question about name change

[jess.y 66]

Hello, I have a question about changing names after arriving in the US on K1. 

So in my K1 petition I put my Chinese name only, but added my English name in the "other names used" section.

Would it be possible at all if I added my English name as my middle name in my marriage license/certificate and put that new name when I adjust status?

or would that become an issue when I adjust status, since I didn't have a middle name in my I-129f and ds160?

 

Thank you very much. 

[Ayrton 965]

5 minutes ago, jess.y said:

Hello, I have a question about changing names after arriving in the US on K1. 

So in my K1 petition I put my Chinese name only, but added my English name in the "other names used" section.

Would it be possible at all if I added my English name as my middle name in my marriage license/certificate and put that new name when I adjust status?

or would that become an issue when I adjust status, since I didn't have a middle name in my I-129f and ds160?

 

Thank you very much. 

That's going to depend on the state your getting married. Some states only allow you to change your last name. Some will let you change everything.

[JonSeattle 202]

It's not hard to get a court order to change your middle name, and then you don't have to worry about.

 

https://www.kingcounty.gov/depts/records-licensing/recorders-office/marriage-licensing/faq.aspx

[aaron2020 11,651]

You can not add an English middle name with a marriage certificate.  You can change your last name to your spouse's last name or make it a combination of your last names.

If you want an English middle name, you will need to file a case with the local state court.   This would take time.  You would get your green card with your current name or married name.  If a state court adds a middle name, then you would have to pay the I-90 fee to update your green card.  You would need to send in your green card and wait 6-12 months or more to get your new card.  

Just wait until you naturalize to make a legal name change.  It's the easiest way.  

[jess.y 66]

Thank you everyone! I'll take a look at the court order name change, and if it's too much of a hassle I'll just wait for naturalization. 

I appreciate it!

[aaron2020 11,651]

Just now, jess.y said:

Thank you everyone! I'll take a look at the court order name change, and if it's too much of a hassle I'll just wait for naturalization. 

I appreciate it!

The hassle is not with the court.  The hassle is sending in your green card to change your name.  Paying the $455 fee plus the $85 biometric fee.  You could be without a green card for a year.  That's not a good situation to be in and that is why it's better to change your name when you naturalize.  

[jess.y 66]

2 minutes ago, aaron2020 said:

The hassle is not with the court.  The hassle is sending in your green card to change your name.  Paying the $455 fee plus the $85 biometric fee.  You could be without a green card for a year.  That's not a good situation to be in and that is why it's better to change your name when you naturalize.  

ok in that case I might as well wait it out. thank you so much!

[JonSeattle 202]

16 hours ago, jess.y said:

ok in that case I might as well wait it out. thank you so much!

On your timeline it says that you have not filed for AOS yet. If that is correct, then I think the warning about the delay with the green card is not applicable to you. That is because if you get a court ordered name middle change after marriage, but before sending in the AOS paperwork, then your new middle and last names will already be on there.

 

A court-ordered name change for an adult in King County can be completed in one day. Ours took longer because the judge had questions about the name change for my step-daughter, and we had to reschedule so there would be a court-provided interpreter for my wife.

[jess.y 66]

8 hours ago, JonSeattle said:

On your timeline it says that you have not filed for AOS yet. If that is correct, then I think the warning about the delay with the green card is not applicable to you. That is because if you get a court ordered name middle change after marriage, but before sending in the AOS paperwork, then your new middle and last names will already be on there.

 

A court-ordered name change for an adult in King County can be completed in one day. Ours took longer because the judge had questions about the name change for my step-daughter, and we had to reschedule so there would be a court-provided interpreter for my wife.

yes, correct, I haven't actually gotten married yet so I was sort of planning and thinking ahead! Would that court order name change before AOS cost a lot? Thank you! 

[JonSeattle 202]

58 minutes ago, jess.y said:

yes, correct, I haven't actually gotten married yet so I was sort of planning and thinking ahead! Would that court order name change before AOS cost a lot? Thank you! 

$201.50 for King County

 

https://www.kingcounty.gov/courts/district-court/name-changes.aspx