Does spouse need a new passport after marriage?

[SidB]

Hi,

I'm on a HSMP here and am due to get married in January 2008. My spouse will apply for a dependent's visa.

Does she have to get a new passport issued with my family name before she goes to the high commission? If I am not mistaken, this is a mandatory requirement for the US but am not sure if it applies to british visas as well.

If she doesn't need to change her passport, then she can get a visa, come to London and get a new passport issued in country.

Please advise.

Regards,
Sid

[VictoriaS]

No, she doesn't. There is no obligation for her to have a passport in her married name. The visa will be issued in whatever name is on her passport, but it is perfectly lawful for her to continue with her maiden name after marriage.

Victoria

[SidB]

Thanks Victoria.

If she changes her name on her passport after the entering the UK (by going to the Mauritian embassy), will the visa still remain valid?

[VictoriaS]

Yes.

When she travels she should carry the marriage certificate with her along with the old passport which contains the visa. Or, she can pay to get the visa transferred.


Victoria