Just got married...name change?

[kiroiitori 1]

Hello everyone, my husband and I just got married in the US and I got back to my home country in Germany. We are now planning to apply for the CR1 visa, but I have so many questions.

First of all, we chose that I will change my last name to my husband's, which is also stated in our marriage certificate. In order to change my name in Germany I have to request a change of my last name which is apparently only possible if my husband will come with me to the german offices to sign the documents. But since he is still in the US, I was wondering what to do. Should we use my old name for the application, since my maiden name is still on my passport, etc. And if so, is there any chance to get my name changed while the process is ongoing or is it just gonna cause confusion, I heard the name on my Greencard has to be the same name as on my passport. So just stick with my last name for now?

I am avoiding to wait for husband to visit me in Germany to change my last name with him because this might take another few months and we wanted to start applying asap.

Or do I have to change my last name first because it is on the marriage certificate?

 

I really appreciate your time and hope you can help me!

 

[Dashinka 24,577]

You don't have to complete the German name change process to start the spousal visa process.  Have your husband file the I130 using your married name, and when convenient during your husband's next visit you can take care of the German bureaucratic process.

 

Good Luck!  And Congratulation of the recent wedding. 

[Chancy 6,241]

53 minutes ago, kiroiitori said:

I am avoiding to wait for husband to visit me in Germany to change my last name with him because this might take another few months and we wanted to start applying asap.

 

I agree with @Dashinka.  File the I-130 ASAP, listing your married name.  List your maiden name (and any other names you may have used) under the "Other Names Used" section.  Then you have around a year or so to get a new German passport in your married name.  If for some reason you are unable to get a passport in your married name at the time of your interview, the consulate will not hold it against you for listing your married name on the I-130.  They will print the visa with whatever name is listed on the passport you submit at the interview.

 

[kiroiitori 1]

Thank you so much for your help. I really appreciate! My husband is gonna start filing I-130 asap!