Name change during RoC?

[LlamaInvasion 76]

I still have a little more than another year before I can file for RoC, I just have a quick question.

When we filled out the forms to Adjust status, things got really hurried, and I made a quick decision to take my husband's last name. I don't regret that for one second, but I do regret completely obliterating my very unique maiden name. So I would like to add my maiden name as a middle name. As I understand it, this counts as a name change. Can I somehow do this when filing for removal of conditions? (And if I can, how do I go about doing it, and then changing it on my social security card, etc?)

Or should I try to change it done before then?

[ollie 47]

I still have a little more than another year before I can file for RoC, I just have a quick question.

When we filled out the forms to Adjust status, things got really hurried, and I made a quick decision to take my husband's last name. I don't regret that for one second, but I do regret completely obliterating my very unique maiden name. So I would like to add my maiden name as a middle name. As I understand it, this counts as a name change. Can I somehow do this when filing for removal of conditions? (And if I can, how do I go about doing it, and then changing it on my social security card, etc?)

Or should I try to change it done before then?

I assume you already changed your name with social security, using just your husbands last name.....there should be no problem with going to your local SSA office to do another name change to include your maiden name.....

Although for you ROC application i would only use whatever is currently your legal name

[bigdog 376]

I would try and do it during ROC, on your application, Then tackle Social Security etc. But i am not an expert in this, we changed ours at AOS, easy.

[Holliday 4]

I still have a little more than another year before I can file for RoC, I just have a quick question.

When we filled out the forms to Adjust status, things got really hurried, and I made a quick decision to take my husband's last name. I don't regret that for one second, but I do regret completely obliterating my very unique maiden name. So I would like to add my maiden name as a middle name. As I understand it, this counts as a name change. Can I somehow do this when filing for removal of conditions? (And if I can, how do I go about doing it, and then changing it on my social security card, etc?)

Or should I try to change it done before then?

I'm in a similar situation, and my experience may or may not help you, but here it is. I also decided to take my husband's last name and to add my maiden name to my middle name. My CR-1 visa was issued in my maiden name, as was my green card because I had neglected to change my name on my passport. The visa name had to match the passport, and the green card name had to match my visa. Anyway, so when I applied for ROC, I filled the form out so that my married name is listed as my only surname, and my maiden name is listed as my 2nd middle name. I included an explanation in my cover letter explaining that I would like the new card issued in my married name. I included a copy of my marriage certificate as proof of name change, just for good measure. My biometrics letter had my name as requested on it, except with a typo in my original middle name. I asked them to fix it at my appointment, and they did. And I saw my name listed in the computer as I requested (married name, given name middle name maiden name) My ROC has been approved, but I haven't received my new card yet. My extension letter/NOA1 and approval notice were addressed to "first initial, married name", so I won't know what my new card says until I receive it, which should be soon. When I get it, I'll try to remember to find this thread and let you know if the name change worked.

So basically, when you apply for ROC, you could fill out the form including your maiden name as your middle name, and make a note on your cover letter that you'd like your second middle name included on your new card, as it was omitted from your old one. There is a section on the form where it asks for all names used, and you'll put your maiden name there, so they should be able to see you're not coming up with a completely new middle name out of nowhere. It might work. It might not. I have no idea. I'm just speaking from my experience.

I don't know if you plan on applying for Naturalization at any point, but I know you can definitely have your name changed during that process, if for some reason you are unable to during ROC.

[LlamaInvasion 76]

I won't be applying for naturalization for the forseeable future, as I'm not ready to give up my Norwegian citizenship.

If it's possible to do it via ROC and then afterwards change it at the social security office etc, then that's definitely the way I'll go. Thanks!

[freetv 7]

Just do it at a local court for a fairly cheap fee, take that document to SS and get a new card, and then when you file roc just include a certified copy of the name change and you covered. Just don't forget to include all THREE of your names on the roc. 1. your birth name 2. your husband's name 3. your new name

[VanessaTony 3,567]

You are right, this is considered a name change.

You might NOT be able to do this now because you already changed your name once. You also might be fine. You won't know until you try.

First you need to find out if your state laws allow the middle name change from marriage, not all states do. If they do then you can decide to try doing it at ROC and THEN do the SSN and everything else BUT if USCIS considers it another change and doesn't let it go through then you'll need to pay for a new GC later after you do the legal name change.

[LlamaInvasion 76]

First you need to find out if your state laws allow the middle name change from marriage, not all states do.

Well, this was interesting, thanks for the information! As it turns out, PA (where I live) does not allow middle name changes without appearing in court, so I guess I'll have to go to court, then do the social security office (given the name change is approved, of course), and I guess I'll just inform USCIS of the name change and the new name when I file for ROC.

[VanessaTony 3,567]

Well, this was interesting, thanks for the information! As it turns out, PA (where I live) does not allow middle name changes without appearing in court, so I guess I'll have to go to court, then do the social security office (given the name change is approved, of course), and I guess I'll just inform USCIS of the name change and the new name when I file for ROC.

Well that's good! It actually makes it a lot simpler 'cause now you know exactly what you need to do. Good luck!