Marriage name change - Easier during process or after?

[rob_h 1]

Hi,

Currently in process for a US spouse visa (filed in London with USCIS). We are looking to update our surnames (as normal practice), we're not keen on making the process more difficult but we will have to do this at some point in the future.

Any advice from people having gone through a similar situation is appreciated.

We are wondering when it is easier to make the change? E.g. now while we're currently in the process (at the medical stage) or when we're in the US.

For information my wife is American and I am British.

Thanks for any advice.

Rob

[Nich-Nick 3,353]

I assume you, the husband, are not changing your name so it doesn't really matter. If you were changing, then you would want all your immigration paperwork submitted with the new married name because you would want your greencard issued in the name you intend to use as a married person. Your wife isn't getting any card issued so when/if she changes doesn't really matter. It will be easier for her to go to a social Security office and the DMV after she arrives in the U.S. If she has UK credit cards or accounts she will keep open, then change those while you are still local in the UK.