D & T

On 3/28/2019 at 1:09 PM, luvpark0825 said:

Could you change your drivers license too?

My situation is a bit different, but I am too trying to change my last name.

I came to the US with K-1 visa, was married to this dude(lol) who ran away with his affair after a year of marriage, so we got divorced.

because I changed my last name to his name during the AOS, as soon as I got the divorce decree I tried to change my name on everything.

 

the SSN office changed it with no issue because my decree was saying my name was going back to my maiden name but DMV refused it because my name on USCIS data base is different. because I had a ROC pending with divorce waiver, I sent a letter to USCIS that I want to go back to my maiden name when I send them the divorce decree, but ...I just got the 10 years renewed green card and it is still under my ex's last name.

 

Now I am engaged,  we are looking to have a wedding next year but we are going to get married at the court this year first.. because we are doing a destination wedding and tax and the other benefits are better for us to be married first.

My soon to be hubby doesn't want to wait until i get citizenship to change my last name, he is willing to pay $540 to change it. 

I am the same way, but if I can change my SSN and driver license first, I don't mind waiting until the citizenship to get my last name changed on USCIS database. if you could change the drivers license name, I think I can change it too.. 

 

Sorry my delay. Yes, after you change in your SSN you can change with DMV

Hey everyone!

Now that the saga to get my name changed with SSA is done, I woukd like to change it with USCIS. My actual green card didn’t arrive yet (nor produced) so I was wondering if I can petition for it now or wait till it arrives.

What do you guys think? Any situation alike?

Guys, an update: I went to the the neighborhood city office and changed my name! Yayyyyy! 🥳🥳😘😘

18 minutes ago, Mollie09 said:

I get that, from my experience they didn't care. My information on all of those records still has my maiden name and I changed my name two years ago.

Congrats!!!

Sometimes you just have to get someone who knows what they're doing!

Uff true that! Today’s attendant was awesome and super keen to change my name without any issues if It wouldn’t be because of this 2 weeks period gap.

I’ll keep you guys posted when I get back there!

Special thanks to @Cyberfx1024 who told me specifically to go to Greensboro’s office! Lol! I owe you and your wife a beer when you’re in Winston! 😄

Guys, so I went to the SSA in Greensboro (neighborhood city) and they told me it was possible indeed to change! Yay! BUT I gotta come back in 2 weeks since there was something that they can’t change someone’s name in less than 2 weeks. So in 2 weeks time I’ll be back. Didn’t have any problems here! And I already got my number! Yay!

4 minutes ago, Mollie09 said:

Here you go: "Evidence Required to Process a Name Change on the SSN based on Marriage, Civil Union and Domestic Partnership" https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0110212055

The Note at the bottom is item A: NOTE: If the document itself has an entry specifying what new name will be used, the SSN card must be issued in the legal name specified on the document.

 

That’s awesome! Thanks a lot! I’m already printing this out

Do you have any official SSA page that states that a LPR can change the name under SSA?

27 minutes ago, Mollie09 said:

This is a nice sentiment and you're of course entitled to your feelings and opinions, but this is a thread about how to get a name change, not whether you should.

We're trying to help OP who has explained (more than once) that it's what she wants. She shouldn't have to, it's her decision. We're just trying to help her do it.

Well said and thank you for writing this  I definitely respect one’s decision of changing or not, but It is my decision indeed to adopt his last name. It’s a honor to have my husband’s family name, someone who loves me so much and who’s my family now. 

40 minutes ago, Mollie09 said:

I had to fight at the SSA because Massachusetts marriage certificates have a field for "name after marriage", and if you don't enter the name change at the time you file it you need a court order to change it.

Issue 1: I didn't get married in Massachusetts, and my marriage certificate only shows maiden names.

Issue 2: Both my husband and I changed our names to a hyphenated combination.

 

I spent A LOT of time reading the SSA manual on name changes and printing out and bringing it to them. But never changed anything with USCIS and my green card has my maiden name. When I apply for citizenship, I'll change it with them.

Oh wow! Good idea! Do you have any page from SSA that states that? I definitely shoukd bring it with me

7 hours ago, ArmyVet said:

Nope, all that is needed is a marriage certificate (even of IT has maiden names).  That is all we sent for a replacement GC for my wife and they approved it. It is nearly impossible to change SS and DL without a GC updated.

I will go to the SSA of the neighborhood city today to try. If it doesn’t work I’ll try this way 🙏🏻

8 hours ago, David & Zoila said:

I guess my wife and I did this the easy way.  We were married in Philippines.  Her first name is Zoila Mae, yes two first names.  She kept her mothers maiden name as is customary in the Philippines and I think most of the Spanish countries.  She then added my name as her last name. So her name is:   Zoila Mae AXXXX OLSXXX.  This way she could keep her family name which I respected but at the same time she took my last name as an honor.  When she arrived in US her green card and social security came within a few weeks with the same names as were on our wedding certificate from the Philippines.   We didn't have to change anything once she was here.  And no hyphen.  That can make your life miserable having to explain everything over and over again.  Keep it simple.  Good luck and Aloha from Maui, david

We made our wedding ceremony in Maui! What a place to live 😍

1 hour ago, ArmyVet said:

Mine only showed my wife's maiden name. However, with your first SS card proof of legal status is required (GC or Passport) and the SS will be issued in that name. A marriage certificate is enough to change your name, some more info here:

 

Marriage - Change Your Maiden Name

If you are recently married and would like to change your maiden name, you don't need to file a petition with the court. Instead, your marriage certificate serves as your "proof," and you just need to update the Department of Motor Vehicles, banks, credit cards, etc.

 

First, you need certified copies of your marriage certificate. A photocopy will not be sufficient. Call the office where your marriage certificate was issued, and ask to get about three certified copies. These will typically have a raised seal on them.

 

Next, you should use the certified copy of your marriage certificate as proof to change your name with the following government agencies:

 

Social Security Administration

You will need to complete Form SS-5 and send it by mail (or deliver it in person) to the Social

Security Administration. There is no cost. You can download the form, as well as instructions on how to complete it, by following this link:
http://www.ssa.gov/online/ss-5.pdf

The Social Security Administration will also notify the Internal Revenue Service on your behalf, so you do not need to file anything directly with the IRS.

 

Department of Motor Vehicles

Bring a certified copy of your marriage certificate to the nearest Department of Motor Vehicles office, and let them know that you've changed your name. Oftentimes, you will need to personally appear at the office, so make an appointment if possible. You can change the name on your driver's license, as well as the title to any automobile that you own.

 

Passport

If your passport was issued one year or less from the date of your marriage, then you will need to complete Form DS-5504 and send it to the US Passport Agency, along with two color photos, a certified copy of your marriage certificate and your old passport:

http://travel.state.gov/passport/forms/ds5504/ds5504_2663.html

If your passport was issued more than one year from the date of your marriage, then you will need to complete a different form - DS-82.
http://travel.state.gov/passport/forms/ds82/ds82_843.html

 

Other Institutions

Once you have your new social security card and driver's license, changing your name with other institutions should be fairly straightforward. Some will want proof of marriage, others may want a copy of your new social security card or driver's license. You should contact them individually to see what they require:

Banks and other financial institutions
Credit cards
Post Office
Employer (payroll and retirement plans)
Voter registration
Mortgages / Deeds
Insurance policies
Utilities
State tax authority

 

The above process is the same if you would like to use a hyphenated last name (with both your maiden name and husband's last name). However, you will need a formal name change petition, filed with the court, if the husband would like to change his name, or if you would like a new last name which is completely different from either your maiden name or the husband's last name.

 

I was reading the USCIS website and it asks for a proof that you’ve changed your name before, e.g., SSA, Driver’s License, etc. It states I need ro have another document to prove the legal name change to then change on my green card. I’m a bit confused 😕

31 minutes ago, ArmyVet said:

You will have to request a new green card with a marriage certificate as proof for your name change. This is a very expensive process. I went through it with my wife. The new card cost over $500 (I can't remember the exact amount), and with the new GC we went the SSA office and they changed it, new SS card was delivered in the mail.

Does on your marriage certificate shows the name change? Mine doesn’t. It only shows my maiden name. Would it be possible to change with USCIS like this?

4 minutes ago, Cyberfx1024 said:

I miss Dubai so much.... I used to go to Dubai alot back in the day when I worked in Afghanistan. I actually met my wife when we both were working in Doha, Qatar. 

She does miss living in a big city for the amenities but sure loves the QOL here in NC. 

I miss Dubai as well. I met my husband there during one of his working trips. He still goes a lot to Qatar for work by the way.

I just called USCIS and they said I should book an infopass with the local USCIS and ask. The lady seemed pretty lost to be honest. I’ll definitely follow your advice and go to Greensboro tomorrow. Should I just take my passport + visa and my marriage certificate or there’s another document I should carry with me as well?

1 minute ago, Cyberfx1024 said:

Yeah we had no issue with that office at all when we got her SSN and later on after marriage to change it. 

 

I am born and raised in Triad but we recently moved back here from Los Angeles. So it's my wife's first time living here and it took alittle bit to get used to since it's so small compared to Los Angeles.

That’s awesome. Will definitely to there tomorrow. I requested my SSN so I’ll take that receipt with me just in case.

I’m glad I came here as a tourist before because the adaptation can be though for those who come from bigger cities. I used to live in Dubai before so for me it was a HUGE difference. Now I’m more used to a low paced life but I still have a thing for big cities haha. My husband and I are opened for moving one day so who knows. So I can definitely relate your wife’s adaptation 

18 minutes ago, D & T said:

We’re in Winston-Salem. What about you guys?

 

Exactly! I left there ao frustrated because I thought this was going to be a simple procedure. Maybe I could try the Greensboro office or High Point one.

My gc (will arrive yet) is under my maiden name. As soon as I change under SSN I’ll request the change.

Just now, Greekwife said:

I talked about this to my husband when he raised this issue of surname change.

I wish to keep my family name for sentimental reasons too and always reminding me my roots and the country I come from.

 

Best of luck to you.🙂

I am sure you will find a solution through USCIS.

 

I’ll always have my first names to remind my roots (they’re exotic to americans lol). I like the idea of having his last name as a family bond so I promised my husband I would change it. I spoke to my brazilian family and they were fine with the change too 😊

Hopefully I’ll get this done smoothly 🙏🏻

2 minutes ago, Cyberfx1024 said:

Lol, I am actually in Greensboro. I would try to go the Greensboro office near Wendover on the west side. That way it's easier for you coming from W-S. How do you like the Triad so far?

Oh sweet! We’re neighbors haha! Did your wife change hers there without any trouble? Will go there tomorrow then!

I’m calling USCIS office now just to have an official answer to tell them tomorrow.

I like the triad! I spent 2 long periods with my old tourist visa with my husband here so I’m pretty used to it! I like the Cat Cafe over there! And the brazilians always get together there for church on Sundays

1 minute ago, Greekwife said:

Why would you like to change your surname?

I do not think it is necessary and I assume your GC will have your family surname too.

So,my suggestion is why get into this trouble ?

It has a sentimental meaning

1 minute ago, Cyberfx1024 said:

No, that is not correct at all. You can change it now if you want since you came in under the CR1. So either go to that same office or to a different office to change it because alot of times their personnel don't know the everything like that. You can use the married name now in everything. What name is your GC in?

 

Where in NC are you? We are in NC as well.

We’re in Winston-Salem. What about you guys?

Exactly! I left there ao frustrated because I thought this was going to be a simple procedure. Maybe I could try the Greensboro office or High Point one.

1 minute ago, FilAm24 said:

you can use your new married name in anything if they allow but ssa wont ever let you..wait for your greencard and go back to ssa and apply for ssn its easy once you have your greencard.

I went there with my passport and visa (which’s my green card) and the guy was very firm about contacting USCIS first

7 minutes ago, p-ana said:

The usually want an official form of ID in the name you’re trying to change into. So if you have a state ID, green card, you can bring that with you to try again. 

I don’t have anything. Everything’s under my maiden name. I thought the starting point should be at SSO

Hi guys!

i just immigrated a few days ago and went to the Social Security Office to make my number and change my name to my married name. Here in NC the representative said I would have to change under USCIS first, but I’ve never heard of it. I thought I could change with the SSO straight away.

I thought about getting a court order.

I appreciate any help. I’m kinda lost

We received our interview date today!!

February 21st, Rio Embassy!

YAAAAYYYYY!

16 hours ago, Maracuja said:

Today we received a couple of confusing emails from the NVC! First we got one saying that our interview date was cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances and would be rescheduled. Only thing is, we never had an interview date scheduled. Our CC is Jan 17 and we have been waiting for a news of a date. Then a few hours later, we got an email saying our request to expedite was approved and our case was being sent to Rio. Again, we never put a request in to expedite! Has anyone ever heard of these types of emails coming without a date previously scheduled or a request to expedite?

 

Right now the CEAC portal says our case is at Rio. I'm cautiously optimistic that we'll have an interview date soon, but I know by now with this process not to get my hopes up! 

 

Same here!! There’s another brazilian with the same situation as well! We’re just waiting for the embassy to contact us with our interview date!

Yaaaaaaay!

Hi guys,

Yesterday our case was expedited due to a possible glitch of the NVC system. We had Case Complete and were just waiting for our interview appointment to be set. But, yesterday morning (US time), we received an email saying they had to cancel our interview, but we never received the actual date. I called NVC straight away and they confirmed that they indeed didn’t have the date but sent that email. A few hours later, we received another email saying our case was expedited and the US Embassy in Rio would contact us to book our interview. I checked the status and it says “in transit”.

The same happened to another brazilian as well.

Have this ever happened before? Should we wait the Embassy to contact us or can we drop an email beforehand?

This was so unexpected and we’re definitely happy with the surprise!