change last name for K1 adjustment of status?

[chinausa 7]

Hi everyone,

I'm going to take my husband's last name. What should I do here?

I know that I will need to fill out an application to change my name first, and then use my husband's last name to apply for my social security card.

after all that, I will apply for AOS. Should I just put my husband's last name as my last name on the I-485? Do I need to provide any last name change evidence along with the I-485 package?

Many Thanks

XH

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

Many states allow you to change your name automatically when you get married, if you so choose (by checking a box). Other states just allow you to use the marriage certificate as a name change document. USCIS, a federal institution, follows the latter. You can just put your new name on all of your AOS application from the start. Good luck.

[Darnell 8,478]

what's the name on the marriage certificate for you ? (ie - did you take his name then , when filling out the marriage certificate, or no? )

[chinausa 7]

well, I still have my own family name on our marriage certificate. However, I'm going to apply for social security card tomorrow, and planning to bring the name change form with me to change my family at the social security office.

I was told by our justice of peace to do that, so I will have my husband's family name on my social security card and everything else documents.

Am I doing it right?

THanks,

XH

[Darnell 8,478]

the name change document needs to be signed by the judge / justice of the peace prior to you going to the SSA office.

it ain't legal until it's signed, so it's not a legal name change until it's signed.

Get it signed, then recorded into the court record, and you'll be golden.

[garfield529 47]

@Darnell, are you sure about that? I ask because my wife's name is listed on our marriage license and certificate as her maiden name. When then took those papers to SSN office and had name change done. As for AOS, no direct evidence was ever asked for except passport, EAD card, SSN card and marriage license per the name change. The courts don't control the SSN record which is what immigration will access...so I am just thinking about this.

[LDG 2]

For the family name, all you need is to bring the marriage certificate to the social security office and apply for the card with your new last name. Then just use your name family name on the AOS paperwork.

Edited January 21, 2011 by LDG

[chinausa 7]

Great. However, the question # 3 on the social security application form asks to check citizenship box, which one should I check? "Legal Alien allowed to work" or "Legal Alien not allowed to work", or "other"??

so confusing, and then the application requires to provide a document to explains why I need a social security number if I check "legal alien not allowed to work" or "other". what document should I provide?

why everything is so complicated?

Thanks you so much to provide any useful information to help me out.

XH

[chinausa 7]

Great. However, the question # 3 on the social security application form asks to check citizenship box, which one should I check? "Legal Alien allowed to work" or "Legal Alien not allowed to work", or "other"??

so confusing, and then the application requires to provide a document to explains why I need a social security number if I check "legal alien not allowed to work" or "other". what document should I provide?

why everything is so complicated?

Thanks you so much to provide any useful information to help me out.

XH

Anyone?? who can advice me here, plz?

Thanks

XH

[LDG 2]

For SSA policy, you are allowed to work (with EAD). This is a confusing matter. In the VJ guide for obtaining a SSN, there is a link to view social security's policy on this. Check out section C part 3, these are the visa classes that are NOT allowed to work per SSA policy. Well, K1 is not there, but don't bother looking for a job without the EAD card.

In any case, we marked Legal alien allowed to work, no problems. We applied about a week after getting married and way before filing for AOS/EAD. Wife got her SS card with "Valid for work with prior DHS authorization" or something like it stamped on it.

[chinausa 7]

Thank you so much, I'm going to do that today.

Thanks

XH