SSN after marriage and EAD to reflect married name

[chaoticlogic 27]

Hey everyone,

I was wondering if it was okay to have my fiancée change her name to be reflected on our marriage license / certificate, file for AOS under her new married name, then apply for SSN after EAD is received, as opposed to applying for an SSN before marriage, filing AOS under her maiden name (which would be the one to appear on her green card? The reason for this is the time restraint. We want her married name to appear on her green card) then change the SSN to her married name once EAD is received. I have heard that the people at SSA are somewhat oblivious to K1 visas, and I just don't know what route is best.

Also, i've searched for hours and have only found contradictory information on HOW to change one's name...Is it personal preference or...

For example, my fiancée is Spanish and has a first name, middle name, and two last names. So in our case, she wants her new name to be in this order "First name, second last name, then my last name." I don't know if that is practical at all.

Thanks guys.

Edited August 26, 2015 by chaoticlogic

[Dashinka 23,294]

File your AOS package in the name your wife wants to use, you do not need a SSN to file this package. Don't worry about the SSC, you can change the name with the EAD or GC. The SSA should allow the name change using a marriage certificate, but this is hit or miss depending on the SS clerk.

Good Luck!

[stellar7225 0]

Hmm...would she be changing her name in Spain too? I am not going to change my name simply to avoid the headache of later having Spanish documents not reflect my American documents. And I think it would be weird to have my husband's last name if we were living in Spain, just cuz that's not customary there. If she is only changing documents in America, you might want to look into how that will affect her if you guys end up in Spain later.

I don't have answers to most of your questions except I do know that she can only put her birth name on a marriage license (at least in MA!). Later, the marriage certificate will show any name changes due to marriage.

[KayDeeCee 4,892]

If she will be changing her name through marriage, then the new married name is what you would use on the AOS forms. You list maiden name where it asks for other names/maiden name/name on I-94. The EAD/AP and green cards will come in the name you use on the forms.

As a K-1 entrant, you are legal alien allowed to work and therefore eligible for an SSN right after entry. You can use the I-94 up until it has 2 weeks left before it expires, otherwise you will need the EAD or green card to apply for one. The SSN is not required to apply for AOS.

To avoid hassles and delays, it is suggested to apply for the SSN in your maiden name so it matches the name on your I-94, passport and visa. You can apply in your maiden name even if you already married. Go back and change the name on the SSN when you receive the EAD in your married name.

[Unidentified 2,930]

I agree with KayDeeCee that you should just go ahead and do the name change on the SSN now instead of waiting for the EAD. Yes, I have heard that some people have issues but just go and try. I had no issues whatsoever and the girl didn't even look at my I-94 just our marriage license and my K1 visa.