When to change name?

[Sambar 15]

Hi all!

I have my SSC and have sent my AOS packet off with the work and AP forms. Both in my maiden name. 

When will it be ok to change my last name to my husbands? Should I wait until all of it is complete or can I do it now? 

Mainly I am questioning my passport as it is up for renewal in the next couple of months. I want to get that in my married name to save having to get another one down the line but I don’t want to mess up the paperwork. 

Thanks 😊   

[K1visaHopeful 2,655]

13 minutes ago, Sambar said:

Hi all!

I have my SSC and have sent my AOS packet off with the work and AP forms. Both in my maiden name. 

When will it be ok to change my last name to my husbands? Should I wait until all of it is complete or can I do it now? 

Mainly I am questioning my passport as it is up for renewal in the next couple of months. I want to get that in my married name to save having to get another one down the line but I don’t want to mess up the paperwork. 

Thanks 😊   

You should have sent your AOS package off in your married name to start. Now you may not be able to and/or may have to pay a fee to do so on your GC. 

Your EAD will come in your maiden name so you will need to keep your SSN in your maiden name. 

It doesn't matter what name the supporting documents have on it so you can change your passport whenever you want but you will be stuck with your maiden name on your immigration documents as you did not file in the name you want to take.

 

Edited January 9, 2019 by K1visaHopeful

[Dashinka 23,190]

I agree, the AOS package should have been done in the married name, then the SSC could be changed with either the EAD or GC.  If you are planning on naturalizing eventually, then I would wait until then to do the name change.

 

Good Luck!

[Sambar 15]

11 minutes ago, K1visaHopeful said:

You should have sent your AOS package off in your married name to start. Now you may not be able to and/or may have to pay a fee to do so on your GC. 

Your EAD will come in your maiden name so you will need to keep your SSN in your maiden name. 

It doesn't matter what name the supporting documents have on it so you can change your passport whenever you want but you will be stuck with your maiden name on your immigration documents as you did not file in the name you want to take.

 

Thanks for your reply. Will it mess up the AP if my passport has a different name on it though? Or by carrying both passports it will be ok? 

[K1visaHopeful 2,655]

6 minutes ago, Sambar said:

Thanks for your reply. Will it mess up the AP if my passport has a different name on it though? Or by carrying both passports it will be ok? 

You will have to carry your MC to support the name change. You've definitely made it more confusing for yourself but there isnt much you can do. 

[Sambar 15]

11 minutes ago, K1visaHopeful said:

You will have to carry your MC to support the name change. You've definitely made it more confusing for yourself but there isnt much you can do. 

Seems like I have Unknowingly 🤦‍♀️ Sounds like I am probably best just to keep my current name for a while. Thank you for your help.