changing names, middle names

[Steve S 2]

We need some guidance on this subject, please. My new wife (as of May 23), decided to take my last name and that is what we indicated on the marriage certificate application. She left the space for middle name blank. She already has a social security card which has her first name and maiden name. She stated at that time that she does not have a middle name (because in Russia, the patronymic is not really the same thing as a middle name).

Now, I think it might cause problems to have no middle name at all (because many forms ask for it), and I think she may like to have either the patronymic or her maiden family name as her new middle name. On the other hand, she thinks that introducing the variable of a middle name may cause problems for some reason. I agree it could be a problem that the marriage certificate will not have a middle name. Don't know if that can be changed at this point. But it is my impression that she can add it if she wants when we eventually go to the social security office.

First things first, we need to get this AOS application off because we are going on two weeks out of status (but we did get married within the timeframe of the I-94).

Can anyone identify any challenges we may face related either to her changing her last name, and can anyone guide us on whether the pros and cons of her taking a middle name? Do we need to do anything with the marriage certificate, if we decide she should have a middle name?

Thanks in advance,

steve

[letty 1]

We need some guidance on this subject, please. My new wife (as of May 23), decided to take my last name and that is what we indicated on the marriage certificate application. She left the space for middle name blank. She already has a social security card which has her first name and maiden name. She stated at that time that she does not have a middle name (because in Russia, the patronymic is not really the same thing as a middle name).

Now, I think it might cause problems to have no middle name at all (because many forms ask for it), and I think she may like to have either the patronymic or her maiden family name as her new middle name. On the other hand, she thinks that introducing the variable of a middle name may cause problems for some reason. I agree it could be a problem that the marriage certificate will not have a middle name. Don't know if that can be changed at this point. But it is my impression that she can add it if she wants when we eventually go to the social security office.

First things first, we need to get this AOS application off because we are going on two weeks out of status (but we did get married within the timeframe of the I-94).

Can anyone identify any challenges we may face related either to her changing her last name, and can anyone guide us on whether the pros and cons of her taking a middle name? Do we need to do anything with the marriage certificate, if we decide she should have a middle name?

Thanks in advance,

steve

Hi Steve,

I don't have a middle name and never got any issues with that other than people are sometimes surprised when they find out. I had a SSN card just with my first and maiden name before I got married and moved here. So after I got married I went back to the SSN-office with the marriage certificate and got a new SSN card with my new last name. I don't think she will have any problems although I heard from some people that sometimes when you fill out "none" under the middle name on immigration forms the USCIS all at once think your middle name is None. It never happened to me and I don't plan on getting or using a middle name.

Letty

[VanessaTony 3,567]

There are a couple of ways to change her name. Changing on her marriage certificate was one, you can also get a court order (and pay), or wait until naturalisation and they can do it for you.

Personally I've met a few people without middle names and outside of the shock it's never caused anyone issues that I've seen.

When completing forms I would not leave the field blank, I would write "N/A" (because of the reason someone wrote regarding using the word "none")

At the social security office sure she can change her name but when it comes to ROC, she doesn't have an OFFICIAL name change. Another VJ member encountered this issue. Had all their ID in their "made up name" (they changed her middle name I think) but USCIS didn't have the paperwork for a LEGAL name change and they only recognise a marriage certificate for last name unless it specifically STATES the whole new name so she had to change it all back to her actual name and it was just a huge pain.

As stated she doesn't NEED a middle name. if she wants one down the track sure, but if she doesn't care either way I wouldn't waste my time.