Name change confusion

[Tigre&Tigresa 11]

Hello everybody , It's me again, asking stuff that should be clear but it's not, sorry...

First of all, I'd like to give you a quick update. After getting my K1, I moved to the US, POE Miami, on 11/01/2013, I-94 expires 01/29/2014. Got my SSN card on 11/18/2013 under my maiden name. Got married to Tigre on 12/03/2013 . Went to SSA in Valrico, FL today to change my name and the lady we got said I can't change it until I have a green card ... We all know SSA people are not exactly fans of listening when you try to explain what you need... First time we went, we were told I couldn't get a SSN at all until I had a green card, but the man was actually wiling to help us and spoke to his supervisor and we got me a SSN that my husband could use to put me under his medical insurance... Anyway, doing my searching here, I've seen so many answers that I don't know what is actually right to do, considering what I've read is old information (2010, 2008, etc). Here are the options I've seen:

1. File for AOS (and all the forms that includes) using my husband's name, even tho my SSN card has my maiden name on it, receive green card with new name, go back to SSA and have it changed showing the green card.

2. File for AOS wih my maiden name, wait until applying for citizenship to change name on SSN card (problem with this is, I don't think I'll apply for citizenship because I'd like to keep my citizenship)

3. Go back to SSA and demand to speak to a supervisor so I can get my name changed on my SSN card (which trust me, we tried! but well no luck, hence I'm here asking you guys)

Why am I asking this? Because on form I 485, part 1, it asks for a SSN. Now, the number I have is registered "in the system" is associated to my maiden name as I previously stated, will that be a conflict if I file for AOS using my husband's name (assuming I follow option 1)?

Please tell me what would be best, I appreciate your input. Have a good day and good luck on your journey! (Oh next post will probably be about the medical part so, thanks in advance for that when the time comes! my gosh so many things to do!)

[canusa920 11]

I accidentally filed with my maiden name, and called and spoke to USCIS and they informed me that because I just filled less than 2 weeks ago (November 20th) that I could simply write them a letter with my case #, and also my NOA that i received in the mail, asking to take on my married name...IF you do wait till you get your green card, you have to spend $400 to have it changed, so do it before hand. Whoever told you that was probably trying to scam you out of more money.

[annerobin12 9]

I'd go back to SSA and ask to speak to a supervisor, maybe you can find something official online that you can print out and give them to read?! not sure if such a thing exists They should let you change your name and then you can file for AOS with your married name. I wonder why so many social security people don't know what they are talking about AND don't want to listen lol thank god we didn't have any problems when I went to have my name changed.

Good luck with the rest of your journey

[Tigre&Tigresa 11]

Thank you guys, I guess we'll try again

[KayDeeCee 4,893]

File for AOS in your married name. The name on the SSN does not matter. The SSN is not proof of identity anyway. The copy of your certified marriage certificate that you include with your AOS paperwork will act as legal documentation for your name change.The marriage certificate should work for the SSN name change too, but workers at the SSA tend to not know what they are doing.

You will file for the EAD and AP at the same time as you file for AOS. It takes 2-3 months to receive the EAD/AP. Once you get that in your new married name, then go back to the SSA and they will change the name on your SSN. That way you do not have to wait until you get your green card.

[Tigre&Tigresa 11]

Thank you, doing that! Medical next Thursday and we're good to go! Back on the waiting game!

Edited December 6, 2013 by Tigre&Tigresa

[Vivsan 1]

You should do what Jay-Kay said. I just filed my AOS papers with my husbands last name. Once I receive my EAD I will go to the SSN office to change it. In the form I-485 they do ask for the SSN but they also ask for "other names used". There you will put your maiden name and that's how they match.

About the citizenship, if you apply you will not loose your nationality. Ecuador recognizes dual citizenship, I know that because I'm German and Ecuadorean, and maybe in some years American too

Good luck!

Edited December 6, 2013 by Vivsan

[Stevephoto 230]

My two cents: You can change your name to your married name IF you have more than two weeks left in your 90 day stay. If not then you wait for your EAD. There is no fee for any name change at SSN. Now here is where it gets a little sticky...There might be (shouldn't be but it happened to us) a problem with working here if your names (SSA and EAD/GC) don't match. Some employers will tell you that they cannot verify your SSN because the files don't match. It won't take long for the "system" to catch up and the entries, but we recommend doing it as soon as you can so you don't have any sleepless nights worrying about your job.