How to resolve Last Name change issues?

[Sri2102]

Hello,

 

I am an Indian, currently living in USA on H1B Visa. I got married and now, I am preparing to change my last name. From the information I gathered, I have start with changing my last name on the passport first, then H1B, then SSN, DL and bank accounts and credit cards etc.

 

My passport is due for renewal in Feb 2016. I understand that I can initiate my renewal process one year before the due date which would be Feb 2015. 

 

So, my question is: Can I get mt last name changed at the time of passport renewal? Or is it better to start the process of name change before the passport renewal?

 

Also, my H1B is until Sep 2016 and I am eligible for my H1B extension since this is my first H1. So, is 6 months time sufficient for passport name change and also H1B amendment for name change? Because, I hear that it becomes an issue at the time of H1B renewal if the passport name does not match with H1B.

 

I appreciate your help.

 

Thanks,

Sri.

[rahul412]

Is it mandatory to change the last name?? My wife didn't changed her last name after the marriage.

[Sri2102]

Well, I guess it depends on how the name was registered in the marriage certificate. I have given the last name of my husband to be my legal name after marriage. So, when I renew my passport, and when updating my marital status, I guess I have to change my last name. 

 

Again, this is the information I gathered from my circle. 

[rahul412]

Well, I guess it depends on how the name was registered in the marriage certificate. I have given the last name of my husband to be my legal name after marriage. So, when I renew my passport, and when updating my marital status, I guess I have to change my last name. 

 

Again, this is the information I gathered from my circle. 

To avoid this confusion in my marriage certificate officer mentioned both the names, before and after marriage.

Hope someone will help you out.

[WilliamThomas]

Hmm, as you had mentioned here about the name change process for your H1B visa, so for that the time period of 6 month is good to go, in between this time period you can easily change name in passport and then after in H1B, because for name changing process in H1B hardly takes 3 months.