When Should I Change My Philippine Passport w/ Married Name?

[snowcat 58]

I'm currently undergoing AOS (just finished my biometrics appointment) from K1 visa. When should I change my passport to reflect my new married name? Can I do it anytime (i.e. now), or should I wait until I get my EAD/AP or Green Card?

 

Also, I got my SSN when I was studying here in 2012. I'm not sure if there's anything I'd need to do regarding my SSN - like do I have to change my name on their records? OR will that happen automatically with my I-485 application?

Edited June 7, 2017 by snowcat

[Greenbaum 12,258]

You can do it at anytime. Have you completed your ROM with the Philippines?  PI requires you to submit your ROM and once completed then changing your passport is simple.  Most change everything to match the choice of their new name. Hence your application for AOS would have been a good starting point of change\img your name is governmental essential documents. I.E. your DL, Passport, GC EAD and AP to point out a few important ones that come to mind.

 

You have to visit SSN with your GC and Marriage certificate to change your name.

Edited June 7, 2017 by Greenbaum

[snowcat 58]

OK thanks Greenbaum.

 

BTW my I-94 has expired... will that cause complications in renewing my name on SSN/Passport now? Since I'm technically out of status?

Also, what is ROM? 

[Greenbaum 12,258]

You basically you are out of status but since you have submitted your I-495 you are fine and so your "status" is in limbo till your approved, but nothing to worry about. This will not cause any problems with SSN or passport renewal.  

[Hank_ 9,173]

7 hours ago, snowcat said:

I'm currently undergoing AOS (just finished my biometrics appointment) from K1 visa. When should I change my passport to reflect my new married name? Can I do it anytime (i.e. now), or should I wait until I get my EAD/AP or Green Card?

 

Also, I got my SSN when I was studying here in 2012. I'm not sure if there's anything I'd need to do regarding my SSN - like do I have to change my name on their records? OR will that happen automatically with my I-485 application?

Don't think you can do it anytime.  You may need to have your green card, I know they wanted a copy of the GC when my wife renewed her passport. Also this must be done in person either at the consulate or an outreach event in your area.  To renew in your married name you need to have completed ROM (report of marriage) first.   Not sure where in CA you are but here is the LA consulate.

 

1. PSA Birth Certificate or PSA Report of Birth (if born abroad);
2. PSA Marriage Certificate or PSA Report of Marriage (if using the married name);
3. One valid identification document; and
4. Other proof of identification and current citizenship (e.g. green card) as may be required by the processor.

 

http://www.philippineconsulatela.org/consular-services-2/passport/applicant-for-renewal

 

As for the SSN, wait until you have your green card, then take that and a certified copy of your marriage certificate to SSA.

 

Lastly.  I-94 and status; Once you filed your I-485 and it was received by USCIS your legal status was extended for a year.   If traveling carry a copy of your I-797 for AOS and your passport... until you have your EAD or green card.

 

 

[Hank_ 9,173]

6 hours ago, Greenbaum said:

You basically you are out of status but since you have submitted your I-495 you are fine and so your "status" is in limbo till your approved, but nothing to worry about. This will not cause any problems with SSN or passport renewal.  

 

Once the I-485 was received by USCIS, and applicant has the I-797 notice, their legal status in the USA is extended for a year.

[Stevephoto 224]

7 hours ago, Greenbaum said:

You basically you are out of status but since you have submitted your I-495 you are fine and so your "status" is in limbo till your approved, but nothing to worry about. This will not cause any problems with SSN or passport renewal.  

You know that I agree with 99% of what you say Greenbaum, but in this case I would beg caution. There is no guarantee that the SSA agents will have any idea what the I-797 is or what to do with it. DMV sure doesn't!  Personally, if there is not rush, then I would just wait for the GC. My 2 cents...(Agreeing with your first respond to go to SSA with GC and marriage certificate).

 

OP: I don't think anything will change automatically! Joan had to change her name at SSA after we were married and now we have to back and change her status to US Citizen. Good luck.

[Hank_ 9,173]

12 hours ago, Stevephoto said:

You know that I agree with 99% of what you say Greenbaum, but in this case I would beg caution. There is no guarantee that the SSA agents will have any idea what the I-797 is or what to do with it. DMV sure doesn't!  Personally, if there is not rush, then I would just wait for the GC. My 2 cents...(Agreeing with your first respond to go to SSA with GC and marriage certificate).

 

OP: I don't think anything will change automatically! Joan had to change her name at SSA after we were married and now we have to back and change her status to US Citizen. Good luck.

SSA agent isn't interested in the I-797, neither is DMV .. the received notice I-797 does extend legal status during the processing of the I-485, but it is not a listed document on the SS-5 to accomplish anything.   EAD or Green card will be accepted at SSA or DMV

[snowcat 58]

Thanks all! I'm not in a rush, so I think I will just wait until I get my EAD to change my name on my SSN card and wait for my GC to renew my passport. If I decide to go back to the Philippines before I get my GC (which I think would be unlikely anyway), I'll just bring my marriage certificate.

 

I'm pretty clear on what I need to do now. Thanks again for all your advice. 

[Stevephoto 224]

2 hours ago, Hank_ said:

SSA agent isn't interested in the I-797, neither is DMV .. the received notice I-797 does extend legal status during the processing of the I-485, but it is not a listed document on the SS-5 to accomplish anything.   EAD or Green card will be accepted at SSA or DMV

My point exactly!

[Hank_ 9,173]