to establish a US identity using the husband's surname when all official docs show her maiden name, including but not limited to SSAN's, military ID's, state ID or driver's license, etc. Some others are more forgiving: bank account, insurance but there is relatively little reciprocity between the latter and former so the first step was to apply for a replacement GC with my surname.

One !-90 and a check for $450 allowed the USCIS the privilege of taking 4 1/2 months to process the application and send the replacement.

So a word from the unwise... Time permitting get a replacement / new passport with the husbands surname, file the I-130 and all subsequent aps using the husbands surname and you'll be thankful you did in the long run.

Didn't know that CFO seminar was part of the passport name change update.

Certainly a good piece of info for others to be aware of.

You saved me a lot of issues by warning me about this before we started working on our I-130. Everything will be done in my wife's married name. We are just waiting for the NSO/PSA marriage certificate (supposed to have it by the 20th) then she can go change her name and renew her passport with her new name. We also found out as you stated that the CFO seminar is required for the name change. Hopefully we get the marriage certificate when we are supposed to so I can send in the I-130 and Lisa can start working on changing her name and passport right away.