Joint accounts....

[paws057 9]

Ok, the USCIS wants joint accounts to prove you are a couple. I guess a marriage certificate signed by a judge isn't enough for them? Sooo, I go to get a joint checking account and am told that since she is not a US citizen and doesn't have a government issued ID she can't be on the account! Something about the patriot act. She has a SSN but of course it's in her maiden name because they also wouldn't take the marriage certificate unless the USCIS changed her name. They did change her last name at her biometrics appointment so I suppose I could go back to SS and get her name changed but she still doesn't have her EAD yet. We have our interview here in about two weeks, so how do I get the checking account? Could be the guy we talked to doesn't know what he's doing?

Edited February 10, 2014 by paws057

[Hypnos 6,576]

A marriage certificate proves nothing other than you are legally married; it doesn't speak to the bona fide nature of your marriage at all.

It varies from bank to bank as to what documents they will accept to open an account for an alien or add them to an existing account.

Edited February 10, 2014 by Hypnos

[cee-gee 20]

Having a marriage certificate doesn’t prove a bona fide marriage, just that you are married. You need to prove that you are in a bona fide marriage, hence joint assets or liabilities.

I was able to change my name using my marriage certificate, then I was able to get state id and be added to my husbands account. I was then able to open my own account and have my own line of credit (before ead).

Your wife should be able to change her name using her marriage certificate, so she can receive an updated ssn. If not, you can provide lease agreements, car lease or insurance, utility bills, cell phone bills, medical insurance... Anything in both of your names.

[feli114 65]

Ok, the USCIS wants joint accounts to prove you are a couple. I guess a marriage certificate signed by a judge isn't enough for them? Sooo, I go to get a joint checking account and am told that since she is not a US citizen and doesn't have a government issued ID she can't be on the account! Something about the patriot act. She has a SSN but of course it's in her maiden name because they also wouldn't take the marriage certificate unless the USCIS changed her name. They did change her last name at her biometrics appointment so I suppose I could go back to SS and get her name changed but she still doesn't have her EAD yet. We have our interview here in about two weeks, so how do I get the checking account? Could be the guy we talked to doesn't know what he's doing?

Ok, the USCIS wants joint accounts to prove you are a couple. I guess a marriage certificate signed by a judge isn't enough for them? Sooo, I go to get a joint checking account and am told that since she is not a US citizen and doesn't have a government issued ID she can't be on the account! Something about the patriot act. She has a SSN but of course it's in her maiden name because they also wouldn't take the marriage certificate unless the USCIS changed her name. They did change her last name at her biometrics appointment so I suppose I could go back to SS and get her name changed but she still doesn't have her EAD yet. We have our interview here in about two weeks, so how do I get the checking account? Could be the guy we talked to doesn't know what he's doing?

[paws057 9]

Having a marriage certificate doesn’t prove a bona fide marriage, just that you are married. You need to prove that you are in a bona fide marriage, hence joint assets or liabilities.

I was able to change my name using my marriage certificate, then I was able to get state id and be added to my husbands account. I was then able to open my own account and have my own line of credit (before ead).

Your wife should be able to change her name using her marriage certificate, so she can receive an updated ssn. If not, you can provide lease agreements, car lease or insurance, utility bills, cell phone bills, medical insurance... Anything in both of your names.

Well we filed a joint tax return (of course in her maiden name because it matches her SSN). She does have a credit card on my account. She is listed as a beneficiary for insurance and 401k and she is on my health insurance and has her own card. She is also on the lease for the apartment but I would like to have that checking account as well. I will go up there this week and see what I can do. Does the BMV give state issued ID's or where would I get that?

[aussie_jason 195]

Well we filed a joint tax return (of course in her maiden name because it matches her SSN). She does have a credit card on my account. She is listed as a beneficiary for insurance and 401k and she is on my health insurance and has her own card. She is also on the lease for the apartment but I would like to have that checking account as well. I will go up there this week and see what I can do.

That along with the usual personal stuff like photos should be plenty for an AOS interview and likely even enough for ROC so I wouldn't worry that much.

[QueenOfBlades 224]

Here here. I just went into our local bank today and they told me that they can't add me to my husband's account because it has "valid for work with DHS authorization only" on my SSN card. This is after another branch had checked and said they could with the documents I provided. We are going to open a bank account at Bank of America instead and they can shove it.

[paws057 9]

Here here. I just went into our local bank today and they told me that they can't add me to my husband's account because it has "valid for work with DHS authorization only" on my SSN card. This is after another branch had checked and said they could with the documents I provided. We are going to open a bank account at Bank of America instead and they can shove it.

Yes, her card says the same thing on it. Believe me I feel your pain! Just a little frustrating at times to say the least. This checking account was with a local credit union so I will try another bank this week.

[Germanlady 0]

Try to open a joint account with the Bank of America, they didn't ask me for my SSN when we opened a joint account. The bank of husband didn't want to accect me because of that.

Good luck

Elke

[cee-gee 20]

Well we filed a joint tax return (of course in her maiden name because it matches her SSN). She does have a credit card on my account. She is listed as a beneficiary for insurance and 401k and she is on my health insurance and has her own card. She is also on the lease for the apartment but I would like to have that checking account as well. I will go up there this week and see what I can do. Does the BMV give state issued ID's or where would I get that?

Yes, I went to the DMV for my state id. I hadn’t changed my name yet (with ssn), so I provided my marriage certificate, my Canadian drivers licence or my birth certificate- sorry I don't remember which one.

That along with the usual personal stuff like photos should be plenty for an AOS interview and likely even enough for ROC so I wouldn't worry that much.

I agree, you seem to be on top of it; I wouldn't worry too much- I know it can be difficult!

[paws057 9]

Yes, I went to the DMV for my state id. I hadn’t changed my name yet (with ssn), so I provided my marriage certificate, my Canadian drivers licence or my birth certificate- sorry I don't remember which one.

I agree, you seem to be on top of it; I wouldn't worry too much- I know it can be difficult!

Thanks for the help everyone!