Results 1 to 3 of 3
  1. #1
    Join Date
    Apr 2009
    Posts
    2

    Default Should You Get a Name Change Before, During or After Naturalization?

    When’s the ideal time to change one’s last name (assuming the person is eligible for naturalization)?
    1. Before naturalization (Indian passport, GC, SSN, etc needs to reflect this --- I assume that this is somewhat more laborious)
    2. During naturalization (I don’t believe that our local field office of USCIS in WA state offers this option)
    3. After naturalization – does this option lead to additional paperwork/hassles if one later decides to move back to India OR when getting OCI/PIO (since the Indian records will not have a reference to the new name)? Will it cause problems if one re-applies for the Indian citizenship/passport after a name change as a US-Citizen?

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Sep 2005
    Location
    Behind a Desk
    Posts
    98,846

    Default Re: Name Change Before, During or After Naturalization?

    If option 2 is available, it's what I would personally choose. I would otherwise choose option 3. I don't think you'll have any problems with #3 that can't be resolved by keeping a copy of the name change order with you when you travel, or updating your passport with your new name.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Apr 2009
    Posts
    2

    Default Re: Name Change Before, During or After Naturalization?

    Thanks for the response. Here's what I heard from a couple of people. Has anyone tried this approach?

    -------------

    Assuming that a lady wants to have the name changed from her maiden name to her married name --- it should not require a "legal name change". Instead, the following process should be considered (assuming the person is currently/legally married):

    1. On Part 1.A. of the naturalization application, list the married name in the “Family Name (Last Name)” field.
    2. On Part 1.B. of the application, include the maiden name in the “Family Name (Last Name)” field – assuming that the maiden name is reflected on her green card.
    3. On Part 1.D.1 of the application, mark the box “NO” to the question “Would you like to legally change your name?”

    This is possible since the married last name can be considered her current legal name.

    1. Sponsored Links
       

Similar Threads

  1. Naturalization: How to Change a Minor Child's Last Name During Naturalization
    By Alcina in forum Permanent Residency and Naturalization
    Replies: 4
    Last Post: 06-11-2017, 12:19 PM
  2. Naturalization: Change of Address After Filing for Naturalization
    By lawfacts in forum Permanent Residency and Naturalization
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 11-22-2016, 02:15 PM
  3. Naturalization: Child Name Change During Naturalization
    By bsjun1 in forum Permanent Residency and Naturalization
    Replies: 2
    Last Post: 12-03-2009, 11:31 AM
  4. Naturalization: Last Name Change After Naturalization
    By green_tea in forum Permanent Residency and Naturalization
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 05-28-2009, 07:45 PM
  5. Naturalization: Name Change During Naturalization
    By bholabhala in forum Permanent Residency and Naturalization
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 10-28-2008, 09:39 AM
 
 
Sponsored Links

Legal Help, Information and Resources