Is it okay to use my US visa after a name change?

Upvote:3

The answer seems to depend on the source country.

With some countries, you are allowed to enter using the old visa and documents in English, proving the change in name. For example,

I have a visa but it has my maiden/married name. Now I’m married/divorced, and my name has changed. Do I need a new visa?

You don’t need a new visa. You can travel with your new passport with your married or maiden name, and your old passport and visa, with your maiden or married name. A copy of your marriage or divorce certificate will assist in clarifying any questions. Make sure that the visa has not been damaged before you travel.

With some other countries, you may have to apply for a new visa. For example,

Do I need to apply for a new visa if my personally identifiable information has changed?

Only if personal information on your passport, such as: Name, last name, date of birth or gender, have changed, you will have to apply for a new visa noting the updated information. All printed information on your visa must match that on your passport.

Upvote:12

Various U.S. embassy web sites note that, when your name has changed, you can travel with the old visa and documents which show evidence of the name change. You also need official English translations of the name change documents.

For instance:

My last name has changed due to marriage. I have a visa with my maiden name in my old passport. Should I apply for a new visa?

No. You may travel to U.S by carrying your old and new passport along with your marriage certificate.

If I already have a valid visa and I change my name (through marriage, or for other reasons), can I use my old visa?

Yes. As long as your passport is still valid for at least six months beyond the date you plan on traveling, you may use your existing visa. However, you should carry proof of your legal name change (i.e., the Thai name change certificate with a certified English translation) with you when you travel to the U.S. If you wish to reduce the likelihood of encountering a delay at the port of entry, you are welcome to apply for a new visa by following our normal application procedures.

You are also allowed to apply for a new visa, if you wish. You should also apply for a new visa if the reason your name changed was to correct an error in the previous name.

Visa holders of valid visas on passports reflecting their incorrect, old, assumed name, such as the following, may reapply for a nonimmigrant visa :

  • incorrect spelling of the name
  • without the second name (ex: “Jose Reyes dela Cruz” instead of “Jose Pedro Reyes dela Cruz”)
  • without a suffix (Jr., Sr., III, etc.)
  • Ma. instead of Maria

To reapply, please comply with the Nonimmigrant Visa Application Procedures.

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