What can you not do during AoS processing?

[Unidentified 2,930]

I see you're coming to Virginia as well so that's how it was for me: They gave me one valid until 2016 (1 year after my NOA1 date) when I took my AOS I-797C there, before they gave me one matching my I-94 expiration (NOT visa because it doesn't make sense since it's a 1 entry visa). The Supervisor told me that once I get my GC they will issue the 8 years one. As I mentioned before DMV lacks standards so I am talking about my own experience in Norfolk, VA. I had to show my passport, I-94, certified married certificate, proof of residency (I took a utility bill under my name) and the lady even asked to see my husband's ID (Lucky me he was there with me)

The DL you meant is a US Driver license? If so, I would keep this one and come back there just before it's expiration and then get a new one with your married name. I assume it wouldn't be a problem to keep yours under your maiden name. In VA if you're NOT visiting (We are not visiting, we intend to become a permanent resident) you can not drive unless you hold a DL from Germany, France, Canada or Republic of Korea (According to DMV instructions).

Yes, it's a US driver's license. And no, I can't keep on using it with my maiden name if I have changed my name after the wedding. That would be illegal as the ID would not be accurate.

[rtor1 52]

Well, it's funny that it would be illegal because the bank has issued my cards and added my maiden name into the account because I had no State ID even though my name was changed with SS. Even though with SS they refused to change my name because they said I had lo let ''Immigration'' knows about my marriage. I told the lady it didn't make sense because it doesn't work like that and etc. She eventually changed it but it wasn't easy to have her doing so...So I guess the banks and even though SS would be okay with somebody using their maiden name even if it's ''illegal''?..It's a little bit confusing when we talk about it being illegal. So would I need to change my passport since it's under my maiden name?

[Unidentified 2,930]

Well, it's funny that it would be illegal because the bank has issued my cards and added my maiden name into the account because I had no State ID even though my name was changed with SS. Even though with SS they refused to change my name because they said I had lo let ''Immigration'' knows about my marriage. I told the lady it didn't make sense because it doesn't work like that and etc. She eventually changed it but it wasn't easy to have her doing so...So I guess the banks and even though SS would be okay with somebody using their maiden name even if it's ''illegal''?..It's a little bit confusing when we talk about it being illegal. So would I need to change my passport since it's under my maiden name?

Glad that worked out for you but I am not taking risks driving around with the wrong information. It clearly says that if you have legally changed your name (not just put it on the marriage license) you should change it on your driver's license. Banks seems to work differently depending on who you go to. As an Au Pair I was told I needed to get a SSN to open a bank account and then there was a bunch of Au Pairs who opened accounts without it.

[TabeaK 516]

Yes, the I-94 should update instantaneously - I literally plan to do the same thing. Day after arrival, go apply for SSN. Which is, I believe sent in the mail, so takes a few weeks too.

[rtor1 52]

Glad that worked out for you but I am not taking risks driving around with the wrong information. It clearly says that if you have legally changed your name (not just put it on the marriage license) you should change it on your driver's license. Banks seems to work differently depending on who you go to. As an Au Pair I was told I needed to get a SSN to open a bank account and then there was a bunch of Au Pairs who opened accounts without it.

Yeah, it's always different depending on who you go to and the same with DMV. I was able to get my DL under married name but they wanted to see my husband's ID as well to do so. Once I got my Military ID the bank changed my name. When I was here on a J1 Visa I didn't need a SS to open an account with Bank of America but now I needed it to be added into Navy Federal.

[rob999 51]

Yes, the I-94 should update instantaneously - I literally plan to do the same thing. Day after arrival, go apply for SSN. Which is, I believe sent in the mail, so takes a few weeks too.

Perfect! That sure makes things easier!

[YouAndMeForever 1,022]

Yes, the I-94 should update instantaneously - I literally plan to do the same thing. Day after arrival, go apply for SSN. Which is, I believe sent in the mail, so takes a few weeks too.

It took 6 days for my SSC to arrive in mail.

SSA offices officially say that it can take up to 2 weeks to arrive but in vast majority of the cases it is a week or so.

Edited June 3, 2015 by YouAndMeForever