Do I need to change the name on my passport?

[Redington]

Hi,

We submitted our K1 application last June 16, 2017 and received our N01 last July 3, 2017.

Here's my story, I was married to a French national but our divorced was finalized last June 30, 2016. So, i placed our documents under my maiden name and of course declared may other names in form 129F (such my previous married name).

My problem is, my passport is still under my married name. I went to the DFA here in the Philippines to process the change of name in my passport but was told that I have to process judicial recognition so that my divorce will be acknowledged

I told the DFA I staff, I will not get married in the Philippines so why do I have to do that. I searched online and saw that the only requirement was an authenticated copy of my divorce but now they are telling me other requirements which would cost us time and a lot of money ($1000-$1500).

Now my questions are:

1. My current passport is valid in the next 3 years but under my married name. Do I really need to change my passport?
2. Are we going to have a problem with our 129F, knowing that I placed my maiden name there? I also placed my married name there as it was required.
3. I was told recently, that I should fill the forms up using the name on my passport. What name should I use to fill up the DS160 form in the future?

I really need help. I don't want to burden my fiancee with any problems or financial issues. I want to handle this matter on my own and I don't want to burden him in anyway. He is going through a lot already. He was forced to go back to America, after living together in the Philippines for 7 years, because his mom was diagnosed with ALS.

Please help me.....

[Mike E]

Your names on your birth certificate and passport have to match unless you have original legal change of name forms.

You also need original evidence of eligibility to marry. That is your divorce decree. If the decree says you are to revert to your birth name then your passport needs to match that.

Why haven’t you received noa2 by now for a 2017 I-129F)

[rkk09]

Hi Member,

Happy New year!!

Here is my response. Please note, I am sharing my knowledge. For further clarification and accurate details, Kindly conduct experts in the concern field.

1. My current passport is valid in the next 3 years but under my married name. Do I really need to change my passport?
Answer: It is better to get new passport with corrected name with the help of supporting evidence.

2. Are we going to have a problem with our 129F, knowing that I placed my maiden name there? I also placed my married name there as it was required.
Answer: Once you correct the passport, with that you can move forward for 129F

3. I was told recently, that I should fill the forms up using the name on my passport. What name should I use to fill up the DS160 form in the future?
Answer: Yes. Forms and petitions must be filed as per passport. Therefore, please make the corrections happened in the passport first then proceed ahead for further steps.

All the best.
Thanks