Changing last name necessary?

[Mrsjackson 300]

Hello, 

 

Does anyone know of any time an immigrant has been scrutinized for not changing their last name after marriage? I don’t mind keeping my maiden name and frankly would prefer to avoid the headache of changing it, but since I am an immigrant and my marriage is unlike most people’s in that it is being scrutinized by immigration, I'm wondering if it’s a bad idea not to change it? Anybody know? Thanks. 

[gregcrs2 1,777]

It has no effect.  So you are OK to leave your last name as is.

[geowrian 22,335]

Change it or not...that's a personal preference. It won't be an issue.

[Crazy Cat 39,213]

My wife didn't....and will not in the future........no effect at all.....

[Dashinka 23,234]

My wife chose to change her family name.  To be honest, it would have been less of a hassle if she had not, but as the other learnered members have said, it is a personal choice and should not impact anyone’s immigration journey.

 

Good Luck!

[Alabamak1 688]

my wife didn't change hers either and after so much wait....(laughing) it took us only 8 month to get AOS interview. Waiting for the notice in the mail currently.

 

no it doesn't affect your immigration paperwork

Edited December 31, 2018 by Alabamak1

[jakejon 1,196]

I didn't change mine and it honestly doesn't make you any less 'married' if you choose not to! I was scarred from Social Security-that I decided stuff it 😂

[Mrsjackson 300]

Thank you all!

[Mike E 11,723]

Years ago, on flyertalk, I recall a hassle a couple had at YYC (CBP preclearance POE) who were married but had different last names. The CBP officer gave them a hassle, so they just told him they will be denying the USA the opportunity to receive their visit that day. 

 

My fiancee won’t be changing her last name (she actually doesn’t have a last name) to mine, and I don’t expect any hassles until she travels on her green card. 

 

But I do expect hassles.  

Edited January 1, 2019 by Mike E

[NikLR 13,220]

10 minutes ago, Mike E said:

Years ago, on flyertalk, I recall a hassle a couple had at YYC (CBP preclearance POE) who were married but had different last names. The CBP officer gave them a hassle, so they just told him they will be denying the USA the opportunity to receive their visit that day. 

 

visiting is different than immigrating. 

[Mike E 11,723]

10 minutes ago, NikLR said:

visiting is different than immigrating. 

As someone who went through YYC over 50 times as a green card holder, and dozens through most of the other preclearance stations around the world and Canada, I beg to differ.  

 

At preclearance POEs, CBP officers have essentially unchecked power over admitting anyone: visitor, immigrant visa holder, green card holder, or citizen. For example, another flyertalk thread from years ago discusses a USA citizen patent attorney who was told by a CBP officer in YUL that if he didn’t break attorney client privilege, he was not going to be flying to the USA that day.  

 

Married couples with different last names are unusual to CBP officers and so the likelihood of a hassle goes up. Just be prepared to drive to the USA from Canada.

 

As I am. 

[JFH 12,189]

How would CBP officers know the marital status of anyone? I have a marriage-based GC but I could be divorced or widowed for all they know. CBP are only going to know you're married if you tell them. And you only need to tell them if you are specifically asked. I have only enteted the country once since immigrating. I wasn't asked anything personal such as whether I am married or not. They were only interested in where I had been and whether I had brought anything prohibited back with me. 

[Lemonslice 4,553]

1 hour ago, Mike E said:

As someone who went through YYC over 50 times as a green card holder, and dozens through most of the other preclearance stations around the world and Canada, I beg to differ.  

 

At preclearance POEs, CBP officers have essentially unchecked power over admitting anyone: visitor, immigrant visa holder, green card holder, or citizen. For example, another flyertalk thread from years ago discusses a USA citizen patent attorney who was told by a CBP officer in YUL that if he didn’t break attorney client privilege, he was not going to be flying to the USA that day.  

 

Married couples with different last names are unusual to CBP officers and so the likelihood of a hassle goes up. Just be prepared to drive to the USA from Canada.

 

As I am. 

CBP in Montreal have to see married people with their birth name all day, everyday, as it hasn't been legal to take your spouse name in Québec since the 1980s... 

 

Anecdotal evidence to anecdotal evidence, I didn't change my name and have yet to experience negative. 250+ entries to the USA, land, US airports, and preclearance in Canada and abroad. Zero issue entering other countries either. No fee, no hassle. 

 

 

Edited January 1, 2019 by Lemonslice

[Mollie09 1,543]

14 hours ago, Mike E said:

Married couples with different last names are unusual to CBP officers and so the likelihood of a hassle goes up.

 

I have no idea where you get this idea. Are you a time traveler from the 1950s?

[debbiedoo 2,339]

no you do not have to change your name.

 

no one (CBP, USCIS, etc) cares if you do or don't.