Changing my last name

[Vancedia 1]

Hi! So I’m from Mexico and I went through the k1 visa to come into the states to get married to now my husband. Before getting married we talked about me changing my last name into his name because it was one of the things that we wanted to do. So when the time came I didn’t really think things through and we changed it in our marriage certificate. Last week we applied for my AOS and when I was filling up the forms I use my new legal name (my husband’s). But now my friends are telling me that I did wrong because all my Mexican papers are with a different last name so when I come back into the country is going to be difficult. My question to you guys is, did I do wrong? Since I’m not American should I just keep my birth last name? I’m really nervous because this process is been long and expensive and I don’t want to messed it up because of my new last name. Please help me and explain to me how things work if anyone have some experience in this. Thank you!! Blessings! 

[Ayrton 965]

3 minutes ago, Vancedia said:

Hi! So I’m from Mexico and I went through the k1 visa to come into the states to get married to now my husband. Before getting married we talked about me changing my last name into his name because it was one of the things that we wanted to do. So when the time came I didn’t really think things through and we changed it in our marriage certificate. Last week we applied for my AOS and when I was filling up the forms I use my new legal name (my husband’s). But now my friends are telling me that I did wrong because all my Mexican papers are with a different last name so when I come back into the country is going to be difficult. My question to you guys is, did I do wrong? Since I’m not American should I just keep my birth last name? I’m really nervous because this process is been long and expensive and I don’t want to messed it up because of my new last name. Please help me and explain to me how things work if anyone have some experience in this. Thank you!! Blessings! 

You did the right thing. By using your new name, you will have an ID with the new name. And then you can start changing on all other documents.

[Scandi 4,166]

You did the right thing. If you had filed for AOS in your maiden name it would have cost you over $500 to change the name on the greencard later on. You saved yourself both trouble and money by using your new name. Now, if you want to, you can change your name in your home country too. That way you can get a new passport in your new name if you want to.

 

If you're planning on flying abroad, make sure the plane ticket is in the same name as your passport. Those two documents must always match. Doesn't matter that your greencard is in your new name. Bring your marriage certificate as proof of name change just in case.

Edited December 11, 2019 by Scandi

[Vancedia 1]

1 hour ago, Ayrton said:

You did the right thing. By using your new name, you will have an ID with the new name. And then you can start changing on all other documents.

Thank you sooo much for the help!!

 

54 minutes ago, Scandi said:

You did the right thing. If you had filed for AOS in your maiden name it would have cost you over $500 to change the name on the greencard later on. You saved yourself both trouble and money by using your new name. Now, if you want to, you can change your name in your home country too. That way you can get a new passport in your new name if you want to.

 

If you're planning on flying abroad, make sure the plane ticket is in the same name as your passport. Those two documents must always match. Doesn't matter that your greencard is in your new name. Bring your marriage certificate as proof of name change just in case.

Thank you so much for your help!! I was really nervous! 😅