Q: I’m an immigrant, just have got married and want to change my last name. How can I do it?
One more question. We are applying for a green card as well. So do I need to change my last name before submitted the application?
A: If you are referring to changing your surname (family/last name), you can identify your married surname as your current surname. There are typically boxes on the immigration forms for "other names used", wherein you would list your name before marriage. The USCIS Adjudicator's Field Manual (AFM) provides at Chapter 51.4(a): "A married woman may choose a legal married name (husband’s surname), a legal pre-marriage name (retention of maiden name), or any form of either (e.g., hyphenated name, maiden name and husband’s surname) on Form I-551 and corresponding Form I-90 (Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card.) Legal documentation, such as that listed below, must be provided to support the choice. · Civil Marriage Certificate . . . ." Assuming everything goes well in your case and you are approved, the green card will be issued with your married surname (or hyphenated surname if you so choose). You may also wish to consult with a competent immigration attorney to flush out any possible issues with your case about which you are unaware.
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