Name on green card Vs passport name

[breadlover408 24]

So I was finally approved of my AOS!

but I think they are going to naturally use my married last name on my green card. 
 

Since this is my first time I will travel with it, I am not sure how it works. My last name on my green card will be MYCURRENTLASTNAME (hyphen) MARRIEDLASTNAME. 
 

but obviously my passport has my unmarried last name. Do I have to carry my marriage certificate with me? I am not sure how it works coming in and out of the US with it. 
 

thank you for any help

Edited January 27, 2023 by breadlover408

[Dashinka 24,480]

They will only put your married name on your GC if that is the name you used on the I485.  USCIS does not automatically assume a name change due to marriage as many people do not change their names.

 

That being said, if you did fill out your I485 with your married name, and the GC arrives with that name, you will be fine.  If using your passport for traveling (international travel) you need to buy the tickets in the name on your passport, but if it is domestic travel and you have a real ID DL/state ID you can use that name.  If returning to the US, you will use your GC as is, and keep a copy of the marriage certificate with you in case CBP questions the name difference.  My wife traveled like this for several years until she naturalized, and no one ever asked to see our marriage certificate.

 

Lastly, when possible and if it is not too much of a hassle, change your name on your passport.  We did not do this as changing the name on a Russian passport is a real pain.

 

Good Luck!

[breadlover408 24]

5 hours ago, Dashinka said:

They will only put your married name on your GC if that is the name you used on the I485.  USCIS does not automatically assume a name change due to marriage as many people do not change their names.

 

That being said, if you did fill out your I485 with your married name, and the GC arrives with that name, you will be fine.  If using your passport for traveling (international travel) you need to buy the tickets in the name on your passport, but if it is domestic travel and you have a real ID DL/state ID you can use that name.  If returning to the US, you will use your GC as is, and keep a copy of the marriage certificate with you in case CBP questions the name difference.  My wife traveled like this for several years until she naturalized, and no one ever asked to see our marriage certificate.

 

Lastly, when possible and if it is not too much of a hassle, change your name on your passport.  We did not do this as changing the name on a Russian passport is a real pain.

 

Good Luck!

Thanks so much. 
It definitely makes sense when you explain in that way!

 

i honestly need to check my papers as I can’t remember what I wrote but before, I received NOAs with my original name and it’s only the latest RFE letter/approval letter that it came with my married name 🤔

 

I did remember writing in my OG name on i-485, and there was a section where it said “other names” and I wrote the married name. 
 

honestly not sure which one they used, will definitely have to see which one when it arrives. May have to carry copy of marriage certificate but thank you again. 

[Chancy 6,241]

*** Moved from AOS from K1 Visas Progress Reports to Working & Traveling During US Immigration -- topic is about travel with GC ***