Name Change

[Mrs. Dea 10]

Hello

 

I would like to know if it is necessary to update my official documents to my married name for the purposes of the i-130 or nvc stage? I am the beneficiary.

When we got married they asked on the form the name I would like to use and I opted to keep my name as is in maiden name. The certificate was also issued with my name as is.

 

As the beneficiary, Do I have to change or have any documents in my husband's last name in any of the stages in this process? 

[milimelo 4,194]

No. Up to you if you want to keep your maiden name or take his name. Since you’re keeping it, no passport updates needed - visa will be issued in your passport name. 

[Just Paul 4,591]

My wife obtained a new passport in her married name.   The consulate updated her name during the interview.  It is easy to do at that stage.

[NikLR 13,220]

You dont have to change your name. 

Just understand that the visa will be issued in passport name and the green card will be issued in visa name.  So whatever you want your name to be, going forward, should be reflected on your passport at interview. 

[Mrs. Dea 10]

Thank you all so much because in my island it is a tedious process and none of my documents are close to expiring.

[NikLR 13,220]

If you get married there's normally a way to change you documents even if they're not close to expiring. 

 

Just remember if you don't change you name on your passport before interview, regardless of how you fill out the I-130 etc, you will be stuck with your maiden name on your green card once you arrive in the USA.  You will need $450 to change it after the fact. 

Edited January 6, 2019 by NikLR

[Peris 10]

On 1/5/2019 at 1:54 PM, Paul & Mary said:

My wife obtained a new passport in her married name.   The consulate updated her name during the interview.  It is easy to do at that stage.

I just changed my last name from my maiden name. The I130 is not approved yet hoping to hear from them in March. Should we notify the uscis about the name change? (I am the beneficiary) 

[Just Paul 4,591]

4 hours ago, Peris said:

Should we notify the uscis about the name change? (I am the beneficiary) 

If you have a new passport then just change it at the interview.   The visa will match the passport.  But you will need to take the ld passport in for tehmedical and the biometrics appointment.

[Just Paul 4,591]

If you haven't done the ds260, I think you can change it there.