Question on name change strategy...

[vylex 0]

Hi All,

My wife is still carrying her maiden name. We pretty much kept it that way because I have been filing everything under that.

However, once all is said and done and she has her Visa, can she change her name (in Australia) and get all her docs (passport, driver's license, and misc.) updated before she moves over to the US?

Is there a problem her acquiring the Visa under her maiden name? Will she be able to change her name prior to POE in the US?

My purpose is for her to be able to get her green card and SSN in our married name instead of having to get it and then apply for a change. Also, I don't know if it's prudent for her to get a name change during our application process.

Thanks for any feedback!

[beameup 0]

I opted for K.I.S.S. and leave everything as-is = consistent.

Remember Murphy's Law.

But then, I'm in S.E. Asia where in some countries the wife often never changes her name.

Hi All,

My wife is still carrying her maiden name. We pretty much kept it that way because I have been filing everything under that.

However, once all is said and done and she has her Visa, can she change her name (in Australia) and get all her docs (passport, driver's license, and misc.) updated before she moves over to the US?

Is there a problem her acquiring the Visa under her maiden name? Will she be able to change her name prior to POE in the US?

My purpose is for her to be able to get her green card and SSN in our married name instead of having to get it and then apply for a change. Also, I don't know if it's prudent for her to get a name change during our application process.

Thanks for any feedback!

[chuckandkim 0]

Do your name change at the SSA when apply for the Card. Your passport and marriage certificate should be suffice. When apply for AOS, fill out the application with your Marriage name. USCIS will understand why it is NOT your mainden name via Marriage Certificate and by then, your SSN Card.

OR

At the interview for AOS and Green Card approved, ask the Distrist Officer to issue your Green Card in your marriage name.

Echo beamup, most SEA won't care or won't change their last name when they get married. Typically, that's not important, everyone would end up calling the wife: Mrs. BEAMUP after they get married anyway.

[beameup 0]

Oh I forgot, I did open a Peso checking account in her married name - a joint account - and had one of her local I.D.'s changed but that was more as "evidence" of a genuine relationship when she goes for her interview at the Embassy.

Do your name change at the SSA when apply for the Card. Your passport and marriage certificate should be suffice. When apply for AOS, fill out the application with your Marriage name. USCIS will understand why it is NOT your mainden name via Marriage Certificate and by then, your SSN Card.

OR

At the interview for AOS and Green Card approved, ask the Distrist Officer to issue your Green Card in your marriage name.

Echo beamup, most SEA won't care or won't change their last name when they get married. Typically, that's not important, everyone would end up calling the wife: Mrs. BEAMUP after they get married anyway.

[vylex 0]

Thanks for the feedback!

It's funny, but I didn't realize it could be a pain to deal with. I am just looking for the easiest approach. Thanks again!