Maiden or Married Name on Forms?

[BrianB]

Filing forms for the adjustment of status, should we now use the married name, or the original maiden name? My instinct is to use the maiden name, since that is what everyone has in their records.

[barbarajlw]

Filing forms for the adjustment of status, should we now use the married name, or the original maiden name? My instinct is to use the maiden name, since that is what everyone has in their records.

No Brian use her married name now, I just did mine , why would I put my previous name down when I am married now and you want all her cards to be in her married name.

[nichole]

I agree with Barbara.

Think of adjustment of status as starting a new process. Getting her here with a visa is done. When her application arrives at USCIS, her visa files (which are Dept of State files) are locked away in storage in another state. Repeat sending all that is asked for, even if you think that information has been given before. List her full maiden name anywhere it asks for previous names used. Your marriage certificate will show why she has a new last name. Her A# will tie the files together. If she is going to use your name for work, bank accounts, driver's license, etc, then you want her green card issued in that same name.

Also, travel with a copy of the marriage certificate and green card until her passport expires to explain the name differences. Then when she gets a new passport, get it in the married name. No need to change it immediately as long as you carry the marriage certificate.