K-1 Visa AOS/Name Change

[eoo0001 0]

Hi everyone,

My fiance and I got married a few weeks ago through a K-1 visa, and we're now in the process of applying for her AOS. I've been looking through some other threads and have been having trouble finding an answer to my question. Do we need to change my wife's name at the social security office prior to submitting our AOS application? Or can we submit the AOS application using her intended new name prior to changing her name at the social security office? I'd really appreciate any help you guys could offer with this.

Best regards,

Eoghan

[Ontarkie 14,228]

~~Moved to AOS Family based from K1 Process and Procedures - As this is no longer a question for K1~~

[cloudy 6]

i have the same question! anybody?

[Lights 56]

Did you change your name when you got married? Or are you wanting to change your name now?

My husband and I planned for me to keep my maiden name because it would just be a lot easier with AOS and the SS office. I've heard nightmares about name changes and delays etc. So we just opted out. Now we realize that we can't change my name until citizenship...

Would love to hear what others say.

[eoo0001 0]

Well, that's the thing, we haven't done anything yet. My wife will be taking my last name, and we just want to make sure that we go through the process in the most hassle free way. From what I can tell, we can submit the I-485 application using her intended new name (O'Neill) prior to legally changing it, even though all of the K-1 stuff was done using her maiden name (Noh), and we shouldn't run into any issues. Then once the process is completed and the green card is issued with her new name, we can update her social security card, passport, drivers license, etc.

Can anyone with experience in this process please provide any input on whether or not this is the best/correct way to approach this? I would really appreciate any help here.

[CF41051 3]

I've been researching this as well since i will be going through the same process in a few weeks. Basically, here is what I understand:

1) apply for her SSN prior to marriage, in maiden name

2) get married

3) apply for AOS and AP/EAD in new name

4) once you get the AP/EAD cards, go to SS office and get a new SS card with married name

5) start using married name on everything

I think that's all there is to "legally" changing her name.... Basically just start using it.

the only other variable is what to do with the passport name

[KayDeeCee 4,893]

You do not need to get an SSN in the married name in order to apply for AOS with the married name. You do not need to have the SSN at all before applying for AOS. If you are changing your name when you marry, then you fill out all the AOS forms in your new married name. Put the maiden name only where it asks for other names used/maiden name/name as it appears on I-94. Your marriage certificate acts as the legal name change document, even if it is from a state that does not list what name you will use after marriage.

[eoo0001 0]

Awesome - thank you for the replies. That was our understanding, but I really appreciate you guys confirming it for us.