Spouse name change upon Marriage complications for CR1 visa?

[jasonlovesdogs 0]

Hello,

I'm going to get married in Brazil and my spouse will apply for the CR1 visa immediately. I was wondering if my spouse changes her name to my last name at the date of marriage, will it complicate the process for the CR1 visa? All of her Brazilian documentation, including passport is in her maiden name. It would take time and money to change all the documentation. Also, would I put down her maiden or married name on the CR1 application? Would it be better for her not to change her name and change it later in the United States after the process is over? Would it be a red flag to not change her name? Thanks. 

[Verrou 1,962]

depend on how easy she changed her name on the passport. the immigrant visa will be issue following the name of the passport. 

some country is easier than other to change from maiden name to marriage name. 

 

if i were you, just use her maiden name for application, come to the states, get the GC ( in maiden name) and change the name during naturalization ( if she wants to be US CItizen). that's the cheapest and easiest method. 

 

and if she and you really really really want her to take ur name and cant wait that long, once she got the GC you guys can file i-90 for name change and it's gonna cost around $540

 

there's no red flag to change name, but as u said. It would take time and money to change all the documentation.

Edited June 13, 2023 by Misscloud

[Crazy Cat 41,845]

The marriage certificate is a legal name change document for USCIS.  Spouse/applicant can use any combination of names and/or hyphens on USCIS/DOS paperwork.

Example:  Jane Doe marries John Smith

Jane can use Jane Doe, Jane Smith, or Jane Doe-Smith on immigration paperwork.

My wife did not change her name.  It made the immigration process much smoother from that aspect.  Otherwise, passport name must be changed.  

 

Note:  The word "immediately" does not exist in the immigration world.  Good luck.  

 

IR1 / CR1 Spouse Visa Step-by-Step Guide on Filing an I-130 for a US Spouse Visa - US Immigration & Visa Guides - VisaJourney

3 minutes ago, Misscloud said:

depend on how easy she changed her name on the passport. the immigrant visa will be issue following the name of the passport. 

some country is easier than other to change from maiden name to marriage name. 

 

if i were you, just use her maiden name for application, come to the states, get the GC ( in maiden name) and change the name during naturalization ( if she wants to be US CItizen). that's the cheapest and easiest method. 

Agree 100%

Edited June 13, 2023 by Crazy Cat

[Ontarkie 14,221]

Now is the time to start using the new name if that is what she wants. Her maiden name will be listed on the forms where it asks for other names used.  She will have plenty of time to get her passport name updated/changed to her new name. If she wants to use her married named her passport must be updated before the visa interview. They can only issue the visa to match the name in the passports. 

[Ontarkie 14,221]

2 minutes ago, Misscloud said:

depend on how easy she changed her name on the passport. the immigrant visa will be issue following the name of the passport. 

some country is easier than other to change from maiden name to marriage name. 

 

if i were you, just use her maiden name for application, come to the states, get the GC ( in maiden name) and change the name during naturalization ( if she wants to be US CItizen). that's the cheapest and easiest method. 

 

and if she and you really really really want her to take ur name and cant wait that long, once she got the GC you guys can file i-90 for name change and it's gonna cost around $540

 

there's no red flag to change name, but as u said. It would take time and money to change all the documentation.

That is a different process. During naturalization you get a court order name change. Where taking on a spouses last name is not. It only lets you assume a the new last name. Easiest is before the visa is granted. Unless like you said the her country makes it difficult. Then she could just do it with ROC or just start using it state side. 

[JeanneAdil 6,498]

Changing last name after visa (it is attached to passport)  here in the US

means:

I 90 to change name on green card with court order

or

wait for naturalization and ask for change on N 400

 

if she can change it on Brazilian passport  before interview ,  i would (personal opinion)