Changing last name...

[Lytha 2]

Hey everyone

I need some advice on an issue I have ..

When I first filed for CR1 visa, I130 petition,etc... I filed this all in my maiden name. To make things less complicated in both countries and be 'legally okay' in both...

Now, in the States I would like to get my name changed to my husbands...to make things less complicated now (Army, etc..)

Now with my country, that last name change will never be legally accepted.. I still have my passport, ID,.. In my maiden name, my gov. will never allow me to change that legally... Also not planning on giving up my citizenship either...

The US will, it's very common here to change last name after marriage... Not so common in BE, main reason I filed all my paperwork in my maiden name to start with...

I heard I could request a new green card with an I90 form, though I would need supporting documentation for my request of changing names... Would the marriage certificate be sufficient for that? Bcause other than that document, my drivers license/SScard is in my maiden name (the name my greencard came in, you can't really make changes to SSC and Drivers license untill your name on GC changes right?)

Or, wait untill its time to file an I751 and than go ahead and file that in my married name?

Also, evidence, what else can i give them for my name change than my marriage certificate?

Or, wait untill I can file for citizenship, and than adjust my name to my married name?

I am very confused on whats best to do, what you really can do, and if it will cause confusion in my home country..

I dont see how it could cause problems though, if i keep my ID up to date and renewed when needed, same goes for international passport...?

Any response would be highly appreciated

Thanks a bunch!

Lytha

[jkelly07 120]

to change your name on the permanent resident card 1-90 fee 365.00-if you need bio 85.00.if you can wait until you file 1-751 to remove conditions and file with your married name on the 1-751 if approval you should get the green card in the married name,your expire time on your green oct 2013. its up to you.

[Shanh 2]

It would have been best to file with your married name, regardless on how it is in BE, but now that it's done it's a matter of costs I would say.

Waiting to file for I751 would probably be less costly.

As for Belgium, there will be no confusion, you need to register to the consulate etc and they will take it from there, all in your maiden name.

Only 2 things that have changed as far as Belgium is concerned is your residency and your marital status.

[Lytha 2]

It would have been best to file with your married name, regardless on how it is in BE, but now that it's done it's a matter of costs I would say.

Waiting to file for I751 would probably be less costly.

As for Belgium, there will be no confusion, you need to register to the consulate etc and they will take it from there, all in your maiden name.

Only 2 things that have changed as far as Belgium is concerned is your residency and your marital status.

Yes, I did report those changes before I left for the US. When or how do I register to the consulate though?

I assume to keep my citizenship to Belgium its just a matter of keeping up with my ID and such...?

Thanks for your reply! Very helpful!

[Shanh 2]

You had to register as soon as you started living in the US

You need to find which consulate to register to, depending on where you live.

You will find relevant information here : http://www.diplobel.us/

You remain a Belgian citizen, I don't think it has something to do with keeping up with Id and such, though it's best to do so (which reminds me .. ).

Did you also notify the tax services in Belgium?

[Lytha 2]

You had to register as soon as you started living in the US

You need to find which consulate to register to, depending on where you live.

You will find relevant information here : http://www.diplobel.us/

You remain a Belgian citizen, I don't think it has something to do with keeping up with Id and such, though it's best to do so (which reminds me .. ).

Did you also notify the tax services in Belgium?

Had no clue i needed to do that... Never filed any taxes or had to pay in what so ever... i thought they would figure that out anyhow since i 'signed out' at the local court house... thought that was the only thing i had to do... but i will register at Diplobel though... lol,, thanks for the heads up!

[Lytha 2]

also; how do i register... can't seem to find 'how'... do i need to go to the consular office in person? or can i 'register' online?

[Shanh 2]

also; how do i register... can't seem to find 'how'... do i need to go to the consular office in person? or can i 'register' online?

You need to send them the required documents as explained here in Dutch or here in French.

[Lytha 2]

Thank you! Got everything squared away now... I think I'll be waiting till removal of conditions to change my maiden name into my married name... Shouldnt be to much of an issue I hope... thanks for replies!