H4 Visa Restamping

[NarayananS]

Hi,

My wife got her H4 in India in the passport that had her maiden name. Since then, after coming to the states she changed her Surname as my name and got a new passport.

We are planning for a trip home. Should she obtain a new visa while coming back?

Has someone gone through this situation?

Thanks,
Sathyanarayanan

[abhayg4]

Hi Narayanan,

Following is my opinion/answers:

You don;t require a new H4 visa as long as ur wife's previous H4 visa is VALID while coming to US.
Make sure that u keep/band both the passports together.

Only thing I am not sure that while coming to US - when ur wife gets a new I-94 -then which name should be mentioned in it - OLD or NEW?

Senior members may help u on this.

---Abhay

[txh1b]

I see it more of a problem and inconvenience when you return.

The I-94 will match the visa name and passport name will be different. The IO may allow the passport name to be mentioned on the I-94 but SSN,DL etc will not move forward if there is a name mismatch in any of the places.

Though not needed, it will save you a lot of hassle if you get a new visa stamp. I would recommend ONE same in all places to avoid complications.

[NarayananS]

Thanks for the clarifications. When we entered the states for the first time, She gave my name as her surname. We even got her license based on that.

[txh1b]

The CBP officer may not have noticed it on the I-94 as you may have entered together. It will lead to complications during renewals and other things. Rest is your choice.