DO I need to make new passport for AOS interview?

[Malla 1]

Hello,

I changed my last name as married name while filing AOS. and even in my SS card and driving license. But my Passport is with my maiden name. My question is, do I need to make new passport with my married name in AOS interview. I think they put I-551 stamp om passport.Pls help me. I will be really appreciated with your help. My interview is on Aug 20. Thanks.

[ELW 5]

No need to change your passport now, before the interview. In fact it is best to keep the passport safely with you during this important time, not sending it off to get changed. No one will mind at all if it is in the maiden name. In addition, practically no office gives the I-551 stamp nowadays. They just say wait for 2-3 weeks and your green card will come in the mail. During the interview you can mention you would like the green card in your married name.

[Malla 1]

Thanks. I donot want my greencard in the maiden name. I want to be in married name? So I do not to change my passport in the interview right??

[payxibka 10,045]

Hello,

I changed my last name as married name while filing AOS. and even in my SS card and driving license. But my Passport is with my maiden name. My question is, do I need to make new passport with my married name in AOS interview. I think they put I-551 stamp om passport.Pls help me. I will be really appreciated with your help. My interview is on Aug 20. Thanks.

You can change your passport to your new name when you want... It can be before or after the AOS interview.... Your choice.

[Malla 1]

Thanks. My question is, Do i have to have new passport with married name coz my all other documents with married name.

[payxibka 10,045]

Thanks. My question is, Do i have to have new passport with married name coz my all other documents with married name.

Again... It is your choice... You may find life easier if you change it or you may simply not care. When you decide to change it, IF you decide to change it, is your choice. It is NOT required for your AOS interview.

[ELW 5]

To repeat, you do NOT need your passport to match all your other official documents. You can request the green card to be in your married name in the interview, they won't care whether or not your passport matches that name. When people get married it is understood and assumed that we can't change our name on so many documents immediately!

[Malla 1]

Thanks. one more questions. Do I have to bring my husband affidavit of support again with new employment letter?

Edited July 2, 2008 by Malla

[ELW 5]

Do I have to bring my husband affidavit of support again with new employment letter?

I would bring the affidavit of support with new employment letter just for peace of mind, but I would not give it unless requested. In most interviews they are really only interested in relationship proof: paperwork with both your names on it. However it is always good to bring all the paperwork from the visa process, just in case they ask for something.

[pegbert64 0]

I did change my passport to my married name BEFORE the interview; our attorney said that it wouldn't matter for the interview itself, but for ease of travel it would probably best if the passport they stamped would be in the name I intended to use for travel. As others have pointed out, passport stamping is no longer the norm (I had to request it), so it's not really an issue for most.

When I sent away for my new, married name passport (Canada), I called the passort office first to explain my situation and ask them about expedited service. They said that they could not guarantee a specific turn-around time, but would try their best if everything was in order (ie: acceptable photos, etc). So I went to a photo studio that was well-versed in photos for Canadian passports (I even made the photographer show me the requirement sheet that HE had, to make sure that he wasn't just saying that to get my business!!!) I double- and triple-checked everything, made photocopies of EVERYTHING (passport, applications, photos, etc), and then added a letter stating that I was in the US awaiting immigration approval, and needed my new passport back ASAP for the interview (unknown date at that time). I was really, really nice in the letter - understood that they could not guarantee service time, and that there were many others in my situation who also needed urgent service, but that I would appreciate anything they could do to get it back to me quickly, etc etc. I sent the application 2-day UPS to Canada, with tracking number, and then crossed my fingers! Well, it all worked out and I got the passport back in a couple of weeks

My advice, if you WANT to change it before the interview, is to find out EXACTLY what is needed..... don't allow for error on your part! And then just be very nice to the folks who help you (consulate, passport office, etc)

[Caroline and Phil 14]

I didn't have interview and my Green Card has my married name. The name on the passport doesn't matter.

[Hydey 0]

What is an affidavit of support?