Beneficiary Changing last name after wedding - Pennsylvania

[Lorna&Alex 104]

Hey guys!!

im from the UK and moved here last month on a K1 visa. I got married last week in Pennsylvania and we’re just preparing to send AOS. Does anyone have advice on how I can change my last name to my husband’s name? We are residing in PA. 

we heard hitchswitch.com is good but apparently you can only use it when you’re an American citizen. 

[Alabamak1 688]

8 minutes ago, Lorna&Alex said:

Hey guys!!

im from the UK and moved here last month on a K1 visa. I got married last week in Pennsylvania and we’re just preparing to send AOS. Does anyone have advice on how I can change my last name to my husband’s name? We are residing in PA. 

we heard hitchswitch.com is good but apparently you can only use it when you’re an American citizen. 

they usually ask you when you guys get your marriage license....what name do you want to go by. 

[Lorna&Alex 104]

9 minutes ago, Alabamak1 said:

they usually ask you when you guys get your marriage license....what name do you want to go by. 

Not in PA. they told me I had to put my maiden name on the marriage lisence so that’s what I did 

[Wuozopo 4,293]

37 minutes ago, Lorna&Alex said:

Hey guys!!

im from the UK and moved here last month on a K1 visa. I got married last week in Pennsylvania and we’re just preparing to send AOS. Does anyone have advice on how I can change my last name to my husband’s name? We are residing in PA. 

we heard hitchswitch.com is good but apparently you can only use it when you’re an American citizen. 

When you marry, your name is his (if you want it to be). Apply for AOS in your married name. Your marriage certificate changes your name. It doesn't have to be written on the license. Not all states do that. USCIS knows that.  Tell the bank your married name for a bank account. Introduce yourself by that name. Once you get EAD and a greencard, go to Social Security and get your name changed with them.  You have gotten your SSN by now, right? Name change is fluid.

[geowrian 22,337]

Correct, the marriage license only has one's maiden name in PA.

The answer on how to change your name is simple...just start using it. it really is that simple. The marriage certificate allows you to change your name to his (along with some other variations).

That said, update your SS card, any IDs or license(s), etc. once you are able. If you are still within the first 76 days (90 - 14 days) of entering the country on the K-1 visa, you can apply for a new SS card in the married name.

For the I-485, put down your married name and list the maiden name as other names used. What you put on the I-485 is what they will issue the green card in. Same for the I-765 + I-131.

[TNJ17 1,329]

That’s not how changing your name works. If you want to take your huaband’s name you just fill out the AOS with your new name and write your maiden name under other names used. Then you go to whatever agency you want to have your new name on and tell them you want to change your name ie SS office, banks, credit cards, dmv, etc. Bring your marriage certificate when you do this and you’re fine. SS office might give you issues because they say USCIS needs to update the system with your new name on before they’ll issue you a new card. It depends on the office honestly. I had trouble in WV but some people reported nothing happened in other states. 

[Goldfish_0529 38]

hi @Lorna&Alex were you able to file for AOS? If yes, did you receive your NOA1 already for AOS? just gathering info coz I am from Pennsylvania too but from Lancaster county.