SSN application/Name change

[Sian & Chris 0]

Went to the SSA today and everything went smoothly except for one thing:

The lady said we couldn't put my wife's new name on the card, because the card has to match her visa. We have a marriage certificate showing her new name, but the lady wouldn't even look at it. She said something about applying to have the visa changed so that it reads her new name. I don't think she has any idea what a K-1 visa is. We still applied for the card because the number can get a lot of things for us, but can anyone link to an SSA page that says she's wrong? I understand she is, but I can't exactly print off a forum page to prove it. All I can find myself is that she needs a marriage certificate to prove a name change, but it doesn't say anything in reference to a visa.

Thanks for any help, sorry if this is in the wrong spot.

[Kim.D 3]

I had a similar problem and these are the links that were sent to be by an officer when I contacted them on the Social Security website.

http://policy.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0110213305

http://policy.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0110211025

http://policy.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0110211025

Also, this information was on the email I received with the links (I think you will find it on their website)

Note: Marriage does not affect an individual with K-1 status's eligibility to be assigned an SSN, or issued a card.

We accept all marriage documents issued within the 50 United States, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, and American Samoa.

RM 10212.025 Evidence of Name Change based on a US Ceremonial Marriage:

http://policy.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0110212025

We can accept a name change document based on marriage as evidence of the new name to be shown on the card, if the new name can be derived from the marriage document.

The marriage document can also be used as acceptable evidence of identity, if it shows Lisa’s prior name (Lisa Foster) and either her age, birth date, or parents’ names, that matches the data on the SSN record, and the marriage took place within the prior two years.

RM 10212.055 Evidence Required to Process a Name Change on the SSN based on Marriage, Civil Union and Domestic Partnership:

http://policy.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0110212055

http://policy.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0110212001

I hope this helps. After a few visits I eventually got my SSN sorted out in my married name. If you continue to have issues I would go on their website and contact them via email.

Good luck.

[Dave&Roza 748]

I had a similar problem and these are the links that were sent to be by an officer when I contacted them on the Social Security website.

http://policy.ssa.go.../lnx/0110213305

http://policy.ssa.go.../lnx/0110211025

http://policy.ssa.go.../lnx/0110211025

Also, this information was on the email I received with the links (I think you will find it on their website)

Note: Marriage does not affect an individual with K-1 status's eligibility to be assigned an SSN, or issued a card.

We accept all marriage documents issued within the 50 United States, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, and American Samoa.

RM 10212.025 Evidence of Name Change based on a US Ceremonial Marriage:

http://policy.ssa.go.../lnx/0110212025

We can accept a name change document based on marriage as evidence of the new name to be shown on the card, if the new name can be derived from the marriage document.

The marriage document can also be used as acceptable evidence of identity, if it shows Lisa's prior name (Lisa Foster) and either her age, birth date, or parents' names, that matches the data on the SSN record, and the marriage took place within the prior two years.

RM 10212.055 Evidence Required to Process a Name Change on the SSN based on Marriage, Civil Union and Domestic Partnership:

http://policy.ssa.go.../lnx/0110212055

http://policy.ssa.go.../lnx/0110212001

I hope this helps. After a few visits I eventually got my SSN sorted out in my married name. If you continue to have issues I would go on their website and contact them via email.

Good luck.

+1 It is sad that these employees are not trained properly. I would have to either walk out of there with a bloody tongue or in handcuffs . How do they change the last name for a USC who only has a birth certificate and a marriage certificate and is applying for a SSN for the first time? SIGH!!

I hope it works out for you.

Dave

[Sian & Chris 0]

Thanks! This looks like it'll help. We'll go back tomorrow, as the office closes in half an hour (seriously, what's with those hours?).

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

Went to the SSA today and everything went smoothly except for one thing:

The lady said we couldn't put my wife's new name on the card, because the card has to match her visa. We have a marriage certificate showing her new name, but the lady wouldn't even look at it. She said something about applying to have the visa changed so that it reads her new name. I don't think she has any idea what a K-1 visa is. We still applied for the card because the number can get a lot of things for us, but can anyone link to an SSA page that says she's wrong? I understand she is, but I can't exactly print off a forum page to prove it. All I can find myself is that she needs a marriage certificate to prove a name change, but it doesn't say anything in reference to a visa.

Thanks for any help, sorry if this is in the wrong spot.

So did they approve the card in her maiden name? If so that's all you really need for now...a number. The card is going to have that mark up about not authorized for work without DHS approval. Once she has her greencard in hand, you can order a new card without that statement and change the name at the same time. Easier than arguing with someone who doesn't know the K1 process.

[Sian & Chris 0]

She issued the card and I understand what you're saying, but there are a lot of people who want a SSN with her name on it (contrary to what SSA tells you: the bank, the renter's office, and the insurance company) and I'd much rather do all of that stuff once instead of twice.

[Krikit 1,164]

I had the same problem re the name change at application, but requested it be escalated to a supervisor. Good luck!

Moving from AOS Process to the SSN section.

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

She issued the card and I understand what you're saying, but there are a lot of people who want a SSN with her name on it (contrary to what SSA tells you: the bank, the renter's office, and the insurance company) and I'd much rather do all of that stuff once instead of twice.

I'm surprised they want to see the actual card. My experience has always been that I fill in the number on the application blank or tell it to them from memory. I haven't even seen my own card in 30 years. Same for my immigrant husband. He gave his number (no card) to two banks, three credit card companies, an employer, and a car dealership that I can remember offhand. The Texas driver's license office wanted the card for a brand new driver, but your wife likely won't qualify for a license until she has something beyond a 90 day I-94 as immigration status.

Give it a go with those places. If they insist on a card, it will match her photo id (passport). Surely they've dealt with newlyweds that haven't gotten everything switched to the Mrs. name.

[Sian & Chris 0]

Well, here's a news flash:

According to the SSA people, the INS will now no longer accept a SSN application based on a visa that has a different name from the Visa. The name on the Visa has to match up with the one on the application. I was informed it's some new rule "You know, after 9/11" (what, ten years late?) and that I would just have to wait for the residency card.

I call BS, but I'm done fighting this fight.