Changing Name after Marriage

[carvin317 0]

We went to the social security office to change my fiancee's name to my last name. She previously had a SSN from working in the states before so it was just a name change. We get to the desk everything works out all right and at the end he said we would receive confirmation in 2-4 weeks since they had to check to make sure the immigration information matched up.

Does that sound right?

Can I file my AOS without confirmation of her name ?

[Agnieszka333 0]

We went to the social security office to change my fiancee's name to my last name. She previously had a SSN from working in the states before so it was just a name change. We get to the desk everything works out all right and at the end he said we would receive confirmation in 2-4 weeks since they had to check to make sure the immigration information matched up.

Does that sound right?

Can I file my AOS without confirmation of her name ?

Yes, I filed mine way before I went to Social Security office to change my name. I had to wait for my Employment Authorization Card , otherwise I had no way to prove that I am allowed to work. So it's just now that I can start changing my name on driver's license, etc.

[carvin317 0]

so if her last name was smith before being married and my last name is thomas when i file the AOS do I keep her name has smith or do i file for what her name should be in Thomas ?\

[VanessaTony 3,567]

We went to the social security office to change my fiancee's name to my last name. She previously had a SSN from working in the states before so it was just a name change. We get to the desk everything works out all right and at the end he said we would receive confirmation in 2-4 weeks since they had to check to make sure the immigration information matched up.

Does that sound right?

Can I file my AOS without confirmation of her name ?

Why are you changing your fiancee's name? I assume you meant to type wife.

I don't know why you have to wait till "confirmation" but yes you can apply for AOS before this supposed "confirmation". I don't have anything in my married name except my marriage licence. I just haven't got around to doing the rest. Did you take a copy of your marriage licence? Did you take anything from the government? Like her passport with the K1 visa or anything else like that?

so if her last name was smith before being married and my last name is thomas when i file the AOS do I keep her name has smith or do i file for what her name should be in Thomas ?\

If she has taken your last name, and plans on being KNOWN by that last name then you must apply for everything in that name. That way when she gets her EAD, GC etc it's all the same. Of course to prove the name change you would need to show your marriage licence with that new name. I signed my marriage licence in my new last name.

[carvin317 0]

Why are you changing your fiancee's name? I assume you meant to type wife.

I don't know why you have to wait till "confirmation" but yes you can apply for AOS before this supposed "confirmation". I don't have anything in my married name except my marriage licence. I just haven't got around to doing the rest. Did you take a copy of your marriage licence? Did you take anything from the government? Like her passport with the K1 visa or anything else like that?

If she has taken your last name, and plans on being KNOWN by that last name then you must apply for everything in that name. That way when she gets her EAD, GC etc it's all the same. Of course to prove the name change you would need to show your marriage licence with that new name. I signed my marriage licence in my new last name.

Thanks thats exactly what I needed to know !

[fabulous02 1]

Thanks thats exactly what I needed to know !

My case is exactly the same as yours except for the fact that I'm planning to travel out of US. My fiance and I are getting married in February 2009 and I am planning to file for AOS soon after. I will be filing the I-131 form for advance parole. Now, if I don't update my passport, SSN, ID etc. with my new name, how can I legally leave and re-enter US? I'm here on an H1B work visa.

Thanks...

[SunDrop 59]

My case is exactly the same as yours except for the fact that I'm planning to travel out of US. My fiance and I are getting married in February 2009 and I am planning to file for AOS soon after. I will be filing the I-131 form for advance parole. Now, if I don't update my passport, SSN, ID etc. with my new name, how can I legally leave and re-enter US? I'm here on an H1B work visa.

Thanks...

If you file for your EAD/AP/GC under your new married name, but your passport remains in your maiden name, then you get your AP through in your married name, and along with your AOS NOA1 in the said married name, you take your passport and marriage certificate to prove you are one and the same.

Just remember to book your flights (if that's how you're traveling) in the name shown on your passport.

You don't need to worry about changing your SSN for the sake of travel, but depending on how long you're away for, you might want to get it actioned before you set out.

[fabulous02 1]

If you file for your EAD/AP/GC under your new married name, but your passport remains in your maiden name, then you get your AP through in your married name, and along with your AOS NOA1 in the said married name, you take your passport and marriage certificate to prove you are one and the same.

Just remember to book your flights (if that's how you're traveling) in the name shown on your passport.

You don't need to worry about changing your SSN for the sake of travel, but depending on how long you're away for, you might want to get it actioned before you set out.

Thank you so much.... Now add the complexity of the fact that I renewed my H1B visa petition in 2008, so I have a new valid H1B petition but since I didn't leave US, the visa stamp on my passport still says 2008. Will that cause a problem? I will be away for a month.