Do I have to change my surname before i file the AOS?

[Sleepybears 0]

Ok here is my question. I got the SSN before we got married. Then we got married and got the marriage cert a few weeks ago. Now I just start to fill in the forms and found that in the sample forms here, the Non-US citizen spouse did use her USC husband's surname.

In my country we don't need to change our surname after marriage. But I guess it's like a must here in the US? So my question is do i need to change my surname on the SSN before i file in AOS? Is that very important or I can do that later? And if I need to change it first before applying AOS, how long will it take?

Thanks a lot.

[Gatorfan 0]

Although it is common here for a wife to take on her husband's last name, it is not a requirement

[Yodrak 7]

Sleepybears,

It's optional here in the USA also. (And the husband can take the wife's surname if he wishes.)

Be careful using those example forms - the example situation may not be the same as your own.

Yodrak

... I just start to fill in the forms and found that in the sample forms here, the Non-US citizen spouse did use her USC husband's surname.

In my country we don't need to change our surname after marriage. But I guess it's like a must here in the US? ....

[Sleepybears 0]

Thank you very much!

[Sleepybears 0]

Sorry another question arises. So if I dont change my surname now... but want to change it later... maybe after the approval of AOS... would it be more trouble?

[raymaga 25]

If you are thinking of taking your husband's name in the future, I would suggest doing it before you start the AOS process. If you weren't changing your name to your husband's name, that would not be a problem at all, but to try to change it after the AOS process is only asking for problems, in my opinion.

[Sleepybears 0]

ok... so do you how long it'll take if i want to change my surname now? Do i just need to change my surname at the SSN for now?

[raymaga 25]

After marriage, you don't need to do anything to "change your name" to your new married surname. When you submit your AOS application, fill in the forms with your new married name and you will send in a copy of your marriage certificate with it, and that shows why your name changed.

You can apply to have your SSN card name changed any time after you have your marriage certificate to show why your name changed.

[Sleepybears 0]

Thanks a lot raymaga.

I thought I have to apply for the name change for the SSN first (I just don't want to wait for so long again before I can file the AOS) before I apply for the AOS. That's why I was thinking not to change my surname on the forms.

These SSN & the whole AOS process just make me feel so confused.

[john_and_marlene 162]

Thanks a lot raymaga.

I thought I have to apply for the name change for the SSN first (I just don't want to wait for so long again before I can file the AOS) before I apply for the AOS. That's why I was thinking not to change my surname on the forms.

These SSN & the whole AOS process just make me feel so confused.

The AOS application has nothing to do with the name on your SSN. You don't have to wait to file the AOS. Your SSN will remain the same after you change your name on it. There is no question that asks what the name on the SS card is, just what the number is ... if you have one.

[Sleepybears 0]

Thanks john_and_marlene... i'm clear now, finally.

[Peter Miami 0]

If you are thinking of taking your husband's name in the future, I would suggest doing it before you start the AOS process. If you weren't changing your name to your husband's name, that would not be a problem at all, but to try to change it after the AOS process is only asking for problems, in my opinion.

I agree!

To change your last name on the SS card you have to wait until you get approve because you need for I-551. This happened to my wife.

Good luck,

Peter Miami