name change on i-130

[georgiebun]

Recently got married, should I write my maiden name or can I use my husband's last name on the forms? My passport is still in my maiden name.

[immihelp]

Name as per your passport.

[marcovida77]

name change on i-130

Hello you can use both but uscis agent will wonder why you won't take your spouses name during the interview. In the us it's a common practice to use your married name. In the forms use your married name. When you travel later internationally you will use your GC along with your original passport with your original name to return which is a common practice.

[rayb]

You can go either way with this, but there are caveats to each direction:

1. If the passport remains in maiden name, and the paperwork is submitted with married name, the Consulate interviewer will probably insist that the passport be changed to married name before the visa is issued. This has been my experience.
2. If the passport remains in maiden name and the paperwork is submitted in maiden name, the visa will be issued in maiden name. Many women continue to legally use maiden name on on their legal documents.
3. My advice would be to get the passport changed to married name, submit the paperwork in married name, so that the visa and subsequent Green Card will all be in married name.

--Ray B

Recently got married, should I write my maiden name or can I use my husband's last name on the forms? My passport is still in my maiden name.