Must you change your name?

[phila 0]

I was reading the previous post about a name change. I have no wish to change my name when I marry. Will this be a problem or perceived as a red flag when we pursue the Green Card?

(my reason for not changing my name- I've worked hard to become accomplished, and plan to publish, and earn a doctorate- the name change is against everything I believe about the status of women)

[CanuckmeetsYank 0]

I don't have any proof, but I don't see why you couldn't keep your name. That is a personal choice in my opinion. Worst case scenario if someone should come back and say that it is a red flag. You could always keep your maiden name as your professional name..and change it on the legal forms. This is an issue I struggled with as well. I gave in and took my husband's name since I knew it meant a lot to him even though he never made a big deal about it..I could just tell the way he asked.

I think it's totally your decision. All the best.

[Alex+R 0]

It's been said here before that it's not a red flag. Many women keep their own name. I did.

[fozzie 41]

you donn't have to change your name!

[Ashleigh-Au 0]

Many professional women do not change their names...it is your choice and I doubt it would be a problem when it comes time to adjust status.

Edited March 4, 2007 by Ashleigh-Au

[JamesT 12]

This is an issue I struggled with as well. I gave in and took my husband's name since I knew it meant a lot to him even though he never made a big deal about it..I could just tell the way he asked.

I admire you for doing that because I being a more traditional, old-fashioned guy would have my feelings hurt a bit if my wife didn't want to take my name...

[athena_ny 1]

This is an issue I struggled with as well. I gave in and took my husband's name since I knew it meant a lot to him even though he never made a big deal about it..I could just tell the way he asked.

I admire you for doing that because I being a more traditional, old-fashioned guy would have my feelings hurt a bit if my wife didn't want to take my name...

[Jenn! 918]

I didn't change my name and my husband got his green card without difficulties.

[doc_cute 0]

I was reading the previous post about a name change. I have no wish to change my name when I marry. Will this be a problem or perceived as a red flag when we pursue the Green Card?

(my reason for not changing my name- I've worked hard to become accomplished, and plan to publish, and earn a doctorate- the name change is against everything I believe about the status of women)

i admire you if u can do tht ..

n lemme know if its possible it just seems great to retain the name

best of luck phila

[bora bora 1]

Of course you can keep your last name. MANY women do it - for reasons such as you have.

[ELW 5]

I'm happy to see this topic, as I was wondering the same thing! I want to keep my name, mostly because I don’t want the hassle of changing it on a zillion places (plus keeping the name as a sense of individuality and independence is important to me).

When I mentioned it to my guy he said, “What? Why should you change your name? I was planning to change to your name.” I was like WHAT, that’s really weird! I guess he thinks it would be a good way to blend into America?!! I was like no way, that’s not gonna happen. We can just keep our own names.

[Otto 83]

NO <--shortest answer

[MissStacey 1]

I'm not changing my name. I would consider it if we ever have a child together, but we are not at that point yet.

[JamesT 12]

When I mentioned it to my guy he said, “What? Why should you change your name? I was planning to change to your name.” I was like WHAT, that’s really weird! I guess he thinks it would be a good way to blend into America?!! I was like no way, that’s not gonna happen. We can just keep our own names.

Eleen, actually I kinda like what you man says, and in a way it makes sense! If I was moving to Russia to be with my fiancee instead of the other way around, I would very well consider taking her name. It is a good way to blend in with the national culture, plus it identifies you as a couple.

I guess I'm silly, but I just like the sound of "Mr. and Mrs. Smith" or "Mr. and Mrs. Jones" (or whatever)..... "Mr. Smith and Mrs. Jones" just isn't as good and really doesn't sound like a couple. Of course those of you who don't change your name would probably consider yourselves "Ms." instead of "Mrs." anyway!

[raymaga 25]

A woman can keep her own name, with no problems whatsoever. There will be no red flags with USCIS. So many women keep their own names these days, and I imagine it's going to increase over time.

A lot of professionals, such as doctors, etc. want to keep their own names because, like you say, you have worked hard to make that name known.