Starting the AOS

[Phil & Alla 26]

I have decided to do the AOS myself, but some things I am not sure what they want. Alla and I are married so is her "family name" mine now??

On the G-325a it asks for "family name" but below it it as for all other names used-- so do they want her maiden name as it appears on her birth certificate for a family name or mine??

The I-485 just asks for the last name, which legally is now my last name-- I would think--lol

On the I 765 it also again asks for her "family name"--- maybe too much thought into this -- but to me her family name is mine now I am sure I will have a few more questions as I go---

Also this may be a question for Alla and Gary, but my Alla was born in Belarus when it was under Soviet control and her birth certificate is in Russian. After the fall of the Soviet Union, her passport is from Belarus, her first name is spelled in Russian and in Belarusian, but the Belarusian translation is "Ala" on the English page, so this is what Belarus and the embassy used for her first name-- we want it corrected on her american papers, to Alla.

[cherylc522 0]

family name is her last name, whatever it is right now legally

[Inky 1,110]

The green card will arrive in the name you use on the forms.

If she wants to use her married name fill out the forms with her married name and put her maiden name on other names used.

Moving this to the AOS forum because this is not an AP or waiver question.

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

USCIS understands differences in transliterated names. You're overthinking this. USCIS asks for "family name" because in some countries, the "family name" is a first name and the "given name" is the last. They are trying to be clear for all people, but seemed to have confused you more.

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

I have decided to do the AOS myself, but some things I am not sure what they want. Alla and I are married so is her "family name" mine now??

On the G-325a it asks for "family name" but below it it as for all other names used-- so do they want her maiden name as it appears on her birth certificate for a family name or mine??

The I-485 just asks for the last name, which legally is now my last name-- I would think--lol

On the I 765 it also again asks for her "family name"--- maybe too much thought into this -- but to me her family name is mine now I am sure I will have a few more questions as I go---

Also this may be a question for Alla and Gary, but my Alla was born in Belarus when it was under Soviet control and her birth certificate is in Russian. After the fall of the Soviet Union, her passport is from Belarus, her first name is spelled in Russian and in Belarusian, but the Belarusian translation is "Ala" on the English page, so this is what Belarus and the embassy used for her first name-- we want it corrected on her american papers, to Alla.

Name spelling transliterations vary within the regional languages. Ukrainian is no different, our sons names are all changed up in Ukrainian. Use what ever spelling you like, either will be acceptable. Any reasonable spelling is accepted. Use "Alla" on the AOS papers if you like. You need to submit a translation of her birth certificate with your application, make sure it is translated to "Alla"

As for family name she can change to your name if she wants. If she does, then YOUR name becomes HER family name and her maiden name is a "previous name" My Alla did not change her name for the AOS and she has always used her maiden name. She did change it with the citizenship. I guess she decided I was a keeper.

[Phil & Alla 26]

Thanks everyone for the advice, it helps to have a bit of reassurance from others when you think you are right about something

Gary and Alla, you always come through :)

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

Thanks everyone for the advice, it helps to have a bit of reassurance from others when you think you are right about something

Gary and Alla, you always come through :)

It is my goal to assist in the import of each and every Ukrainian woman into the USA.