Married to a US citizen while on OPT (about to file, need help!)

[so1005 0]

I'm almost done with putting everything together, but have a few more questions from experts. My husband and I both graduated from college in 2013. We got married on NYE. I'm working as a pharmacist, and my husband is a dentist and pursuing residency in orthodontics. I'm on OPT, and he's a US citizen. I was told to file 1-130 and I-485 packets. I'd appreciate if anyone can answer my questions below.

1. on pg.1 of I-485, I'm not sure about the part. 2 " I'm applying for an adjustment to permenant resident status because..." I don't think my case belongs any of the options listed. We're thinking option "a. An immigrant petition giving me an immediately available immigrant visa number that has been approved"? but we're not sure because it says we need to attached the doc id approved...

2. for I-765, I'm currently on post-completion OPT, I'm not sure what to put for #16 (the eligibiity category). Also, the application type will be renewal of authorization, and it's asking attach all the necessary document. Do I just make a copy of my authorization card or make a copy of all the doc my school submitted on be half of me to get the initial authorization? (it'll be a huge stack if that's the case). And where do I look up my company's e-verification number?

3. Do I mail 1-130 package and I-485 package seperately or put them in the same envelope and send to the same location? (Chicago, right?)

4. As for the evidence of bonifide marriage, we have joint bank account and credit card. Also, joing cell phone plan would work, too? Plus, my in-laws wrote us affidavits. Do I want to include them as evidences or save them for the interview?

Thank you for your time.

[Hypnos 6,576]

1) Read A again. The brackets state: "Attach a copy of the approval notice, or a relative...visa petition filed with this application that will give you an immediately available visa number, if approved".

Relative visa petition = I-130.

2) It will be a new application, not a renewal application, because you're applying under a different category, that being C-9 (adjustment applicant).

3) In the same envelope to the Chicago Lockbox.

4) You should include copies of all your evidence, but the affidavits must be originals.

[so1005 0]

Thank you so much! Just one more question...I'm trying to change my last name to his. I'm debating one of the three options on this matter.

1. Do I want to wait to change my last name until everything is approved to avoid mass confusion with the name change?

2. Do I just want to use my new name on every document, and then apply for the name change as soon as possible? (I heard at lease a few weeks)

3. Do I get my name change completed first then file under my new name? (This will be the least desirable option because time is ticking...)

Again, I appreciate your help.

[Hypnos 6,576]

In most states you can start using your husband's name after the marriage and use your marriage certificate as proof of the change.