Answered4 years ago
What steps should I take to change my wife's surname in Thailand after obtaining a US Permanent Resident card via K1 visa?
My Thai wife recently received her conditional US Permanent Resident card, via K1 visa. We are now preparing to change her surname, which is how it is on the USPR. The process seems a bit convoluted and I am hoping that I am just misunderstanding something. Has anyone here successfully done this? We are going to be in Thailand for about 2 weeks in the fall, but this doesn’t seem to be enough time to get it done, since it requires an embassy visit in Bangkok (to certify a certified copy of the marriage certificate, which we cannot even do until our fourth day there due to us arriving on a Saturday and next appointment being on the Tuesday) then translation of the documents (which takes 3-4 days) then traveling to Isaan to first file the name change in triplicate with the amphur, which will then allow us to process the name change for her government ID, and everything else.
Is there any way to do the initial part of this in the US (we are in NYC). Any help that can be given is appreciated.
Is there any way to do the initial part of this in the US (we are in NYC). Any help that can be given is appreciated.
Answer summary
The poster is seeking advice on the process of changing his Thai wife's surname now that she has received her US Permanent Resident card via K1 visa. They are encountering challenges due to their limited time in Thailand and the bureaucratic steps required, including an embassy visit for marriage certificate certification, document translation, and filing at the local amphur. Several commenters suggest ways to efficiently navigate these processes and offer insights based on their experiences.
17 repliesnewest first
Click comment and we will ask for your email, then OTP, then name.
Gray ******
A name change in Thai is quick and easy.
John **********
OP@Gray *****
unless it’s based on marriage in a foreign country apparently. It’s probably easier for her to just choose new surname that happens to be the same as mine, but that probably doesn’t help with the marriage registrationKool *******
@John *********
I would say change your travel plans so it fits your requirements in meeting her name change, as that seems to be pretty important in getting her official ID. What I would do now is find out when her appointment at the US embassy can be made. All the rest of it should take less than a week, if you make it the main priority of your trip, and concentrate on getting that doneJohn **********
OP@Kool ******
unfortunately my job doesn’t give me much flexibility in that regard, we are going to do what we can, I think our biggest obstacle is the possibility of it taking 4 days to get a translation done that they will accept. If we can get that done same day, we stand a better chanceKool *******
@John *********
I assume this is translated into Thai. There are translation services open on Saturday, the day you arrive, and it should only take a few hours for them to translate it, as it is just a marriage certificate, not some long multipage document. Make a copy of the document, and use that for the translation as soon as you get here. It should be done by Monday, then you take this translation to the ministry of foreign affairs at Chaeng Wattana on Pak Kret road building A to get it certified and stamped as being accurate. This takes a short time based on the queue, with enough time to go back to the translator for any corrections. This gets you to Tuesday for your embassy appointment, and notary service. Now you're ready to head to her Amphur on Wednesday. This should involve registering the marriage with the Amphur, and why you need the certified marriage certificate, and the certified translation, then the processing of the name change, that should be done fairly quickly. Make sure you get a color copy of your marriage certificate to get certified at the embassy, as you do not want to be giving the Amphur your original marriage certificate, as they keep it.John **********
OP@Kool ******
probably a risk, since all interaction is online. Will have to work with the local ones. Thank you for all your help and advice.Kool *******
@John *********
when you get to Thailand the translations have to be certified as accurate by the ministry of foreign affairs, and given their stamp. If something is not to their liking and has to be changed you must be able to immediately go to the same local translator to make the needed changes. If your service can do that then use them.John **********
OP@Kool ******
I have dealt with a translation service for all the Thai to English documents for USCIS and DHS, I’m wondering if they would be acceptable for the English to Thai translation as wellJohn **********
OP@Kool ******
thank you! I will run through all that with the wife 🙂
Dennis *******
Little off topic but how long did she have to wait for her interview in bangkok? My wife and I waiting for hers now and just wondering.
Kathalyn *******
Don't bother doing it
John **********
OP@Kathalyn ******
I didn’t feel it was necessary, but that is what she wants, so I don’t have a choice 😉Kathalyn *******
@John *********
Let her do the work then!!!John **********
OP@Kathalyn ******
On the Thai side, she is. But I have to plan the travel to do it. Teamwork 😉
Terary **********
@John *********
My wife also wanted her name changed. I am just telling her US is off limits. Visas are difficult, its expensive, and ALWAYS cold.
Greg *****
That’s why my wife isn’t changing her name. No need to change and too much government paperwork trouble.
Michael ********
@Greg ****
same same here she never did it wasnt worth the hassleActivity
8 joined8
people
Related
25How can I extend my Non-O Visa stamp if I need more time to gather requirements?
177128d
Do I need to apostille my marriage certificate and birth certificates for my family's DTV visa application in Thailand?
1.2k9114mo
Should I apply for a DTV visa as a Dependent Spouse concurrently or sequentially with my husband?
433245mo
What documents are required for applying for a 50+ visa in Thailand, particularly for a couple moving to Hua Hin?
4.1k21277mo
What additional documents should I provide when applying for my wife's dependent visa as a DTV holder in Thailand?
923461y
Does my wife's house book need to be updated for my Non O marriage visa extension application?
1.4k10101y
Do I need a notarized letter confirming my marriage for my wife's DTV application in Thailand?
471221y
Can I translate my own documents for a Thai visa application instead of paying high fees for professional translation?
3.1k3371y
What are the current requirements for notarizing a U.S. marriage certificate when applying for a DTV visa in Thailand?
843631y
What proof of relationship do I need for my NON-O spouse visa application if my husband is in the UK?
1k3121y
What companies in Thailand provide assistance for obtaining K1 visas to the United States?
1.7k1662y
What should I do if I need to certify a copy of my birth certificate for the K1 visa interview in Udon Thani?
4242y
What are the requirements and process for extending a Non O Visa in Thailand for a trailing spouse?
1k1213y
What are the requirements and options for obtaining a spousal visa in Thailand?
2.4k21133y
What are the steps and contacts for arranging marriage documentation in Thailand?
1.3k1043y
What steps do I need to take to translate and certify my Canadian marriage certificate for Thai immigration?
549214y
Do I need to get my UK marriage certificate stamped if I have a Kor Ror 22 for my visa application in Thailand?
663314y
What should I do if my COE update keeps asking for required information?
694345y
Do I need to translate my marriage certificate for a non-O trailing spouse visa in Thailand?
1.7k1465y
Can I apply for a family reunification visa (NON-O) in Thailand if my husband has a work permit?
8042106y
What are the updated requirements for a marriage visa extension in Thailand?
5.4k38646y
What Documents Are Required for Thai Name Change Verification at the Savannakhet Consulate?
2.6k8377y
What are the requirements and process for obtaining a Non-O dependent spouse visa extension in Thailand?
718177y
Do I need to translate my marriage certificate in Thai and get it stamped for my wife's Non O visa application?
819527y
What are the requirements for applying for a Single Entry Non-O Visa at the Thai Embassy in Vientiane based on marriage?
1k668y
Resources
Need help with your Thai visa?
#1 visa agent · 4,000+ reviews · 100,000+ expats served