Name change

[Gillian+Mike 6]

Hi everyone, I know this has been talked about in several posts and I apologize.

We got married last week, a small intimate courthouse ceremony and we are also planning a more "public" ceremony next year in Disneyland, as that is the "wedding" we wanted but it was just too difficult to plan around the visa so we opted to do it later.

I wasn't planning on doing my name change until next year sometime but I am just wondering if I still file my AOS with my married last name. I am taking my husband's last name but not legally for awhile. I just want to make sure I don't mess anything up! Any advice greatly appreciated! Thanks so much.

[belinda63 3,031]

Your name is your name, you shouldn't have two names as it makes life difficult. You can file for AOS in your married name and your green card will come with that name. Everything else should match. If you wait until next year you will have to file for and pay for a new green card. Or you can wait until ROC and obtain the married name on the 10 year card.

I strongly recommend against using two different names.

[Jo Së 200]

I've posted this before and here it is again, changing your name after marriage to your husband's name is quite easy, there is no such thing as "legally changing your name" unless you change to something other than your husband's, which you would have to do at a court.

All you have to do is begin using that name. Use your new name in social settings, with family, when you notify of a change of address, and to open new accounts and memberships. You can also call different entities you have accounts with to change your name, most places will do it without an issue.

Your marriage certificate will suffice, but if it doesn't, ask to speak to a supervisor. You have the right to change your name.

In addition, be sure to change your identification documents such as your SS card, and driver's license or state ID, all you have to do is present your marriage certificate.

So, the above process is all you need to change your name, and you can do that whenever you want to.

To "legally" change your name you would have to go to court, but that is only the case if you are changing it to something different than your husband's, a lot of people get confused with that.

Edited October 1, 2015 by Jose&Eli

[Gillian+Mike 6]

I've posted this before and here it is again, changing your name after marriage to your husband's name is quite easy, there is no such thing as "legally changing your name" unless you change to something other than your husband's, which you would have to do at a court.

All you have to do is begin using that name. Use your new name in social settings, with family, when you notify of a change of address, and to open new accounts and memberships. You can also call different entities you have accounts with to change your name, most places will do it without an issue.

Your marriage certificate will suffice, but if it doesn't, ask to speak to a supervisor. You have the right to change your name.

In addition, be sure to change your identification documents such as your SS card, and driver's license or state ID, all you have to do is present your marriage certificate.

So, the above process is all you need to change your name, and you can do that whenever you want to.

To "legally" change your name you would have to go to court, but that is only the case if you are changing it to something different than your husband's, a lot of people get confused with that.

Oh thank you. I understand that now! I will use my married name on AOS and then begin changing everything else. That works for me! Thanks a bunch.

Your name is your name, you shouldn't have two names as it makes life difficult. You can file for AOS in your married name and your green card will come with that name. Everything else should match. If you wait until next year you will have to file for and pay for a new green card. Or you can wait until ROC and obtain the married name on the 10 year card.

I strongly recommend against using two different names.

Thank you! I will use my married name on AOS and begin changing everything else after as well. Thanks!

[mmorgan14 3]

So, I have a question about this, but from the US Citizen's point of view. I plan on taking my foreign fiance's last name once we're married. When he files for his AOS, should we put my married name on the forms even if my name hasn't legally been changed yet? And by legally, I mean reflected on identification (SSN, driver's license, passport...).

I appreciate any info you all can provide! Thanks!

[heo luoi 206]

So, I have a question about this, but from the US Citizen's point of view. I plan on taking my foreign fiance's last name once we're married. When he files for his AOS, should we put my married name on the forms even if my name hasn't legally been changed yet? And by legally, I mean reflected on identification (SSN, driver's license, passport...).

I appreciate any info you all can provide! Thanks!

I dont think this mirrored situation changes anything?

Beneficiaries changing their name may not have their DLs at all nor their passports changed yet either.

However as a USC petitioner Id suggest you go change the SS card and DL first as those can be done rather easily and quickly

Edited October 6, 2015 by heo luoi

[mmorgan14 3]

I didn't think it would affect much, but you never know.

I have to provide my SSN on one of the forms and my tax transcripts (with my maiden name) and if I list my married name, even if it has not yet been officially changed (and being that USCIS is USCIS) it might lead to confusion and RFEs because it doesn't match up.

[heo luoi 206]

Pretty sure these woudlnt be the first instances of these scenarios and taking husbands names is pretty traditional in many cultures and with family visas i'm willing to give the govt the benefit of the doubt they are capable of sorting it out. I think a minimum effort on petitioner to provide marriage certificate and any low hanging fruit like a DL change or SS card and doing your part isn't asking too much.

[J&J 2015 0]

I was actually wondering the same. I'm thinking to keep things simple & to get the AOS process started as quick as possible, it might be best to change my last name after the AOS process is completed? I say simple because all documents that I'll need to submit (tax transcripts, evidence, etc.) will all have my maiden name and it could take time until my name is actually change, right? I honestly have no idea.

[mmorgan14 3]

jknight11,

My thoughts exactly. I really don't want to make things any more difficult than they already will be. And it's kind of a bummer that it seems like the AOS process takes quite some time, meaning it could be a while before I feel it's safe to take his last name. I have no clue what to do.

[heo luoi 206]

If this were the case when would ever be a good time? People get married and take names every day? Aside from immigration and the world keeps turning. People will always keep taking your money no matter what your name is.

Its an Adjustment of Status. K1 visa holders HAVE to get married. To think they do not expect/account for this is a bit much. The Post office will still deliver your bills when you change your name.

If anything comes up and RFE would come up and address it then. But changing your name later sounds like a bigger PITA to me. Because THAT is NOT normal....to change your name years after you get married, few would expect that outcome.

Edited October 7, 2015 by heo luoi

[mmorgan14 3]

My concerns about this don't have to do with my everyday life (accounts, credit cards,..etc) My concerns pertain to the fact that my fiance's AOS paperwork being sent to the USCIS will have my maiden name on it (because we will be submitting everything ASAP) along with my tax transcripts (with my maiden name) and whatever other identification they may need (with my maiden name). I don't want to risk making the mistake of assuming they would put 2 and 2 together and realize that I changed my last name to my fiance's.

[Slowloris 17]

There is a note in the instructions to one of the forms that says if your last name is different from what it is on the documents you are submitting, attach something that would show what has effected the name change (i.e. the marriage certificate).

[KayDeeCee 4,893]

jknight11,

My thoughts exactly. I really don't want to make things any more difficult than they already will be. And it's kind of a bummer that it seems like the AOS process takes quite some time, meaning it could be a while before I feel it's safe to take his last name. I have no clue what to do.

It does not really matter for the USC. You can use your maiden or married name on the AOS paperwork. If you would rather use the maiden name now and change your name over to your married name at your own pace, then do that. When you need to file for ROC in a couple years, if you have changed your name, then use the married name on the form at that time. It will be ok that way. I did exactly just that. It WAS/IS perfectly normal to do so. There is no requirement to even change your name through marriage at all, and certainly not a requirement to change it, and begin using it immediately if you do.

[J&J 2015 0]

It does not really matter for the USC. You can use your maiden or married name on the AOS paperwork. If you would rather use the maiden name now and change your name over to your married name at your own pace, then do that. When you need to file for ROC in a couple years, if you have changed your name, then use the married name on the form at that time. It will be ok that way. I did exactly just that. It WAS/IS perfectly normal to do so. There is no requirement to even change your name through marriage at all, and certainly not a requirement to change it, and begin using it immediately if you do.

I think i might do that. Just change it after we receive the greencard. It seems like it would be additional paperwork added to the package that could be avoided. thank you :-)