Wife and I were married in U.S. chose to not change her maiden name to my last name

[PHIL > AZ 6]

Hello. My wife and I were married in the U.S. and chose not to change her maiden name to my last name. The main reason was when we were married I was ignorant and thought that if we changed her last name that it would invalidate her passport and other J-1 visa documents because there is a clause on her J-1 visa that says she can't enter the U.S. with the intent to marry a U.S. Citizen. That was 2 years ago and now I have submitted her CR-1 papers still bearing her maiden name as her preferred name.

Does anyone know if we'll we run into any problems on the Philippine or U.S. sides? Are they allowed to penalize us for making a personal decision to keep my wife's maiden name? I am hoping that it wont because I love my wife dearly and have not left her side since we were married. I would hate such a petty mistake to cause us troubles or invalidate anything.

Thanks!

[Morganalmonshid94 84]

I don't see why there should be any issues your married in the U.S. Woman can choose to keep their last name add both or take their husbands I think everything will be fine .

[Tahoma 2,291]

I can't think of any potential problems.

Even if she becomes a naturalized U.S. citizen, and then reacquires her Philippines citizenship, she can use her maiden name on her Philippines passport.

[apple21 953]

Changing last names for married women is OPTIONAL. There's no penalty for choosing to keep her birth name.