Change of last name

[Monio 0]

Good afternoon,

I got married to my husband 2 months ago and in our marriage certificate moved my last name to be my middle name and took my husbands last name. I know I can only change my passport at my country's embassy once I am a permanent resident. All my forms (I-130, I-165, I-485) with my maiden name. Was that a mistake and I should have used my married name? I am confused now how to call myself and what name to use, for example, to apply for SSN once I have my EAD.

Thank you for any advice, I really appreciate it!

[Inky 1,110]

Your green card will arrive in the name you used on the forms. If you wanted to use married name you should use married name on the forms.

There is a fairly high fee to have your green card changed to married name once you get it. To do that you also have to send it back to them.

You likely wont be able to get an SSN with your married name when your green card is in maiden name.

[Jordandawg05 13]

I am in the same boat - if you are approved on teh spot , you can ask the IO to have the GC in married name. Once the GC in hand go to the SSA office to change SSN .

not sure how hard is that to do but we may try it.

[Monio 0]

I went to do my biometrics today, and was told, that I don't have to worry about having a wrong name on my GC, because it can take anywhere from 1 to 4 years to be invited to the interview (how encouraging) and then I can tell then what name to use. And in the meanwhile, i will have my work permit (when I get it) with my maiden name. So I assume I am still not married according to all my ID's (passport, drivers licence) until I get my GC! And I can use my Social security card apparently, I called to find out how to change my name (I have a SSN from 2 years ago when I was in USA as an exchange student)and the agent said I dont have to do anything just use my ssn.. that worked out easy! But I am not a permanent resident yet (which I explained) so Will see if the info given to me was correct, I feel like people at service departments don't always know what they are talking about...

[Moomin 292]

SSN and (valid) EAD just need to have the same names on. If they do, you're good to go.

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

Of course you are married - not all people change their names and the name on your IDs does not prove you are married or unmarried.

You made a mistake by not filling out your paperwork in your married name. Having a GC in married name is the easiest way to change your other IDs to the new name.

But, when you have your interview you can politely request the name be changed to married. If not, you can pay to change the name ($450 GC replacement fee) or wait until Removal of Conditions.

[Dave&Roza 748]

Good afternoon,

I got married to my husband 2 months ago and in our marriage certificate moved my last name to be my middle name and took my husbands last name. I know I can only change my passport at my country's embassy once I am a permanent resident. All my forms (I-130, I-165, I-485) with my maiden name. Was that a mistake and I should have used my married name? I am confused now how to call myself and what name to use, for example, to apply for SSN once I have my EAD.

Thank you for any advice, I really appreciate it!

You go to the SSA with an official ID that is in your maiden name and your Marriage Certificate and change the name on your SSC. You can use the EAD, your NEW SSC and your Marriage Certificate to change your DL. How do you think USCs do this when they get married? They do not have a GC. All they have is an ID with the maiden name and the Marriage Certificate. Unless you show them the EAD or GC, how do they know you are just a LPR?

You have another chance to chnge the GC to your married name and that is at ROC. If you fail to do it then, you can officially do a name change at naturalization should you go for that. Otherwise you must pay to have your name changed.

Good luck,

Dave