Changing SSN to married name - before or after AOS application?

[wbeem 568]

The title states my question. I entered on a K1 visa on June 1st, we were married June 14th and we are preparing to apply for AOS in the coming week or two. I got my SSN in my old surname within a week, no problems. Do I need to have the card in my new name before I apply for AOS, or will the marriage certificate suffice for our AOS, AP and EAD applications?

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

The title states my question. I entered on a K1 visa on June 1st, we were married June 14th and we are preparing to apply for AOS in the coming week or two. I got my SSN in my old surname within a week, no problems. Do I need to have the card in my new name before I apply for AOS, or will the marriage certificate suffice for our AOS, AP and EAD applications?

Change you SSN name once you get EAD or green card. Those will show your new name which you will take to Social Security Administration to update your status. SSA will issue you a new SS card in new name without the "valid for work only with DHS authorization" writing on it.

Doesn't matter if you even have a SSN for AOS packet. But since you have one, put the number on the applications where asked. Marriage certificate is your proof of marriage.

Edited July 7, 2015 by Nich-Nick

[wbeem 568]

Thanks Nich-Nick. So the SS office doesn't accept the marriage certificate as proof of name change? Or is it just that they want something from a government office, not from the courts?

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

Thanks Nich-Nick. So the SS office doesn't accept the marriage certificate as proof of name change? Or is it just that they want something from a government office, not from the courts?

I thought you meant marriage certificate for AOS. Yes SSA accepts it for name change. I was answering that it's an extra trip just to change your SSN name and not really needed for filing AOS. Might as well kill two birds with one stone and change SSA records when your immigration status changes (either to work authorized or permanent resident). Or go change it now if your office is close and no ungodly wait.

[wbeem 568]

Thank you. I was unclear from reading other posts. It seems that experiences vary widely with this. We waited around 30 minutes the first time we went and were thinking of going to do the name change on the way past to/from visiting Williams mom. I'll let you know how it goes. DMV said they use the name on the SS card so if we use the old name, my ID is going to be in my old name on many other things which will all eventually have to be changed as well. I suppose there's no getting away from the fact that there's going to be a certain degree of running around though.

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

Thank you. I was unclear from reading other posts. It seems that experiences vary widely with this. We waited around 30 minutes the first time we went and were thinking of going to do the name change on the way past to/from visiting Williams mom. I'll let you know how it goes. DMV said they use the name on the SS card so if we use the old name, my ID is going to be in my old name on many other things which will all eventually have to be changed as well. I suppose there's no getting away from the fact that there's going to be a certain degree of running around though.

Yes, experiences with Social Security offices do vary widely. Our experience with updating status at SSA and DMV when green card was issued and then again with naturalization certificate---

Both places changed the SS card and driver license to match the name on the latest immigration document. They both said, we have to issue you a new one to match the USCIS database. It wasn't a maiden name change but SS card and driving license evolved:

Joe Smith (from I-94)

Joe B. Smith (from green card)

Joe Bob Smith (from naturalization certificate)

We always popped into a Social Security office in a small town on our way to see friends because it wasn't very busy. Used DMV in same town. Much easier than in the big city.