Changing last name, what happens in my country?

[Muri&Jim 3]

Hi everyone, my fiancé and I are getting married this tuesday and I decided that I'll be taking his last name. Today I've been thinking a lot about, specially about the problems that might bring me in my country. I'm from Chile, I have a business degree, I'm still working with a contract with a company from Chile and I bought an apartment with my actual name, I'm worried that this change might be an issue. Someone has had a similar case? The last name change applies to other countries?

Thank you!

[Sarge2155 4,590]

1 hour ago, Muri said:

Hi everyone, my fiancé and I are getting married this tuesday and I decided that I'll be taking his last name. Today I've been thinking a lot about, specially about the problems that might bring me in my country. I'm from Chile, I have a business degree, I'm still working with a contract with a company from Chile and I bought an apartment with my actual name, I'm worried that this change might be an issue. Someone has had a similar case? The last name change applies to other countries?

Thank you!

Taking your spouse's last (family) name is a matter of choice and a simple thing to do! It should not cause any problems at least not in the US because you have your marriage certificate /license to prove who you were BEFORE you got married. I can't see where that would be an issue in any country, but I can not speak for any other country other than the US. It's a common thing that happens everyday! It does not change the fact of the things you purchased under another name. As I said before you have proof of the change in your marriage documents and by the way that is what USCIS will look at to determine if you are married!

 

Just a tip apply for your SS card BEFORE you get married!

Edited May 15, 2022 by Sarge2155

[SteveInBostonI130 3,468]

2 hours ago, Muri said:

Hi everyone, my fiancé and I are getting married this tuesday and I decided that I'll be taking his last name. Today I've been thinking a lot about, specially about the problems that might bring me in my country. I'm from Chile, I have a business degree, I'm still working with a contract with a company from Chile and I bought an apartment with my actual name, I'm worried that this change might be an issue. Someone has had a similar case? The last name change applies to other countries?

Thank you!

 

First, be sure to update your passport with your new name.  I assume you will be applying for a CR1 visa soon.  The visa will be issued in the name that matches the passport.

 

There will be sections in the I-130 and DS-260 (later on) that will allow you to enter other names used.  Therefore your apartment being in your maiden name should not be an issue.

[Redro 4,611]

14 hours ago, Muri said:

Hi everyone, my fiancé and I are getting married this tuesday and I decided that I'll be taking his last name. Today I've been thinking a lot about, specially about the problems that might bring me in my country. I'm from Chile, I have a business degree, I'm still working with a contract with a company from Chile and I bought an apartment with my actual name, I'm worried that this change might be an issue. Someone has had a similar case? The last name change applies to other countries?

Thank you!

You need to research name change in your country to figure out the answer. 

Some countries do not recognize name changes due to marriage. 

While other countries require you change your name after marriage (if you indicate that is your choice) and it can take several months. 

Other countries don't care if you have a different name in a different country. 

You might be able to maintain your maiden name in Chile after marriage. 

But that means if you ever fly you need to fly with marriage certificate to show why your passport and green card are under different names. 

You might have to submit your marriage certificate to the relevant authorities in Chile to have your name change recognized. 

The great thing about getting married in the US and adjusting means you can apply for a green card under your married name with no pressure to change your name in your home country (but you might have to change your name after you register your marriage). 

So, weigh up your options. 

Do you want to change your name or do you want to keep things simple and keep your name. 

Most people on VJ suggest you only change your name when you apply for US citizenship. 

 

 

Edited May 15, 2022 by ROK2USA

[Muri&Jim 3]

Thank you everyone for your answers!

[Unlockable 7,315]

***NonEnglish post removed. English only in upper forums.

 

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[roxion 2]

I am for keeping one's name. It is part of your history! It does not matter how it sounds, it is yours. In your country of birth it might sound common, not like a Bond or Sparrow, but who cares...