Changing Names

[sigmanigma 0]

I've pretty much got every question imaginable about changing names after marriage: Does the marriage certificate show that a name was changed? Do you indicate on a marriage license which person's taking the other's name? Why does the K-1 visa timeline say to get a SSN and then go back and change your name after you've married? Why not just go once -- after? About the I-485, your fiancée should use her NEW name, if applicable, right? If you could tell me about your experience or send some resources my way, that'd be great. Thanks for everything, and good luck to everyone on their journey.

[Otto 83]

I've pretty much got every question imaginable about changing names after marriage:

Does the marriage certificate show that a name was changed? Do you indicate on a marriage license which person's taking the other's name?

In most states - the couple indicates on the license any name change - in the US, it's mainly the female who takes the male's family name.

Why does the K-1 visa timeline say to get a SSN and then go back and change your name after you've married?

Because it's the simpelist path. Unless the name on the card is terribly meaningful - follow the suggested path. For us, having the card/number was the main concern.

Why not just go once -- after?

Because it's MUCH simpler.

About the I-485, your fiancée should use her NEW name, if applicable, right?

Yes - if you changed your name - use this 'new' name on the AOS/EAD and/or AP at time of filing - much much easier to do this than to change these things later on.

If you could tell me about your experience or send some resources my way, that'd be great. Thanks for everything, and good luck to everyone on their journey.

Edited November 11, 2008 by Karin und Otto

[Laura+Tom 2]

I've pretty much got every question imaginable about changing names after marriage: Does the marriage certificate show that a name was changed? Do you indicate on a marriage license which person's taking the other's name? Why does the K-1 visa timeline say to get a SSN and then go back and change your name after you've married? Why not just go once -- after? About the I-485, your fiancée should use her NEW name, if applicable, right? If you could tell me about your experience or send some resources my way, that'd be great. Thanks for everything, and good luck to everyone on their journey.

When I fill out my license to get married I will put down my married name which will then be put on my certificate. There are instructions on the license which say that.

Some go before they get married to get a SSN and then change it after, some get theirs after the wedding. It's whatever you chose. I will go before as I have heard some stories of people being refused after they are married as the official thinks they arn't eligable as they are technically not a fiance anymore.

[pushbrk 12,906]

I've pretty much got every question imaginable about changing names after marriage:

Does the marriage certificate show that a name was changed? Do you indicate on a marriage license which person's taking the other's name?

In most states - the couple indicates on the license any name change - in the US, it's mainly the female who takes the male's family name.

Why does the K-1 visa timeline say to get a SSN and then go back and change your name after you've married?

Because it's the simpelist path. Unless the name on the card is terribly meaningful - follow the suggested path. For us, having the card/number was the main concern.

Why not just go once -- after?

Because it's MUCH simpler.

About the I-485, your fiancée should use her NEW name, if applicable, right?

Yes - if you changed your name - use this 'new' name on the AOS/EAD and/or AP at time of filing - much much easier to do this than to change these things later on.

If you could tell me about your experience or send some resources my way, that'd be great. Thanks for everything, and good luck to everyone on their journey.

The reason for getting the SS card/number before marriage is that some States require an SSN to get marrried. If you can marry without it, you can wait and do it all at once.

[tallcoolone 102]

SS ID Card : We got it a few days after fiance came into USA.

We went back after marriage and SS told us we can not get a new card with her married name on it until we finish the AOS process and have a greencard.