Wait for new passport in married name?

[John & Rose 7,239]

The I-130 asks for the beneficiaries passport number.  Since we were just married she doesn't have the new passport yet.  Should I use her current passport number or wait the months it takes to get a new passport and then file?  The Philippines is very challenging now when it comes to passports.  Appointments are months out just to meet with PSA.

[shumway1756 304]

Forget my last response, I'm rethinking after I re-read your post. I was told by USCIS that a passport in the maiden name is not a problem. Not sure how that plays out when it gets changed, but they told me that for the I-130 I could use the maiden name passport without a problem.

 

I ended up just waiting to get her passport in her new name before filing to eliminate any confusion, since for us it was just a 2 week wait.

Edited July 10, 2018 by shumway1756

[John & Rose 7,239]

3 minutes ago, shumway1756 said:

Forget my last response, I'm rethinking after I re-read your post. I was told by USCIS that a passport in the maiden name is not a problem. Not sure how that plays out when it gets changed, but they told me that for the I-130 I could use the maiden name passport without a problem.

 

I ended up just waiting to get her passport in her new name before filing to eliminate any confusion, since for us it was just a 2 week wait.

She will have the new passport by the tome we get to NVC stage. I just don’t want to screw this up. Question 47 is required. It is 46 that doesn’t need to be answered unless they visited the States. 

[Abies 1,713]

7 hours ago, John & Rose said:

She will have the new passport by the tome we get to NVC stage. I just don’t want to screw this up. Question 47 is required. It is 46 that doesn’t need to be answered unless they visited the States. 

Did she apply with her new name for the i130?

 

I applied in my married name but had my previous passport number(maiden name)for the i130.

I got the new one in my married name after approval for the NVC because the passport is needed for the NVC stage and not really during the i130 petition . 

 

I hope this helps 

[Ryan H 3,812]

Use what you have at the moment, passports get changed and/or renewed all the time during the process and the newly issued passport will always have a new number; non-issue.

[pushbrk 12,914]

The beneficiary's passport number is only required on the I-130 if the beneficiary is currently in the USA.  The question is a bit confusing on its face but the instructions clear it up.  Studying those instructions will be critical to your ultimate success.  Either way, there's no problem using a different passport later.

[John & Rose 7,239]

48 minutes ago, pushbrk said:

The beneficiary's passport number is only required on the I-130 if the beneficiary is currently in the USA.  The question is a bit confusing on its face but the instructions clear it up.  Studying those instructions will be critical to your ultimate success.  Either way, there's no problem using a different passport later.

Yes it was a little confusing.  Thank you for the response.  

[C&AH 104]

On 10/7/2018 at 5:37 PM, John & Rose said:

The I-130 asks for the beneficiaries passport number.  Since we were just married she doesn't have the new passport yet.  Should I use her current passport number or wait the months it takes to get a new passport and then file?  The Philippines is very challenging now when it comes to passports.  Appointments are months out just to meet with PSA.

No one can tell you whether to wait but bear in mind that a I-130 petition averages 7 to 9 months for a decision. Also, I was told by a USCIS rep that the main purpose of this step is to establish that you are a US citizen and that a valid marriage exists. 

 

So, if you decide to go ahead and file, I would definitely include proof of where you applied for the new passport with a note in your cover letter explaining why it is included. 

 

I'm thinking that USCIS is quite familiar with the Phillipines since a lot of spouse visas come from there.

 

Above all, remember that documentation is everything!

Edited July 12, 2018 by C&AH