Name Change???

[SmittnMittn 0]

Hello!

 

I moved to the US from Canada after marrying a US citizen back in 2015. I'm currently a green card holder. I didn't change my name on anything at that time, including my immigration documents, drivers license and social security card, nor my Canadian passport.

 

I'm not at a point where I'd like to take my husbands name officially but i'm so lost on where to even begin. I'm open to becoming a US citizen and changing my name for immigration purposes at that time, but do i need to do anything at a local point?

 

I signed my name on my marriage certificate as my maiden name. Where do i even begin?

 

And I worry to about not being able to travel during this potentially long processing period.

 

any help appreciated.

[JeanneAdil 6,581]

you never HAVE TO  change your last name in US/  its not even required for naturalization process

If u decide to do during naturalization , u can

 

and u are free to travel on green  card till u surrender it at oath ceremony

 

i would make sure the biometrics is done or they say USCIS will reuse the ones on file , then travel as needed till interview is scheduled

[Allaboutwaiting 2,503]

As @JeanneAdil said: you dont have to. A name change is not mandatory.

 

What made you think that?

[SmittnMittn 0]

19 minutes ago, JeanneAdil said:

you never HAVE TO  change your last name in US/  its not even required for naturalization process

If u decide to do during naturalization , u can

 

and u are free to travel on green  card till u surrender it at oath ceremony

 

i would make sure the biometrics is done or they say USCIS will reuse the ones on file , then travel as needed till interview is scheduled

Thats a typo! It’s meant to say “ I’m NOW at a point” .. I DO want to change my name

1 hour ago, SmittnMittn said:

Hello!

 

I moved to the US from Canada after marrying a US citizen back in 2015. I'm currently a green card holder. I didn't change my name on anything at that time, including my immigration documents, drivers license and social security card, nor my Canadian passport.

 

I'm now at a point where I'd like to take my husbands name officially but i'm so lost on where to even begin. I'm open to becoming a US citizen and changing my name for immigration purposes at that time, but do i need to do anything at a local point?

 

I signed my name on my marriage certificate as my maiden name. Where do i even begin?

 

And I worry to about not being able to travel during this potentially long processing period.

 

any help appreciated.

 

[Allaboutwaiting 2,503]

1 minute ago, SmittnMittn said:

Thats a typo! It’s meant to say “ I’m NOW at a point” .. I DO want to change my name

 

You can do it when applying for naturalisation or even on the day of the interview.

[little immigrant 801]

The name change during the naturalization is for when you want a complete name change (I added a middle name to my name, others use it to americanize their name). 

 

You can change your name to your married name at any point and don't need to wait for naturalization. You can start by going to the SSA office and request a new SSN card in your married name. Bring your marriage certificate as proof of name change. Then change your driver's license and from there you can update your name on bank accounts and other legal things. 

 

Good luck