Confusion on name change for new wife

[mdftx1 0]

I am getting married overseas in December and plan to file for a CR-1 right after. As I understand my wife will need to get her name changed (using my last name) in her passport to apply for her CR-1. The challenge is she has a visitor visa and plans to visit during the wait and if her name changes, she loses the old passport and it is doubtful she would get another vistor visa after we apply for the CR-1.

Is it possible to apply for the CR-1 in the new name, and she changes her passport just before her embassy interview to her new name ? Or do I need a copy of the new passort to apply for the CR-1?

Thanks in advance for your advice

[Amy and Nick 37]

I sent a photocopy my passport with my maiden name in initially. I have now changed my passport but as far as im aware you dont need to change it. The only time it can cause issues is when the green card is in the married name, and the passport is in the maiden name, but even then as long as you carry the marriage certificate as well when travelling youll be fine!

My vote: no need to change the passport!

[canadian_wife 1,791]

You do not need to have her new passport to file the I130 petition. She can keep her old one with her maiden name as long as she wants. However, it is advisable that she change it prior to the interview to help with getting her visa and green card in her married name.

I kept my maiden name in my passport until 2 weeks before my interview

Good luck

[VanessaTony 3,567]

I sent a photocopy my passport with my maiden name in initially. I have now changed my passport but as far as im aware you dont need to change it. The only time it can cause issues is when the green card is in the married name, and the passport is in the maiden name, but even then as long as you carry the marriage certificate as well when travelling youll be fine!

My vote: no need to change the passport!

Actually the GC will arrive in the name on the passport (if applying for an IR-1/CR-1). So if the passport doesn't change the GC will be in maiden name.

Edited November 29, 2011 by Vanessa&Tony

[Amy and Nick 37]

Actually the GC will arrive in the name on the passport (if applying for an IR-1/CR-1). So if the passport doesn't change the GC will be in maiden name.

Oops! I stand corrected!

[CharlesR 4]

We were married in Moldova, and my wife kept her maiden. No problems anywhere in the CR1 process. She will be here tomorrow.

[Ryan H 3,790]

I am getting married overseas in December and plan to file for a CR-1 right after. As I understand my wife will need to get her name changed (using my last name) in her passport to apply for her CR-1.e

Whether or not she changes her name to your last name is her choice. She does not need to change her name in order for her to apply for a CR-1 visa.

[mdftx1 0]

We defiantly want to have same last name. The challenge is not giving up her current passport until definitely needed.

It seems she could wait until just before her interview but we should apply in her married name

[Ryan H 3,790]

We defiantly want to have same last name. The challenge is not giving up her current passport until definitely needed.

It seems she could wait until just before her interview but we should apply in her married name

I suggest the following:

Since her passport is not needed when filing a petition, fill in her last name with her married name and use her maiden name under the "other names used" section. At the same time, she should go to the passport issuing authority for Moldova right and obtain a new passport with her married name, that way she will have it before you receive your NOA2 and the file is sent to the NVC.