name change with marriage?

[Ryan1 0]

Curious about other VJer's experiences with name change in relation to immigration forms - AOS.

Once I get married to fiancee (I am USC and soon-to-be wife is immigrant on K-1 visa) does/should her last name change on all of the immigration forms?

To avoid possible confusion, I am thinking we should just keep on using her madien name (actually two last names as most spanish speaking countries do) on all AOS forms..

Once she gets the green card maybe she can start using my last name for official documents (if she desires of course)?

Thanks for you input!

[john_and_marlene 162]

If she is going to take your last name, you should file using her married name.

[MandR 0]

We completed AOS, EAD & AP forms with the married name and submitted a copy of the marriage license with each application and had no problems

[calvin 0]

If she is going to take your last name, you should file using her married name.

I agree. Filing the AOS application is the perfect time to start using her new name (assuming she is going to change her name). It will be more complicated if you put it off.

[Ryan1 0]

thanks, by the way, is it required that she take my last name?

Wow, this could get confusing indeed. . hmm. So say, for example, her last name(s) now is Rozia Lopez (two last names) and my last name is Smith.. Once we get married, she could fill out all AOS forms with new last name(s) -- it would be for example "Smith Rozia"?

I am concerned that immigration gets confused as her last name on all of the K-1 visa stuff would be different than her AOS if she assumes my last name right after marriage. .

[zyggy 9]

thanks, by the way, is it required that she take my last name?

Wow, this could get confusing indeed. . hmm. So say, for example, her last name(s) now is Rozia Lopez (two last names) and my last name is Smith.. Once we get married, she could fill out all AOS forms with new last name(s) -- it would be for example "Smith Rozia"?

I am concerned that immigration gets confused as her last name on all of the K-1 visa stuff would be different than her AOS if she assumes my last name right after marriage. .

As she is in the US, her name should be using US format... If she wishes to keep her maiden name in some fashion, it should be in the middle name section. If she wishes to use your name, Smith should be the last names on the I-485 forms, or alternatively she could use a hyphenated last name such as Rozia-Smith.

[john_and_marlene 162]

I am concerned that immigration gets confused as her last name on all of the K-1 visa stuff would be different than her AOS if she assumes my last name right after marriage. .

believe it or not, she won't be the first married woman to apply for AOS after marriage on a K1. This will not be confusing to them.

[Not Available 0]

its no different than if you were both americans getting married. if she wants your last name, she changes it. it's no surprise to the USCIS as that is what usually happens when two people get married.

[Peter Miami 0]

its no different than if you were both americans getting married. if she wants your last name, she changes it. it's no surprise to the USCIS as that is what usually happens when two people get married.

Very true!

Peter Miami

[Miranda&James 8]

thanks, by the way, is it required that she take my last name?

Wow, this could get confusing indeed. . hmm. So say, for example, her last name(s) now is Rozia Lopez (two last names) and my last name is Smith.. Once we get married, she could fill out all AOS forms with new last name(s) -- it would be for example "Smith Rozia"?

I am concerned that immigration gets confused as her last name on all of the K-1 visa stuff would be different than her AOS if she assumes my last name right after marriage. .

She isn't required to take your last name.

Immigration won't get confused because on almost all of the forms there is a section asking for "other names used" and in this spot would be where you would put her maiden name. Also, they will see her maiden name on the marriage certificate. Even so, all of that doesn't matter as much as your A number which is unique to her and will trace back to her so they will know exactly who she is even with the new married name!