Last name change

[knowledge seeker]

My wife wants to change her last name to coincide with mine officially on her green card, passport (Indian), etc.
Our I-485 was approved just last week. We have not gotten our passports stamped yet. Does anybody know of the procedures to be followed. Any help in this regard would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[VSCRD1199]

No Title

1. For Indian Passport since she is changing from her maiden name to married name, all you would need is to have 2 applications filled up plus marriage certificate copy and an affidavit ( you can get the format from Indian Embassy Web site). The 2 application forms are a) Form for miscellaneous services and indicate change of name to married name; b) New Passport application - because the name is in the laminated portion of the passport.

2. For Green Card, I think it is best for you to get the Green Card as is. Later you would have to get a court order from US court and then re-apply for replacement card.

Important: I would think to reduce complications you should first have the GC changed and then the Indian Passport ( The Indian passport will not take much time if done in the US). Check this with your attorney and INS before you start the process. It is better that you do not leave the country until both matters are resolved.

The above is just my opinion. Please consult a good attorney and INS before you do anything.

VSCRD1199

 

[geecee]

No Title

Just a simple thought, will you keep her father\'s name as your last name? Why exect her to change her name. Try to encourage her to have her own name as is and have respect for you, your father and family name from heart instead of words. we should stop such barbaric MC rituals like getting rid of woman\'s identity on marriage etc. Desi man has been insecure all his life and created more and more of such irrational practices.

You know our society has tried from time to time to chain woman like this, liberate them. You are most likely to be frustrated with GC processing for just a couple of years, woman have been putting up crap like only woman wearing marriage symbol like "Mangal Sutra" or Suhag in forehead as in some customs, Last name change and list goes on. Woman have to get permission from hubby to see parents, call parents even write to parents. Be a role model and bring the Woman like what tamil poet Bharathiar wanted, a revolutionary woman.

Think Woman\'s Liberation or at least try to get the picture from their side. Just have a frank open conversation with your wife and tell us what happened, if you think it is OK. Good Luck.