Last name change after marriage?

[Gperry 0]

Thanks in advance. Hey guys... we just got the certified marriage certificate and ( I think ) since Noemy's visa expiration date is 12/15 that we have to submit before then? Anyways, I don't know if we have time to do or wait for the name change process before the AOS.

What does that mean? Can we change it shortly after? Would you be stuck with your maiden name until your green card process was finished? If the US government allows us to wait until after 12/15 to submit the packet I think we could do it.

Thanks for your help!!

John

[Brother Hesekiel 2,236]

As you just got married, you or your wife can change your last name to that of your spouse, if that's what you want. Usually that name change would be on the marriage certificate but if not, you should make the change now as you would want the Green Card to show the correct name right from the start. From a purely legal perspective, your wife can change her name to yours in a few months or a few years from now, but immigration paperwork requires additional consideration. A new Green Card reflecting the changed name will cost you over $300, so either do it now or hold your horses until she becomes a US citizen.

[Gperry 0]

As you just got married, you or your wife can change your last name to that of your spouse, if that's what you want. Usually that name change would be on the marriage certificate but if not, you should make the change now as you would want the Green Card to show the correct name right from the start. From a purely legal perspective, your wife can change her name to yours in a few months or a few years from now, but immigration paperwork requires additional consideration. A new Green Card reflecting the changed name will cost you over $300, so either do it now or hold your horses until she becomes a US citizen.

So when we provide documents... such as drivers license, copies of her passport, etc.... does it matter that those documents refer or have her maiden name??

Edited December 6, 2010 by john+noemy

[silvana.toma 15]

I submited my AOS package in november under my maiden name. If this is the only thing that is questionable for the interview then i think we are good.

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

So when we provide documents... such as drivers license, copies of her passport, etc.... does it matter that those documents refer or have her maiden name??

It's fine. If she legally changed her name, put her maiden name under "other names used" in the g325A and wherever it asks for maiden name. When you go for your appointments, bring the marriage certificate with you. Also, while it would be better to submit before the 15th, if you do it a few days later nothing will change. There is a small chance she could get picked up, but it's very small. Good luck!

[Gperry 0]

Thanks for replies. We are trying to change her name. When she went to the DMV today the lady took her drivers license and told her when she could come back and prove that she was going through AOS she would reissue it.

I was like what the hell??? She had to kind of argue with the lady ( marriage license in hand ) for a temporary license. I guess I'm getting used to it, but I really hope people are going to be nicer going forward than this.

I'm worried about her going to the social security office tomorrow.

Is there anything I should know or be concerned about??

And I think we're going to just avoid the small chance thing. We're going to file the documents before the 15th as if we have a name change while it's in process. We will have kicked off the social security name change, etc during that time... from what I can tell this is the proper way to do it.?

Does anyone know if they give you anything to prove you are in AOS process so you don't get deported. My guess is you would provide the AOS case number.?

Thanks guys,

John

Edited December 6, 2010 by john+noemy

[raffy 7]

Does anyone know if they give you anything to prove you are in AOS process so you don't get deported. My guess is you would provide the AOS case number.?

Thanks guys,

John

Most people say to carry around your NOA or a copy of it(notice of Aplication), which includes her A# and case number (this is the first letter you will get once you apply)

Now, I am in the middle of the same topic -name change-, I did not know that I had to pay again to get a new card with the new name (form I90)and it's 450US$ total (includes biometrics that needs to be taken again)and I have not even gotten my GC in the mail yet...

My questions are:

1)I am getting a new job, what if my SS says a name and my GC says another? (I can change my name on the SS now but have no money to spend 450 yet on the card)?

2)What about DMV, can I show them the SS with the new name and everything else with my old name plus the marriage certificate?

3)What happens when you leave the country and have to come back? cause by then, you will have a GC with a different last name than your passport... does anybody knows?

please hit the "reply" button so that I get an email with your answer.

Thanks in advance for your time!

Raffy

Edited December 6, 2010 by raffy