Cr1 visa

[Tejasi 0]

Hi I am a US citizen and recently got married in India on Jan 6. I was going to file CR1 visa but a question clicked in my mind. I still haven't changed my last name. Is it necessary for me to change my last name before I proceed with the application..(my marriage certificate says my last name is changed after marriage but I haven't legally changed it yet..) Please help!!

[dwheels76 5,477]

Hi I am a US citizen and recently got married in India on Jan 6. I was going to file CR1 visa but a question clicked in my mind. I still haven't changed my last name. Is it necessary for me to change my last name before I proceed with the application..(my marriage certificate says my last name is changed after marriage but I haven't legally changed it yet..) Please help!!

No it's not required to change your name at all. That's your own personal choice. Some women submit petition and change name during the process some never do.

[aleful 1,905]

hi

no, it's not an obligation in this country to take husband's last name,

you can choose to have your GC in your maiden name or married name

[Tejasi 0]

Thank you.

So I can submit the petition with my maiden name and choose to change my name even after the process is completed right?

[aleful 1,905]

hi

no

once you submit the petition in that name you cannot change it

you would need to go to court to change your last name or wait until you are eligible for naturalization in a few years

you cannot change your last name, so you should decide now which last name you want because it will be permanent for a few years

[Tejasi 0]

But what if I am already naturalized citizen.

How about I file my petition with my husbands surname and after submission I change my name during the process?

[dwheels76 5,477]

But what if I am already naturalized citizen.

How about I file my petition with my husbands surname and after submission I change my name during the process?

Is you know you will change your name during the process why not just fill out the I-130 with your Surname (new married name) list all your other last names. That way I-130 and DS-260 later matches up and no confusion.

Or just fill out I-130 with maiden name and if you change during process you can update name on the DS-260.

You can even update at interview if need be.

[aleful 1,905]

hi

nevermind, I read your post wrong, thinking you were the beneficiary and not the USC

no you don't need to take your husband's name,

[Tejasi 0]

Okay great..thank you both for the help!!!

[JMER 0]

You don't need to change your Last name. What you can do is add your Husband's name to your passport where it asks for spouse name.

Edited January 30, 2016 by JMER

[Meant2B 8]

Thank you.

So I can submit the petition with my maiden name and choose to change my name even after the process is completed right?

Yes, I changed mine after submitting mine.

[NikLR 13,232]

You are the petitioner and it doesn't matter when or if you change your name.