Marriage often comes with numerous changes—moving homes, building a life together, and sometimes, deciding whether to adopt your spouse's surname. For many foreign nationals applying for a green card through marriage, one of the most important considerations is whether to change their name on their official immigration documents. This decision may seem simple at first glance, but it carries long-term implications, from aligning legal identities to simplifying paperwork in the future.

In this article, we'll walk you through the considerations involved in changing your name on your green card, either through adjustment of status or consular processing, while ensuring that the transition aligns with your broader immigration goals. Whether you're opting for your spouse's surname or keeping your maiden name, here's what you need to know.

Why Changing Your Name on a Green Card Matters

Changing your name on a green card is not just about updating your legal identity. It can influence a variety of processes in your personal and professional life. These include future renewals, applying for naturalization, or even traveling abroad. When done strategically, changing your name can help simplify interactions with various government agencies, financial institutions, and employers.

However, it's equally important to ensure that your name change is consistent across all your documents, such as your passport, driver's license, Social Security card, and employment records. Inconsistent name records can cause delays and confusion, especially in future immigration matters.

What Are the Options?

When you marry, you have three primary name options for your green card:

1. Keep Your Maiden Name
   Many foreign nationals prefer to keep their maiden name for various reasons, including professional identity, cultural traditions, or personal preference. This option requires minimal changes and maintains consistency across documents, especially if you’ve already established your identity under your maiden name in the US.

2. Adopt Your Spouse’s Surname
   For many, adopting their spouse’s surname symbolizes unity and the formation of a new family. If you choose this option, you'll need to update not only your green card but also other critical documents such as your passport and Social Security card.

3. Use a Hyphenated or Double-Barreled Surname
   Some choose a combination of both surnames as a way to honor both their family of origin and their spouse’s name. This option can sometimes be more complex due to the additional paperwork involved, but it offers a balanced approach for those who want to maintain both identities.

When Should You Make the Decision to file for a Marriage Green Card and Changing your Name?

Timing is everything when it comes to changing your name on a green card. Ideally, you should decide before filing your adjustment of status or immigrant visa application. This is because your name needs to be consistent across all official documents, including your green card, Social Security card, and work authorization documents.

Changing Your Name After Filing Your Green Card Application

If you've already filed your green card application under your maiden name and later decide to change it, you can still update your documents during the green card process. Here’s what you’ll need to do when you consider these factors and take into take into account the following:

• Submit Form I-90 (Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card): If you’ve already received your green card and wish to change your name later, you’ll need to submit this form, along with supporting evidence, to request a new card with your updated name.

• Notify USCIS During Your Green Card Interview: If your name change occurs during the processing of your green card application, you can inform USCIS at your interview, provided you bring updated documentation, such as a new passport or certified marriage certificate.

• Update Other Relevant Documents: After your green card is updated, make sure your Social Security card, passport, and any professional licenses reflect the new name.

Five Considerations When Deciding to Change Your Name

1. Cultural and Personal Preferences
   For some individuals, keeping their maiden name is deeply rooted in cultural traditions or personal values. In some cultures, it’s customary for women to retain their family name even after marriage, and making such a change could feel like losing part of their identity. This decision might also be influenced by the role you want your maiden name to play in your professional or personal life moving forward.

2. Professional Identity
   If you’ve already established a professional career under your maiden name, changing it might cause confusion in your field or require updating multiple professional licenses, business records, or even personal branding efforts. Many opt to keep their maiden name in professional contexts but adopt their spouse’s name for legal or personal purposes.

3. Future Immigration Processes
   Consider your long-term immigration journey when deciding whether to change your name. Consistency in documentation can streamline future applications, whether for a green card renewal or naturalization. If you plan to change your name when applying for naturalization, be aware that the process can take longer and may require additional steps such as updating passports and other documents once your name change is finalized.

4. International Travel
   Your green card and passport need to match for international travel. If your name change occurs mid-process, ensure that your travel documents reflect the correct name to avoid delays or issues at customs. Additionally, some countries may have their own rules about name changes, so make sure your passport’s issuing country accepts the change and will update your document promptly.

5. Administrative Complexity
   Keep in mind that adopting a spouse's name or opting for a hyphenated surname means you’ll need to update numerous other documents. In addition to your green card, you'll need to notify banks, credit card companies, insurance providers, the DMV, and any professional or educational institutions about your name change. For many, this administrative burden can be a deciding factor.

How to Change Your Name on a Green Card

If you’ve decided to change your name after marriage and want this reflected on your green card, here’s how to go about it:

1. Update Your Passport First Many countries require you to update your passport with your new name before updating your US green card. Check the requirements with your home country’s consulate or embassy.

2. File Form I-90
   If your green card is already issued under your maiden name, you’ll need to submit Form I-90, "Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card." This form is used to replace a green card when personal information changes, such as after a marriage.

3. Submit Supporting Documents
   Along with Form I-90, you’ll need to provide proof of your name change. Typically, this includes a certified marriage certificate or court order legally changing your name.

4. Pay the Necessary Fees
   As of now, there is a fee associated with filing Form I-90 to update your green card. Be sure to check the current fee on the USCIS website.

5. Wait for the New Card
   Processing times for name changes on green cards vary, but it typically takes several months. During this time, you can continue to use your existing green card for work and travel as long as you carry proof of your name change, such as a marriage certificate.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid When Changing Your Name on a Green Card

1. Inconsistency Across Documents
   One of the most common mistakes is having different names across key documents. For example, if your green card has your maiden name but your Social Security card has your married name, this inconsistency can lead to problems when applying for benefits, loans, or even a driver’s license.

2. Not Updating Your Social Security Card
   After changing your name on your green card, it’s important to also update your Social Security card to ensure that all your US government records match. Failing to do so can cause delays in obtaining future benefits or updating other government-issued IDs.

3. Traveling with Mismatched Documents
   If you’ve updated your name on some documents but not others, traveling internationally can become problematic. Always ensure your passport and airline tickets match exactly to avoid confusion at borders. If your passport name is different than your green card, then you should always book your ticket using the passport name as that is the binding legal document for a name change. It's also a good idea to travel with an original version of your marriage certificate.

When You Should Consider Keeping Your Maiden Name

If you're unsure whether to change your name on your green card, consider the following situations where it might make sense to retain your maiden name:

• You’ve established a professional identity under your maiden name and changing it could cause unnecessary confusion.

• Your culture or family traditions prioritize keeping your maiden name as a way to honor your family.

• You prefer to delay the name change process until a future time, such as during naturalization or after settling in the US.

Final Thoughts: Changing Name on Green Card – A Personal Decision

Whether you choose to keep your maiden name, adopt your spouse’s surname, or hyphenate both, changing your name on a green card is a deeply personal decision. It's about aligning your personal preferences with the legal realities of immigration. My firm specializes in guiding couples through this process, ensuring that every step is clear and stress-free. If you’re ready to move forward with a name change or need further assistance with your green card application, feel free to reach out.

Your journey matters to us because we've been there, and we're here to help you every step of the way. Let's make your dream a reality together. With the right approach, the marriage green card process can help you build a future in the U.S. with your spouse while allowing you to achieve your immigration goals. Should you or your loved one have any questions or need representation, please do not hesitate to contact us. Although we are located in New York City we represent clients all over the 50 states of the US. Call us, email us at info@khunkhunlaw.com or review other options to get in touch with us for an immigration consultation. If you are ready to schedule a consultation you can find a date that works for you and book your Zoom meeting with Sharon Khunkhun here. We have represented many clients with successful results even with the most difficult set of facts.