Not registering marriage in home country.. Would it be a problem?

[Lilay 87]

Hi everyone!

 

My husband and I are getting ready to file I-751 to remove my conditions. However, I am worried about not registering our marriage in my home country, Turkey. I have not done this, since I am not planning on still being a citizen after I get my US citizenship, plus, if I file this, I will need to renew my passport, which I have to travel long distances for and pay lots of money for traveling... I never thought that this might create a problem when submitting this form.

 

I would really appreciate some input on this, so if I need to, I can go ahead and quickly register my marriage in Turkey.

 

Thank you!

[charmander 692]

A quick question: does your name on the GC match your passport? I'll elaborate more depending on your answer.

 

[Lilay 87]

31 minutes ago, charmander said:

A quick question: does your name on the GC match your passport? I'll elaborate more depending on your answer.

 

Thank you for your reply Charmander! No, my name on my passport is my maiden name, and my name here is my married name.

[charmander 692]

Ok. So; neither I-751 nor N400 requires marriages registered at home countries, passport is a different story though. I-751 does not require a copy of the passport as part of the evidence, N400 however requires you to bring all valid and expired passports to the naturalization interview. Hence, this won't cause you any issue for I-751 but N400 is a maybe, especially if you apply naturalization under marriage to a US citizen clause. N400 is a "maybe" because it all depends how the interviewing officer would react to not changing your official name at your passport. He/she may not care at all, or pick on this issue and question why you have not made the change with Turkish authorities that could yield more questioning of your marital union. If you never traveled with your current passport, you could just say it was expensive and difficult to deal with the consulate (which is absolutely true); but if you've traveled with your passport in your maiden name for 2-3 years after getting married, it could raise more flags.

 

If I were, you I'd register the marriage with the consulate before the N400 application. They do this by mail (I've done it myself). You simply fill out a form, include a copy of marriage certificate, and the payment in money order. Remember to do this with the consulate that has jurisdiction over the state where you got married not where you live now. For passport renewal I believe you need to go to consulate in person but I'd check also check this with the consulate to be sure. This would eliminate all potential issues you may encounter at N400 stage. Good luck!

[Lilay 87]

42 minutes ago, charmander said:

Ok. So; neither I-751 nor N400 requires marriages registered at home countries, passport is a different story though. I-751 does not require a copy of the passport as part of the evidence, N400 however requires you to bring all valid and expired passports to the naturalization interview. Hence, this won't cause you any issue for I-751 but N400 is a maybe, especially if you apply naturalization under marriage to a US citizen clause. N400 is a "maybe" because it all depends how the interviewing officer would react to not changing your official name at your passport. He/she may not care at all, or pick on this issue and question why you have not made the change with Turkish authorities that could yield more questioning of your marital union. If you never traveled with your current passport, you could just say it was expensive and difficult to deal with the consulate (which is absolutely true); but if you've traveled with your passport in your maiden name for 2-3 years after getting married, it could raise more flags.

 

If I were, you I'd register the marriage with the consulate before the N400 application. They do this by mail (I've done it myself). You simply fill out a form, include a copy of marriage certificate, and the payment in money order. Remember to do this with the consulate that has jurisdiction over the state where you got married not where you live now. For passport renewal I believe you need to go to consulate in person but I'd check also check this with the consulate to be sure. This would eliminate all potential issues you may encounter at N400 stage. Good luck!

Charmander, you've been such a great help! I appreciate it! Thank you so much!!