Changing name before or during AOS processing

[Miss Accountant 6]

My husband and I just got married on a K-1 visa and we are nearly ready to file the AOS paperwork. I am planning to change my name to his. From your experience, do you think it's better to change it before or after we file the paperwork. Did any of you find any extra confusion or problems from changing your name right before filing the paperwork, or from changing it while the paperwork was processing?

Thanks

[Scandi 4,168]

Not sure what you mean, didn't you change your name when you applied for your marriage license? Maybe it's different from state to state. In California I got to write down my name change on the marriage license itself, so after the wedding ceremony when the marriage was registered it was registered in my new name.

[Anitafeliz 1,133]

I got married and as soon as i had my certificate... i went to social security. They changed my name.

In Rhode Island you have to wait one day after social security to go to DMV.

I changed with DMV following day.

I also was able to submit a passport name change free of charge due to just having updated a few months before. I paid $15 for the pictures.

I submited my AOS Monday. There is a section that says previous used names on forms so you should be ok.

Edited November 24, 2016 by Anitafeliz

[LionessDeon 2,060]

I Changed my name right away. We were married in GA. There is no place for a name change on our license. I just started using his name. I am the petitioner though.

If you look on the example forms it shows how to list your name.

[Miss Accountant 6]

I got married in New Jersey, and there was no spot on the marriage certificate for a change of name. I could definitely get my social security card and license changed quickly, but updating my passport would probably take a while. I think it usually takes a few weeks to get a new one. Would it be an issue if I changed my name now, and used my new last name on the AOS paperwork, but had to include a copy of my passport that still has my maiden name on it?

I know that I can list all previously used names, but would they consider my passport photocopy invalid since it doesn't have my current name on it?

I just want to make this process as simple as possible! It's not important to me if I change my name now or in a month, but I want to get this paperwork submitted as soon as possible.

Thank you

[EM_Vandaveer 2,408]

In TX the marriage certificate only states our names before marriage. It's just understood that if I choose to, I can take my husband's surname (which I did).

[EM_Vandaveer 2,408]

OP, I'm not sure if you are the immigrant. If you are, you need to use your married name on the AOS papers, otherwise you'll get your GC in your maiden name. It doesn't matter that your passport is still in your maiden name.

I made the mistake of using my maiden name of my AOS papers, so I ended up with my maiden name on my 2-year GC.

Then when I filed for ROC I just used my married name and I got my 10-year GC in my married name (I had no IDs in my married name other than my GC, even my SSN was still in my maiden name). After I got my naturalization and changed my status to USC with SSA, I also changed my name so now my SSN is in my married name.

Edited November 25, 2016 by EM_Vandaveer

[Miss Accountant 6]

OP, I'm not sure if you are the immigrant. If you are, you need to use your married name on the AOS papers, otherwise you'll get your GC in your maiden name. It doesn't matter that your passport is still in your maiden name.

I made the mistake of using my maiden name of my AOS papers, so I ended up with my maiden name on my 2-year GC.

Then when I filed for ROC I just used my married name and I got my 10-year GC in my married name (I had no IDs in my married name other than my GC, even my SSN was still in my maiden name. After I got my naturalization and changed my status to USC with SSA, I also changed my name so now my SSN is in my married name.

Oh sorry, I should have clarified: I'm the US citizen, my husband is the immigrant. So his name will not be changing, mine will be. So I'm trying to figure out what impact the timing of my name change will have on the AOS paperwork.

Thanks

[Anitafeliz 1,133]

Oh sorry, I should have clarified: I'm the US citizen, my husband is the immigrant. So his name will not be changing, mine will be. So I'm trying to figure out what impact the timing of my name change will have on the AOS paperwork.

Thanks

Theres no impact im also the USC.

I changed all in two days time only because the DMV needs 24 hours to get Social Security update.

I actually got my passport back before my drivers license.

Here they give you a paper id valid for 30 days but to AOS all the the info mostly pertains to the immigrant.

At least what i saw. I sent my bc and passport as proof of citizenship for the 864.

Edited November 25, 2016 by Anitafeliz

[LionessDeon 2,060]

Oh sorry, I should have clarified: I'm the US citizen, my husband is the immigrant. So his name will not be changing, mine will be. So I'm trying to figure out what impact the timing of my name change will have on the AOS paperwork.

Thanks

Most likely none. But if you are changing it why wait? I have changed my name at work, bank, some credit cards, and social security. But not my passport or drivers license yet. It's a work in progress. I put my new married name on the AOS papers. I'm not sure I'm understanding the dilemma.

[Dashinka 24,579]

Since you are changing your name, I would use your new name on the AOS forms where you enter it as the USC.

Good Luck!

[Bill and Vicky 25]

My husband and I just got married on a K-1 visa and we are nearly ready to file the AOS paperwork. I am planning to change my name to his. From your experience, do you think it's better to change it before or after we file the paperwork. Did any of you find any extra confusion or problems from changing your name right before filing the paperwork, or from changing it while the paperwork was processing?

Thanks

Put the new name. Remember to put the "old" name in as your maiden name or as a previous name. But the name you're using is the name you file with.

Regards,

Bill