Social Security / Marriage Timing

[Engineer06 0]

I entered into the country today with my fiance with no problems, but in looking into what to do next I have a question. When we get married she will be changing her last name to mine (her maiden name will become her middle name), but if we get married tomorrow that will mean the marriage certificate will have a different name for her than her passport. Will this be a problem when applying for a Social Security card? Should we apply for her Social Security card first with her maiden name then apply to change the name on the card after getting married or doesn't it really matter?

Is there anything else I am overlooking? The whole last name changing thing is making me think of future problems down the road with names not matching. Thanks.

[engineer21 51]

I entered into the country today with my fiance with no problems, but in looking into what to do next I have a question. When we get married she will be changing her last name to mine (her maiden name will become her middle name), but if we get married tomorrow that will mean the marriage certificate will have a different name for her than her passport. Will this be a problem when applying for a Social Security card? Should we apply for her Social Security card first with her maiden name then apply to change the name on the card after getting married or doesn't it really matter?

Is there anything else I am overlooking? The whole last name changing thing is making me think of future problems down the road with names not matching. Thanks.

Is she in a particular hurry to have her SSN? Because if no, it will probably save you time and trouble just waiting until after the GC. She can try to apply for SSN now, but I've heard of people have trouble changing th married name before the GC is in hand.

Because when you file to adjust status, she will use her married name in the forms and then GC will show her new name.

Plus if she gets one now, it will be restricted (says "valid for work only with DHS authorization")

If she applies after GC is all set, it will be unrestricted. But up to you I guess.

My name still doesn't match with everything I have. I work at it here and there. There are a lot of things to change as a newlywed woman

She should be OK showing her passport (maiden name) and her marriage certificate (married name) as ID.

I've been doing that left and right including at the USCIS office.

[Krikit 1,163]

Hi Engineer. Sometimes it is a problem sometimes it is not. It all depends on who you get at the SSA office and whether they know their stuff. The marriage certificate is the legal change of name document which is all that's required. If you run into a problem, ask to speak with a supervisor. There is also a policy and procedure document (their own) which you can show them. I don't have it handy but I'm going to transfer your thread to the SSN section where a quick search will pull it up. Or someone who has it available may see your thread and post it.

From personal experience...... I married then applied for the SSN in my married name. The clerk who was looking after me denied the name change at first, but I had my documentation (SSA policy and marriage certificate) and asked to speak with a supervisor. The supervisor, as it turns out, had experience with K-1 visa holders so it went quite smoothly after that.

Leave about two weeks for her name to get into the system (SAVE), but make sure she applies for it within 76 days of her arrival or she will have to wait for the EAD or GC.

[Krikit 1,163]

Whoops. I see your thread is already in the SSN section. Look for posts by "I Quit". He's our resident expert.

[Engineer06 0]

Thank for the replies. Based on this I think we will go ahead and get married first and just wait a month or so until applying for a SSN. I'll be sure to bring the SSA policy documentation along with us at the time.