What surname should i be using for my partner?

[ptl141]

Hi there,

Hope you can help and advise me correctly.

I'm just thinking forward to make sure i'm doing the right thing when it comes to applying for ILR (Apr 2013).

My partner came into the UK on a 2 year visa (marrriage) in March 2011. In her passport & visa it has her father's surname. For example my partners surname is Smith and mine is Bloggs.

What surname should she be using for things like opening a bank account & putting her name on bills as a joint couple? I have requested her ESOL with Citizenship cert to say her full name & surname as it is on the her visa/passport. However when i enrolled her onto the NHS & electoral register, it has my surname.

Will this be a problem when applying for ILR?

Thanks.

[vinny]

She should be consistent in using whatever name she chooses.

[ptl141]

Thanks Vinny. So should i then change the Surname on my wife's ESOL cert to mine or her father's bearing in mind that i have already used my surname in the NHS and the Electoral roll?

[PaperPusher]

It is up to her what name she uses.

[ptl141]

It is up to her what name she uses.

So am i correct in saying that this should not affect her ILR application as her passport & visa has her father's surname?

[PaperPusher]

It is up to her what name she uses.

So am i correct in saying that this should not affect her ILR application as her passport & visa has her father's surname?

You are correct. Many women do not change their name when they get married. In some cultures it is usual for women not to change their name.