UK VJers Progress Update Thread

[-Shana- 152]

Congrats Pheebs! I think I'm ready to pass or at least attempt my written test. Fingers crossed all goes well. Can't wait to have more freedom!

I got my biometrics appointment for June 4th but I won't be able to make it that day...I've read into people doing walk-ins at an earlier date but it's a long way to go if they say no!!

[bonzaigirl 13]

Hi. I'm flying in 2 weeks to LA, and our wedding is going to be 5 days after that. My question is, if I change my last name to my husband-to-be, would it prolong my application for AOS,EAD and such since my application for K1 is in maiden name? Or would it not matter?

[bonzaigirl 13]

And followup question to that is, should I also change my passport? Because we are travelling next year, so we wanted to get this sorted as soon as possible. I apologize for the noob question.

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

Hi. I'm flying in 2 weeks to LA, and our wedding is going to be 5 days after that. My question is, if I change my last name to my husband-to-be, would it prolong my application for AOS,EAD and such since my application for K1 is in maiden name? Or would it not matter?

If you are going to use your husband's name after marriage, then 1000% use it on your AOS/EAD/AP applications. You are starting over, not continuing the visa so it's a new name, new address, married, unemployed, etc.

Your name changes the minute you are married. You can use that new name immediately. Places that know you by your other name may not have been informed yet, but your name is legally changed. As you get around to it, you change it wherever you wish.

And followup question to that is, should I also change my passport? Because we are travelling next year, so we wanted to get this sorted as soon as possible. I apologize for the noob question.

You may change your passport, but keep in mind that it is going to be important as your ID when you first arrive. You will need it to open a bank account, get a SSN, photocopy for your applications, biometric appointment, AOS interview... There's probably not a good time to mail it off to the UK and have no passport for possibly six weeks right in the middle of your AOS time.

You may travel easiest booking your airline ticket in the name on the passport. Much easier at the airline counter. It is possible to have a ticket in your married name, passport in maiden name, and show marriage certificate as the legal name change document. But imagine the hassle when the counter guy doesn't know if he is allowed and has to go fetch the supervisor before they will give you the boarding pass or check your bags.

You are allowed to keep your current passport until it expires and use the marriage certificate to explain the name change....even after you have a greencard in the married name.

(FYI--to change your greencard to a new name costs $400)

Edited May 24, 2015 by Nich-Nick

[bonzaigirl 13]

If you are going to use your husband's name after marriage, then 1000% use it on your AOS/EAD/AP applications. You are starting over, not continuing the visa so it's a new name, new address, married, unemployed, etc.

Your name changes the minute you are married. You can use that new name immediately. Places that know you by your other name may not have been informed yet, but your name is legally changed. As you get around to it, you change it wherever you wish.

You may change your passport, but keep in mind that it is going to be important as your ID when you first arrive. You will need it to open a bank account, get a SSN, photocopy for your applications, biometric appointment, AOS interview... There's probably not a good time to mail it off to the UK and have no passport for possibly six weeks right in the middle of your AOS time.

You may travel easiest booking your airline ticket in the name on the passport. Much easier at the airline counter. It is possible to have a ticket in your married name, passport in maiden name, and show marriage certificate as the legal name change document. But imagine the hassle when the counter guy doesn't know if he is allowed and has to go fetch the supervisor before they will give you the boarding pass or check your bags.

You are allowed to keep your current passport until it expires and use the marriage certificate to explain the name change....even after you have a greencard in the married name.

(FYI--to change your greencard to a new name costs $400)

Oh I don't want to change my passport right away but after I'm finished with my AOS, but since I am getting married 5 days after I arrive.

We were thinking of applying for my driver's license in my new name, and getting my SSN card in my new name as well, so everything will already be in my new name. But will it affect my AOS application if I started my K1 visa with my maiden name. Is it okay to start my AOS application with my new name? That should probably be the question I asked.

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

Oh I don't want to change my passport right away but after I'm finished with my AOS, but since I am getting married 5 days after I arrive.

We were thinking of applying for my driver's license in my new name, and getting my SSN card in my new name as well, so everything will already be in my new name. But will it affect my AOS application if I started my K1 visa with my maiden name. Is it okay to start my AOS application with my new name? That should probably be the question I asked.

I thought I answered that in my first sentence:

"If you are going to use your husband's name after marriage, then 1000% use it on your AOS/EAD/AP applications."

In other words yes yes yes yes, for sure apply for AOS in your married name. Your K1 visa is over and history when you enter the US. Don't worry about what name you used for the K1 process.

[bonzaigirl 13]

I thought I answered that in my first sentence:

"If you are going to use your husband's name after marriage, then 1000% use it on your AOS/EAD/AP applications."

In other words yes yes yes yes, for sure apply for AOS in your married name. Your K1 visa is over and history when you enter the US. Don't worry about what name you used for the K1 process.

Yup you did, was only able to read the bottom bit. Thank you. That cleared a lot

[bonzaigirl 13]

Thanks again Nich-Nick.

Hi guys, Im sorry if Im being too many questions now. I just checked my Ceac Status and from Ready it went to Administrative Processing which can take several weeks. What does this mean? Has anybody also has this status. When I checked this afternoon, I got excited to see that my status has changed. Now Im not so sure.

[-Shana- 152]

Everyone goes through AP. Not unusual at all so don't panic. It might change to issued within a matter of hours or days, but if you are from the UK so it shouldn't take long.

PS the guide pinned to the top of this UK forum is detailed enough to answer most concerns, including what happens after the interview/descriptions of the CEAC terms.

Edited May 26, 2015 by -Shana-

[bonzaigirl 13]

Thanks shana. ☺ I do hope that it will change into issued sooner rather thanlater. I thought I had ample time before my visa is issued so I booked my flight nearly 1 month after my interview. Now, I'm not so sure

[-Shana- 152]

You should be fine. Mine took 5 days to change to issued but there's just been a 3 day weekend so that could be a reason for a delay.

[bonzaigirl 13]

You should be fine. Mine took 5 days to change to issued but there's just been a 3 day weekend so that could be a reason for a delay.

Thanks. I guess I should just be patient. I still have 2 weeks before my flight. I'll start panicking next week

[ChasUno 101]

The CEAC website seems to work for us now ( https://ceac.state.g...er/Status.aspx? ). Just checked today and it states our case is "Ready"!

[yuna628 9,676]

The CEAC website seems to work for us now ( https://ceac.state.g...er/Status.aspx? ). Just checked today and it states our case is "Ready"!

Congrats! Me too, thankfully. Looks like you've got your medical booked the week before my fiancé does. Maybe you'll interview together

[-Shana- 152]

Chas and Yuna, so great to see the ball rolling for you guys!