Legally changing name, before or after application

[BethyWink 96]

I am planning on changing my last name eventually, but have not yet, due to just time and getting the certified marriage certificate.

The question is, if I change my name while the application is still out, would this change anything? Will we have to reapply?

Thanks!

[Merrytooth 5,748]

If you fill up the USCIS form in your maiden name, your visa, green card will be issued in your maiden name.

Then you will pay more money to correct the green card name if you want it to be in your new last name.

Some people wait for ROC to change the last name on the new 10 year green card for free.

Edited August 30, 2016 by Merrytooth

[BethyWink 96]

If you fill up the USCIS form in your maiden name, your visa, green card will be issued in your maiden name.

Then you will pay more money to correct the green card name if you want it to be in your new last name.

Some people wait for ROC to change the last name on the new 10 year green card for free.

I apologize, I should have been more clear. I am the American. So I will be sponsoring my husband.

[afortunada 182]

Same situation for me - I am the USC. My attorney strongly advised against a name change until after my husband arrives in the US, ESPECIALLY if taxes were filed in your maiden name. You can avoid lots of additional work and complications if you can just wait it out!

[Ryan H 3,834]

Changing your name is your own personal choice that will not affect the process in any way, shape, or form. If you choose to do so, it doesn't matter what time you choose to do it, the other poster's attorney is sorely mistaken about this causing issues.

[afortunada 182]

Changing your name is your own personal choice that will not affect the process in any way, shape, or form. If you choose to do so, it doesn't matter what time you choose to do it, the other poster's attorney is sorely mistaken about this causing issues.

Looking into this, I went back through my e-mails and it does look like I was a bit mistaken about what she said. She recommended that I in particular wait to do my name change because of the timing; for one, at the time I had not yet filed my 2015 taxes (this was in July - I had just delayed because I was due a refund so the normal deadline did not apply to me, plus I had been confused how to proceed with my taxes being that my spouse was a nonresident alien), and two, I had a lot of trips planned to visit my husband (ex. passport, ID, electronic tickets all in my maiden name). So, for ME personally because I still needed to complete my taxes and had so many things planned out in my maiden name, it would have been more messy for me to try and change it in the middle with all that going on and for me, yes, could have potentially caused issues. If you've already done your taxes in your maiden name and you don't have a million things pre-planned out like I have, then you would be fine. Sorry for the confusion! But anyway, if you don't have that same situation as me, you can do as you'd like. Plus you certainly don't need to re-file the petition