Surname change for spouse before visa application??

[ssbib]

That's good to know, thanks. I remember her passport application process was quite lengthy the last time she applied...would it be the same for a new one with her new name?? I think its going to be a while from the wedding until her visa is granted and I don't want to add to that time if I can avoid it. Also...would her having my surname strengthen the case you think?

[raynaputi]

There's a fast track process when applying for a passport. I think it's only a week processing for that at an extra fee. It's a renewal/replacement of status so it's not as difficult to get like the new one. The only extra thing she needs to do is to go to CFO and have a seminar beforehand.

For women who would change their civil status from single to married:

• Marriage Contract (MC) in Security Paper (SECPA) issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) or Certified True Copy (CTC) of MC issued by the Local Civil Registrar (LCR) and duly authenticated by PSA. Transcribed Marriage Contract from the LCR is required when entries in PSA Marriage Contract are blurred or unreadable.
• Report of Marriage duly authenticated by PSA if married abroad
• Original and photocopy of Commission of Filipino Overseas (CFO) Guidance and Counseling Certificate of Attendance (required for women with foreign national husband).

There really is no bearing with visa approval whether to change her name or not before application. BUT, take note that everything will be in her maiden name, i.e. the BRP card, NI details (when she gets here in the UK), and other government related ID she wants to get here in the UK, because everything will be based on her passport. If she decides to use her married name in these identification cards, she will have to change her passport, then apply for replacement of the BRP card as well, because it has to match the passport. Then have to update the other IDs she'll get.