Name change for conditional permanent resident

[Mr. Data 26]

Hey all. Not sure if this is the right sub-forum for this question but here goes.

 

My wife just got her CR-1 visa and we are planning to move to the States early next year. Throughout the whole process she has been using her Chinese name, since that is her only legal name in China. So her conditional green card will have this name. However, she wants to legally change to her English name as soon as possible in America. After changing her name with the relevant local courthouse or other authority, do we just need to file an I-90 to replace her green card with a new one in her new name?

 

I have seen some conflicting comments about this type of situation online, with some people saying that it isn't advisable to apply to replace a conditional green card. Anyone here have any thoughts about this situation?

[Just Paul 4,595]

You can replace the GC but that is another $540.

 

My wife got a new passport before the visa was issued and DOS changed her name on the VISA app at the interview and we got everything in her married name.

[aaron2020 11,651]

Is your wife legally changing her first and last names?

[Mr. Data 26]

13 hours ago, aaron2020 said:

Is your wife legally changing her first and last names?

Yes she is. She is changing her first name to her English first name and taking my last name. 

[aaron2020 11,651]

1 minute ago, Mr. Data said:

Yes she is. She is changing her first name to her English first name and taking my last name. 

Then, she should get a green card that matches her legal name.

[pushbrk 12,883]

Changing names for Chinese people after immigrating is tricky.  Make sure you have all the bases covered including her new Chinese passport.  I mean make sure you know exactly HOW you are going to do all that.  THEN, look in to how to change the name on her green card.  You ARE going to pay a filing fee to do it.  Many Chinese wait until Naturalization to do the name change.  

[Ryan H 3,812]

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

[Mr. Data 26]

On 12/22/2018 at 6:57 AM, pushbrk said:

Changing names for Chinese people after immigrating is tricky.  Make sure you have all the bases covered including her new Chinese passport.  I mean make sure you know exactly HOW you are going to do all that.  THEN, look in to how to change the name on her green card.  You ARE going to pay a filing fee to do it.  Many Chinese wait until Naturalization to do the name change.  

Hmm ok, thanks for your reply, I will look in to that. Why is it difficult for Chinese people in particular? If her name is legally changed in the U.S., wouldn't that be enough to get a new green card in the new name? Do U.S. authorities care what her name in Chinese characters is? Thanks again! 

Edited December 26, 2018 by Mr. Data

[pushbrk 12,883]

2 minutes ago, Mr. Data said:

Hmm ok, thanks for your reply, I will look it to that. Why is it difficult for Chinese people in particular? If her name is legally changed in the U.S., wouldn't that be enough to get a new green card in the new name? Do U.S. authorities care what her name in Chinese characters is? Thanks again! 

Think big picture.  Until she is a US Citizen, her international travel MUST BE in her passport name, which will be Chinese, unless you are able to change it BEFORE the visa interview, and will remain Chinese until she has a US passport.

 

For example, if she has a Chinese name in passport and English name on green card, when she re-enters the US from abroad, she'll need documentation that the green card is for the same person the passport is for.  Carefully read the line in my signature that starts with "Facts are cheap...."

[Mr. Data 26]

18 minutes ago, pushbrk said:

Think big picture.  Until she is a US Citizen, her international travel MUST BE in her passport name, which will be Chinese, unless you are able to change it BEFORE the visa interview, and will remain Chinese until she has a US passport.

 

For example, if she has a Chinese name in passport and English name on green card, when she re-enters the US from abroad, she'll need documentation that the green card is for the same person the passport is for.  Carefully read the line in my signature that starts with "Facts are cheap...."

Yes of course, but wouldn't the official legal documentation of her name change serve that very purpose?

[pushbrk 12,883]

1 minute ago, Mr. Data said:

Yes of course, but wouldn't the official legal documentation of her name change serve that very purpose?

Yes.  Just more documentation to carry and more complications.  If you can work out how to do it all, great.  Most don't go to the trouble.  Your decision.

[Mr. Data 26]

23 minutes ago, pushbrk said:

Yes.  Just more documentation to carry and more complications.  If you can work out how to do it all, great.  Most don't go to the trouble.  Your decision.

Ok, thanks again for taking the time to answer my questions! I will look into the process for changing her name in the Chinese passport too, just to keep everything "on the level". I've seen some other people were able to officially amend their Chinese passports with an 'English alias', so maybe that would be one route to explore. I appreciate your help, Merry Christmas!