Surname change on passport

[joanne_l 0]

Hi,

Im a little confused and wondered if anyone could help me with a question I have!

I am a UK resident and married my American husband in Feb this year, we just received our NOA2 and are now in contact with the NVC for the next stages. However, it occured to me that my passport has my maiden name on it and was wondering if this is something I have to change before I return to the States to match my married name (which will be on the visa)? I read that showing your marriage certificate with your passport would be sufficient but I wasnt sure. Everything is costing so much money with this process and wondered if the passport name change was a necessity?

I'd be so grateful if anyone has any experience or input with this.

Thanks in advance for your help!

Joanne

[LotofPatience 65]

Hi,

Im a little confused and wondered if anyone could help me with a question I have!

I am a UK resident and married my American husband in Feb this year, we just received our NOA2 and are now in contact with the NVC for the next stages. However, it occured to me that my passport has my maiden name on it and was wondering if this is something I have to change before I return to the States to match my married name (which will be on the visa)? I read that showing your marriage certificate with your passport would be sufficient but I wasnt sure. Everything is costing so much money with this process and wondered if the passport name change was a necessity?

I'd be so grateful if anyone has any experience or input with this.

Thanks in advance for your help!

Joanne

It is not a necessity. It is just a personal choice. My wife still holds the passport under her maiden name.

Loto

[joanne_l 0]

Ok thanks so much! That's really helpful. I was just concerned because this process will take about 6 weeks itself and wanted to see if it's something I'd have to do. I can change it eventually but funds are tight at the moment with everything else that we have to pay out for! Does your wife have to take any other ID with her though to show her married name when using her visa?

Thank you for all your help,

Joanne

[LotofPatience 65]

Ok thanks so much! That's really helpful. I was just concerned because this process will take about 6 weeks itself and wanted to see if it's something I'd have to do. I can change it eventually but funds are tight at the moment with everything else that we have to pay out for! Does your wife have to take any other ID with her though to show her married name when using her visa?

Thank you for all your help,

Joanne

Nothing at the interview. Consulate had forwarded original marriage certificate from NVC.

She is an eager baby to change her name and tie with my name. I only postponing it and will do it during her naturalization, it is free!

Loto

[OBX 51]

Keep in mind that your visa and then your green card will be issued in the name on your passport.

[canadian_wife 1,791]

Agree with OBX - if you intend to take your husband's name then change your name in your pasport because the visa and the green card will be issued in the name in the passport. It will save additional time and money once in the US to change everything over

Good luck

[TJ2010 5]

Ok thanks so much! That's really helpful. I was just concerned because this process will take about 6 weeks itself and wanted to see if it's something I'd have to do. I can change it eventually but funds are tight at the moment with everything else that we have to pay out for! Does your wife have to take any other ID with her though to show her married name when using her visa?

Thank you for all your help,

Joanne

We're in exactly the same situation Joanne, I didn't end up having the time or the money to go through the lengthy process to get my passport changed, so I will have my greencard issued in my maiden name (as reflected on my passport) and will get my name formally changed in Australia, and then on my passport then on my greencard later on down the track. It's totally fine to do it this way.

Cheers,

J & T

[truebrit 4]

i too didnt have the money to pay out to get my passport changed into my married name....and even though my husband also couldnt afford this, he sent me the money to do it.

i believe it would be better to have all the documents matching up...

and yes it is so unfair that women have to pay to change their name on their passport when they marry...

it took just over a week to get it back also (in august)...and this time of year i cant see it being much different...not many rushing on holidays now...lol