Name change??

[jacamero 0]

My husband and I got married in Aug 2007, but I haven't changed my name yet (mostly due to my children and their school). I plan to, but was going to do it when he arrives here in the US with me. My question is this, should I do it now, before we begin the visa process? Will it appear better and be better for us if our names matched during all this?

Thanks!

[YuAndDan 153]

Name change is not a requirement for the visa process.

[Thai family 0]

My husband and I got married in Aug 2007, but I haven't changed my name yet (mostly due to my children and their school). I plan to, but was going to do it when he arrives here in the US with me. My question is this, should I do it now, before we begin the visa process? Will it appear better and be better for us if our names matched during all this?

Thanks!

My gut feeling is that it might make a difference, since the USCIS's and DOS's decisions allow room for discretion. Legally it is not required, though. More and more people are not changing their names when they get married. I think it would be at least a point for you in the "proof of bonafide relationship" category, however.

Thai Mom

[jacamero 0]

My husband and I got married in Aug 2007, but I haven't changed my name yet (mostly due to my children and their school). I plan to, but was going to do it when he arrives here in the US with me. My question is this, should I do it now, before we begin the visa process? Will it appear better and be better for us if our names matched during all this?

Thanks!

My gut feeling is that it might make a difference, since the USCIS's and DOS's decisions allow room for discretion. Legally it is not required, though. More and more people are not changing their names when they get married. I think it would be at least a point for you in the "proof of bonafide relationship" category, however.

Thai Mom

Thanks so much, both of you. I know they couldn't legally make me change my name, as that is everyone's right here in the US to change it or not. But I HAD planned on doing it anyway, and wondered if it might make it look "better" in the since of presenting a bonafide marriage, like you said. We do have one of those, and I don't want it called into question on any level. And I don't want any hang-ups during the visa process!!

Thanks so much!!!!

[Chocolot 0]

I still havent changed mine, nor will I

We married in 2005 and it doesnt seem to have made a difference as I have been through the process without interview so far, and am now months into waiting for the 10 year card (which is quite normal)

If it is better for your children and you want to explain that, I am sure they wont have a problem,

cheers, Jayde

My husband and I got married in Aug 2007, but I haven't changed my name yet (mostly due to my children and their school). I plan to, but was going to do it when he arrives here in the US with me. My question is this, should I do it now, before we begin the visa process? Will it appear better and be better for us if our names matched during all this?

Thanks!

My gut feeling is that it might make a difference, since the USCIS's and DOS's decisions allow room for discretion. Legally it is not required, though. More and more people are not changing their names when they get married. I think it would be at least a point for you in the "proof of bonafide relationship" category, however.

Thai Mom

Thanks so much, both of you. I know they couldn't legally make me change my name, as that is everyone's right here in the US to change it or not. But I HAD planned on doing it anyway, and wondered if it might make it look "better" in the since of presenting a bonafide marriage, like you said. We do have one of those, and I don't want it called into question on any level. And I don't want any hang-ups during the visa process!!

Thanks so much!!!!