SSN last name change I94 mismatch

[Dmitry07 52]

Hi all,

 

We went to SSN office today to update the last name after we got married. Everything went smooth until the married name didn't match the I94 documents. For that they said it will take up to 4 weeks for verification.

1) Since she's taking my last name - it's correct that it did not match the I94, yes?

2) I read some people were refused the last name change until EAD or GC, so if that's the case, next step is to file for AOS with her married name?

2a) In Russian you have to adjust the male's last name to be feminine (i.e. Ivanov (male) = Ivanova (female)). Would that cause an issue when filing for AOS since it won't exactly match husband's last name (Ivanov)?

3) To change last name on a state ID or drivers license - does she need to show marriage certificate or once GC is here with a new name - that's sufficient?

 

Thanks!

[Suss&Camm 2,213]

1 hour ago, Dmitry07 said:

Hi all,

 

We went to SSN office today to update the last name after we got married. Everything went smooth until the married name didn't match the I94 documents. For that they said it will take up to 4 weeks for verification.

1) Since she's taking my last name - it's correct that it did not match the I94, yes?

2) I read some people were refused the last name change until EAD or GC, so if that's the case, next step is to file for AOS with her married name?

2a) In Russian you have to adjust the male's last name to be feminine (i.e. Ivanov (male) = Ivanova (female)). Would that cause an issue when filing for AOS since it won't exactly match husband's last name (Ivanov)?

3) To change last name on a state ID or drivers license - does she need to show marriage certificate or once GC is here with a new name - that's sufficient?

 

Thanks!

1) Yes, it will not match

2) Yes, this is how you start using the new name. Once you have legal primary identity document/immigration document with her new name you can go back and change it.

3) I don't think so...but I would attach a statement just to be sure that says this is Russian naming custom, maybe eve find an official source that states this and send along.

4)  You need both ID and marriage license, at least here you do. 

 

edit - the ID doesn't need to have the new name

Edited February 9, 2017 by Suss&Camm

[narakthisud 174]

My wife and I just had the exact same experience at my local SSN office. Ugh! I guess we'll have to wait until she has her EAD or green card, right? 

[Suss&Camm 2,213]

1 hour ago, narakthisud said:

My wife and I just had the exact same experience at my local SSN office. Ugh! I guess we'll have to wait until she has her EAD or green card, right? 

EAD is enough for the name change and then you'll go again to remove the annotation about DHS authorization once the GC arrives.

[narakthisud 174]

11 hours ago, Suss&Camm said:

EAD is enough for the name change and then you'll go again to remove the annotation about DHS authorization once the GC arrives.

Thank you so much! We felt like we wasted our time at the SSA office. Step 19 of the K1 immigration guide specifically states "Go back to the SSA office and bring your SSN Card and marriage certificate. Change your name." Perhaps the policy has changed since SAVE was implemented? Or maybe it's luck-of-the-draw when it comes to dealing with the SSA. 

[Suss&Camm 2,213]

2 hours ago, narakthisud said:

Thank you so much! We felt like we wasted our time at the SSA office. Step 19 of the K1 immigration guide specifically states "Go back to the SSA office and bring your SSN Card and marriage certificate. Change your name." Perhaps the policy has changed since SAVE was implemented? Or maybe it's luck-of-the-draw when it comes to dealing with the SSA. 

Well in the guide that step is before getting the EAD. You can try that, but you have to still have at least 14 days left on the i-94 for them to issue a new card. Another issue is that some offices don't want to change the name with the marriage certificate. Since at that point you already have the number to use as you please, I don't see the point of going through the extra hassle until the EAD gas arrived but that up to each person to decide.

 

They might still want the marriage certificate for their records. I was asked for it, but the document used for verification will be the EAD at this point.

Edited March 28, 2017 by Suss&Camm

[Dmitry07 52]

Status update: took 6 weeks, but SSN name change was approved. Waiting for the card to arrive now!

[Suss&Camm 2,213]

1 hour ago, Dmitry07 said:

Status update: took 6 weeks, but SSN name change was approved. Waiting for the card to arrive now!

Good to hear!