I can't change my name before GREEN CARD

[Paola Phillips 6]

Hello,

 

This morning I went to the SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION with my husband trying to change my last name and get my Social Security Card and the lady said that she can't do it until I have my green card. Is that true? I heard about people who changed their names right after the marriage without any problems... It could depends on the State I live? I don't understand how this is possible. Without my SSN I can't even open a bank account with my husband to prove that we live together. This is sucks...

 

Did anybody had the same problem?

[Marcelina 246]

I remember checking this topic before my arrival to states. Everyone advised to get SNN before marriage holding your K-1 and recent I-94 (not expired) to get SNN under maiden name bcs your identification document is visa and passport under a maiden name. And later I just took my marriage certificate and asked them to update. They did that without problem. 

 

In your our current situation you will have to update married name after you have your GC. That will be necessary anyway bcs your current SNN will hold a restriction that’s its valid for work only with dhs authorization. After getting GC they should sent you an updated one without this information and a married name. 

[Jeanne Adil 1,651]

The alien will have to file for an EAD with the I-130 and I-485 and wait for the EAD to be approved. Then, he/she can take the EAD to the SSA and request an SSN; the card will state that work authorization document required. He/she can also go to the DMV with the EAD and other required documents (located on State DMV website) and complete teh requirements for the DL. Good luck to your friend...

[KULtoATL 1,551]

Here's a useful page listing the documents you need: https://www.ssa.gov/ssnumber/ss5doc.htm

 

Also, don't forget your marriage certificate if the new name is stated there.

[Ontarkie 14,280]

It looks like you waited too long. The first SSN is best to get in the maiden name if you don't have your EAD or GC. It's just easier since too many SS employees don't understand the K1. 

If you applied for AOS in your married name then when you get your EAD or GC then you can get your SSN in your married name. I mention  this because we have had members who did not apply in their married name but wanted to change names. It was too late for the time being, unless someone wants to pay the extra$$ for the change most wait till ROC to do it.

Edited March 23, 2018 by Ontarkie

[OldBritAbroad 15]

Bank of America will let you open an account without a SSN; there are others.

[Paola Phillips 6]

This is crazy. Many people who comes here in the US they don't know all these details. I didn't know that I had to apply for a SSN BEFORE the marriage. Anyway, the bottom of line is that I have to wait until I have my green card? Can I have my SSN just with my EAD? 

[KULtoATL 1,551]

58 minutes ago, Paola Phillips said:

This is crazy. Many people who comes here in the US they don't know all these details. I didn't know that I had to apply for a SSN BEFORE the marriage. Anyway, the bottom of line is that I have to wait until I have my green card? Can I have my SSN just with my EAD? 

Once you get your EAD, you can apply for one.

[Paola Phillips 6]

2 hours ago, KULtoATL said:

Once you get your EAD, you can apply for one.

Thank you!