SSN, last name and a few doubts.

[J & L 10]

I like knowing things ahead of time, when possible, so I have a few questions and maybe some of you are able to help me.

It is in my understanding that in order to get married I'm going to need a SSN, which would of course have my maiden name. Now, what if I choose to change my last name and take his, what kind of documents would I need exactly stating the legal change of my last name? Additionally, would I be able to get a new SSN before filing for AOS? I want to make sure I'd have everything with the same name on it and not mess up/ pay extra to get some documents corrected.

We're still far from our NOA2 I believe, and hopefully we'll get approved -waiting in doubt is so stressing- but if anyone can help, I'd really appreciate it.

[Darnell 8,478]

for clean sailing through the SSA office, the first time,

apply in VISA name, as that matches yer entry record in the SAVE database (POE uses it, SSA uses it).

You can change the name AFTER receiving the first SSN card, just show a marriage certificate. The problem many people, coming in on a K-1, have, is the validity dates on the I-94 - if they not get stuff done within the validity dates at SSA, well, ya gotta wait till have the EAD or green card in hand.

[Mela17 36]

I like knowing things ahead of time, when possible, so I have a few questions and maybe some of you are able to help me.

It is in my understanding that in order to get married I'm going to need a SSN, which would of course have my maiden name. Now, what if I choose to change my last name and take his, what kind of documents would I need exactly stating the legal change of my last name? Additionally, would I be able to get a new SSN before filing for AOS? I want to make sure I'd have everything with the same name on it and not mess up/ pay extra to get some documents corrected.

We're still far from our NOA2 I believe, and hopefully we'll get approved -waiting in doubt is so stressing- but if anyone can help, I'd really appreciate it.

I agree with what Darnell says.

Going to apply for your first SSN card will not be difficult. Just use your maiden name on this one. Once you have the card in hand (just a note, my husband got his SSN number and they didn't even ask him to see his card at the office where we got the marriage license) you can then go apply for your marriage license.

On the license you get to say what your married name will be. After you get married, your officiant will send your completed marriage license off to get notarized at the county office and you will then go pick up your notarized copy ( I would pay for several copies so you have them). Now you get to mail off your AOS package, with your notarized marriage license with your new last name on it. You should be able to get your EAD card and your Green card with your married name this way, as long as you do this all within 90 days of entry.

After your cards come in the mail, then go back to the SSN office and get a new card, and also apply for a State ID.

[Sukie 1,460]

It depends on the state in which you marry. In New York State, you do not need a Social Security Number, nor is there a residency requirement. But you must have 24 hours between when you submit your paperwork for your license, and when the ceremony takes place.

My partner is Australian. We married in New York in March 2013. On our wedding certificate, she changed her former name to my surname. Due to our particular circumstances, she had to change her name legally in her own country (our same-sex marriage isn't legal in Australia, though it is in the US) via the Department of Births, Deaths, and Marriages.

We made sure her name was changed on both sides of the pond before I submitting the I-130. We have now changed her passport, her Australian driver's license, and all legal documents that have both of us on them (bank statements, car title, house deeds).

We do not anticipate any problems.

Sukie

[Sukie 1,460]

Oh, and your US marriage certificate is the legal proof you have changed your surname. Many people pay to have 2 or 3 "certified" copies of the certificate. You get one copy free when you marry, but you can often order more (and pay for them). You can use the marriage certificate to change your name at your bank, on your credit card, and on your Social Security Card.

Sukie

[KayDeeCee 4,893]

You do not need an SSN to marry. The marriage license will ask for an SSN, but that is for those that have one. You can contact the court where you will purchase the license and they will most likely tell you that a non-resident without an SSN can use their passport.

I agree with Darnell. You should go ahead and get the SSN in your maiden name and worry about changing it to your married name later. You will fill out all your AOS forms in your married name.

~ Moved from K-1 Process to Social Security Numbers ~

[J & L 10]

I agree with what Darnell says.

Going to apply for your first SSN card will not be difficult. Just use your maiden name on this one. Once you have the card in hand (just a note, my husband got his SSN number and they didn't even ask him to see his card at the office where we got the marriage license) you can then go apply for your marriage license.

On the license you get to say what your married name will be. After you get married, your officiant will send your completed marriage license off to get notarized at the county office and you will then go pick up your notarized copy ( I would pay for several copies so you have them). Now you get to mail off your AOS package, with your notarized marriage license with your new last name on it. You should be able to get your EAD card and your Green card with your married name this way, as long as you do this all within 90 days of entry.

After your cards come in the mail, then go back to the SSN office and get a new card, and also apply for a State ID.

Completely forgot about the state ID! But thank you for adding this extra detail.

And thanks to everyone for replying!