Name Change - Adjustment of Status

[Dubs 0]

This question is for those who have already been through the K-1 process!

I'm planning to move into the US at the end of August and we plan to do a cityhall wedding on Sept 14th, i just have a few questions on the name change

From my understanding you don't have to get a SSN in the state of New York before you get married so this is my plan (pls correct me if i'm wrong)

-Apply for a marriage license (from what i see on the form, i can put my new married name)

-get married

-after marriage go get the SSN with new married name

-do all adjustment of status papers with married name

Is that right?

Also - do i have to change my passport right away with my new married name or is that something I can change once i have to renew it?

Any insight on this would be great! So much to know with this process!

[Inky 1,110]

Yes your plan is correct.

No you do not have to get a new passport right away. You can wait or you can choose to never change the name on your passport if you wish.

[Hugglebuggles 60]

Sounds like a good plan! You could also obtain a SSN in your maiden name prior to the wedding, and then change it after. But since you are getting married so soon after entry, I wouldn't bother.

I've been in the US for 3 years and my passport is still in my maiden name. Just make sure that if you ever fly Canada-US or vice versa, your ticket matches the name in your passport. Its also a good idea to carry a copy of our marriage license to show why there is a name discrepency. I always have it, but I've never been asked.

[SapphireDreams 71]

This is exactly what I did BUT I will say they did try to give me a hard time because my name in the system at the SS office was my maiden name or something, so they have to verify me and said it would take longer to get my card. It wasn't long, only took 5 days for my card to arrive, but I would be prepared to ask to speak to a manager when you are there just in case. It was something about coming in on a K1 but then getting married. The important thing is that YOU CAN do it, but you might get a rep at the office who says you can't and you just have to be firm. Others have printed off a page from the website, but I didn't do that, just insisted I could do it and she did it. When I asked to speak with a supervisor/manager she all of a sudden knew how to do it

I also used my maiden name in my passport until I renewed it. Just remember when you renew, you'll have to fill out the complete form and will need a guarantor (it can be any CDN citizen, even a parent), you can't use the shorter form.

[Dubs 0]

Thank you all so much!! Very helpful!

[SF2007 48]

I would add that you have to apply before you have less than 15 days left on your I-94 to apply for a SSN or you will have to wait for your GC to apply.

Once you are married and have your SSN, make sure you are added to your husband's insurance, some bills and open a joint bank account. It will great proof of a bona fide marriage should you be required to attend an interview.

[Dubs 0]

Thanks, is the i-94 date the date you were approved (the interview)?

or does it start the day you go through POE?

[SF2007 48]

The I-94 is the 2x2 document they will stamp in your passport when you cross the border and activate your visa. It will be valid for 3 months and you will have to provide front/back copies for your AOS application and keep the original for an eventual interview.

[Inky 1,110]

The I-94 is the 2x2 document they will stamp in your passport when you cross the border and activate your visa. It will be valid for 3 months and you will have to provide front/back copies for your AOS application and keep the original for an eventual interview.

Mine was a paper and it was stapled and it was much larger than 2x2. Crossed at land crossing though.

[CourtneyRox 25]

Mine was a paper and it was stapled and it was much larger than 2x2. Crossed at land crossing though.

Mine was a paper and it was stapled to a page in my passport as well. I flew out of Halifax airport!

[Dubs 0]

Great! so its basically a paper that I receive when I cross over and it expires in 3 months! Im getting married right away so I have plenty of time to get my ssn

[SF2007 48]

Mine was a paper and it was stapled to a page in my passport as well. I flew out of Halifax airport!

Yes my bad, it is paper and stapled in your passport, not stamped!

[SapphireDreams 71]

It's actually more like cardstock

This is what it looks like: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Form_I-94

You fill it out and then they tear off the bottom portion and put it in your passport. They didn't staple mine. You'll get a new one of these if you use AP to cross back afterwards as well.

If you are flying, make sure you grab one at the counter with all the customs cards and fill it out in advance.